Beyond financial returns, investing in real estate—particularly in workforce housing and neighborhood shopping centers—creates tangible benefits for communities. Passive investors in these asset classes play a critical role in revitalizing neighborhoods, improving housing options, and addressing food deserts, all while generating steady investment returns.
Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Reducing Blight
Many urban and suburban areas suffer from aging housing stock and underutilized commercial spaces. Investing in renovating workforce housing and revitalizing neighborhood shopping centers can breathe new life into declining communities. By upgrading outdated apartments or repurposing vacant retail spaces, investors create more livable environments, attract businesses, and contribute to rising property values.
Providing Attractive, Affordable Housing
Workforce housing helps address the growing affordability crisis by offering reasonably priced rental units for middle-income earners such as teachers, nurses, and service workers. With nearly half of U.S. renters classified as cost-burdened, meaning they spend over 30% of their income on housing, the need for affordable rental options is urgent. Investing in well-maintained workforce housing ensures stable communities where essential workers can live near their jobs.
Creating Economic Growth Through Neighborhood Retail
Neighborhood shopping centers, particularly those anchored by grocery stores and essential retail, provide access to necessary goods and services while stimulating local economies. These centers create jobs, attract small businesses, and generate tax revenue that funds public services.
Addressing Food Deserts and Improving Public Health
Millions of Americans live in food deserts—areas with limited access to fresh, affordable groceries. Investing in neighborhood shopping centers that bring grocery stores to underserved communities has a direct positive impact on public health by increasing access to fresh produce and healthy food options. These investments help combat diet-related health issues, including obesity and diabetes, which disproportionately affect lower-income areas.
Strengthening Community Stability
Both workforce housing and neighborhood shopping centers foster social and economic stability. When families have secure, affordable housing and easy access to essential goods and services, the entire community benefits. A well-maintained neighborhood with thriving retail and housing options leads to reduced crime rates, stronger local businesses, and an overall higher quality of life.
Conclusion
Investing in workforce housing and grocery-anchored retail is more than just a financial opportunity—it’s a way to positively impact communities while generating reliable returns. Passive investors in these asset classes play a vital role in revitalizing neighborhoods, supporting essential workers, and improving quality of life for residents, making real estate investment a force for both profit and progress.
Win Coleman, CCIM, is a graduate of East Carolina University where he received his bachelor’s degree in finance. He holds both North Carolina and South Carolina Real Estate Licenses and was awarded the prestigious CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in 2008.
Win served on the board of directors of The Triangle Apartment Association (TAA) where he co-chaired The Independent Rental Owner’s Council (IROC). He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Triangle Commercial Association of Realtors (TCAR) and the Raleigh Kiwanis Club.
While a specialist in site identification, evaluation and acquisition for investors and businesses, he also has extensive experience in brokerage, leasing, property management and investment sales.
Win assists in managing The Coleman Group, LLC, which owns a portfolio of investment properties, and he is a member of our acquisitions committee. He has lifelong experience and love for historic properties including the one he restored and where he resides in Historic Oakwood in Downtown Raleigh.