I am a big fan of this new trend of “Lifestyle Centers” popping up in suburban America. If you’re not familiar with the concept, a Lifestyle Center creatively blends retail and entertainment establishments with apartments or condominiums. These centers are popping up around major cities as an alternative to suburban sprawl.
One of the things I enjoy about these developments is the walkability. By having the retail and entertainment venues close by, residents of these Lifestyle Centers can walk to the services they need. This is healthier for the resident, saves on auto pollution, and encourages a neighborly vibe reminiscent of the villages and small cities of the mid 20th century.
Our first encounter with such a development was back in 2012 when we stopped at The Woodlands near Houston, Texas to see what that was about. I found that area appealing. I know something similar recently went up outside of Phoenix, Arizona. The Lifestyle Center, with the prominent JCPenney sign seen in the photo above, is outside of Westminster, Colorado.
As we made our way to the Rocky Mountains during our recent vacation in the Denver area, I noticed a number of these lifestyle centers popping up along the routes taking us from Westminster to the Rockies. While they ring a little upscale in appearance and demeanor, they seem like a better solution than suburban sprawl.
