As housing and community development debates intensify nationwide, Jeff Herter, a multifamily housing professional with over 15 years of experience, is urging local leaders, business owners, and residents to shift focus from short-term solutions to long-term neighborhood vitality. Herter, principal of Providence Real Properties, LLC in Rye, New Hampshire, argues that meaningful community change rarely stems from a single large project or policy, but rather from a series of smaller, consistent improvements that compound over time.
“People often look for one thing that will transform a neighborhood,” Herter said. “In my experience, meaningful change usually comes from a series of smaller improvements that build on one another. It might be a local business opening its doors, a park being renovated, or homeowners investing in their properties. Those individual decisions create momentum.”
This perspective is supported by research from the National Association of Realtors, which identifies neighborhood quality, access to amenities, and nearby businesses as leading factors in residential choices. Communities that invest in walkability, public spaces, and local services tend to attract both current and prospective residents, enhancing long-term appeal.
Herter emphasizes that successful neighborhoods are defined not only by physical structures but also by the social fabric. He observes indicators of community health: bustling local businesses, active parks, and visible resident engagement. “When I visit a community, I pay attention to more than the property itself,” he said. “I notice whether local businesses are busy, whether people are spending time in parks, and whether residents seem connected to the neighborhood. Those are often signs that people believe in where they live.”
He cautions against expecting immediate results from revitalization efforts. “There is a tendency to look for immediate results,” Herter said. “But healthy communities usually develop over years, not months. Progress often comes from making thoughtful decisions consistently instead of trying to solve everything at once.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, population shifts driven by employment, affordability, and quality of life continue to reshape communities. These changes underscore the need for neighborhoods that offer strong amenities, safe public spaces, and opportunities for lasting connections. Herter believes every community possesses existing strengths that can serve as a foundation for growth.
“I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing only on what needs to be fixed,” he said. “Every neighborhood has something worth building on. When communities recognize those strengths and continue investing in them, they create places where people want to stay.”
Local businesses play a pivotal role, according to Herter. “Small businesses are often among the first to demonstrate confidence in a community,” he said. “When entrepreneurs choose to open a restaurant, a coffee shop, or another local business, they are making a long-term commitment to that neighborhood. Those investments help create places where people gather and build relationships.”
Instead of measuring success by rapid change, Herter advocates for steady, sustainable progress. “The strongest neighborhoods I’ve visited weren’t necessarily the newest or the most expensive,” he said. “They were places where people cared about their community and continued making small improvements year after year. That’s what creates lasting success.”
Herter encourages residents to actively contribute by supporting local businesses, participating in neighborhood events, volunteering with community organizations, and taking pride in their surroundings. He stresses that long-term growth is a collective effort, not the responsibility of any single group. By embracing incremental improvements and fostering community connections, neighborhoods can thrive for years to come.
