Take a Deep Dive: Millennial's Interest in Community

Mary Cook, writing in Builder Developer, noted that Millennials are finally ready to move out of their parents' home and find their own. Her firm is known for creating innovative environments targeted to market demands; the article focused on 7 Ways to Design Residential Developments for Millennials. 

Take a look: there's community outside the door!

Cook notes that many Millennials telecommute -- meaning there isn't too much face-time with co-workers and managers. The typical, work-related social interactions that many of us are used to (lunch, sports teams, etc.) aren't available.  Like  many new home buyers, they're probably relocating (even if a relatively short distance).

As a result, they're looking for their home (both specific and general) to provide relationships. That desire for adding relationship possibilities is driving the popularity of amenity-rich communities offering "social points" such as community pools, tech centers and fitness centers that encourage residents to gather and engage.

Do you recall an earlier Solutions Blog about walkable neighborhoods (or Walkups)? Consider using your location as a way to encourage thinking of the new neighborhood in terms of benefits from a social interaction perspective -- as well as walkability.

Offer Walk Abouts: One of a walkable neighborhood's driving forces is access to convenient, interesting and unique shopping and dining venues.  Why not create an "It's in the Neighborhood" map highlighting 15 close-by locations that are probably new to your home shoppers -- and make it interactive? Think: ethnic restaurants, unique bookshops, unusual hardware stores.  Let your potential buyers explore (virtually!) and see themselves living the experience! Drones are making aerial photos so much more affordable -- take a look at Richmond above and consider using this type of visual introduction to the neighborhood.

Shine a Light on Educational Institutions: Here's another opportunity for introducing a new way of thinking about community! And, these opportunities don't need to be just traditional colleges and universities. Think outside the box and consider adult education and interest-focused centers, too. Look for places like innovative yarn shops, photography studios and art centers.  Encourage your home shoppers to explore neighborhood learning opportunities and imagine the opportunities available. Let an interactive touchscreen presentation tell your community story -- from amenities to neighborhood "hot spots" to all sorts of educational possibilities.

Take a look at a CPS' SalesTouch  presentation's aerial photo detailing shopping, dining, recreation and community options in Richmond (above); why not let your home shoppers (buyers, too!) virtually explore and visualize enjoying their new community?