Retirement Blog | the-best-walkable-communities-for-retirement

March 20, 2023 — Every time we poll the Topretirements community, finding a walkable retirement community is always one of the top things that people want. In fact, in our 2020 survey (link at bottom below), walking trails were the number one preferred active adult community amenity. But beyond walking trails, many people are also looking for a place to retire where they can walk or bike to stores, doctors offices, restaurants, and activities. This article will take a look at some active communities that do a great job of putting people’s homes where they can walk to these destinations instead of driving. Although there are some great towns where it easy to walk for everyday living, in this article we will concentrate on planned developments – some 55+, and many others open to people of all ages.

Christopher B. Leinberger is an emeritus professor at George Washington University and a developer of walkable communities. He is a proponent of “walkable urbanism” – where most daily needs can be met within walking distance. He believes that the rising Millennial generation and retiring Baby Boomers are on the forefront of this movement. This includes downtown revitalization, New Urbanism, transit-oriented development, and green field mixed-use development.

We have had our eyes out for truly walkable active communities – ones that go beyond having a clubhouse and some amenities that can be reached on foot, bike, or golf cart. While those are great for what they are, the next step is a community where everyday needs are accessible – without having to get in your car and brave traffic (which is brutal in most parts of Florida at this time of year).

New Urban Neighborhoods Are Walkable Communities Too

Most of the communities we mention here tend to be new urban, a movement that tries to recreate the idea of a small town before the age of the automobile. They usually feature sidewalks and the ability to walk to traditional resources like restaurants, shops, and offices. Most of these are open to people of all ages, not just 55+. Other opportunities for a walkable retirement exist in many cities and mid-sized cities. There you can often find a condo or apartment that where you can easily walk, bike, or take public transit anywhere.

Trilith – Atlanta, GA is a new, 235-acre European-inspired development located in Fayetteville, Georgia, just south of Atlanta. It’s the largest geothermal community in the United States, with 51% dedicated to green space. Trilith focuses on fitness, wellness and education, and is made up of 1,400 homes, a micro school, a fitness facility, parks, nature trails and a dog park. The development is unique in that it was designed for those interested in film and the creative industries, and includes filmmaking studios. The community recently won a National Association of Home Builders award for a Multifamily Mixed-Use Community for 2022.

Celadon – Beaufort, SC. This walkable community is focused on a simplified lifestyle, appreciated at a laid-back, Southern pace. Each home is within an easy stroll along wide sidewalks to Celadon Square – a quaint commercial area that includes the post office, offices and retail. All ages, the Traditional Neighborhood is just a few miles few miles from downtown Beaufort.

Verdae Village – Greenville, SC. s a village-style center city community where traditional neighborhoods, specialty shops, cafes, businesses and outdoor recreation are joined together. Public and private spaces create a balance for life, work and play. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Greenville, this vibrant destination embraces the best traditions of urban development.

Kendall Yards – Spokane, WA. A new and vibrant urban community located on the north bank of the Spokane River, across from downtown Spokane. Residents of the community enjoy parks, tree-lined streets, open spaces, art walks, and offers walking access to downtown. Homes and apartments in Kendall yards are available in several sizes, styles, and prices, with rentals also available. The business district will ultimately include everything from a grocery store to serve the neighborhood, to fine dining, shopping and offices.

Wake Robin, Shelbourne, VT, is located just south of Burlington. Residents enjoy independent living in cottages and apartments and comprehensive, on-site health care for life. It is connected with walking paths, although those do not connect with facilities outside the development. The community is eco-conscious and residents become engaged with earth-friendly practices. They garden, harvest honey from hives, maintain the walking trails, make maple syrup, and remain as independent and involved in community life as they choose.

The Flats at National Harbor – National Harbor, MD. This Pulte gated community is located in the Waterfront District, and features upscale condo living. The one and two-bedroom home designs boast 1-level living with open layouts, and most have balconies. Residents will enjoy beachfront walking trails, waterfront piers, marinas, shopping, dining, and the Capital Wheel, which are all within walking distance. The Flats offers a lock-&-go lifestyle as well as retirement living.

The Village of Providence – Huntsville, AL offers a true village experience with architecture inspired by classic Southern towns. Picturesque single-family homes are intermixed with brownstones, traditionally styled town-homes, cottages and apartments. Amenities include parks, an outdoor swimming pool, a Meeting House with card room, kitchen and gym. The bike friendly community also features a town center with professional offices, restaurants, boutiques, and retail shops.

Victoria Park – Deland, FL. Just north of Orlando, Victoria Park is a mixed generation community where everyone, from young families to active adults, can return to the simple pleasures of life. Victoria Gardens is the active adult community within the Victoria Park. There is a variety of neighborhoods situated among parks, lakes, natural conservation areas and walking and bike paths.

Hammonds Ferry – North Augusta, SC. In this “new urbanist” neighborhood, the houses, buildings, and urban design of the community are an extension of the genteel architecture, friendly streets, and rich cultural heritage that already thrive in the Savannah River Area. Amenities include a loop of North Augusta’s Greeneway trail.

Prospect New Town – Longmont, CO. The area’s first New Urbanist community offers tree lined streets that connect homes to parks, recreation, fitness centers, restaurants, entertainment, and shops. Prospect offers homes in a broad range of bright colors and architectural styles which include single family homes, townhouses, courtyard houses, lofts, and apartments.

Bottom line

If you are tired of driving everywhere there are plenty of places where you can retire and walk to just about everything you need. We have provided you with some ideas here, and you can find many more here at Topretirements.

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