Small towns are experiencing a revival, with the largest number of Americans moving from metro areas for the first time since the 1970s — many in search of a more neighborly feel. Now, one community is being built with that ethos in mind.
In 2023, an estimated 291,400 people moved into smaller towns or rural areas with a population of 250,000 people or fewer, according to University of Virginia researchers.
In fact, small towns and rural counties were the top relocation destinations within the U.S. An influx of 25- to 44-year-olds has fueled population growth. Many moved in search of a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle, surrounded by people who are less stressed and more neighborly.
Culture of kindness
In Hesperia, CA — a town of 100,744 residents, about 80 miles from Los Angeles—a new planned community called Silverwood is being created with a focus on fostering a culture of kindness.
“We start with a kindness pledge that is included with the community documents residents sign at move-in,” says John Ohanian, general manager of the development. “This aspirational document will set the expectations for all who live at Silverwood.”
Residents will commit to being “engaged, helpful, and community-minded,” inside and outside of the Silverwood community. “Our goal will be to emphasize caring for one another in all we do,” says Ohanian.
That might mean rolling out the welcome wagon for a new neighbor or bringing the family next door soup when they’re sick.
In a world that is currently full of division and acrimony, Ohanian thinks it is 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 one another,” says Ohanian.
Inspiration for Silverwood
The concept for Silverwood was inspired by Ohanian’s friend Tom Tait, the former mayor of Anaheim.
Tait ran on a platform of creating a culture of kindness in the city — and now, Ohanian wants to weave that same objective into the fabric of Silverwood to create what he calls “an oasis from the rancor 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 the community down into smaller neighborhoods that will allow residents to get to know each other more readily.
There will even be a clubhouse called “The Crest Club,” where residents can enjoy a community pool, pickleball courts, and play areas.
Silverwood surroundings
Silverwood will also be centered on walkability.
“With the Pacific Crest Trail on its southern boundary, and with the stunning backdrop of the mountains, it made sense to draw residents outdoors,” says Ohanian.
The development will offer 59 miles of off-street trails, 107 miles of paths and paseos, 387 acres of parks, and 4,900 acres of open space.
Residents will be able to enjoy kayaking and lakeside picnics at Silverwood Lake, minutes from their front doors.
Silverwood’s 9,366 acres are eventually set to contain 15,663 single-family houses, townhouses, and condominiums over the next 20 years.
Initial phase of homes
The first release of houses will include 646 homes in a wide range of sizes and floor plans—each equipped with solar panels.
Model home construction should begin later this fall.
Sales are scheduled to begin in early 2025, and there will originally be 20 floor plans from four building partners to choose from.
Those homes will range from 1,539 to 3,539 square feet, and home lots will primarily be sized between 5,000 and 7,000 square feet.
Hesperia’s median home price is $449,450 — and the homes in Silverwood will be priced from the mid-$400,000s to the $700,000s.
“Silverwood is working hard to provide housing that is attainable for young families,” says Ohanian. “Housing in California has become so costly that it is hard for that first-time homebuyer to find a place to live—and we aim to change that.”
Homeowners association fees will be a reasonable $158 per month and will even cover WiFi.
New residents are slated to move into Silverwood by summer of 2025.
Meet a homebuyer-to-be
Even though sales haven’t officially begun, people are already lining up to reserve their spot in the kindness-centered development.
One of those people is Savannah Routh, who currently lives in Adelanto, CA, with her husband and her in-laws.
“I’m looking forward to the stability and long-term investment of owning a home with my husband,” she says. “We would love to be one of the first residents to call Silverwood home.”
The development’s kindness-driven mission is what drew her to the community.
“It sets a positive tone and encourages people to be more thoughtful and considerate of their neighbors,” says Routh. “That can make day-to-day life smoother and more enjoyable.”
Growing up, she had a close bond with her neighbors, and it helped her feel connected to her community.
“I’d love to have that same experience here, where there’s a sense of familiarity and trust among residents,” Routh says. “While it’s not something that can be forced, I think having a supportive environment helps those connections happen naturally.”
She says that from what she’s seen so far, Silverwood has a “small-town vibe that is definitely appealing.”
“There’s a focus on building strong relationships and having a close-knit community,” she says.
In Routh’s opinion, other cities should follow Silverwood’s lead.
If more places focused on creating a positive culture and encouraging kindness, “it could 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 where they live.”