Gen X Couples ‘Rightsize’ to Community-Focused Living NOW

UPDATE: Two Gen X couples are making a significant lifestyle shift as they “rightsizing” in a vibrant new community in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Just announced, the Falks and the Coopermans are moving into the Edge-on-Hudson development, a project designed to enhance community living and accessibility.

As empty nesters, both couples are seeking homes that not only offer convenience but also foster social connections. With their children now pursuing higher education, Stephanie Falk and her husband, Andrew, are selling their century-old house in Edgemont to embrace a more urban lifestyle. They aim for a location that keeps them close to nature while being walkable to community amenities.

In a serendipitous golf outing in the spring of 2024, the Falks discovered that their friends, Judy and Steven Cooperman, were also in the midst of finding a new home. The Coopermans are looking to downsize from their family home to a place that offers lower maintenance and vibrant community life. Their mutual interest in Edge-on-Hudson led to a joint decision to explore this promising development.

The couples found a four-bedroom townhome that meets their needs, priced starting at $1.6 million. This choice offers enough space to host family gatherings while ensuring accessibility for aging parents with in-home elevators. The community features shared amenities, including parks and a pool, aimed at nurturing neighborly interactions.

“I just believe fully in community,” said Stephanie. “Being around other like-minded people can be really beneficial as you grow older.” As the development nears completion, it aims to house nearly 1,200 residential units, alongside a grocery store and hotel on the 70-acre site of a former GM assembly plant.

The Falks and the Coopermans, both in their mid-to-late 50s, are not ready to retire. Stephanie runs a mindfulness business, while Judy works remotely in administrative management. Their husbands are professionals in real estate and law in New York City. The couples are part of a growing trend among Gen Xers who are exploring new living arrangements without fully downsizing or transitioning into retirement communities.

The excitement in Edge-on-Hudson is palpable. The Coopermans have already sold or donated most of their furniture, finding the process liberating. They are eager to connect with new neighbors and have already experienced a sense of community that feels reminiscent of college days. “It’s kind of like going to college when you’re a freshman; everyone wants to meet people,” Judy shared.

As both couples temporarily reside in rental apartments within the development, they anticipate a seamless transition once their townhomes are completed. The community’s design encourages social interaction, addressing a crucial need for connection in today’s increasingly isolated world.

What’s next? As construction progresses, both couples are poised to become active members of a community that promises to enhance their lifestyle while maintaining the connections that are vital to their well-being. With ongoing interest from other friends and acquaintances, the Edge-on-Hudson development is quickly becoming a sought-after location for those looking to balance community living with accessibility.

Stay tuned for more updates as these exciting developments unfold.