Housing ideas for families or groups

Some home buyers seek a new home location near family, for support and convenience.  Being close enables a family unit to remain strong, to maintain a sense of shared community; as was prevalent in past generations.  In a tight housing market, it can be difficult to locate available properties within a local proximity; especially with varied housing styles to accommodate different age, lifestyle, and size needs.  One solution is to consider new housing developments, enabling each family component to choose a home that fits their needs within the same community.  Beside the proximity, family members will be able to share in the common recreational facilities and amenities.  A family that plays together stays together.

Another twist on this concept is friends buying in similar communities.  Most often our circle of friends is defined by the neighborhood in which we live, or the school groups in which our children participate.   Alternatively, why not build upon existing strong friendships and interests by showing homes to buyers in which their friends already live.   Benefits include the ability to share in the common recreational facilities and amenities, to shop at the same stores, and facilitated social interaction.  I would caution each party to keep their friendship circles open and unrestricted, fearing a narrowed perspective and limiting growth potential for all individuals.   It should be easier to locate a prospective home within friendship circles, as lifestyle stage and home styles tend to be more in sync within a developed community.