A New First Step in the American Dream

For generations, the American Dream followed a familiar path: get an education, find a good job, save money and buy a home. But today, for too many hardworking Americans, that first step is becoming increasingly difficult. Housing costs are consuming more of household budgets, making it harder for people to save for homeownership, education, retirement and the future. At the same time, communities across the country face another challenge: the people who keep them running increasingly struggle to afford to live where they work.

I often say everyone wants their hot coffee in the morning, but nobody thinks about where the barista lives. We want great schools, but do our teachers have the opportunity to live in the communities where they teach?

At Hillpointe, we believe addressing this challenge requires greater attention to the “missing middle” of the housing market: high-quality, attainable housing for America’s workforce.

Through our Pointe Grand communities, our goal is to provide a Class A living experience at rents below comparable new construction. We are able to do that because Hillpointe is fully vertically integrated. We develop, build, own, operate and serve as the long-term steward of our communities. Managing the entire process allows us to identify efficiencies, control costs and pass those savings along to residents.

But successful housing development is about more than constructing buildings. It requires listening to residents and working alongside the communities we enter.

As long-term owners, we aren't looking to build, sell and leave. We want to become part of the community. That means listening to local leaders, understanding their goals and challenges, and building relationships based on trust, collaboration and open communication.

Ultimately, housing is about opportunity. It is about whether a teacher can live near the students they teach, whether a young professional can begin building a future, and whether a family can save toward owning a home.

At Hillpointe, we believe the American Dream is still alive. America simply needs a new first step.

Marcus Wiedower
Vice President of External Affairs | Hillpointe
mwiedower@hillpointe.com | (706) 254-3251