Traditional living, with a slightly modern twist

"It is the closest we could get to what we left behind," says John Hopton about retiring in a traditional neighborhood development, or TND, in Lynchburg, Va.

TNDs are a modern interpretation of an old idea: the self-contained neighborhood or small town with mixed housing types and diverse populations - much like a Norman Rockwell painting brought to life. They are characterized by high- density building; small lot sizes; and a walkable, compact size. They also feature commercial and civic components, so residents can buy what they need and take part in community activities without leaving the neighborhood.

Mr. Hopton and his wife, Ruth, live in a TND called Wyndhurst. He grew up in a small village in England, and fondly recalls the lifestyle. "Growing up, we walked to the pub, to the cafe. [You walked] to get your groceries every day." The Hoptons had dreamed of being able to retire in such a setting, and when the Wyndhurst project broke ground, they were one of the first home buyers.

Retirees like the Hoptons represent a noticeable proportion of TND residents across the United States. At Wyndhurst open houses over the past three years, about 25 percent of potential buyers have been retirees, says real estate broker Steve Burkett.

Reports from Westhaven, a TND just outside Nashville, Tenn., estimate that about 35 percent of its residents are retirees.

People in their 50s through 90s like living in TNDs for the same reasons as other age groups. But some advantages are more significant to seniors, who don't want to be isolated or inactive:

• Diversity. An intergenerational environment provides stimulation and interaction.

• Walkability. Walkable neighborhoods encourage exercise.

• Sociability. Houses close to the street, close to each other, and with front porches create a more social environment.

• Independence. Being able to walk to stores and public places allows seniors to remain independent when they no longer drive.

• Safety. Because neighbors have diverse schedules, someone tends to be outdoors at practically any hour. This makes residents feel more secure.

The trend of retiring in a TND is "absolutely new," says architect Glen Tipton, director of senior living projects for CSD Architects in Baltimore. It makes sense, he says, because fewer retirees want to live in seniors-only retirement communities, which "lack an integration between home and community."

TNDs, he adds, are replicating the home community retirees don't want to leave behind, or, in the case of the Hoptons, a community to which they've longed to return.

Louis Joyner, who's in his 50s and semiretired, moved to the I'On community three years ago. This upscale TND is located near Charleston, S.C. He likes living in a neighborhood where he's surrounded by people of many age groups.

"I couldn't even comprehend living in a situation without all ages," he says. "I am interacting with 20-year-olds and 80-year-olds, just by being out walking. My wife and I have friends [who have] 2-year-olds."

For Mr. Joyner, another advantage of living at I'On is the opportunity it presents to become acquainted with his neighbors - such as at the community mailbox area. After they had moved in, "It was amazing how quickly we met people," he says.

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