Improving Livability Together: How Communities Can Make a Real Impact

Most people would like to live in a neighborhood that feels safe, friendly and convenient. Yet the ingredients that make a place truly livable — affordable homes, walkable streets, fresh air, reliable health care and strong community ties — don’t occur by chance. They grow out of decisions made by local leaders, organizations and residents working together.

To help communities understand where they shine and where improvements may be needed, AARP created the AARP Livability Index™ platform, a free online tool that scores every U.S. neighborhood on the factors that matter most to quality of life. These scores turn concepts like “walkability” or “healthy living” into measurable data — so local governments, planners, nonprofits and advocates can plan smarter solutions, and residents can learn more about where they live.

Even small steps can improve quality of life, and over time, those efforts can lead to better results on the AARP Livability Index™ platform. Whether it’s redesigning streets, investing in parks or expanding housing options, local actions add up. The platform acts like a neighborhood report card, showing where existing efforts are paying off and highlighting opportunities that remain. Before exploring possible strategies, let’s look at how the platform works and how its insights can guide change.

The AARP Livability Index™ Platform Guides Local Action

The AARP Livability Index™ platform scores every community using 61 indicators grouped into seven categories — Housing, Neighborhood, Transportation, Environment, Health, Engagement and Opportunity. Each indicator is drawn from trusted national data sets and, when possible, measured at the neighborhood level so results reflect what residents actually experience. This article explores how each category score can guide action at the community level.

Actionable Approaches to Enhance Community Livability

Housing: Expanding Affordability and Accessibility

According to the AARP 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey, three in four adults ages 50-plus want to stay in their current home and community for as long as possible, yet many live in housing that’s unaffordable or lacks accessibility features.

What communities might consider

• Diversifying housing options. Revisiting zoning codes to allow “missing-middle” housing — such as duplexes, Accessory Dwelling Units or small apartment buildings — can expand options for caregivers, older adults and young workers.


• Promoting universal design. Some localities offer fast-track permits or incentives for homes with age-friendly features such as zero-step entrances or wider doorways.


• Investing in affordability. Housing trust funds can help preserve and expand below-market housing options.

Neighborhood: Creating Safe, Connected Communities

A livable neighborhood places essential destinations — such as grocery stores, parks and transit — within easy reach.

What communities might consider

• Encouraging walkable design. Transit-oriented or mixed-use development can reduce traffic and strengthen neighborhood ties.

• Revitalizing vacant land. Land banks or similar programs, in which vacant spaces or residences are acquired, held, redeveloped and/or distributed, can transform blighted lots into affordable housing or green space.

• Promoting accessible amenities. Convenient access to locales such as grocery stores, parks and libraries supports residents’ health, autonomy and engagement.

Transportation: Making Every Trip Safe and Accessible

Reliable transportation connects residents to work, care and community — especially as driving becomes less viable with age.

What communities might consider

• Adopting Complete Streets policies. These redesigns slow traffic, enhance safety and improve accessibility.

• Improving transit accessibility. Upgrading buses, shelters and apps with universal design principles supports riders of all ages.

• Supporting ride-share networks. Local nonprofits can organize volunteer driver programs with stipends or mileage reimbursements.

Environment: Protecting Air, Water and Resilience

Polluted air increases asthma and heart disease; unsafe water jeopardizes every age group. Cleaner air and water, along with planning for extreme weather, are critical for long-term livability.

What communities might consider

• Developing hazard mitigation plans. Mapping local risks and setting clear responses can reduce harm from floods, fires or heat waves.

• Preventing shutoffs. State and local policies may bar utility disconnections during dangerous temperatures.

• Encouraging energy upgrades. Rebates for efficient appliances and rooftop solar panels reduce energy use and improve comfort.

Health: Supporting Everyday Wellness

Local access to health care, nutritious food and spaces to stay active improves public health.

What communities might consider

• Expanding smoke-free zones. Policies that limit smoking in parks and public spaces can reduce exposure.

• Improving recreation options. Free classes, park cleanups and recreation centers support both health and social connection.

• Boosting healthy food access. Some cities allow mobile farmers markets or food carts in underserved neighborhoods.

Engagement: Strengthening Civic and Social Life

Isolation raises the risk of depression and dementia. Communities with abundant social venues and strong voting cultures score higher on engagement — and residents live happier, longer lives.

What communities might consider

• Expanding public broadband networks. Reliable, affordable internet supports work, education and connection.

• Creating a human rights commission. Volunteer boards can help ensure fair treatment and community dialogue.

• Supporting intergenerational events. Libraries and arts councils can host cultural festivals, game nights or tech workshops.

Opportunity: Building Inclusive Local Economies

A strong local economy with fair wages and good schools lifts health outcomes and reduces inequality. Age-diverse communities tend to be more inclusive, less socially isolating, and boast strong opportunities for upward mobility.

What communities might consider

• Raising local wages. Some communities tie minimum wages to cost of living to support working families.

• Integrating student services. School-based health and mentoring programs keep students on track to graduate.

• Expanding family leave. Local governments may adopt or support paid leave programs that help family caregivers stay employed.

Explore Livability in Your Community Today

Livable communities take shape through shared effort — from stakeholders ranging from residents and advocates to planners and policymakers. The AARP Livability Index™ platform helps identify what’s working and where change is needed. Explore your community’s scores and use the insights to support thoughtful investments in housing, health, transportation and more. Additional resources are available on our website for fostering livable communities. With the right data and collaboration, communities of every size can become more inclusive, connected and resilient for all.