How to Choose the
Right Site
With the recent explosion in building of new housing for seniors that has taken place over the past several years, it is becoming more and more imperative to select the right site for a new retirement community. Without a good location, even the most well designed community will struggle to achieve and maintain a full census. It all goes back to the old real estate adage, “location, location, location.”
Key points to consider when searching for a site include site accessibility, proximity to services and image/perception of the site. The site should have easy accessibility to major roadways, but not be located on a street that is difficult to access because of heavy traffic. The location should be easy enough for visitors to get to, but not in a congested area where a confused resident might get lost. Site accessibility also should take into account the topography of the land. Steep grades are difficult to maneuver in a wheel chair, with a cane or with arthritic knees. The site should be close to area services including hospitals, doctors, shopping and activities. If the residents of the community will still be driving, short distances to those activities will be very important. Finally, the site evaluation should consider the image or perception of the site including surrounding land uses and image of the area. Is the location attractive to the type of client for whom the community is planned? Qualitative input on issues like the perception of the site are best received from surveying local experts. Carefully consider the surrounding land usage. Will there be noise or air pollution or undesirable or threatening people coming from or attracted to neighboring businesses? A flat tract of old farmland may seem perfect for a site until it is revealed that the neighboring farm is a pig farm.