Senior housing in demand: The Heights at Hunt Valley set to transform retirement living

A new senior living community, The Heights at Hunt Valley, is set to be developed on a 31-acre site in northern Baltimore County. Located at 180 Sparks Valley Road, just north of Hunt Valley Towne Centre, the project will feature 52 villa-style homes and a 158,000-square-foot assisted living facility.

Bushrod Investments and Birchwood Capital Partners recently acquired the property and have begun preliminary site work. A national homebuilder has been chosen to construct the 28-foot-wide villa homes, with sales expected to launch in spring 2026. Construction on the assisted living facility is planned to begin the same year, though an operator is still being finalized.

It is designed to provide a wide range of senior housing options, accommodating both active retirees and those in need of assisted living services. With thoughtfully designed residences and an array of community amenities, the development aims to create an engaging and supportive environment for aging adults.

Growing demand for senior living communities

With baby boomers reaching retirement age, demand for age-restricted communities has grown significantly. Many seniors are looking to downsize from larger homes while maintaining an active lifestyle in a community-oriented environment. The Heights at Hunt Valley is built to accommodate this shift, providing contemporary homes and features that encourage social interaction and ease of living.

According to Grand View Research, the U.S. active adult housing market is projected to grow at an annual rate of over 4% through 2030. This increase is driven by a population that prioritizes independence, wellness, and social activities while seeking lower-maintenance living options. As a result, developers are focusing on creating communities that offer not just housing but also services that support an enriched lifestyle.

A convenient and well-connected location

This senior living community is ideally situated between York Road and Interstate 83, providing residents with easy access to essential services and recreational areas. The community is three miles from Cockeysville, offering nearby conveniences such as grocery stores and healthcare facilities. It is also twelve miles from Towson and Reisterstown, allowing residents to enjoy a broader range of shopping and dining options.

For those who want to visit a more urban setting, downtown Baltimore is only twenty miles away, making it accessible for cultural outings, medical services, or family visits. The location ensures that residents can stay connected with their loved ones while enjoying a peaceful and well-maintained community. Additionally, its proximity to Hunt Valley Towne Centre allows easy access to retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Features of The Heights at Hunt Valley

The Heights at Hunt Valley will offer four distinct villa home designs, ranging in size from 2,100 to 3,200 square feet. Each home will be available in one-story and two-story layouts, providing options suited to different mobility and lifestyle needs.

These homes will feature wide-plank flooring, adding warmth and elegance to the interiors. Stainless-steel appliances will be included in the kitchens, ensuring durability and modern functionality. The countertops will be available in granite or quartz, offering residents stylish and long-lasting surfaces.

The villa-style homes are designed with open-concept layouts, allowing for flexible use of space and ease of movement. Large windows will provide ample natural light, enhancing the living experience while also improving energy efficiency. Each unit will also include spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, with options for walk-in showers and other senior-friendly features that ensure safety and accessibility.

Assisted living and support services

Beyond independent villa-style homes, the community will include a 158,000-square-foot assisted living facility designed to provide residents with varying levels of care. While the operator for this facility has not yet been finalized, the development will offer personalized care plans tailored to individual health needs.

The assisted living facility will provide residents with access to professional medical care, wellness programs, and social activities. It will feature on-site healthcare services, ensuring that residents can receive routine check-ups and specialized care without having to leave the community. Dining services will be available, with meal plans designed to meet diverse dietary needs. Additionally, recreational and therapy programs will be offered to enhance physical and mental well-being.

The Heights at Hunt Valley offers both independent and assisted living, providing diverse senior housing options to meet various needs. Residents can transition between different levels of care as their needs change, allowing them to age in place without relocating to another facility.

Outdoor and community amenities

To support an active and social lifestyle, The Heights will feature a range of outdoor and communal amenities. A fire pit and outdoor grilling station will serve as gathering spots where residents can socialize and enjoy meals together. The community will also include an extensive walking trail system, promoting physical activity and providing scenic routes for exercise or relaxation.

In addition to these outdoor features, the development will incorporate common areas designed for social events and activities, encouraging a sense of community and interaction among residents. Clubhouses, fitness centers, and multipurpose rooms will provide spaces for residents to participate in group classes, workshops, and recreational events.

These amenities aim to create an environment where seniors can maintain an engaging and fulfilling lifestyle while enjoying the benefits of a well-planned residential community.

Developers and their commitment to sustainability

Bushrod Investments and Birchwood Capital Partners, both Baltimore-based firms, are leading the development of The Heights at Hunt Valley. Bushrod Investments, founded in 2010, specializes in residential, mixed-use, and assisted living communities, while Birchwood Capital Partners focuses on real estate investment and advisory services.

David Gildea, Principal at Bushrod Investments, emphasized that the project is being developed in response to the rising demand for age-restricted communities. He highlighted that the development will provide a low-maintenance, amenity-rich environment where active seniors can stay connected with peers while also having easy access to shopping and business centers.

Environmental and community contributions

Beyond its residential offerings, the development team has committed to supporting local environmental efforts. One of their major contributions is financial support for Sherwood Episcopal Church’s Clean Water Project, which addresses stormwater runoff issues in the area.

The project uses natural methods like gravel, stone, and ponds to filter rainwater pollutants. Over 100 trees will be planted to prevent erosion, and a wetland habitat will help control flooding. Birchwood Capital Partners CEO David Strouse stressed the importance of sustainability and stormwater management for responsible development.

The future of senior living in Baltimore County

The increasing number of seniors looking for community-oriented housing has led to a rise in developments like The Heights at Hunt Valley. In addition to this project, several other senior housing communities are being developed across Baltimore County.

One such development is The Gallery at Roland Park, a planned 111-unit senior living community on a 12-acre parcel in Baltimore City. Another is Edenwald Retirement Community, which is expanding onto the Goucher College campus in Towson. Additionally, Brightview Senior Living is constructing a 171-unit development in Homeland that will offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care services.

These projects reflect a broader shift toward creating purpose-built housing that integrates community, convenience, and high-quality living environments for seniors.

A model for future developments

As the demand for senior housing continues to grow, The Heights at Hunt Valley serves as a model for future developments. By combining thoughtfully designed residences with a strong sense of community, the project aims to provide a high-quality living experience for retirees. Its emphasis on sustainability, social engagement, and accessibility sets it apart as a forward-thinking senior living community.

With construction set to begin in the coming years, the community is poised to become a significant addition to Baltimore County’s evolving market for senior housing options.