Gen X Couples ‘Rightsize’ to Vibrant Community in Sleepy Hollow

URGENT UPDATE: Two Gen X couples, the Falks and the Coopermans, are making waves in the housing market by “rightsizing” to a vibrant community in Sleepy Hollow, New York. This trend highlights a growing desire among empty nesters for accessible living spaces that foster community connections.

With their children off to college, both couples are leaving behind their larger family homes for a more compact yet socially engaging lifestyle. The Falks sold their century-old house in Edgemont and are moving to Edge-on-Hudson, a partially constructed mixed-use development that promises walkability and modern amenities.

The Falks and the Coopermans, both in their mid-to-late 50s, began discussing their housing options while playing golf in Spring 2024. They shared a mutual goal: to find homes that are not only accessible but also vibrant and community-focused. Edge-on-Hudson offers just that, featuring a four-bedroom townhome that accommodates family visits while being close to the Hudson River and various recreational opportunities.

The community, set on 70 acres of land previously occupied by a GM assembly plant, will eventually include nearly 1,200 townhomes, condos, and apartments, as well as a park and grocery store. Both couples have opted for rental apartments on the site while their new homes are still under construction.

Judy Cooperman emphasized the significance of community in their decision, stating,

“I just believe fully in community… being stimulated and being around other like-minded people can be really beneficial.”

The move reflects a broader trend among Gen X and baby boomers who are not ready to retire but seek a new chapter. This demographic is increasingly looking for vibrant communities rather than traditional retirement settings. The Falks and Coopermans sold their previous homes for over $1.6 million, ensuring that the new low-maintenance homes will be easier to age in.

The transition has already had a positive emotional impact on the couples. Judy expressed a sense of freedom after donating most of their furniture, while both couples have reported a richer social life. “It’s very easy to just say, ‘Hey, you want to go out for a walk?'” Judy noted, highlighting the ease of making new friends in their new neighborhood.

As both couples settle into their rental apartments, anticipation builds for the completion of their townhomes. The community vibe has already begun to take shape, with reports of friendly neighbors eager to connect, much like the camaraderie found in college.

This shift marks a significant trend in housing preferences among empty nesters and young retirees, reflecting a desire for community and accessibility over traditional notions of downsizing. The Falks and the Coopermans are leading the charge in redefining what it means to “rightsize” in today’s housing market.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Edge-on-Hudson development progresses and these families embark on their new journeys.