Small towns are experiencing a resurgence, with the largest number of Americans moving out of metro areas for the first time since the 1970s — many in search of a more neighborhood feel. Now, a community is being built with that ethos in mind.
In 2023, according to University of Virginia researchers, about 291,400 people moved to smaller cities or rural areas with a population of 250,000 people or less.
In fact, small cities and rural counties were the main destinations of relocation within the US An influx of 25-44 year olds has fueled population growth. Many moved in search of a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle, surrounded by people who are less stressed and more neighborly.
The culture of kindness
In Hesperia, CA—a city of 100,744, about 80 miles from Los Angeles—a new master-planned community called Silverwood is being created with a focus on fostering a culture of kindness.
“We start with a pledge of kindness that is included with the community documents that moving residents sign,” says John Ohanian, general manager of the development. “This aspirational document will set the expectations for everyone who lives in Silverwood.”
Residents will commit to being “engaged, helpful and community minded”, within and outside the Silverwood community. “Our goal will be to emphasize caring for each other in everything we do,” Ohanian says.
This might mean launching the welcome cart for a new neighbor or bringing soup to the family next door when they are sick.
In a world currently full of division and acrimony, Ohanian thinks it’s time to reverse that trend.
“We believe that parents want their children to grow up in a place where they are safe and valued, where neighbors look out for each other,” Ohanian says.
Inspiration for Silverwood
The concept for Silverwood was inspired by Ohanian’s friend Tom Tait, the former mayor of Anaheim.
Tait was developed on a platform of creating a culture of kindness in the city — and now, Ohanian wants to weave that same goal into the fabric of Silverwood to create what he calls “an oasis from the rage we see around us.”
Silverwood is designed around a series of “Village Greens” that will serve as community gathering places where residents can easily meet and socialize on a more intimate scale.
This will break down the community into smaller neighborhoods that will allow residents to get to know each other more easily.
There will even be a clubhouse called The Crest Club, where residents can enjoy a community pool, pickleball courts and play areas.
Surroundings of Silverwood
Silverwood will also focus on walkability.
“With the Pacific Crest Trail at its southern border and the stunning backdrop of the mountains, it made sense to draw residents outside,” says Ohanian.
The development will offer 59 miles of off-road trails, 107 miles of trails and boardwalks, 387 acres of parks and 4,900 acres of open space.
Residents will be able to enjoy lakeside kayaking and picnicking at Silverwood Lake, minutes from their front doors.
Silverwood’s 9,366 acres will eventually contain 15,663 single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums over the next 20 years.
Initial housing phase
The first release of homes will include 646 homes in a wide range of sizes and floor plans – each equipped with solar panels.
Construction of a model home should begin later this fall.
Sales are scheduled to begin in early 2025, and there will initially be 20 floor plans from four construction partners to choose from.
These homes will range from 1,539 to 3,539 square feet, and home lots will mostly be between 5,000 and 7,000 square feet.
Hesperia’s median home price is $449,450 – and homes in Silverwood will be priced from the mid-$400,000s to the $700,000s.
“Silverwood is working hard to provide affordable housing for young families,” says Ohanian. “Housing in California has become so expensive that it’s difficult for the first-time homebuyer to find a place to live — and we aim to change that.”
Homeowner association fees will be a reasonable $158 per month and will even cover WiFi.
New residents are scheduled to move into Silverwood by the summer of 2025.
Meet a prospective home buyer
Although sales haven’t officially started, people are already lining up to reserve their spot in the luxury-focused development.
One of those people is Savannah Routh, who currently lives in Adelanto, CA, with her husband and in-laws.
“I’m waiting for the stability and long-term investment to have a house with my husband,” she says. “We’d love to be one of the first residents to call Silverwood home.”
The mission of kindness-driven development is what drew him to the community.
“It sets a positive tone and encourages people to be more thoughtful and considerate of their neighbors,” says Routh. “It can make everyday life smoother and more enjoyable.”
Growing up, she had a close bond with her neighbors and this helped her feel connected to her community.
“I’d like to have the same experience here, where there’s a sense of familiarity and trust between the residents,” says Routh. “While it’s not something that can be forced, I think having a supportive environment helps these connections happen naturally.”
She says that from what she’s seen so far, Silverwood has “a small-town vibe that’s definitely attractive.”
“There’s a focus on building strong relationships and having a tight-knit community,” she says.
In Routh’s opinion, other cities should follow Silverwood’s example.
If more places focus on creating a positive culture and encouraging kindness, “it can lead to stronger connections and more livable neighborhoods,” she says. “It doesn’t take much to be kind, but it can have a big impact on how people feel about the place they live in.”
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