As we age, our homes need to evolve with us. Age-in-place homes are designed with the future in mind, offering spaces that allow homeowners to live comfortably and independently, regardless of their age or physical ability. It’s never too early to start thinking about building a home that will support your needs as you grow older. At Urban NW Homes, we build homes that blend luxury, functionality, and long-term sustainability. These homes allow you to age in place while enjoying your surroundings for years to come.

The Top Benefits of Age-in-Place Home Design 

Age-in-place design is all about ensuring your home adapts to changing needs. It’s about creating spaces that are accessible, safe, and comfortable. Key benefits of age-in-place homes include:

• Accessibility: No stairs, wider doorways, and accessible features make it easier to navigate.
• Safety: Well-placed grab bars, slip-resistant floors, and proper lighting can reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
• Long-term investment: Age-in-place homes are not only functional but also hold value because they provide flexibility for a variety of needs.
• Independence: Features like a no-step entry and single-level living allow homeowners to maintain independence, even as mobility changes.

In addition to these benefits, green building practices and healthy home design at Urban NW Homes further enhance long-term well-being. By using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, we create homes that reduce environmental impact while keeping utility costs low. These homes have optimal indoor air quality, improved ventilation, and non-toxic materials, making them healthier for you at every stage. Additionally, these sustainable homes help reduce carbon footprints, enabling you to live well while protecting the planet for future generations.

Finding Your Forever Home: Consider Living in La Center, Washington

Consider La Center if you’re looking for a community that combines peaceful small-town living with easy access to big-city amenities. Our Urban Meadows community in La Center, WA, offers a serene retreat just minutes from Portland and Vancouver. This community features large lots from 7,500 to 9,000 SF and is located near parks, top-rated schools, and outdoor activities. It is an ideal location for individuals nearing retirement or seeking a long-term home that can adapt to their needs as they age. Easy access to nature and kid-friendly spaces, make this ideal for enjoying your golden years while welcoming family to visit.

At Urban NW Homes, we recognize the significance of crafting homes that prioritize comfort and convenience now and in the future. Whether you’re searching for a one-level layout or a two-story home with the primary suite on the main level, we have designs that cater to homeowners who wish to age in place while maintaining style and functionality. Our diverse range of floor plans is tailored for every stage of life and includes features such as wide hallways, no-step entries, and customizable designs.

Popular Age-In-Place and Accessible Home Plans: 

• Beaumont – A spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home designed for comfort and efficiency with a large open-concept living area. This affordable plan offers ample space on one level, which is ideal for retirees.
• Woodbridge – A charming single-story home that emphasizes open spaces and simple accessibility. This plan is perfect for those who prefer easy living and features generous counter space in the kitchen, making it an ideal option for anyone who loves cooking or baking.
• Albina – A welcoming one-story design featuring energy-efficient elements and an abundance of natural light. This efficient layout includes a nice outdoor patio and a 3-car garage, offering ample space.
• Chapman – A thoughtfully designed one-level home with accessibility and spaciousness in mind, perfect for long-term comfort. Also, the garage includes a dedicated shop area.
• Holbrook – An open-concept one-level home designed for entertaining, with a large kitchen and a primary suite that provides an oasis of comfort. The front room, ideally located at the front of the house, can easily be converted into a den or office, providing versatility to suit your needs.
• Kearney – Primarily a one-level home that lives like a ranch with the added privacy of a second story. The perfect plan for those interested who want a private guest room or hobby space.
• Pettygrove – A modern yet timeless design with a flexible layout featuring a den and primary suite on the main level. The upstairs offers ample space with two additional bedrooms and a loft, providing a perfect balance of privacy and communal areas.

Age-In-Place and Accessible Custom Homes: Building Your Forever Home in Southwest Washington and on the Oregon Coast

While Urban Meadows offers an exceptional selection of customizable homes in Urban Meadows, we also understand that sometimes the perfect home isn’t always found within a traditional community setting. Whether you’re looking for a specific location, a one-of-a-kind design, or unique features that suit your evolving needs, a custom home might be the ideal solution. 

At Urban NW Homes, we don’t just build houses—we craft personalized spaces that fit your unique lifestyle, needs, and future. Our custom homes are designed with your vision in mind, whether you’re building in Clark County, Southwest Washington, or along the Oregon Coast. We focus on creating homes that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable, offering you the peace of mind that your home will grow with you for years to come.

Featured Custom Home Designs That Support Age-In-Place and Accessible Living

• The Onyx: The Onyx is an award-winning custom home designed for flexibility and multi-generational living. This plan is designed for homeowners who want a home that adapts to their current and future needs. Features include a private living suite with a separate entrance, ideal for a home office, visiting family, or live-in care. This suite connects to the main house, offering privacy and versatility. The Onyx also includes luxury features like a stunning wine cooler, a large kitchen, and a beautiful primary suite.
• The McKenzie Modern: Award-winning and designed for luxury and function, the McKenzie Modern is great for those looking to age-in-place without sacrificing performance. This home features a HERS® Index Score of -23. It also incorporates Universal Design principles, ensuring accessibility for all stages of life. Universal Design means the house is built for easy mobility and comfort, with wide hallways, barrier-free entrances, and user-friendly fixtures. The design also integrates cutting-edge technology and sustainable materials.

Whether you choose to build one of the many plans from our portfolio, or something completely custom, our experienced custom home design team will work closely with you to bring your unique vision to life. View our entire custom home portfolio to see other designs that also work well for aging in place. Also, please reach out to us to discuss how we can help bring your dream home to life.

Why Choose Urban NW Homes For Your Age-in-Place Home and Accessible New Construction Home?

At Urban NW Homes, building age-in-place and accessible homes is not just a commitment; it’s a passion. Jerud Martin, our owner, has been dedicated to creating homes that evolve with homeowners’ needs. Thus ensuring comfort and independence throughout all stages of life. Because of that, building green, healthy, and smart homes is the foundation of our work. With multiple local and national awards for healthy home design, Urban NW Homes offers above-average features and benefits

When you choose to build with Urban NW Homes, you’re investing in a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you’re considering a custom home or a one-level home in Urban Meadows, our age-in-place features are thoughtfully integrated into every design. Before selecting a builder, please review the list below that highlights just a few of the features that make Urban NW Homes the right choice for a home that will serve you and your family for years to come:

Top Features for Age-in-Place and Accessible Home Design:

• Energy Star-Certified Appliances: Energy Star-certified appliances offer long-term savings and environmental impact, reducing energy use and utility costs for years to come.
• Smart Home Ready: Smart home features are a game-changer for age-in-place living. Enhance safety and indepence by controling your home environment easily from anywhere and stay connected with alerts.
• Upgraded Insulation: Experience improved comfort, better air quality, and lower energy costs. Our advanced insulation saves up to 20% in energy costs, keeping your home energy-efficient and cozy.
• Upgraded Air Filtration Systems (MERV13): Perfect for those with allergies or respiratory concerns, these high-quality filtration systems improve air quality throughout your home, ensuring a healthier environment.
• Future-Proofing with Grab Bar Blocking: Every one-level home has grab bar blocking around the toilet and shower areas. These small details make it easier to modify your home in the future.
• Lever Handles: Easier to operate than traditional doorknobs, lever handles enhance accessibility throughout your home.
• Large, Easy-to-Operate Light Switches: Designed for ease of use, large light switches help reduce strain and ensure that every area of your home is well-lit.
• Thoughtful Lighting Design: Lighting is a critical part of age-in-place design. We focus on good lighting, especially at stairs and task areas, to ensure visibility and safety.
• Roll-In, Curbless Showers: We offer roll-in showers in every home we build, providing safer and more accessible bathing options for everyone.
• Wide Hallways & Barrier-Free Design: Our homes are designed with wide hallways and (whenever possible) a no-step entry (whether at the front door or the garage) to be fully accessible and easy to navigate.
• Hard-Surface Flooring: We eliminate the hazards of throw rugs with hard-surface flooring throughout, which is safer and easier to maintain.
• Easy-to-Maintain Landscaping & Fencing: Urban Meadows includes front yard landscaping, sprinkler systems, and fenced backyards, all designed for low-maintenance living.

Getting Started on Your Dream Home, Your Forever Home

At Urban NW Homes, we understand that your home is not just a place—it’s where your life unfolds. Whether you choose Urban Meadows or a custom home, we will deliver green, healthy, and smart homes that last. Our team works closely with you to ensure every home we build is not only beautiful but above all functional, sustainable, and energy-efficient.

If you’re ready to find your perfect home in Urban Meadows or have questions about building a custom home, contact us today to start your journey with Urban NW Homes!

Your Trusted Local Builder Based in Vancouver, Washington

Based in Vancouver, Washington, Urban NW Homes has proudly served Clark County and beyond since 2009. As a locally-owned company, we are deeply committed to our community and the homeowners we serve. Over the past 15 years, we’ve successfully built over 1,500 homes, earning a reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and reliability.

Our dedication to building green, healthy, and smart homes has garnered numerous national and local awards. Additionally, we have been recognized as the Clark County Builder of the Year in 2024 and 2013. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, we strive to exceed expectations on every project. When you choose Urban NW, you’re not just selecting a builder—you’re partnering with a trusted team that understands your needs.