Why Should You Care About Senior Housing in North Fulton?

A recent study revealed that more than three-quarters (78%) of older American homeowners plan to stay in their current homes as they age ([Redfin Study, January 17, 2024] (https://www.redfin.com/news/homeownership-rate-by-generation-2023/)).

This trend, known as "aging in place," presents unique challenges and opportunities. In the upcoming "North Fulton Voices" podcast, we'll dive into this topic with two professionals who work closely with seniors. They'll discuss how organizations like Senior Services North Fulton and CaraVita Senior and Home Health Care support aging individuals who require transportation, medical, and social services. Additionally, the podcast will address the limited housing options for those who want to remain in their communities, close to friends, doctors, and places of worship.

Why You Should Care About Senior Housing

Before we delve deeper, here's an interesting fact: nearly 30% of large homes (3+ bedrooms) in the U.S. are owned by empty-nest baby boomers ([CNN, January 16, 2024](https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/16/economy/boomers-own-more-larger-homes-than-millennial-families/index.html)). As a member of this demographic, I contribute to the North Fulton middle-income housing shortage. My wife and I have lived in our Alpharetta home for over 30 years. Though our children moved out long ago, we love our neighborhood, enjoy socializing with neighbors, and are active in our church. However, with many of our doctors retiring, we've occasionally considered moving to a home with a master bedroom on the main floor—if we could find an affordable one.

Our decision to stay put means that a young, growing family cannot move in. This situation is happening across the U.S., disrupting the generational flow of families establishing roots in communities. This is why affordable senior housing options in North Fulton are essential.

The Broader Context

Since the suburbs' inception, Americans have moved to these areas for more space. Federal housing and veterans’ programs have helped create a stronger middle class by making suburban housing more affordable. As these suburban communities expanded, so did the demand for local services like restaurants, dry cleaners, schools, and hospitals, contributing to economic growth.

However, the lack of affordable middle-income housing is now forcing our workforce into surrounding counties instead of staying in places like Roswell or Sandy Springs Alarmingly, some elected officials appear content with this situation, even stating a desire that our communities remain out of reach for certain populations and suggesting that workforce housing belongs outside North Fulton. This short-sighted approach has already led to declining school enrollments and a decrease in households earning less than $200,000 annually, according to recent U.S. Census data.

In contrast, model U.S. communities often feature policies that support middle-class families. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be happening in North Fulton. However, neighboring areas like Gwinnett County and the City of Brookhaven are making strides in this direction. Gwinnett County has added over 400 affordable housing units since the beginning of the year, and Brookhaven is acquiring commercial land for redevelopment into housing.

A Call to Action

With a declining birthrate, cities need to be more creative about workforce housing. They should consider changing zoning laws to allow more duplexes, triplexes, and smaller homes. This could include permitting auxiliary units on existing lots and, crucially, providing more affordable housing options for seniors to downsize while staying in their communities.

This is not just about keeping what we have and not letting others in - it's about losing what makes us great - schools, businesses, healthcare, dining, shopping - and becoming challenged to keep the amenities that drive our home values.