March 12, 2026 —Cottages and apartments for this new resident-driven senior living community in McKinleyville are anticipated to be reserved quickly following early strong interest
Humboldt Commons, the nonprofit senior living community currently in development in the McKinleyville Town Center, has officially opened enrollment for all to its Future Residents Priority List.
This community-led project will feature cottages, apartments and shared community spaces on 14.6 acres south of Hiller Road, designed specifically for active adults aged 62 and older.
By joining the Future Residents Priority List with a $1,000 repayable deposit, prospective residents will secure their place in line for future residence selection, receive ongoing project updates and community news, and be among the first to hear about next steps as Humboldt Commons takes shape. The community is currently in the schematic design phase, with construction plans advancing steadily.
Ann Lindsay, President of Life Plan Humboldt, the local group developing the community, shares, “Joining the Future Residents Priority List now means securing your place in a community that’s already generating real excitement — and it helps you take the first concrete step toward calling it your home. Humboldt Commons will be a community where residents age with independence, social connections and purpose. The community is rooted in sustainability and innovation, and reflects the region’s deeply held values of inclusiveness.”
JoAnn Schuch, fellow board member and new member of the priority list, shares, “I hike with my dog Molly every day for exercise, but also for the social contact we find with the other dog walkers. As I get older, I’m really excited to have the off-leash dog park at Humboldt Commons. It will be nice to have a place close by where we can chat with people while we watch the ‘doggos’ play.”
Features and Amenities
Residents will choose from beautifully designed apartments and cottages with a focus on senior-friendly design and natural light. And they will enjoy an active lifestyle with walking paths, gardens and access to community trails. This vibrant community will feature spaces perfect for gatherings, potlucks, music nights and resident-led activities — all centered on staying connected to others and to continuing lifelong learning. And when you need support, comprehensive services have you covered, from health navigation and home maintenance to options for dining and housekeeping.
Welcome Center
To support future residents and interested community members, Humboldt Commons has opened a Welcome Center at 1585 Heartwood Drive, Suite B, in McKinleyville. Staff members are available by appointment to meet with potential residents and answer questions about the development. The organization will host monthly information sessions, both online and in person, to provide detailed insights into the project vision and the benefits of joining the Future Residents Priority List. Information session schedules are available at humboldt.kendal.org/events, and appointments can be made by emailing [email protected].
Community-Led Effort
Humboldt Commons is the result of years of dedication by Life Plan Humboldt, a nonprofit organization founded in 2020 by local residents seeking more choices for aging well in Humboldt County. The organization set out to create a resident-driven nonprofit senior living community that reflects the region’s independent spirit, where neighbors connect through shared interests, social gatherings and a culture of mutual support. Homes will be thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality, allowing residents to leave behind home repairs, lawn care and endless maintenance tasks.
Kendal Support
As a Kendal Affiliate in Development, Humboldt Commons partners with Kendal, a nationally recognized nonprofit known for its Quaker values and commitment to purposeful aging. This partnership combines local leadership with Kendal’s support and proven track record in senior living communities. Together, Life Plan Humboldt and Kendal are building a forward-thinking approach to aging-in-community, emphasizing stewardship of the land, intergenerational connection and resident-inspired design.
In a rare approach for senior housing, the land abutting Humboldt Commons will also include a lower-income senior housing component to be built and managed by Rural Community Housing. All residents will share amenities and activities, creating an inclusive model that could be adopted in other rural communities across the country.
About Humboldt Commons
Humboldt Commons is a nonprofit senior living community in development in McKinleyville, California, designed for active adults aged 62 and older. As a Kendal Affiliate in Development, Humboldt Commons combines local leadership from Life Plan Humboldt with the support and expertise of Kendal, a nationally recognized nonprofit senior living organization. The community emphasizes purposeful aging, resident-driven design and inclusivity. For more information, visit humboldt.kendal.org.
Note: Renderings subject to change