What Is “Independent Living”?
The US is aging. Eighteen percent of the population – some 61 million people – is 65 or older, and by 2050, this will reach over 80 million. But age alone is not the main story. That lies in the evolving expectations of seniors, with longer life expectancies and more active, vital lifestyles. With the mindset that life doesn’t stagnate at this stage but can – and should – mark the start of a new, different chapter.
The majority of Americans believe they can, to some degree, control the physical aspects of aging. They want the same level of control over their housing choices. Independent living communities are designed to do just that. For developers, independent living represents a significant opportunity to meet increasingly voracious demand while creating communities to support lifestyle, connection, and long-term livability.
What Is “Independent Living”?
Independent living communities are one of the fastest-growing segments within the residential market. With occupancy rates over 90% as of late 2025, demand is outpacing supply. But let’s back up: What is independent living?
This is housing designed for older adults (“older” can mean different things to different people, but typically at least 55 years of age) who are able to live independently but prioritize convenience, comfort, accessibility, and social connections. Whether they are empty-nesters looking to downsize or active seniors who want a community designed specifically for their stage of life, residents choose independent living solutions to take advantage of:
- Maintenance-free living
- An accessible environment
- Community amenities (e.g. walking paths, green spaces, outdoor recreation areas, etc.)
- A “neighborhood” feel and opportunities for socialization
It’s important to note that unlike assisted living facilities and nursing homes, independent living communities do not generally provide medical care or assistance for activities of daily life. However, the Hoosier Village in Bedrock’s portfolio does have the full continuum of care.
Demand for senior living development is spurred not only by an aging population but also by changing expectations. Today’s communities redefine the industry and reflect the need for lifestyle-focused housing choices that offer the privacy and comfort of traditional homes, as well as the convenience, simplicity, and comfort of a maintenance-free, amenity-rich, high-quality product.
Developers have an opportunity to create intentionally planned communities that meet the evolving needs – and demands – of a growing demographic.
The New Face of Independent Living
What does independent living look like? It can look like charming cottage-style homes, elegant townhomes, convenient apartment-style units, or efficient duplexes. In other words: It can look like a vibrant neighborhood that is designed specifically for residents who want to maintain an active, independent lifestyle while enjoying the benefits of a planned neighborhood.
Priorities include:
- Accessibility. One of the most important considerations in independent living, accessibility features can include single-level design, wider doorways, flush entries, and open floor plans to allow for maximum mobility and ease of use.
- Low- or no maintenance. Because many residents are downsizing or wish to reduce the onerous demands of ownership as they age, it is critical that communities include maintained common areas, durable exteriors, safe walkways, etc.
- Privacy. Effective independent living communities blend the benefits of a private home with the opportunity to forge and maintain social connections. Shared amenities are critical in creating this balance.
These choices shape communities that are welcoming and sustainable for long-term, active living.
Seizing the Opportunity
Independent living communities are residential, but the strategy underpinning them shares much in common with multifamily development. The ability to balance efficiency, durability, quality, and planning across multiple residences is key, as is careful infrastructure planning, permitting and zoning processes, and coordination with partners and municipal officials.
Bedrock Builders’ roots as custom home builders enables us to bring invaluable insight into how people interact with their spaces, and how each decision impacts everyday life. Our experience in large-scale residential and multifamily development ensures that we can scale your vision to meet the needs of all residents.
The need for independent living solutions in central Indiana, and beyond, is only going to grow. With surging demand and limited supply, the opportunity is there. Not only to meet business goals and objectives, but to provide exceptional experiences for the next chapter.
Connect with Bedrock Builders to learn how we can support your next project.
Commercial vs. Residential: The Difference In Our Large-Scale Projects
The ability to balance technical expertise, meticulous project management, thoughtful design, and client-driven service is the hallmark of successful home builders. They need to develop a deep understanding of how people live within spaces and deliver products – homes – that are built for living. And built for life.
For Bedrock Builders, translating that experience and mindset to multi-family and senior living communities is a natural evolution. We turned our focus to large-scale developments, bringing the same hands-on approach, strategic planning, and problem-solving mindset that first differentiated us in custom home building. Our unique perspective prioritizes livability and efficiency and elevates the quality of both the process and the outcome. The result: Projects that deliver lasting value and enhance communities.
Residential vs. Commercial Builds
While both residential and commercial builds require exhaustive planning, careful craftsmanship, and precise attention to detail, the process underpinning each is significantly different. From zoning and design considerations to logistics and long-term value, commercial and residential builds each come with their own unique challenges—and opportunities.
As home builders, each product is tailored to a specific client’s vision, lifestyle, and aspirations. Design is personalized, down to the last faucet and doorknob, to accommodate the way an individual or family lives and to reflect their priorities.
Multifamily and senior living developments operate on a much larger scale. One home versus dozens or hundreds of residences that will serve an entire community. No one would say that building a custom home is easy; large-scale projects, though, also encompass multiple units and common amenities/spaces, infrastructure planning, coordination with partners and municipal officials, and navigating extensive zoning, accessibility, and safety regulations.
Quality is always the driving priority; with multifamily and senior living communities, we must maintain consistency across multiple units while keeping projects on budget and on schedule.
Despite the differences in residential and commercial projects, the meticulous planning, careful craftsmanship, strong project management, and partnership skills we honed as home builders continue to guide Bedrock Builders today. The goal remains the same: creating spaces where people can live comfortably and well for years to come.
Built on Solid Ground
Bedrock Builders applies decades of experience and technical expertise to multifamily and independent living communities throughout central Indiana. Our time-tested, and award-winning, ability to deliver exceptionally-planned, well-constructed residences facilitated a seamless transition to large-scale projects. And one that ensures that our partners’ goals and objectives are fully met, that they achieve lasting value, and, vitally, that residents derive a sense of pride in their homes and neighborhoods.
Developing a multifamily or independent living community requires a partner with the experience to manage complexity and maintain rigorous quality standards. We are that partner. Connect with Bedrock Builders; let’s talk about your next project.
The New Face of Build to Rent: Why Midwest Renters are Looking for BTR Communities
Renter expectations are shifting, leading Indiana development into relatively new territory: Build-to-rent communities. Thoughtfully-designed communities with equally intentional living spaces are setting the standard for flexibility, convenience, and quality, while delivering residences that align with diverse lifestyle needs and goals. There is an opportunity here for developers to not only meet this demand but to realize the competitive edge in a burgeoning market.
What is Build to Rent?
Build-to-rent developments themselves are not new. The average apartment complex, after all, is build-to-rent: Tenants sign a lease, pay their deposits, and, going forward, pay rent. The complex or community is owned and managed by a single entity, which retains full ownership. Tenants do not expect to rent-to-own or otherwise purchase their unit. And, in the case of an increasing number of higher-income and upscale renters, they do not want to.
Build-to-Rent: Growing Demand
Build to rent properties like duplexes, apartments, or hybrid dwellings are part of larger communities. Think of build-to-rent as having all the perks of home ownership, like private space and elevated amenities, while also being maintenance free and having the flexibility of a lease. While possessing some of the attributes of an apartment and some of a private home, they are a unique product offering that satisfies the evolving requirements of renters. Several factors are driving this growth:
Enhanced Space and Privacy
Traditional apartments are often lacking in both space and privacy. Living in a BTR community offers multi-level living, private entrances, and even personal outdoor areas.
While spacious and boasting exceptional finishes and layouts, a great deal of the allure of build-to-rent is the amenities available outside one’s own unit. These can include pool, fitness center, communal and private outdoor spaces, etc. Individual units are private and quiet, but residents do not feel isolated, which aligns with a concurrent shift towards wanting to live within a cohesive community.
Maintenance-Free Living
The desire to be free of worries about the roof, about painting, about caring for the lawn, and the myriad other duties involved with ownership is spurring growth in build to rent. The convenience attached makes BTR living all the more attractive.
Flexibility
This is perhaps the biggest driver in the luxury build-to-rent market. That is, the primary focus is not on affordability but on flexibility. This is why we see more people who are ideally positioned to buy opting to rent. There is flexibility in reclaiming time and resources otherwise spent on maintenance and upkeep; there is flexibility in allocating funds to other investments or greater liquidity; there is flexibility in being able to experience a locale without being tethered.
A build-to-rent community offers numerous benefits for renters and are just as advantageous for developers. There is great potential for stable long-term rentals, and thus, favorable income and investment opportunities.
Indiana Development That Meets – and Creates – Demand
While relatively new in terms of Indiana development, the growing popularity of, and demand for, build-to-rent in key markets signals opportunity in the Midwest. Renters want thoughtfully-designed residences that maximize both comfort and convenience, offering all the accouterments and aesthetics of home – in a flexible rental.
Delivering build-to-rent communities that resonate with these renters and align with their evolving needs requires a coordinated, strategic approach at every stage, from initial feasibility to design and development through to construction management and completion.
Bedrock Builders is uniquely positioned to deliver build-to-rent communities that draw renters to the property with exceptional layouts, high-quality finishes, upscale amenities, and enduring value. Every detail is meticulously planned and executed to ensure a seamless transition from concept to completion. With over 25 years of experience in custom home building and a proven track record of scaling this expertise to meet the needs of complex large-scale residential and multifamily projects, Bedrock Builders will transform your vision into profitable, resident-focused living.
The demand for build-to-rent communities is there, and your firm can play a central role in shaping a market that redefines renting. Ready to solidify your plans and move forward? Connect with Bedrock Builders.
Spotlight on Magnolia Trace, the Latest Addition to the Hoosier Village
Magnolia Trace is a stunning new addition to the Hoosier Village campus in charming Zionsville, Indiana. Offering an elevated take on townhome living, it combines spacious, elegantly-appointed residences with the convenience of maintenance-free living and a connected community. For those downsizing, simplifying, and embracing the opportunities of life’s next chapter, Magnolia Trace is an exceptional place to call home.
The New Face of Independent Living Development
Averaging 3200 square feet across three levels, the properties of Magnolia Trace offer ample space for entertaining or just reveling in the privacy and comfort of home. Open floor plans create exceptional flow, and they allow for maximum accessibility. When the current phase is completed, Magnolia Trace will have 52 townhomes in total.
Throughout the residences, intentional features make daily life more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable. Private elevators, for example, connect each level of the home. Again, this delivers effortless accessibility as folks plan for a future in which they can age in place. The reassurance of long-term comfort and flexibility is one of Magnolia Trace’s most attractive benefits.
Although, the accessible two-car garages with ample storage, second-floor balconies, high-end kitchens with gourmet layouts, butler’s pantries, cozy fireplaces, and abundant windows certainly hold their own appeal. The townhomes reflect an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and design that enhances everyday life for residents and for the community at large.
Lifestyle-Focused Housing
One of the many reasons people seek out independent living developments is that they desire more simplicity – and more time to live life! As they downsize or plan for their next steps, they don’t want to worry about repairing the roof, replacing the siding, removing the snow, or even pulling weeds from the garden. Magnolia Trace offers a maintenance-free approach. All exterior upkeep, landscaping, and seasonal maintenance is handled by staff, so residents can focus on other things, like activities and hobbies, creating connections and building friendships, and travel.
As part of the larger Hoosier village campus, residents of Magnolia Trace have access to a wide range of amenities and opportunities for socialization. Walking paths, clubs, wellness programs, gathering spaces, outdoor recreation options make this more than houses, albeit beautiful ones. It makes it a true community. The best of both worlds, residents have the independence of private townhomes and the energy and camaraderie of a welcoming neighborhood.
What is truly unique about Magnolia Trace, and Hoosier Village, is that it is a senior living development that can accommodate residents throughout their next chapter, and the next. Offering a full continuum of care, the campus supports the current and future needs of its residents. Every phase is supported. Independent living is available in developments like Magnolia Trace. However, if circumstances should change, they can transition into assisted living and nursing solutions – without leaving the community in which they have set down roots.
The Demand for Senior Living Developments
As the US population ages, the demand for safe, accessible, comfortable, and convenient housing is only growing in central Indiana and beyond. Magnolia Trace redefines “senior living developments,” delivering homes that meet the changing expectations, and lifestyle requirements, of residents.
Bedrock Builders believes that great neighborhoods begin with careful planning, quality craftsmanship, seamless partnership, and a commitment to creating spaces that enhance everyday life. If you share that vision, connect with our team to make it a reality.
The Principles Behind Creating Build-to-Rent Communities
Build-to-rent communities represent a growing segment of the real estate industry, highlighting a fundamental shift towards balancing comfort and convenience. Tenants want to experience certain perks of ownership but they also want the flexibility of renting. BTR is not simply repackaging standard apartment living under a new, trendy name. It is about building real, sustainable neighborhoods with craftsmanship and care.
What Build-to-Rent Means (And What It Means to Us)
We mentioned what build-to-rent is not – that is, simply rebranding typical apartments to enhance appeal. It’s an important distinction to make because these communities are just that: communities. They’re neighborhoods comprised of single-family homes, duplexes, and in some cases, townhouses, that are specifically designed and built for long-term rental and managed by a single entity.
BTR typically offers apartment-style amenities (e.g. gyms, maintenance services, communal spaces, etc.) with a community-focused feel, both of which are key drivers in their growth. Tenants feel like they can put down roots in their neighborhood and space while taking advantage of renting’s flexibility should they decide to move.
To Bedrock Builders, build-to-rent means:
- Well-appointed single duplexes and single-level homes purpose-built for long-term rental
- Units offering nicer finishes than one expects in massive highrise complexes
- High quality, market rate rentals
- An opportunity for developers to fill a pressing need in the housing market while realizing stable cash flow and reliable returns.
Prospective tenants value the benefits, from maintenance-free living to the neighborly environment to the all-important flexibility, and they don’t want to sacrifice quality.
Strong Investment Potential for Developers
Within the Indiana residential development space, build-to-rent is, as yet, a relatively untapped market. Upscale BTR properties can be one solution to middle-market housing where the built environment isn’t currently filling that gap. These properties can also be a compelling opportunity. Professionally-managed BTR communities deliver consistent income, retain long-term value, and, due to the merging of comfort and convenience, attract renters who want to stay for the long-term.
For the people driving this trend – the empty-nesters, downsizers, young professionals – build-to-rent offers solutions for those typically underserved by conventional apartments and for-sale housing both. The bottom line is that high-quality rental homes are in demand, and this will only continue. BTR is a strategic, forward-looking investment.
Building Stronger Communities
Bedrock Builders’ approach is centered around the belief that a project is more than just buildings. It should enrich the community, delivering lasting value. Thoughtfully-designed and executed build-to-rent strengthens rather than strains neighborhoods. From a community standpoint, BTR serves to add well-managed housing without creating density issues, blending seamlessly into the residential area.
Rental options allow residents who want to stay in a certain locale but aren’t ready, able, or willing to buy. Again, designed for long-term tenancy, BTR offers all the comforts of home – with far fewer maintenance and overhead hassles.
By prioritizing quality fair market residences with an authentic neighborhood appeal, build-to-rent not only becomes a key component of the overall housing mix but an integral part of a location’s character (and, of course, its economy).
The Bedrock Builders Edge
It’s common for developers wading into the build-to-rent space to come from a background of apartment highrises and large-scale complexes. We come from a different place: home.
Our roots are in custom homebuilding, our history in the very products that define build-to-rent. We bring this insight to each project, working with developers to create rentals and neighborhoods that feel intentional, cohesive, livable, and welcoming. To this we add our experience in large-scale, multifamily initiatives to ensure you realize the financial returns you, and your stakeholders, expect.
Gain the Edge
BTR marks an evolution in the rental market, catering to those who want quality, comfort, convenience, and flexibility. Who want to rent. Who want to live in strong neighborhoods. Developers have the opportunity to build not just rentals, but communities. Bedrock Builders is uniquely positioned to help them seize it.
Have a build-to-rent project in mind? Connect with Bedrock Builders to discuss your goals and next steps.
Our Workplace Philosophy: What It Means to Be a Member of the Bedrock Builders Team
At Bedrock Builders, we are driven by accountability and responsibility. To put it simply, we take it personally. Our custom homebuilding roots have reinforced the idea that every decision, every detail, matters. Over the past 25 years, our evolution has taken us into multifamily and residential projects, purpose-driven build-to-rent neighborhoods, and strategic land development across central Indiana. These experiences have shaped us into even better builders. While our scale has expanded, our philosophy remains the same: Enrich communities and deliver lasting value.
The Bedrock Builder’s Philosophy
Our approach is full-spectrum, from early site evaluation and entitlement to hands-on construction management and turnkey delivery. Grounded in strategic planning, technical expertise, and proactive problem-solving, we aren’t satisfied with meeting expectations. We strive to exceed them on every project. The Bedrock Builders difference, though, is not as much in what we do but how. With ownership, accountability, and flexibility, especially in the face of challenges.
Our homebuilding heritage comes through in our client/owner-first approach; we are not solely system-driven. That is, we begin with people, with lifestyles, values, routines, and long-term goals, designing and constructing spaces that are shaped around how people, and communities, will actually exist within them. Our success isn’t measured merely by completion but by enduring quality and reliable returns for our partners. It is, in fact, measured by your success in achieving the vision and realizing investment objectives.
But What Does This Mean for Our Owners?
Philosophy is a great guiding force, but let’s get down to brass tacks. What does this mean for our owners and partners? Project Manager Adam Ball explains: “ We have noticed other GCs will run into an issue on a project and immediately send the owner a multi-hundred thousand dollar change order. We don’t do that. We treat the owner’s budget as if it were our own.”
Challenges and changes are inevitable on large-scale projects. What matters is the mindset and response when potential obstacles surface. “Our approach when problems arise is to assess and try to come up with solutions that can eliminate or grossly reduce the expense that needs to be passed on to the owner, i.e. viewing expensive problems that arise as our own problems. Not just turning to the owner with our hands up and saying, ‘Sorry.’”
In custom homebuilding, accountability is immediate. Every choice directly impacts the end-user. “Sorry, not our problem” isn’t part of the vernacular. We view large-scale projects through the same lens; developers and owners aren’t asking for more speed but greater certainty. They need a partner who understands the weight of every decision and who doesn’t hand off ownership when confronted with reality.
Built on Solid Ground
For our developer and owner partners, the Bedrock Builders difference shows up clearly when it matters most, when conditions change, challenges arise, and the stakes rise. Deflection, finger-pointing, and passing the buck (literally, and to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars) has no place. Instead, we move forward with collaboration, intensive and innovative problem-solving, and the tenacity to find better answers that lead to better outcomes.
Our philosophy, and our processes, are built on trust, transparency, accountability, and adaptability. We take this very personally.
Learn how our approach translates into exceptional, long-lasting results. Connect with Bedrock Builders.
Spotlight on Park Place, a Multifamily and Senior Living Community
Noblesville, Indiana boasts a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Postcard-perfect scenery and abundant parks and trails meet a vibrant downtown, achieving a “small town feel with big city access.” The best of all worlds – especially for golf enthusiasts, thanks to the Sagamore Club and its Jack Nicklaus Signature course. Tucked next to this Hamilton County haven is Park Place. This custom home subdivision offers homes precisely tailored to their owners’ vision, while taking every advantage of its premium location.
Welcome to Park Place, Noblesville
Featuring 56 custom homes, Park Place is located next to the aforementioned Sagamore Club and its sweeping vistas. Residents also enjoy ample green space, including a large central park that is ideal for outdoor recreation, meeting neighbors, or just taking a quiet moment. The subdivision is within close proximity to Noblesville proper, allowing homeowners convenient access to those “big city” amenities and services.
Each home is beautifully-equipped with high-end finishes and features, including expansive open floor plans, Butler’s pantries, roomy garages, heated spas, covered porches/patios, ample natural light via stunning windows and doors, tree-lined backyards, and more. We threw away the cookie cutter long ago, with our background in custom homes, and we still put unique touches in every project.
Building with Intention
Our vision was not, and never is, to create a nice collection of lots with nice houses sitting on them. As the exclusive builder for Park Place, Bedrock Builders recognized that there were two levels at play here, so to speak. One: Design and construct high-quality homes that reflect the needs, lifestyles, and aspirations of their owners. And two: Integrate the homes into the fabric of Noblesville life and create a vibrant and unique neighborhood.
Our team also handled all site development, ensuring Park Place was planned and executed with long-term viability in mind, from the ground up. Essentially, we wanted the most secure foundation possible for this large-scale project, one upon which we could build a cohesive, and connected, community.
Park Place reflects homeowners’ desire to enjoy individuality and autonomy within the comfort of a welcoming neighborhood . This was the vision, one we realized with intention and purpose.
Bedrock Builders’ brings this mindset and purpose-driven approach to every project. If you need a partner who understands your goals and objectives, and has the capacity to meet them, connect with our team.
The New Face of Build to Rent: Why Midwest Renters are Looking for BTR Communities
Renter expectations are shifting, leading Indiana development into relatively new territory: Build to rent communities. Thoughtfully-designed communities with equally intentional living spaces are setting the standard for flexibility, convenience, and quality, while delivering residences that align with diverse lifestyle needs and goals. There is an opportunity here for developers to not only meet this demand but to realize the competitive edge in a burgeoning market.
What is Build to Rent?
Build-to-rent developments themselves are not new. The average apartment complex, after all, is build-to-rent: Tenants sign a lease, pay their deposits, and, going forward, pay rent. The complex or community is owned and managed by a single entity, which retains full ownership. Tenants do not expect to rent-to-own or otherwise purchase their unit. And, in the case of an increasing number of higher-income and upscale renters, they do not want to.
Build-to-Rent: Growing Demand
Build to rent properties like duplexes, apartments, or hybrid dwellings are part of larger communities. Think of build-to-rent as having all the perks of home ownership, like private space and elevated amenities, while also being maintenance free and having the flexibility of a lease. While possessing some of the attributes of an apartment and some of a private home, they are a unique product offering that satisfies the evolving requirements of renters. Several factors are driving this growth:
Enhanced Space and Privacy
Traditional apartments are often lacking in both space and privacy. Living in a BTR community offers multi-level living, private entrances, and even personal outdoor areas.
While spacious and boasting exceptional finishes and layouts, a great deal of the allure of build-to-rent is the amenities available outside one’s own unit. These can include pool, fitness center, communal and private outdoor spaces, etc. Individual units are private and quiet, but residents do not feel isolated, which aligns with a concurrent shift towards wanting to live within a cohesive community.
Maintenance-Free Living
The desire to be free of worries about the roof, about painting, about caring for the lawn, and the myriad other duties involved with ownership is spurring growth in build to rent. The convenience attached makes BTR living all the more attractive.
Flexibility
This is perhaps the biggest driver in the luxury build-to-rent market. That is, the primary focus is not on affordability but on flexibility. This is why we see more people who are ideally positioned to buy opting to rent. There is flexibility in reclaiming time and resources otherwise spent on maintenance and upkeep; there is flexibility in allocating funds to other investments or greater liquidity; there is flexibility in being able to experience a locale without being tethered.
A build-to-rent community offers numerous benefits for renters and are just as advantageous for developers. There is great potential for stable long-term rentals, and thus, favorable income and investment opportunities.
Indiana Development That Meets – and Creates – Demand
While relatively new in terms of Indiana development, the growing popularity of, and demand for, build-to-rent in key markets signals opportunity in the Midwest. Renters want thoughtfully-designed residences that maximize both comfort and convenience, offering all the accouterments and aesthetics of home – in a flexible rental.
Delivering build-to-rent communities that resonate with these renters and align with their evolving needs requires a coordinated, strategic approach at every stage, from initial feasibility to design and development through to construction management and completion.
Bedrock Builders is uniquely positioned to deliver build-to-rent communities that draw renters to the property with exceptional layouts, high-quality finishes, upscale amenities, and enduring value. Every detail is meticulously planned and executed to ensure a seamless transition from concept to completion. With over 25 years of experience in custom home building and a proven track record of scaling this expertise to meet the needs of complex large-scale residential and multifamily projects, Bedrock Builders will transform your vision into profitable, resident-focused living.
The demand for build-to-rent communities is there, and your firm can play a central role in shaping a market that redefines renting. Ready to solidify your plans and move forward? Connect with Bedrock Builders.