Nestled in the center of Boise, Idaho, the new community of Englefield Green is for those age 55+ and offers patio homes (town homes) for sale. This is a small development with just 84 homes, and construction began in 2007. In addition to the town homes, Englefield Green is planning an onsite assisted living section and a memory care section and just broke ground on the new 85-unit assisted living building in September, 2009. Homebuyers in Englefield Green do not have a direct connection to the onsite medical-related facilities, but they are close by if needed down the road.
Englefield Green offers five floor plans, and all homes are Energy-Star efficient. Each residence is built on one level (although some homes have a second story bonus room) and comes with an oversized, two car garage and a private patio. Current resale homes start at 9,900 and have two bedrooms, two baths and 1,320 sq. ft. The most expensive home for sale is priced at 9,900 and has a modified English Tutor design, along with three bedrooms, two baths and 2,430 sq. ft.
Open floor plans, 9 ft. to 11 ft. ceilings, gas fireplaces, large living rooms, a security system, plush carpeting, door level handles and kitchens with center islands are standard. Hardwood floors, granite tile in the baths and kitchen and upgraded lighting packages are found in the higher end properties. All residences are fully landscaped with a front yard and a backyard that is maintained by Englefield Green.
Monthly HOA fees are very reasonable, just , and include the lawn maintenance, snow and ice removal and access to the clubhouse. The developer, Thompson Homes, is a family enterprise with 39 years of experience building homes in Idaho. Amenities are not overwhelming, but there is a new clubhouse with a community kitchen, a business center and a fitness center. A pond and walking paths create a pleasant outdoor setting.
As Englefield Green is built out, and the assisted living section is completed, there will be access to an aquatic center, and scheduled transportation and a meals plan will be offered (for a membership fee that is to be determined). There is no activities director, so residents have to keep themselves entertained.
Boise (population 585,000 in the surrounding metro area) is a growing city in southwest Idaho. Over the last few years, it has attracted more retirees, and today 30% of the population is age 46 or better. This is a safe city and has won national recognition as a place with a high quality of life. Its overall cost of living meets the national average.
Mountains are to the east, but Boise sits on a flat, high plain (2,700 ft. elevation) and has four distinct seasons. Summers can get hot with temperatures in the 90s (and very little humidity), and winter temperatures can dip into the teens, 20s and 30s. Snowfall averages roughly 2 feet per year.
