Gen X Couples ‘Rightsize’ to Vibrant Community in Sleepy Hollow

UPDATE: In a groundbreaking shift for active empty-nesters, two Gen X couples are making headlines as they take the leap to ‘rightsize’ into a vibrant new community in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Stephanie Falk and Judy Cooperman, both in their mid-to-late 50s, have confirmed their decision to move into the ambitious Edge-on-Hudson development, aiming for a lifestyle that embraces community and accessibility.

The Falks and Coopermans, both seeking to transition from their family homes, are part of a growing trend among Gen Xers who are looking for more than just a retirement community. The defining moment came during a golf outing in spring 2024 when the couples discussed their mutual desire for a lower-maintenance lifestyle that still offered the charm of suburban living.

As parents to three children, Stephanie and her husband, Andrew, decided to sell their century-old home in Edgemont, NY, to secure a more urban yet accessible dwelling. They targeted a mixed-use development that would allow them to remain close to nature while enjoying the conveniences of city life. The couple ultimately settled on Edge-on-Hudson, a project featuring nearly 1,200 townhomes, condos, and apartments, set to transform the landscape of Sleepy Hollow.

The Falks are not alone in this venture. The Coopermans are on a parallel path, selling their family home to embrace a future in a vibrant community. They are also eyeing the same four-bedroom townhome in Edge-on-Hudson, which starts at $1.6 million. This new home promises easy access for their aging parents and ample space for family gatherings.

“We’re right-sizing,” said Stephanie. “While the square footage is similar, the lifestyle feels just right for what we want.” This sentiment echoes a broader trend among older generations who are not yet ready to downsize into conventional retirement communities.

As of late July, both couples have secured rental apartments within the developing Edge-on-Hudson, where they will reside until their townhomes are completed. The project also includes amenities like parks and a grocery store, fostering a sense of community among residents.

The excitement surrounding this development is palpable. “People are friendly. It’s like going to college when you’re a freshman; everyone wants to meet people,” Judy shared. Their previous social interactions have transformed into a more casual closeness, with spur-of-the-moment walks becoming the new norm.

The construction of Edge-on-Hudson is not only a personal milestone for the Falks and Coopermans but also a significant development in the real estate market of Westchester County. This ambitious project previously housed a GM assembly plant and is now set to become a hub of community living.

Both couples are actively involved in their careers, with Stephanie running a mindfulness and meditation company and Judy working remotely in administrative management. They exemplify the modern empty-nester—active, engaged, and looking to cultivate new relationships in their next chapter.

The rising popularity of such communities underscores a shift in societal expectations around aging and lifestyle. As the Falks and Coopermans embark on this journey, they highlight the importance of connectivity and shared experiences in shaping a fulfilling life.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and witness how these couples’ decisions reflect a larger movement towards community-oriented living in today’s fast-paced world.