Given that the average lifespan for Americans is 78, aging does not mean that life after retirement means racking up endless hours in a rocking chair.  People want to stay active and enjoy traveling, sports, social activities, and other pursuits as long as they can.  While they may still want the financial benefits of home ownership, they may not want the responsibilities of lawn care, the hazards of steps, or the burden of space.  As they find their health slipping a bit, they want to be in a place that can comfortably accommodate change, with transportation options.  

Within the Metro area, there are over 120 Denver developments geared to the over 55 population, with prices starting in the low 100’s.  Virtually any active adult who wants to be a homeowner can enjoy the climate, natural attractions, and reasonable cost of living that Denver is famous for and do so in a home in their choice of a single family home (often ranch style), townhouse, condominium, or high rise.  Many senior adult communities offer additional amenities to make the development a self-contained social and recreational center. Some areas are viewed as over 55 properties exclusively, but others are considered good retirement properties because senior-friendly floor plans are available.

One community specifically for active adults is the Del Webb Anthem Ranch Community in Broomfield, CO.  Acquired by Pulte Homes in 2001, Del Webb started building retirement communities back in 1960, when they built their first complex in Phoenix.  This group now has 50 developments in 20 states, including Anthem Ranch in Broomfield.  Anthem is gated and promotes a lifestyle within that includes many recreational facilities and many opportunities for developing relationships with neighbors – so much that the residents only need venture out to shop.  A golf course and fitness center are on site, as well as opportunities to pursue hobbies, join clubs, or take classes.  A 30,000 square foot community center further brings the residents together. 

The community, only a few minutes from Denver and Boulder, is served by buses.  The availability of reliable public transportation makes the location a good one for mature homeowners who might need or want to cut down on their driving over the years.

The Anthem Ranch homes are built by a company noted for its green building practices – a good fit for Colorado, a very environmentally conscious state.  Since 1996, Pulte has built 70,000 Energy Star Certified Homes; currently, 70% of homes constructed by the company nationwide are built to these standards.  The company has been recognized by the Department of Energy for its participation in Builder’s Choice, a voluntary energy-savings program aimed at constructing homes 30% more energy efficient than typical homes built to code.  Pulte also utilizes value engineering to use resources more efficiently and reduce waste in home building, plus aggressively recycles waste on the jobsite.  About 8,000 pounds of waste are generated in the construction of a 2,000 square foot home; Pulte recycles over 70%.

Anthem Ranch is only one of the senior-friendly communities near Denver that bring together convenience and green goals.  Another popular community with active senior adults is Heritage Eagle Bend in Aurora, CO.   At Bandy Homes, we can lead you to a home you’ll love in Aurora, Broomfield, or Castle Rock.

Marianne Bandy

We Work with Denver Buyers

For some people, moving to a new home is almost a rite of passage when the last kid leaves home, retirement comes, or health deteriorates.  The home with the two acre lot, the spiral staircase, and huge storage space can lose its appeal when the urge to downsize, simplify, and “de-step” the house takes over.  In many cases, this is a great idea; in fact, in the Denver area, communities for mature active adults often feature ranch style housing with no lawn responsibilities and plenty of activities on site.

 

Some senior developments are transit oriented developments (TOD’s), whole communities built around transit lines. TOD’s are proving to be a perfect solution for those who hope to make one last move that will provide comfortable, hassle-free shelter for their remaining decades of life.  With shopping nearby and reliable, and easily accessible transportation nearby, planned transit oriented communities can also limit dependence on government-subsidized transportation and meal delivery, while allowing seniors to remain independent longer.  Seniors, along with childless couples and others who want the perfect blend of compact housing and convenience are the major demographic groups expected to assure the popularity and expansion of TOD communities.

Other people are equally adamant that they want to keep their homes – all their memories are there, they can maintain it, etc., so why move?  Assuming that the home is one they can safely continue to live in, they may decide to “age in place” and renovate the home they love so they can continue to live there independently.

High end renovations might include putting in a first floor bathroom or transforming a first floor den into a bedroom.  A tasteful ramp that blends into the exterior landscape might be added for easier access to the home.  Small improvements that incorporate “universal design” principles can be made.  Such things as putting in lever-style door knobs and faucet handles, moving outlets higher off the ground and light switches lower, and adding kitchen counters with different heights can make the home easier to live in for aging residents and make the home resalable to a growing segment of the market. 

“Aging in place” consulting is a booming new industry.   Firms such as Safe Aging of Florida assess homeowners’ needs and abilities and  make recommendations on how to make living space more convenient, safe, and comfortable.  Lifease of Minnesota takes the process to the next level and identifies potential suppliers who can implement the suggested solutions.

Retrofitting a home for aging in place can be a costly venture; as is true with anyone debating whether to renovate or move, the homeowner must decide which option is better.  Some homes, even if adapted for better access, are not good candidates for renovation. The Bandy Home Team will help you understand your options.   We can show you some of the new TODs built for convenience as well as many other elder-friendly properties in Parker, Aurora, or other Denver-area communities.

Marianne Bandy

Denver Metro Real Estate

Becoming greener and staying that way is public policy in Denver, Colorado.  Blueprint Denver, the city’s plan for future development, envisions an inviting urban center with plenty of green space, less reliance on cars, and housing planned in tandem with public transit.

What will pull the city plan together is the FasTracks project, a $4.7 billion plan that includes 119 miles of light rail and commuter rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, 21,000 new parking spots at transit stations, and expanded bus service.  Approved by voters in seven counties in 2004, the FasTracks Plan will develop new stations along the Central, East, West, North Metro, U.S. 36, Southeast, and Southwest Corridors and along the Gold Line to make Metro Denver one of the five urban leaders in fixed rail mileage.

Transit-oriented developments (TOD’s) are built around bus and light rail stops so that residents can easily access public transportation or walk to work or shopping.  Bike and pedestrian friendly, Denver TODs will promote a sense of community and encourage people to live, work, and play in the area.  The city will be more like the “walking cities” of 19^th century America and will fit the changing demographics of the area.

Though Denver is considered a young city, the population of seniors over 60 is expected to double by 2030 as the general population ages and expands by 1.2 million.  Many of the newcomers will be couples without children or single parents. These trends will lead to an increasing demand for more compact housing that is affordable and accommodating to smaller families as well as seniors who want to relocate to space that will allow them to “age in place.”  These groups are expected to provide the greatest demand for TOD communities.

The expected effect of Transit-Oriented Developments is to lower reliance on the car.  While commuting to work in a car is convenient, emissions add to air pollution and contribute to respiratory disease.  Cars are costly to operate, in term of gas costs and maintenance, as well as parking and insurance.  If people lived in a TOD that is well served by public transportation, they could save money, perhaps not even need a car, and promote the public good by driving less.

A newly-constructed TOD in Englewood, CO pulls together new housing, shopping, office space, public buildings, and parks – near a FasTrack stop.  Though the TOD model for new housing is likely to spread throughout the area, it is a great way to revitalize older urban areas as well.  In downtown Denver, the 16^th Street Mall is at the center of a thriving community of retail, office space, and a variety of housing, including converted industrial buildings and warehouses, parks, and entertainment.

Bandy Homes can help you find your TOD home of the future in Metro Denver. 

Marianne Bandy

Relocate to Denver