Trends in Master Planned Communities

Ron Nyren asks the questions of the Urban Land Institute's Master-Planned Communities Council. The panel "[discusses] factors that homebuyers look for in communities; ways that developers are partnering to enhance access to retail, health care, education, and other services; strategies for fostering a sense of community among residents; and other trends."

The panel reveals a trend toward more urban typologies in master planned communites. For instance, in reponse to the first question, "What aspects of a master-planned community [MPC] are important to today’s consumers?" the first two panelists respond: "Connectivity is key, both within the community and to what is surrounding the community," and "There’s a trend toward MPCs using an urban form in suburban locations."

The panel continues to detail factors like education, bike trails, programming, and transportation.