- 🏡 Silver Spring, Md. ranked No. 1 on Fortune’s Best Places to Live for Families list.
- 🎨 Silver Spring offers a thriving arts and restaurant scene, plus high-performing schools.
- 👨👩👧👦 Growing trend for multigenerational families wanting to live and thrive together.
- 🏘️ Increasingly, first-time millennial and Gen Z homebuyers plan to stay in their homes long-term.
- 🌳 Small cities like Chantilly, VA. and Morristown, N.J. rank high for community well-being.
- 🏥 Important factors for aging include access to groceries, walkability, and social isolation risk.
- 👫 The ‘village’ model helps older adults live independently with communal support.
- 🌲 Green spaces, parks, and community infrastructures are key to a city’s wellness.
- 🚶 Young people prioritize walkability and autonomy over traditional housing features.
- 🌐 Fortune analyzed over 2,000 cities focusing on livability, financial health, resources for aging adults, education, and wellness.
Living in a place that caters to both young and old, offers a flourishing cultural scene, and provides excellent schools sounds like a dream come true. For the residents of Silver Spring, Maryland, this dream is their reality. Ranked No. 1 on Fortune’s Best Places to Live for Families list, Silver Spring stands out as an ideal location for multigenerational families. Let’s explore why Silver Spring and other small cities are becoming magnets for families who want to live, thrive, and grow together.
The Appeal of Silver Spring, Maryland
Arts, Education, and Community
Silver Spring is not just a city but a thriving community with much to offer:
- Thriving Arts and Restaurant Scene: Silver Spring has a vibrant arts community and a burgeoning restaurant scene that make it culturally enriching and enjoyable. Whether it’s catching a live performance or indulging in diverse culinary experiences, there’s something for everyone.
- High-Performing Schools: Parents are often drawn to areas with excellent educational opportunities, and Silver Spring doesn’t disappoint. The high-performing schools in the area are a significant reason families choose to call Silver Spring home.
- Tight-Knit Community: One of the standout features of Silver Spring is its close-knit community. Residents frequently gather for meals and support each other through life’s milestones, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual care that is rare in many places today.
Multigenerational Living: A Growing Trend
The concept of living in a community that supports families across different generations is gaining traction. Both older and younger generations see the value of this lifestyle:
- For Older Adults: Many older adults prefer to age in place, where they have established connections and feel part of a community. This reduces the feelings of isolation and increases their overall well-being.
- For Younger Generations: Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly purchasing homes with the long-term vision of staying put. These young homebuyers appreciate the sense of continuity and community that multigenerational living offers.
The Rise of Small Cities
While urban centers are known for their hustle and bustle, many families are finding small cities more appealing for numerous reasons:
- Community Well-Being: Small cities like Chantilly, VA, and Morristown, NJ, which also rank high in community well-being on Sharecare’s Index, are increasingly popular. These areas prioritize social infrastructure, making it easier for people to connect and forge meaningful relationships.
- Affordability: Many small cities provide a balance between cost of living and quality of life. Residents benefit from more affordable housing options without sacrificing amenities and activities that make life enjoyable.
Factors Beyond Healthcare: Aging-Friendly Cities
While healthcare facilities are crucial, there are other equally important factors that contribute to making a city aging-friendly:
- Walkability: Cities that offer walkable neighborhoods enable older adults to maintain their independence longer by allowing them to run errands and engage in social activities without relying heavily on transportation.
- Access to Groceries and Essential Services: Easy access to necessities like groceries and pharmacies ensures that older adults can live comfortably and safely.
- Social Isolation Risk: Assessing a city’s risk of social isolation involves looking at community engagement levels and available social activities. Cities with lower isolation risks tend to foster happier, healthier residents.
The ‘Village’ Model: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
One innovative concept making waves in fostering community wellness is the ‘village’ model of living:
- Silver Spring Village: This local model in Silver Spring exemplifies how volunteerism and community engagement can enhance the quality of life for older adults. For an annual fee, members of Silver Spring Village can participate in organized social outings and receive hands-on support from their neighbors.
- Nationwide Adoption: The village model is not confined to Silver Spring; there are over 300 such communities across the nation. This model emphasizes neighborly support over professional step-ins, promoting a more inclusive and supportive community atmosphere.
Wellness Beyond Healthcare: A Holistic Approach
Wellness is multifaceted and extends beyond just physical health:
- Green Spaces and Parks: Access to green spaces and parks provides residents with opportunities to engage in physical activities and enjoy the benefits of being close to nature.
- Community Infrastructures: Libraries, community centers, and accessible transportation contribute significantly to a city’s wellness. They offer avenues for learning, social interaction, and easy mobility, enhancing the overall quality of life.
Young People’s Preferences: Walkability and Autonomy
Younger generations have distinct preferences when it comes to choosing a place to live:
- Prioritizing Walkability: Unlike previous generations who might have prioritized large yards and white picket fences, today’s young adults value walkability. They seek to fulfill most of their daily needs within a 15- to 20-minute walk from home.
- Autonomy: The ability to meet the needs of their lives independently is crucial for young people. This includes access to work, social activities, and essential services without needing extensive commutes.
Conclusion
Silver Spring, Maryland, epitomizes what it means to be an ideal place for families to live and thrive. Its blend of cultural vibrancy, community engagement, excellent educational facilities, and supportive infrastructure for all ages sets it apart from the rest. The trend towards small cities like Silver Spring reflects a broader shift in what families value today – quality of life, community connections, and long-term stability over the allure of big city living. As more people recognize the benefits of such communities, we can expect to see this trend continue to grow.
