Why Condensed Living Matters

GOOD NEIGHBORS

EMILY MERKLEY association executive, Cache Valley Association of REALTORS®

We’ve all heard that time is a valuable commodity, and that’s true now more than ever when it comes to personal time. One of the biggest perks to living within Cache Valley is that nothing is more than a 30-minute drive away, and having access to what we need, when we need it, allows us to give time and attention to other parts of life.

This is where the relatively new idea of 15-minute neighborhoods becomes appealing. Take a moment to imagine cities across the country comprised of neighborhoods in which schools, jobs, grocery stores, gas stations, and other businesses and services are all within a short walk, a quick bike ride, or accessible by transit from the homes of neighborhood residents. The purpose driving the creation of high-density communities is founded on the principle of giving people back their time. Take back the hours and hours of commuting to jobs and driving around to accomplish daily tasks. Along with the time value, these higher-density housing communities can provide improved options for economic mobility while promoting health and increasing access to green spaces. This kind of smaller, condensed living would provide opportunities for economic stability and growth, ensure racial equity, and allow residents to form a safe, tightknit community. Calvin Gladney, CEO of Smart Growth America, is one of the planners who envisions a country that, “no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient.”

More perks of high-density residences include lower costs to maintain infrastructure for governments, ease of managing school districts, attracting new employers, and increasing property values. When public transportation is readily available and jobs, businesses, and services are within walking distance, higherdensity developments also generate less traffic, which is something this valley can appreciate!

In a place that is seeing tremendous growth, the importance of real human interaction in an increasingly digital world has great appeal. These small neighborhoods are built on the power of community and connection and provide affordable housing for both young and old. With smaller homes and larger common areas, they provide a home size and property that is maintainable, and they provide space for health care services and other businesses that are crucial for older adults who can no longer operate a car. These factors allow seniors to age in-place while simultaneously assisting young buyers to establish roots and have a place to call their own.

Local REALTORS® are consistently looking for ways to improve the community at all levels and assist consumers by providing better metrics for making age-friendly real estate transactions. Sustainable development of the valley is a top priority for REALTORS® as they assist in facilitating healthy growth throughout the area.

As long as demand stays high, but inventory remains how (not enough homes to meet the demand), housing could continue to become less and less affordable to low and middle income families.

CACHE COUNTY NEW LISTINGS:

2020 (January-June) – 1,088 2021 (January-June) – 779 -28.4%

CACHE COUNTY AVERAGE SALES PRICE:

2020 (January-June) – $285,000 2021 (January-June) – $382,319 +33.7%

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Back-to-sch l tip!

Instead of screen time, try outdoor play as a healthier alternative for an after-school pick-me-up. Great for the eyes, body, and mind! Michael Cole, OD

SPECIALIZES IN PEDIATRIC OPTOMETRY AND THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATEMENT OF BINOCULAR VISION DISORDERS