Welcome to the New Urbanism Neighborhood
BY AMY JOHNSON
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 centered around leisure and entertainment, this generation is looking to downsize and find a home that better meets their post-retirement needs.
Let’ s make something very clear; this aging generation has no intention of settling into the assisted living or a retirement homes like their parents did( they actually dread the thought). Baby boomers are the first to welcome their 60 + years with excitement— 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 aren’ t coincidental. Many real estate and multifamily developers have noticed the buzz surrounding the senior living market. These communities are becoming more distinguished, purposeful, and sought-after as architects and developers are turning the needs and lifestyle of the boomers into attractive amenities and 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
While many boomers are opting to“ age in home,” meaning embracing the advances in technology to maintain their needs without relying on assisted living, there’ s a clear market for senior living in the multifamily space. As New Urbanist ideals begin to alter the designs of these communities, more of the demographic is drawn to the thoughtful design of housing, amenities, and the surrounding community.
This generation is very mindful of amenities and community design. From technology and nature trails to accessible and entertaining amenities, they’ re looking for a new horizon of living. Here are some lifestyle amenities that fit under the New Urbanist umbrella and can truly set a senior living development apart.
22 | TRENDS • JANUARY 2017 www. aamdhq. org