I recently attended a seminar put on by a regional planning entity here in Boise given by Professor Arthur Nelson. He is an economist and planner from the University of Utah and one of the leading experts in community research and projecting growth trends. He outlined the growing trend toward community and life style planning.
We see several examples of this type of development here in Boise. The concept is that people now and in the future will be looking for more of a life style choice in where they live over specific amenities of the homes themselves. The ability to walk to parks and schools, shopping, and recreational options are high on the list. Bown Crossing is a good example of this here in South East Boise. Homes are designed with a community identity in mind and people are able to get the majority of their basic necessities within a few blocks. Bown is also a good example of what economists are calling ‘life cycle housing’ where you have a mix of apartments and single-family homes and perhaps even retirement communities within the same neighborhood. So through out a person’s life the housing choices are all available in the same community setting.
These concepts are also seen in the Hidden Springs area and to a different extent the North End. Hidden Springs was built this way by design with light retail space and lots of open areas, schools, library, and even community gardens. The North End seems to have morphed into community housing with the reemergence of Hyde Park, the co-op grocery store, and access to foothills recreation.
Communities have a lot of appeal and may be worth considering for homeowners and developers. As space becomes more and more limited in the Treasure Valley density will drive this trend forward. Transportation costs and the logistics of traffic also make it an ideal choice. Imagine if you didn’t have to drive your kids to daycare, school, soccer, karate, etc., etc. What if it was all within walking distance and you could pick up your groceries too!
Craig Soelberg
Sheila Smith Real Estate Group
RE/MAX Capital City
