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Livable Communities
Awards

Sweet Spots in Home Design

What makes a community livable? AARP and the National Association of Home Builders, cosponsors of the Third Annual Livable Communities Awards, believe that it’s a combination of things.

Livability starts in homes and apartments that reflect Universal Design values for comfort, safety, and accessibility for residents of all ages and physical abilities. That means no barriers for the able-bodied or wheelchair-bound and no hazards that might lead to accidental falls, burns, or electric shocks. Livable homes have easy-to-use features—sure-grasp door handles, simple-to-operate appliances, and storage that puts everyday tools within easy reach. Livable homes come wired for the latest communications and security technologies.

Beyond the creature comforts, livable homes are low-maintenance, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient. Their designers anticipate the future, and their owners can readily adapt the space inside to age comfortably without moving and with no excessive disruption or expense.
Livable communities feature the kinds of homes we’ve described and have close proximity to shopping, entertainment, social activities, and other resources. These communities foster independence, interaction, and social involvement.

Livable communities don’t usually come into being by accident. They’re most often products of skilled architects, builders, developers, and planners. To recognize the efforts of these professionals and to help you discover the best applications of the core values, we present the winners of the 2009 Livable Communities Awards. Click on each of the small images near the top of the page for tours of single-family homes and multi-family housing units that epitomize livability for all life stages.

Livable Communities Awards Archive >>

Resources

Livable Communities Checklists

Below are lists of design and product suggestions for your home that can increase safety, comfort, convenience, and livability for everyone.

Entrances & Exits Checklist

Below is a list of design and product suggestions for a home's entryway and exits that can increase safety, comfort, convenience, and livability for everyone. Check off the ideas that you may want to include in your own home.

At least one no-step pathway into the house
Ample and level maneuvering room, 5 feet by 5 feet, in entryway
36-inch-wide entry door with lever-style handle
Zero-threshold doorway
Covered entrance to protect from inclement weather
Shelf near entrance to put packages while opening and closing door
Bright lighting inside and outside entries
Lighted doorbell at an easily reachable height
Easy-open door locks, such as keyless locks with remote or keypad codes
High-visibility house numbers
Handrails on both sides of steps
Railings on porches
Slip-resistant walkways and entryways

Stairways & Halls Checklist

Below is a list of design and product suggestions for a home's stairways and halls that can increase safety, comfort, convenience, and livability for everyone. Check off the ideas that you may want to include in your own home.

Handrails on both sides of stairs, interior and exterior
No open, see-through risers on stairs
Deep stair treads, to accommodate entire foot
Contrasting color at front edge of steps, to provide visual orientation, or non-slip adhesive strips
4-foot-wide stairway to accommodate future chairlift
Bright, non-glare lighting in hallways and stairwells
Easy-touch, rocker-style light switches at top and bottom of stairs, 42 inches off floor
Electrical outlets 18 inches off the floor
Replace or remove any worn or torn carpeting

Den & Living Room Checklist

Below is a list of design and product suggestions for a home's den and living room that can increase safety, comfort, convenience, and livability for everyone. Check off the ideas that you may want to include in your own home.

36-inch-wide doors for easy access, or pocket doors
Level flooring throughout the house
Easy-touch, rocker-style light switches 42 inches off the floor
Electrical outlets 18 inches off the floor
Seating at least 18 inches off the floor
Extra electrical outlets to accommodate future technology or medical-equipment needs
Rearrange furniture and remove any clutter to allow for clear, wide passageways

Kitchen Checklist

Here is a list of design and product suggestions for a home kitchen or laundry area that can increase safety, comfort, convenience, and livability for everyone. Check off the ideas that you may want to include in your own home.

36-inch-wide doors for easy access or pocket doors
Multi-height, rounded-edge countertops to enable residents to work standing or seated
Color-contrast front edges on countertops to help prevent spills
Clear counter space next to sink and all appliances
Space for a chair under sink or cooktop for seated users
Easy-access storage, such as pull-out pantry or adjustable-height shelving
Stove-top water access to fill pots
Bright, non-glare task lighting over sink, stove, and work areas
Anti-scald faucet with lever-style handle
D-shaped or pull-style cabinet and drawer handles
Easy-glide drawers that close automatically
Drawer-style dishwasher or raised platform under dishwasher to reduce bending
Easy-access side-by-side refrigerator/freezer or under-counter, drawer-style refrigerator
Front-mounted appliance controls that are highly visible or can be operated by touch
Built-in storage space for easy-access and removable recyclables and trash
Electrical outlets 18 inches off the floor
Extra electrical outlets for small appliances; some outlets located under countertops for easy access
Rocker-style light switches, 42 inches off the floor
Easily accessible garbage-disposal switch
Laundry on main floor
Front-loading washer and dryer, stacked or on raised platform to reduce bending, with accessible controls on front
Laundry sink and countertop no more than 34 inches above floor with knee space below for seated users
Bright task-lighting in laundry
Wall-mounted folding table that lies flat when not in use
Non-slip flooring

Bedroom Checklist

Here is a list of design and product suggestions for a home bedroom that can increase safety, comfort, convenience, and livability for everyone. Check off the ideas that you may want to include in your own home.

36-inch-wide doors for easy access or pocket doors
Rocker-style light switches, 42 inches off the floor
Closet with multi-level or pull-down shelving and clothes rod
Avoid bi-fold or accordion closet doors, which can be difficult to open and close
Electrical outlets 18inches off the floor
Extra electrical outlets to accommodate technology or future medical-equipment needs

Bathroom Checklist

Below is a list of design and product suggestions for a home bathroom that can increase safety, comfort, convenience, and livability for everyone. Check off the ideas that you may want to include in your own home.

36-inch-wide door for easy access, or pocket door
Rocker-style light switches, 42 inches off the floor
Lever handle, anti-scald faucets on sink, bathtub, and shower
No threshold walk-in or roll-in shower with minimum dimensions 5 feet by 3 feet (4 feet preferred)
Hand-held, adjustable-height showerhead with easily operable controls
Maneuvering space that accommodates a 60-inch turning radius
Toilet centered 18 inches from any side wall, tub, or cabinet
Toilet seat 17 to 19 inches off floor for older persons, lower for children
Grab bars or wall-blocking for future installation in tub, shower and near toilet
Knee space under sink for seated users
Easy-glide drawers that close automatically
Countertops with rounded edges
Bright, non-glare lighting
Reduced-slip tile or non-skid floor
D-shaped or pull-style cabinet and drawer handles
Full-length and/or tilted mirror that can be used seated or standing
Towel bars, soap and toothbrush holders 48 inches off floor
Sink bowl mounted close to front edge of vanity for easier use while seated
Integral transfer seat in tub and built-in bench or shower chair in shower
Electrical outlets 18 inches off the floor