Urban Families Find Community and Convenience in City Living, Inspiring New Housing Initiatives

Bobby Fijan and his wife, members of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, faced a common challenge when they began having children: whether to move to the suburbs for more space or stay in their city apartment. They chose to remain, finding that their 22nd-floor apartment, though increasingly crowded and lacking outdoor privacy, offered the convenience of being just four blocks from their church. This decision proved formative for Fijan, a real estate developer who had previously focused on optimizing apartment layouts for single professionals.

Initially, the Fijans felt isolated as “the first people in our little cohort to have children.” However, their proximity to the church transformed their living situation. Their apartment became an extension of the church, hosting small groups and Bible studies. In return, the church provided space for their three children to play on cold days, creating a supportive environment for family life in the city.

Fijan’s experience in the city led him to reflect on the broader housing landscape. Since around 2000, urban revitalization efforts had increased, but new apartments were often designed for single professionals rather than families. Features like walk-in closets and en suite bathrooms catered to individual needs, leaving little room for children. This lack of family-friendly units, Fijan believed, contributed to the perception that raising kids in the city was impractical or unaffordable.

Fijan’s insights shaped his vision for the American Housing Corporation (AHC), which he cofounded with the goal of making city living feasible for families. He argued that raising children in urban areas offers unique advantages, such as walking to school, building independence, and engaging with diverse cultures. “Families living in the city is good, actually,” he said, emphasizing the potential for stronger church communities and a more rooted family life.

Fijan’s perspective challenges the notion that city life is inherently unsuitable for raising children. He believes many urban couples desire children but feel constrained by limited options. “I guess I reject the idea that people don’t want to have children,” he said. “I think in fact they do, even people in the city. I think it’s more that they feel like they can’t—or they look around and implicitly get the idea that no one does this.”

Through AHC, Fijan aims to change this narrative by creating housing that supports family life in the city. His work reflects a growing recognition that urban environments can be nurturing spaces for children and their parents alike. By addressing the practical needs of families, he hopes to make city living not only possible but preferable for those who choose to raise their children in the heart of a community.

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