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Planned Communities
The phrase "planned communities" can be used when referring to any number of residential community developments--as diverse as urban tenements, surburban sprawl, and rural townships.
But the phrase is increasingly used for a specific type of residential neighborhood development. Also known as private communities or master planned communities, these developments reject the cookie-cutter subdivisions of average surburbia. Instead, they combine the exclusive lifestyle once limited to affluent country clubs with an old-fasioned, neighborly atmosphere that appeals to retirees, second home buyers, and young families alike.
True to their name, planned communities are meticulously planned, and usually include at least some of the following elements:
- A desirable location, usually set apart from urban metropolises and often nestled in native ecosystems along coastline or waterways.
- State-of-the-art recreational facilities, including tennis courts, swimming pools, and gymnasiums. Planned golf communities are centered around country clubs and courses.
- Custom-designed homes designed by pre-approved architects.
- Well-manicured grounds, and clean, quiet streets.
- A strong homeowners association that oversees the maintenance and upkeep of their community.
- Some form of security, whether through gated entrances or a neighborhood watch.
Some master planned communities are also referred to as traditional neighborhood developments. These are designed according to the precepts of New Urbanism, and must have a certain percentage of their total acreage set aside for green public spaces, whether in the form of landscaped parks or wildlife reserves. New urban planned communities also include a "town center," that is designed to be the cultural and entertainment heart of the community, providing residents with fine dining options, shops, and centralized amenities.
Planned Communities in the Southeastern U.S.
The southeastern states of VA, NC, SC, GA, and FL are home to many of the most beautiful planned communities in the nation. Most of these are set against the backdrop of the Atlantic coast or emerald Gulf of Mexico. Some are located inland, in the North Carolina mountains and Georgia hills.
It is these southeastern planned communities that are featured by CoastalPlaces.com. To begin your search for planned communities in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida, you may use the state search to the left, or click on any of the links below.
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