A livable community is a place where people of all ages, incomes, and abilities can live well. It includes safe, accessible spaces and services that support health, independence, and connection.
Livable communities planning focuses on improving community design and services to support people throughout their lives. Efforts can be big or small, from adding a park bench or accessible bus stop to city-wide planning projects.
Anyone, residents, advocates, or local leaders, can help make their community more livable.
Virginia’s Blueprint for Livable Communities
In 2010, Virginia created the Blueprint for Livable Communities [pdf] to guide long-term planning for services and supports. An advisory group of citizens and experts continues to meet and support efforts to make communities across Virginia more livable for everyone.
Villages: A Community-Based Way to Age in Place
A Village is a local, volunteer-driven group that helps older adults live safely and independently in their own homes.
Key Features:
- Offers support, services, and social connections
- Reduces isolation with engaging activities and neighborly support
- Run by volunteers who manage programs and provide help
- May charge membership fees, with discounts for low-income members
- Partners with other local organizations and service providers
- Learn more about Villages in Virginia and the Virginia Villages Collective at the Washington Area Villages Exchange.
Age Wave Planning: Local Livable Communities Efforts
Learn more about livable community efforts across the Commonwealth:
New River Aging In Place Action Plan
Successfully Aging at Home in the New River Valley is a grassroots initiative addressing the growing need for residents to age in their homes and communities.
The City of Alexandria Strategic Plan on Aging
Most Americans want to age in place. Alexandria’s many attractive features make it an ideal place for residents to remain at home as they grow older.
Greater Richmond Regional Plan for Age Wave Readiness
This plan is a collaborative effort among public and private partners, including older adults, to prepare for the region’s growing aging population.
Williamsburg Community Action Plan on Aging
This 10-year plan outlines goals and strategies for creating a more livable community for seniors across Greater Williamsburg.
The Partnership for a Livable Roanoke Valley
A two-year community effort produced a strategic plan outlining a shared vision, principles, and goals for a more livable Roanoke Valley.
Arlington County Elder Readiness Plan
As the elder population in Arlington doubles, this plan—developed by the Elder Readiness Task Force—guides efforts to build a more inclusive, age-ready community over the next 25 years.
Fairfax 50+ Community Action Plan
The initiative is framed with the recognition that County revenue for human services, as well as pressures on individual income, impacts the ability to meet both present and projected caregiver and care recipient needs.