An article in the Wall Street Journal, titled “Hip, Urban, Middle-Aged,” examines the influx of aging Baby Boomers into neighborhoods and communities that are considered strongholds of young hipsters. Numerous anecdotes are used to illustrate the growing trend, reflected in nationwide statistics, of older adults replacing their large suburban homes with multifamily residential units, such as condos and co-ops, in vibrant, up-and-coming neighborhoods. The Baby Boomers featured in the article are in many ways similar to those who have expressed interest in Phoenix Commons. They are educated, middle-class, and looking to share new experiences with a broad diversity of people in an inspiring, creative neighborhood.

There is a huge difference, however, in attitudes towards aging. In the article, the prevalent attitude towards aging is one of denial. The featured development firm targeting the Boomer generation is actually proud of the fact that they consciously omit features, such as grab rails in showers, that would allow people to age in place. Their CEO is quoted as saying, “We don’t want to remind buyers that one day they might need a grab bar […] We don’t want them to be thinking about the next stage in life.” At Phoenix Commons, we do want you to think about the next stage of life, because we know that being proactive and prepared will greatly enhance that next stage. Instead of denying the inevitable and sticking your head in the sand, why not set yourself up for a better future with supportive and understanding neighbors?

With its prime location in Oakland’s Jingletown art district and within walking distance to Alameda’s Park Street commercial district, Phoenix Commons’ members will be just as involved in their community as any of the folks in the Wall Street Journal article. The main difference is that Phoenix Commons residents will also be prepared for the future, ready and willing to face the aging process together, with humor, courage, and decades of fun memories.