Walking, bicycling and using public transit or other transportation services can help your wallet, health and community. Cars are the second largest household expense in the U.S. People over the age of 60 spend an average of 19% of their income on medical expenses. According to the Mayo Institute, the health benefits of something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
- Strengthen your bones.
- Lift your mood.
- Improve your balance and coordination.
Each month we’ll be featuring homes – houses, flats, or condos – in neighborhoods that offer a high degree of walk ability. These neighborhoods have sidewalks, walking paths, or greenbelts that make it safe to walk or bicycle and also offer nearby transportation, services, entertainment, educational opportunities or cultural and recreational possibilities to make life more enjoyable.
This month’s community is The Lodge at Bankers Hill, located midway between Hillcrest and down San Diego at 2330 1st Avenue. These condos in a mid-rise property were built in 2007 and it’s newer construction benefits from energy efficient building standards and materials.
Neighborhood
This neighborhood’s appeal comes from the charming streets lined with restored Victorian homes, close proximity to Balboa Park and convenient access to both medical services in Hillcrest and cultural amenities downtown. City bus service runs directly in front of the community. One of the city’s favorite restaurants, Hob Nob Hill (established in 1944) is across the street. City living doesn’t mean abandoning your green thumb, as the local residents enjoy a community garden adjacent to The Lodge on Juniper Street. The community is highly walkable.
Accessibility, Security and Value
The most common floor plans of the secure building are one and two bedroom flats. Resident’s parking is under the building and is connected to residential levels with elevator service. There are also larger, multilevel town homes, with the largest town homes offering private garages. Typical list prices for one bedroom homes will run in the mid $300,000 range, prices for two bedroom homes in the low-mid $500,000 range, and the most spacious town homes are listed near $900,000. Some plans on the 4th floor (top) feature dramatic vaulted ceilings and partial bay views. Energy efficient features also provide savings on expenses every month.
Fast Facts
- Bus service and stop in front of building
- Highly walkable area
- Built in 2007
- Gated for security
- One bedroom and two bedroom flats, $300-500K typical price range
- Quality design features include granite counters and energy efficient stainless appliances
- Elevator service – no steps
- Minimal amenities in building (workout gym and BBQ facility)
- HOA monthly fees run in the $300 range based on home size
(Photo: kitchen from home sold earlier this year)
For more information
Information about this community was provided by Dan Larson, Ascent Real Estate, as part of a partnership with ReVisions Resources to promote housing in Livable Communities that offer benefits for Successful Aging. For more about this community, click here to contact Dan directly.
