Trends in Master Planned Communities

Urban Land magazine gathered a panel of developers from around the country to discuss current trends in master planned communities—they all agree that consumers want communities in line with the ideas of new urbanism.

1 minute read

December 22, 2014, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


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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.

Monday, December 15, 2014 in Urban Land

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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

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