Neighborhoods, complexes, developments, communities — with so many options to choose from, how do you know what living situation is right for you? Beyond constraints like budget and location, a lot of these options seem to offer the same things: a driveway and a mailbox. A master-planned community is different. It offers a unique lifestyle and provides true value to you, your family, and your home. Let’s talk about master-planned communities, what they are, what they offer, and why you’ll want to live in one.
What is a Master-Planned Community?
A master-planned community is similar to a development or traditional neighborhood, but is highly organized. A lot of thought is put into the creation of a master-planned community, from where it is located, how the lots are situated, how the systems like water and electricity are connected, and how the community will be shaped over time.
Master-planned communities put the residents first, and think about their needs when designing the look and feel of the community spaces as well as the private lots. They contain everything future residents will need for recreation, comfort, and privacy. Where a traditional neighborhood is just a street address, a master-planned community is an experience, an all-inclusive package for your new living situation, where you can build and live in your dream space and enjoy a lifestyle that’s perfectly suited for you and your family — in other words, a home.
Qualities of a Master-Planned Community
Master-planned communities are designed to consider several factors, including density, planned growth, and lifestyle. These elements make them different from a traditional neighborhood, and better prepared to support their residents.
Master-Planned Community Density
Master-planned communities can be built to different density levels. This controls how many homes and residents are part of the community at one time. Most fall somewhere on a sliding scale between high and low density.
A high density master-planned community contains more residents and homes. The lots or living spaces are generally smaller and more affordable to allow more people to join. The community is organized around shared spaces and activities for the community to share, such as a gym, shopping mall, or pool.
A low density master-planned community prioritizes space and privacy. There are fewer lots, homes, and residents in this type of community. Instead, homes tend to be larger and custom-built, designed for luxury and exclusivity. The shared aspects of a low density community are maintained open space, which sometimes can include trails, a clubhouse, or other exclusive perks for the limited number of residents.
In a low density master-planned community, you know your neighbors. These types of communities generally see less turnover in residents because once a family is a part of the community and becomes accustomed to the lifestyle, they find it hard to want to live anywhere else. Both high and low density communities have advantages, but because a low density master-planned community doesn’t have as many lots available, it’s much more exclusive.
Master-Planned Community Growth
Master-planned communities factor in future growth and expansion. Unlike other developments that try to sell lots quickly and then leave the neighborhood to fend for itself, master-planned communities put a lot of time into development up-front, then commit to the neighborhood for the long-term. They carefully plan home sites to give residents the most space and privacy. They carefully maintain the streets and amenities of the neighborhood, including the front gate and security, water system, utilities and landscaping. They know where future lots are going to be placed when the community expands in order to maintain density levels — or they know when to stop expanding.
A master-planned community, especially a low-density community, includes space that won’t be used for residential homes — dedicated open space that is protected from development and either used for recreation and trails, or just left natural, for aesthetic and environmental purposes. A master-planned community maintains its open space and trails for their residents, so they can continue enjoying their lifestyle and the natural environment the low density community provides.
Master-Planned Community Lifestyle
Master planned communities are typically built around a focus, or a reason they were formed, whether it’s the amenities or the lifestyle they offer. In high density communities, this might be a shared affinity for the gym or shopping center that the community shares. In a low density community, this might be a lifestyle of luxury or exclusivity, a shared cause of sustainability, or appreciation for the environment and outdoor recreation.
A huge advantage of master-planned communities is the unique lifestyle it offers. No other neighborhood, development, or community can give residents the same experience. The lifestyle within a master-planned community forms part of its identity, which can be shared by residents. The characteristics or values of the community can be as much a part of the residents as they are a part of the community.
Why Live in a Master-Planned Community?
In a master-planned community, you know the density and amenities of your neighborhood will be maintained, and you know the expected amount of growth that will occur over time. These known factors mean more stability for you, your family, and your home.
Stability is the most desirable element of any neighborhood or community, and in a master-planned community, this stability translates to real value: your home’s value.
The Value of Stability in a Master-Planned Community
Master-planned communities are known to provide better and more stable home values. Unlike homes in developments or neighborhoods whose value fluctuates depending on location, traffic levels, and even the neighbors who move in next door, homes in a master-planned community are better maintained, more secure, and contribute to the community value as a whole. Also, the seclusion and exclusivity a master-planned community provides keeps traffic low, and the low turnover rate of residents means homes are better taken care of, so property values within the community are likely to remain stable.
Low-density communities that are situated in a beautiful setting with dedicated open space, mature trees, and good planning for future growth are harder and harder to find. This type of community becomes more special as it ages, like a particularly rare vintage of wine. The continued maintenance of your community will ensure that all homes within it rise in value together, and hold that value over time.
Living in a master-planned community offers many benefits. If you’re looking for a living situation that affords you a specific lifestyle, planned growth, and a stable home value, living in a master-planned community would be the perfect next step for you and your family.
Interested in learning more about life in a master-planned community? Check out our free guide to What to Expect When Moving to a Master-Planned Community. Here, we’ll give you the inside scoop on the lifestyle and other benefits you can anticipate when joining this type of community. Download your free copy today. For any other questions, reach out to the team at Stage Pass.