Among all the generations, baby boomers are known for taking the roads less traveled, forging their own paths – whether that’s choosing a certain career, lifestyle or place to live. When it comes to lifestyle, this generation is reshaping the idea of aging, including how to live, where to live and in what type of community. One of the paths is the latest national trend: active-adult lifestyle communities, only for those 55 years old and up. 

Wondering where the concept came from? 

Like most ideas, the notion worked its way from one state to the next and is now a common sight in many central U.S. cities. Most recently, Hubbell Realty Company, based out of West Des Moines, performed market visits around the nation. The next step was obvious: Create an active-adult lifestyle community focused on homeowners who want to own a right-sized home, surround themselves with great amenities, be closer to family and friends and ditch the hassle of maintenance all together.

Hence, Hubbell created Aventura and began building the community in early 2019.

“What we kept seeing as we traveled to places like Colorado, Minnesota, and other Midwestern areas was there was a gap in housing for people at this life stage who are still very active, working and involved in their communities,” said Kris Saddoris, Vice President of Multifamily Development for Hubbell Realty Company. 

“They don’t want to work to maintain an over-sized 2,000-plus square foot house now that they’re emptynesters. They want to remain in the community, be closer to their family, enjoy traveling, and have time for their activities; yet they also want to know who their neighbors will be. Many times, the communities these homeowners are moving away from have quite a few young families and they don’t have as much in common,” said Saddoris.

From the outside, Aventura is tucked in between the cities of West Des Moines and the ever-growing Waukee, along the easily accessible University Avenue. The condominium building is next to a popular shopping district including pet shops, boutiques, bakeries and breweries and a newly announced and soon to be built Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh Market. 

A short walk outside the front door is the Clive Greenbelt Trail and many more miles of connecting bike paths that crisscross through other established communities. It’s those outdoor and entertainment amenities that Realtor teams like Lori Phelan and Helen Turner of Berkshire-Hathaway get emails about every day.

“Let’s be real, I want less maintenance and more free time. And when Lori and I are chatting with potential homeowners about what they’re looking for in a home - and many times people are our age - they want less maintenance and more freedom to do the things they want,” said Turner. “That’s why a concept like Aventura is appealing versus staying in their current home or even downsizing to a townhome up the street.”

Within the walls, Aventura has 62 for-sale condominium homes spaced throughout the three levels of the community. When deciding, future homeowners will have the opportunity to choose between 11 floorplans, all of which have been designed to fit the style, design and attitude of the buyer. Each home will feature high-end finishes like quartz counter tops and open-concept living room and kitchens with large windows allowing plenty of natural light. The homes include two- or three-bedrooms and range from 1,200-1,800 square feet of interior space, including private balconies and patios.

And unlike that large home the owners were formally living in; this new lifestyle has amenities within Aventura. 

“This community will appeal to every type of activity and hobby,” said Phelan, whose personal favorite may be the arts studio or woodworking shop, ideally set up for scrap-booking, carpentry and other crafty activities. 

“Not only do you have the bike paths, but there’s a fitness-yoga center, golf simulator, and indoor/outdoor patio spaces just to hang out.”

At Aventura, Phelan says you’ll find homeowners outside planting gardens in spring and enjoying parking their cars in a heated underground spot come Iowa’s blustery winters.  

And just as you would assume, pets are not only welcomed but encouraged at Aventura. A pet wash bay will neighbor the car wash where both owners and furry friends can get squeaky clean. 

 “Aventura is really about enjoying a new way of life,” said Saddoris. “These homeowners have worked hard their entire lives and today, baby boomers are choosing this style of active living.” 

Aventura is set to open in the summer of 2020 with sales prices starting at $270,000.