Housing

Like so many communities across the country, Enfield is seeing a major shift in housing demand, and a growing gap between the types and size of homes desired versus existing housing stock. If Enfield is going to attract younger families and retain aging residents, it will have to broaden the array and number of different types of housing. Young families and retirees are looking for homes with smaller footprints along with safe, walkable access to stores and amenities that are close by. While other residents still prefer larger homes on larger lots. Also, families that commute elsewhere for work often value properties requiring less maintenance. 

At the same time, people are attracted to Enfield for its spaciousness and lovely geography, so more may gravitate towards cluster-style neighborhoods that maintain greenspace while providing privacy, a neighborhood feel, and pricing and amenities suited to families of all ages. Enfield’s zoning – with some forward-thinking modifications – can be an even greater asset and help to shape and balance the array of housing options that could be made available. Furthermore, new assessing software will be a valuable tool to help discern what neighborhoods and existing parcels of land could have projects designed to meet these needs. This will be very valuable for the Planning Board as it develops land use plans moving forward.