Convergence Of Services Attracts Seniors To City

Instead of going to planned retirement communities, seniors prefer the vibrant, real-world atmosphere of San Mateo.

1 minute read

December 20, 2002, 1:00 PM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


In the past two decades, downtown San Mateo has become a popular place to retire to. A central park, medical facilities and shops are all within walking distance of a diverese mix of senior housing. Residents prefer this vibrant, real-world alternative to the option of a planned retirement communities. "The downtown senior community encompasses a wide array of economic levels. Seniors from the HUD-assisted Park Towers may shop and stroll alongside millionaires, who live across the street at the Stratford. "

Thanks to Kent Strumpell

Wednesday, December 18, 2002 in The San Francisco Chronicle

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

Nilu Jenks wears a long gray coat and speaks with one man and two women outside.

Housing is the top priority of Seattle’s sole new councilmember

Jenks campaigned on building 1,000 new units of affordable housing.

4 hours ago - Reason

People sit on wooden benches on a bus in Miami

New tax cuts may slash $1.5 billion in funding for Miami transit, public parks

Amendment 3 will save Miami-Dade residents homeowners $2,700 in 2028.

5 hours ago - Miami New Times

Two men install solar panels on the roof of a house.

Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania hope to finally advance climate goals post-midterms

The three states have spent years under Republican or divided control.

6 hours ago - Grist

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.