Senior Housing in North Adams

With the tremendous support of Lillian Zavatsky, the North Adams Community Housing Organization (NACHO) recently updated the North Adams Housing Needs Assessment. This update incorporates the most recent 2023 data, expanding on the earlier 2018 report.

The updated assessment is currently under review by the North Adams Community Development Department and is not yet posted on the city’s website. However, a draft can be requested by emailing north.adams.cho@gmail.com.

This is the first in a series of articles highlighting key insights from the housing data — starting with senior housing. Future posts will focus on topics such as rental housing, homeownership, overall affordability, and other areas shaping the city’s housing landscape.

A Snapshot of Senior Housing

The senior population is growing. In 2010, 28% of residents were age 55 or older. By 2018, that share rose to 36%, and as of 2023, 38% of North Adams residents are 55+.

Most seniors are homeowners. About 65% of residents over 65 (approximately 1,750 people) own their homes, while 35% (about 1,025 people) rent. Seniors make up 40% of the city’s homeowners and 20% of its renters.

Housing costs are a significant burden. Half of senior renter households (around 280) spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Among senior homeowners, one in four (about 290 households) face the same challenge.

What Can We Do?

Here are several steps North Adams could take to better address senior housing needs — ideas that have emerged from ongoing community conversations and input from housing advocates:

• Establish a task force of seniors and housing experts to define a clear approach to producing housing that meets seniors’ needs. This group should provide regular updates to the City Council and the Mayor.

• Set clear targets and a timeline for developing senior housing.

• Identify potential sites near grocery stores, public transportation, and other essential services that could support new senior housing communities.

• Engage experienced developers with proven track records in building senior housing.

  
  

Why This Matters

Addressing senior housing needs will only happen with sustained focus and collaboration. Citizens must continue to advocate, and city officials must work to bring the resources needed to ensure seniors have high-quality, safe, and affordable housing.

Improving senior housing options benefits the entire community. When seniors can downsize into homes that better fit their needs, their existing homes become available for young families and residents who want to stay and grow in North Adams.

Join the Conversation

Please share your thoughts on senior housing and how we can make progress on this issue. Your ideas and experiences will help guide meaningful solutions for our community.