Though many retirement communities still look just as they have for many decades—defined by cul-de-sacs and golf courses—many seniors are looking for a more urban lifestyle.
"In the age of the Fitbit and a growing cohort of active, engaged retirees eager to take their daily 10,000 steps, retirement communities have been slow to change," according to an article by John W. Wasik.
Despite 80 percent of retirees still living in car-dependent suburbs and rural areas, a new paradigm is emerging for retirement lifestyles: walkable, urban space. According to Wasik, a walkable, urban space "may range from existing neighborhoods in places like Brooklyn or San Francisco to newly built housing within city and suburban cores from coast to coast."
"Walkability, though, is much more than a hip marketing pitch. It’s linked to better health, social engagement and higher property values," according to Waski.
The article cites the expertise of Christopher Leinberger, who has been a leading researcher on the topic of walkable urban places, including the "Foot Traffic Ahead 2016" report, which finds growing demand for the development pattern
There are many obstacles to the creation or preservation of walkable urban places, especially as designed to cater to seniors and retirees. "Age-friendly communities within cities may require extensive infrastructure improvements, including wider sidewalks, bike lanes, more public transportation options and longer pedestrian signal walk times," reports Waski.
FULL STORY: The Future of Retirement Communities: Walkable and Urban
Walkable Neighborhoods Benefit Property Values
Walkable areas are more prosperous in cities all around the country, a report from Foot Traffic Ahead concludes.
Walkable Neighborhoods Set the Stage for Upward Mobility, Study Says
New research out of the University of Virginia makes the case for walkable neighborhoods as incubators of economic mobility.
Slideshow: Walkable Houston
The Houston Chronicle shares the views in the most walkable sections of the city of Houston.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service