What if growing older didn’t mean “slowing down,” but living better together?
That’s the idea behind Humboldt Commons, a grassroots, resident-directed life plan community (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC) planned for McKinleyville, Humboldt County, California. In a recent episode of 60 Plus Uncensored, Dr. Ann Lindsay, board president of the nonprofit behind the project, shared how a group of neighbors, professionals, and volunteers is building a place where older adults can age in community, with independence, support, and everyday joy.
This article explains the what, why, where, and how of Humboldt Commons in plain language. You’ll learn how the model works, who it’s for, what it will cost, and how it benefits both residents and the broader community.
Whether you’re planning your own next chapter or helping a loved one think through options, you’ll leave with a complete, satisfying understanding of the project, and practical next steps.
What Is a Life Plan Community?
A life plan community offers older adults (typically 62+) a stable home base with:
- Independent living first.
- The ability to add services and support as needs change.
- A built-in social fabric, neighbors, activities, and shared spaces.
- On-site or coordinated access to care (such as assisted living or memory support), now or later.
Unlike buying a house or condo, residents don’t purchase real estate. Instead, they pay an entry fee (see costs below) and a monthly service fee that together fund maintenance, dining programs, amenities, and the long-term stability of the community.
Why choose this model?
- You plan ahead instead of scrambling after a crisis.
- You gain community (friends, events, purpose).
- You reduce the hassles and hidden costs of aging in a stand-alone home (repairs, taxes, yardwork, accessibility upgrades).
- You keep continuity, same address, same friends, even if you need more help later.
Why Humboldt County, and Why Now?
Humboldt County is rural, coastal, and stunningly beautiful. It’s the size of Connecticut with roughly 140,000 people, low density, high quality of life.
Key advantages:
- Mild climate with cool summers and low coastal fire risk.
- Outdoor lifestyle: redwoods, beaches, rivers, and trails.
- Arts and learning: a high concentration of artists and nearby university life in Arcata.
- Walkable amenities in McKinleyville’s town center: groceries, library, senior center, health services, shops, pickleball, and more.
For decades, Humboldt lacked a purpose-built independent living community where older adults could downsize and age in place together. Many residents stayed in large family homes not designed for mobility or safety. When driving became difficult, staying socially active got harder.
Humboldt Commons answers that gap with a project that’s local, accessible, and aligned with Humboldt values, quality without ostentation, nature-forward, and deeply volunteer-powered.
Humboldt Commons at a Glance
Type: Nonprofit, resident-directed life plan community (CCRC)
Location: McKinleyville Town Center, Humboldt County, CA
Campus: ~14.6 acres (with seasonal pond, walking trails, and nearby wetlands)
Phase 1 Homes: ~101 cottages and apartments (independent living)
Affordable Housing: ~50 rental apartments for lower-income seniors (in partnership with a nonprofit housing developer)
Accessibility: Every home designed for mobility needs (no-step entries, wider doors, adaptable baths)
Care Coordination: On-site support to help residents access healthcare and in-home services
Neighboring Care: Assisted living and memory care next door (relationship in place)
Community Life: Dining program, community kitchen, potlucks, music, arts, intergenerational collaborations, volunteerism
Walkability: In the heart of a growing, people-centered town center; 1,470 feet of new sidewalk/bikeway funded by the project to improve safety for everyone
A Grassroots Origin Story
Humboldt Commons started with listening. The founding team conducted human-centered design interviews with local older adults. The big finding? Most people didn’t have a plan beyond “stay home as long as possible and hope for the best.”
That’s common. It’s also risky. Without options, families get forced into decisions under stress.
So, in 2020, the nonprofit formed and began building community support:
- ~10,000+ volunteer hours logged since 2023 (many more uncounted).
- ~500 local donors and widespread endorsements from civic leaders.
- ~$1.3 million in state budget support.
- A monthly newsletter reaching ~1,700 subscribers.
This is by Humboldt, for Humboldt. The board blends public health, planning, finance, infrastructure, education, technology, and community services. That mix helps keep the vision practical, fiscally sensible, and authentic to local culture.
The Housing and Campus Design
Humboldt Commons is designed for people, nature, and connection.
Homes
- A mix of cottages and apartments to fit a range of preferences and budgets.
- ~101 residences in the initial build-out.
- Layouts that prioritize light, views, and accessibility in every home.
Outdoor spaces
- Walking trails and a seasonal pond on campus.
- Wetlands and additional trails planned across the street (part of a larger town-center vision).
- Easy access to beaches, rivers, and redwood forests for daily activity.
Shared life
- A dining plan for easy, social meals.
- A community kitchen, potlucks and cooking together are part of local culture.
- Music, arts, and learning: from informal jam sessions to partnerships with schools and arts organizations.
- Volunteerism: In focus groups, ~90% of seniors reported volunteering. Humboldt Commons intends to make volunteering easier and more impactful.
Humboldt Commons emphasizes purpose and connection through music, art, volunteering, and lifelong learning. To explore more ways to keep your mind engaged as you age, take a look at The Science of Staying Sharp: How to Keep Your Brain Young After 60.
The Financial Model (Explained Simply)
One reason families like life plan communities is the predictability they provide. Here’s how Humboldt Commons is shaping its approach:
Entry Fee (Refundable)
- You don’t own real estate. Instead, you pay an entry fee to live in the community.
- 80% of the entry fee is refundable to you or your estate when you leave.
- This helps preserve home equity. Many residents plan to sell a house and use proceeds for the entry fee.
Monthly Service Fee
- You also pay a monthly fee for:
- Dining plan
- Property maintenance and repairs
- Landscaping and common areas
- Coordination for healthcare and support services
- Community programming and operations
If you’re wondering how Humboldt Commons’ model fits into your broader retirement picture, you may find it useful to read How Much Do You Really Need to Retire Comfortably? for a deeper dive into retirement planning and financial readiness.
Pricing Philosophy
- The board is targeting mid-market affordability tied to local realities (a reference point discussed on the show is Humboldt County’s median home value of about $450,000).
- Final pricing isn’t announced yet. Costs will vary by home size (e.g., studio vs. two-bedroom cottage) and by contract type.
Project Financing (How it gets built)
- Estimated construction financing: about $60 million via bonds managed by experienced nonprofit senior-housing finance partners.
- Predevelopment/soft costs: roughly $10 million (planning, engineering, environmental work, architecture, etc.).
- Notable support includes $1.3 million from the state budget, an example of the broad coalition behind the project.
Care and Services: How Support Will Work
Humboldt Commons launches with a strong focus on independent living and care coordination:
- A dedicated care coordinator will help residents find and manage services.
- In-home support can be added as needed.
- Assisted living and memory care are immediately next door, enabling a practical continuum without building every service on day one.
- Over time, Humboldt Commons may add more on-campus care as the resident population and finances support it.
Why this matters: Many seniors fear being “forced to move.” A life plan community gives you stability, even as your needs evolve, so you can keep your friends, routines, and sense of home.
Community Benefits Beyond the Campus
Humboldt Commons aims to be a good neighbor and a catalyst for the town center’s renaissance.
Examples:
- Walkability upgrades: the community is funding ~1,470 feet of new sidewalk and bikeway along its frontage. Safer, more pleasant walking helps everyone.
- Local economy: older adults are low-impact, high-value neighbors, less driving, steady patronage for nearby businesses, and new local jobs in hospitality, maintenance, and care.
- Housing circulation: when long-time residents downsize into right-sized, accessible homes, their former houses often return to the market, helping ease local supply constraints for families.
A Day in the Life (Example)
Meet “Rosa,” 74, retired teacher.
She and her partner own a three-bedroom home with stairs they no longer love. They want to stay in Humboldt but feel isolated at night, driving after dark is stressful.
At Humboldt Commons, Rosa chooses a one-bedroom cottage with no steps and an accessible bathroom. She joins the dining plan three nights a week, and hosts potluck Tuesdays in the community kitchen. Twice a week, she walks the wetlands trail with neighbors. On Fridays, she volunteers at the library, a 10-minute walk away.
When Rosa needs help recovering from a minor surgery, the care coordinator arranges short-term in-home support. Rosa never has to move or juggle contractors. She’s home, and her community is right there with her.
How to Plan Your Move: A Simple Checklist
- Clarify your goals
- What matters most: walkability, social life, nature, low maintenance, cost predictability?
- Assess your home
- Is it accessible? Are repairs or upgrades piling up? How do you feel about driving at night?
- Understand the financial model
- Entry fee (with 80% refund at exit) + monthly service fee.
- Compare against your current costs (taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, meals out).
- Join the Future Residents List
- Humboldt Commons plans a fully refundable $1,000 deposit list (held in escrow).
- This step signals your interest and gets you in the loop.
- Prepare for pre-sales
- The goal is 70% of homes reserved with 10% deposits at the appropriate phase to secure licensing and financing.
- Keep your paperwork and finances organized.
- Right-size your belongings
- Start early. Donate, gift, or sell items. Keep what you love and need.
- Think about purpose
- What will you do with more free time? Music, gardening, mentoring, volunteering?
Downsizing is often the most practical first step toward joining a life plan community. If you want a step-by-step approach to letting go of what no longer serves you while making the process less overwhelming, check out The Easy Downsizing Overview for Homeowners Over 60: Simple, Profitable, and Stress-Free Strategies
Timeline Snapshot (As Discussed on the Show)
- Future Residents List: targeted to launch with a $1,000 refundable deposit (escrowed).
- Pre-sales goal: 70% of homes reserved with 10% deposits (anticipated in the conversation for 2026).
- Move-in target: 2028 (subject to approvals and construction milestones).
Remember: big community projects have many steps. The good news is that Humboldt Commons has momentum, widespread support, and experienced partners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Humboldt Commons only for locals?
A: No. While many prospective residents are long-time locals, out-of-area movers, including those seeking climate safety and a slower pace, are interested too.
Q: Do I have to move if I need more care later?
A: The goal is to add support where you live. Assisted living and memory care are next door if a higher level is required. The care coordinator helps you navigate options.
Q: How is this different from assisted living?
A: Assisted living is care-first. A life plan community is independence-first with a plan for continuity and support as needed.
Q: What if I love to travel?
A: Great. A major perk is lock-and-leave living, no lawn to mow, no surprise roof repairs. Your home is maintained while you’re away.
Q: Is there affordable housing on campus?
A: Yes. The plan includes ~50 affordable rental apartments for lower-income seniors in partnership with a nonprofit housing developer.
Q: How do the finances really compare to staying in my house?
A: Add up everything you currently pay (mortgage or opportunity cost if paid off, taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, landscaping, safety upgrades, meal costs, transportation, and the value of your time). Then compare to the entry fee (with 80% refund) + monthly fee. For many, the numbers, and the quality of life, favor a life plan community.
What Makes Humboldt Commons Different
- Resident-directed culture: Activities grow from residents’ interests (music, weaving, gardening, theater, volunteering).
- Humboldt values: Quality without flash; deep connection to nature and community.
- Walkable town-center life: Library, senior center, markets, and daily essentials are a short walk away.
- Proven partnerships: Guidance from experienced nonprofit senior-housing organizations and finance partners.
- Community betterment: Sidewalks/bike paths, wetlands improvements, and local economic vitality.
Quick Stats (From the Conversation)
- County size/population: ~140,000 people; area roughly the size of Connecticut.
- Campus size: ~14.6 acres (with adjacent 40+ acres in broader town-center planning).
- Initial homes: ~101 (apartments + cottages).
- Affordable units: ~50 rental apartments for lower-income seniors.
- Volunteer hours: 10,000+ since 2023 (and counting).
- Local donors: ~500.
- Newsletter reach: ~1,700 subscribers.
- Sidewalk/bikeway: ~1,470 ft funded along the site.
- State support: $1.3 million.
- Construction financing target: ~$60 million (bonds).
- Predevelopment costs: ~$10 million.
- Entry fee refund: 80% (to resident or estate).
- Pre-sales target: 70% reserved with 10% deposits (to unlock licensing/financing).
- Move-in goal: 2028.
Case Study: From “Hope Is Not a Plan” to “We Have a Plan”
When the founding team interviewed local older adults, only 1 out of 14 had a concrete aging plan beyond staying home as long as possible. That’s not unusual, but it’s risky.
By creating Humboldt Commons, the community shifts from reactive to proactive:
- Safer, accessible homes before a fall or health scare.
- Friends and activities within walking distance, not a car ride away.
- A standing plan for care coordination if and when needed.
- Financial clarity and equity preservation via the 80% entry-fee refund.
The result isn’t just better housing, it’s peace of mind.
Humboldt Commons is about creating a future full of purpose and connection, not just a safe place to live. For more inspiration, read When Retirement Feels Too Small: How to Reclaim Purpose, Connection, and Joy to see how older adults are reinventing meaning and belonging after traditional retirement.
How to Get Involved
- Follow updates: Look for the Future Residents List with a fully refundable $1,000 deposit (escrowed).
- Attend info sessions: Watch for community meetings and events (like the recent sidewalk fundraiser).
- Volunteer or spread the word: If you believe in aging in community, your time and voice matter.
- Share this article with family and friends who might benefit from knowing about Humboldt Commons.
While Humboldt Commons offers a unique local solution, you may also be weighing options outside of California. If so, check out Best States to Retire in 2025 and Why for a broader look at retirement-friendly places across the U.S.
Conclusion: Aging Together, By Desig
Humboldt Commons isn’t a development dropped onto a map. It’s a community project shaped by residents, for residents, rooted in Humboldt’s love of nature, art, and neighborliness.
If you or a loved one are thinking about the next chapter, this model offers a clear path: independent living now, support when needed, less hassle, and more connection. It also gives the broader community safer streets, livelier businesses, and more housing mobility.
In short: Plan, don’t drift. Explore whether Humboldt Commons, or a similar life plan community near you, matches your values, budget, and hopes. Join an interest list, run the numbers, talk to your family, and imagine what your days could look like when your home and your community truly fit the way you want to live.
Your next chapter can be lighter, friendlier, more walkable, and a lot more fun.