The baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is growing up. Some are empty nesters, some are retiring, and some 78 million are ready for a new kind of living. As they adjust to a new lifestyle, this generation is looking to downsize and find a home that better meets their post-retirement needs.
However, let’s make something clear: this aging generation has no intention of settling into the assisted living or retirement homes as their parents did. Baby boomers are the first to welcome their 60+ years with excitement. Thus, they view this as an opportunity for financial freedom, flexibility, and fun. This outlook is giving rise to a distinctly new kind of senior living community that offers independent living, modern conveniences, and a new beginning. In other words, senior living is embracing the development philosophy known as “New Urbanism.”
The rise in these developments clearly is not coincidental. In fact, many multifamily developers have noticed the buzz surrounding the senior living market. These communities are becoming more purposeful as architects and developers are turning the lifestyle of the boomers into new urbanist communities.
Out With the Old, in With the New Urbanism
As trends come and go, some stick around to make a true impact on the community. New Urbanism is one of those. Stemming from the original philosophy of Walt Disney, New Urbanism was initially conceptualized as a “community of the future.” Disney envisioned these garden cities with an urban core to be a solution against the chaotic lifestyle of urban cities.
Today, the school of thought mimics much of what Disney had dreamed up. Communities are designed around an urban center with walkability, sustainability, and connectivity at the forefront. The sheer design concept makes senior living a great fit for the new frontier of New Urbanism.
A Neighborhood for the Neighborly
Many boomers are opting to “age in home.” In other words, they are embracing advances in technology to meet their needs without relying on assisted living. However, there is still a clear market for senior living in the multifamily space. Because New Urbanist ideals are beginning to alter the designs of these communities, more of the demographic is being drawn to the thoughtful design of housing, amenities, and the surrounding community.
This generation is very mindful of amenities and community design — from nature trails to entertaining amenities. As a result, they are looking for a new horizon of living. Here are some lifestyle amenities that fit under the New Urbanist umbrella:
1. Step It Up
When downgrading in size, many boomers will hope to make up for it in community. Connecting with neighbors is a way of life within a New Urbanist design. When walkability is at the core, how could you not run into your neighbor as you head to the nearby store? For example, communities like Parkview Living in Los Angeles embrace an active senior living environment that overlooks downtown. The community is built around Echo Park and Lake, as well as nearby restaurants, shops, churches, and hospitals for a pedestrian-friendly experience.
As walkability is becoming a way of living, it’s quickly becoming a staple of senior living developments; one that embraces the new urbanist values.
2. Location, Location, Location
The New Urbanist design is structured to provide radial access to your surroundings with a distinct urban core. Therefore, adding a mixed-use concept to senior living gives residents the ability to walk everywhere from the grocer to the wellness center. In short: conscious building benefits everyone. However, an aging generation is likely to enjoy the simplicity and ergonomic environment built down to the street corner for their needs.
A purposeful strategy in mixed-use design gives senior residents a whole new meaning for neighborhood. Highlands Garden Village, for instance, is a New Urbanism award-winning neighborhood in Denver. The mixed-use community offers senior residents the ability to live, work, and shop all within a minutes from their home. WalkScore.com identifies a neighboorhood’s walkability index as ranging from 82 (being very walkable) to 69 (being bikeable with minimal lanes). Highlands Garden Village lands a promising 84, an impressive amenity for residents.
3. A Luxury in Urban Living
Senior living communities that are adopting the New Urbanism philosophy have a keen sense for understanding the resident. Sustainable designers consider the neighborhood, structure, and experience. With this urban model, baby boomers are relocating to high-rise developments that are structured to reinvent the urban lifestyle.
New Urbanism-style communities allow for diverse living environments and mobility. Properties like The Clare in Chicago, for instance, offer residents the luxury of walking downstairs to enjoy high-end dining. The community also offers an escape to a Park District full of 8,000 acres of nature walks, benches, and beaches. This development redefines your typical senior living community by redefining senior living and rethinking the concept of urbanism.
As New Urbanism communities continue to pop up, a diverse group of demographics will flock to these environmentally-conscious neighborhoods. Stay tuned as we continue to research the development trends surrounding senior living.
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