Nelson County boasts farms and orchards, outdoor recreation, mountain views, historic sites, artisan traditions, and award-winning wineries and breweries. And everyone who comes here, loves it here. Why wouldn’t they? But, as evidenced by data recently released by CAAR in their Home Sales Report, there is a gap in housing availability for residents who wish to live and work in this community they call home. This housing gap has been termed by many as the Missing Middle. And it is an essential part of the housing equation.
Missing Middle Housing, a term coined by Daniel Parolek of Opticos Design, refers to the size and type of home that falls between a single-family detached home and a mid-rise apartment. They are housing types that we know well: townhomes, small courtyard apartments and more. They are modest housing types that offer additional options for people who are essential to making our economy and community strong, like teachers and other public employees, nurses, fire fighters and wait staff. It also means empty-nesters and retirees can downsize and stay in their neighborhood—and their adult children can find a place to live where they grew up. Because of the rich community resources Nelson County provides, many people choose to live here and the rising housing costs are making it more and more difficult for those same people to live in the same community in which they work.
Missing Middle Housing can also help protect our trees, update infrastructure like sidewalks, bike lanes, and stormwater management, and even create new green spaces. Renaissance Ridge plans to follow a similar development path while still creating a nice aesthetic for everyone to enjoy.
If this type of housing interests you, please stay tuned as we continue with the development of Renaissance Ridge and use this blog as a way to update you. Feel free to also share our information with any friends or family that could be interested as well.
