The Allure Of Urban Villages

Urban villages that aim to combine the best of traditional suburbs and urban living are both a blessing and a curse.

1 minute read

August 2, 2004, 10:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"Promising not only new homes but also new hometown lifestyles, these so-called "urban villages"...aim to marry the affordability and family focus of traditional suburban developments with the density and convenience of city life.

he quality of life in the villages is being touted as better than in traditional suburbs: With 12,000 residents already, they boast built-in networks of clubs and activities and pedestrian-friendly layouts designed to get residents out of their cars and into each others' living rooms.

But not everyone is thrilled. Environmentalists complain that forests and animal habitat were gobbled up to make way for houses and roads. Longtime rural residents feel their quiet lifestyle slipping away as thousands of new commuters pile onto already cramped roads."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Sunday, August 1, 2004 in The Seattle Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

5 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

3 hours ago - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

4 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive