Why Hudson Yards Is an Ideal Neighborhood for Older Adults

The largest private real estate development in U.S. history, Hudson Yards presented architects and urban designers with a nearly unthinkable opportunity – 28 acres of blank canvas, amid one of the world’s great cities, on which to design a better, smarter, and more sustainable New York neighborhood.

The sweeping impacts of the Hudson Yards development are just beginning to be realized. Already apparent, however, is that older New Yorkers – the fastest growing demographic in the city – are uniquely poised to benefit from its purposeful and groundbreaking design.

Walkability

A recent study revealed that more than two-thirds of older adults say a neighborhood’s walkability is an important priority – over a quarter of those surveyed named it a “must have” for their neighborhood*. As older adults are living longer, healthier, and more actively than ever before, these numbers will only grow.

Hudson Yards is a city within a city – a “15-minute city,” in the parlance of urban design – where everything urbanites need and crave is located in close proximity. Hudson Yards boasts a Walk Score of 97 out of 100 – a walker’s paradise where all of the day’s errands and outings can be accomplished by foot.

But an ordinary stroll for residents of Hudson Yards can quickly become extraordinary. Residents encounter unique experiences like Mercado Little Spain, a specialty food market that chef/owner José Andrés calls “his love letter to Spain.” The Shops are home to the finest luxury shopping in New York – pop by marquis stores like Fendi, Dior, Cartier, and Coach in a bustling center of culture and commerce. The bravest of the grandkids can be shown an eye-popping view from The Edge, the highest open-air observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.

Green spaces

In urban ecology, green spaces and parks are known as “the lungs of the city” because of the myriad of health benefits they provide. For older adults, a daily life connected to nature considerably reduces the health risks of cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions.

Hudson Yards’ Public Square and Gardens, designed by award-winning landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz, is a contemporary plaza that takes inspiration from the great gardens of Europe. Built over working railways, this marvel of landscape engineering was made possible through smart soil – a unique mixture of nutrients, sand, and gravel – and a ventilation system powered by 15 jet-turbines that keeps root systems at optimal temperature.

The end result of these gargantuan efforts: Hudson Yards is Manhattan’s first LEED Gold^®-certified neighborhood. Once empty space is now home to more than 28,000 plants and 200 mature trees. The oaks, hickories, and expansive displays of flowering perennials welcome more than 225 species of pollinators, including bees and butterflies threatened by habitat loss. This flora and fauna can be enjoyed from winding strolling paths dotted by dramatic fountains and unique displays of public art.

Designed for sustainability, nature loving New Yorkers will reap the benefits of the Public Square and Gardens for generations to come – a fact that only heightens its enjoyment in the present.

Culture and the arts

Art lovers may not need to be reminded of the importance of art and culture – they feel it to be an essential component of a well-rounded life. But studies do confirm their intuitions – those who regularly engage with the arts may live longer than those who don't.

Older New Yorkers eager to capitalize on the life enhancing, life lengthening benefits of art will find no better home than Hudson Yards. At its cultural center is The Shed, a stunning work of modern architecture with more than 200,000 square feet and eight-levels of space to host large-scale performances, multi-dimensional exhibitions, and galleries. It’s been called the “Swiss army knife of culture” because its versatility makes possible any ambition of the human imagination.

No less important are the day-to-day opportunities to engage the arts that permeate life at Hudson Yards. A few steps from any residence are vibrant murals, boutique art galleries, and evocative sculptures along well-lit paths. Music lovers will enjoy live performances held at unique locations like Little Island or The Shops.

A one-of-a-kind luxury senior living community

The neighborhood of Hudson Yards is transforming life for older adults because it was designed to offer a smart, sophisticated, and sustainable model for better urban living. From the heart of this new neighborhood, Coterie Hudson Yards is similarly transforming what senior living can be for older urbanites.

Visit Coterie Luxury Senior Living to see how its exquisite amenities, stellar hospitality services and classical approach to dining are helping older New Yorkers unlock all that Hudson Yards has to offer.

*Source: A Place for Mom; Related Links