A unique community in California, where residents commit to kindness towards one another, is steadily expanding, attracting hundreds of families to join this unconventional initiative.
Silverwood, a major planned development situated in the Inland Empire city of Hesperia, has sold 225 homes since launching its first neighborhood last year, according to developers.
This expansive 9,000-acre venture initially caught attention due to its affordable housing prices, starting in the low $400,000s, as well as its requirement for homeowners to sign a Kindness Pledge aimed at promoting empathy, acceptance, and neighborly support.
Despite prevailing high mortgage rates and economic uncertainties, developers report strong interest remains. John Ohanian, the general manager of Silverwood, mentioned to Business Insider that the first year proved successful. “We have seen significant community involvement and buyer interest, even as the mortgage market softens,” he noted.
Upon its opening in April 2025, the development sold over 40 homes within a few weeks, and sales have been steadily increasing over the past year as buyers look for more affordable options amid Southern California’s notoriously high housing costs.
Looking ahead, developers estimate that by the end of 2026, around 300 homes will be established in Silverwood. Their long-term vision includes over 15,000 homes spread across interconnected neighborhoods that feature parks, trails, and communal spaces. This community lies near Silverwood Lake and is enveloped by stunning mountain views, promoting an outdoor lifestyle at its core.
“You’ll see Big Bear on one side and a beautiful panorama of the mountains on the other,” Ohanian described. The Oath of Kindness continues to be a significant hallmark of the development.
Based on a campaign initiated years ago by former Tom Tait, this pledge encourages residents, employees, and contractors to embody values like care, respect, and community involvement. Ohanian recalled receiving positive feedback from residents about this initiative. “If this is our legacy at Silverwood, I’m very proud,” he said.
This focus on community appears to resonate well with potential buyers, many of whom might consider leaving California due to high housing prices. Current home prices in Silverwood range from the $400,000s to nearly $800,000—a gap that, according to Ohanian, is necessary in the state’s housing market.
“There weren’t really any opportunities for these people,” he added. Californians often feel pressured to look elsewhere for affordable housing, like Texas or certain areas in Orange County.
Eventually, Silverwood plans to add an estimated 500 to 700 homes each year, aiming to create a modern interpretation of the small-town California communities many residents long for.
