Why have planned communities become so popular? There are many reasons why today's homebuyers are seeking planned communities as a place to call home. Many of today's homebuyers in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia are searching for a sense of belonging....a place they can enjoy recreation and have a lot of fun things to do without leaving their neighborhood. Most people seem to long for a safe place to live, a place to raise a family, to maintain a home they can be proud of, and live the American dream. A planned community offers many lifestyle opportunities and home style options.
Residents in our East West Partners communities often say that living in our neighborhood is like being on vacation year round. The resort styled amenities in The Riverfront, Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, and Gatling Pointe rival those at some of the greatest resorts. Our homebuyers have commented they appreciate the real sense of community they feel in their neighborhood. Resort styled amenities such as the Founders Pointe Residents Club and The Riverfront Swim Club adds value to their homes and offers many positive experiences for their families....a chance to rediscover the simpler things in life, like going for a walk to one of the neighborhood parks. We strive to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers through the different amenities and unique housing styles. Our residents say the product differentiation and unique amenities enhance their resale value. Many relocating families feel comfortable knowing that their community appeals to a wide market segment when the time comes to resale.
Residents enjoy the planned activities at their neighborhood clubs- whether it's signing the kids up to one of the summer camps, participating on the neighborhood swim team, or on one of the many fun events scheduled by the Activities Coordinator.
Relocating families also tend to feel it's easier to get to know your neighbors in a planned community that offers a centralized amenity location. A lively club operation helps provide social interaction and opportunities to make new friends. It helps make the adjustment to a new area easier and it's a reason families from out of the area feel more welcome. There's something special about being able to take your grandchild to the river to check out one of the canoes to explore nature in your backyard..... Many buyers yearn for the opportunity to experience these memorable moments with their families.
Today's consumers demand more value and are more cautious when it comes to investing their hard earned dollars. After 35 years of developing planned communities, we've listened to our homeowners' needs, wants, and desires- though numerous focus groups, surveys, and market research. Every time we open a new community we strive to provide the homebuyers with more things that they want. For example, at Founders Pointe, there will be more walking trails, a waterfront observation pier, a larger clubhouse, more pool shade structures and a 112' water slide for the kids.
Planned communities help give homebuyers a feeling of security. When asked what people look for in a new home, many say, "a sense of community". Planned communities provide the lifestyle that makes a house a home. The statement entry helps give a sense of arrival, a creative land plan allows for pocket parks, recreational areas, and private cul-de-sac neighborhoods and slower traffic. A more attractive streetscape is accomplished through unique and distinctive architectural guidelines, enhanced landscaping requirements and a quality team of homebuilders. The protective covenants also protect value and helps control the overall look and feel of a planned community.
Mark Edwards is the broker and Senior Vice-President for East West Realty at Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg, and The Riverfront at Harbour View in Suffolk, Virginia.
(East West Partners has been developing planned communities for over 35 years in six different states. East West Partners' initial community in Chesterfield County, Brandermill, was awarded the "Best Planned Community" in 1978 by the National Housing & Builders Association and Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Our Woodlake community in Midlothian was also awarded "Best Community in the U.S. " by the Urban Land Institute in 1990. Since then, East West Partners have expanded into the Hampton Roads market with four planned communities. Gatling Pointe features a yacht club, marina, and riverfront clubhouse & pool complex. Eagle Harbor features a lakefront park, clubhouse, and spectacular pool with a water park and a GardenGolf course. The Riverfront features a Swim Club, golf course, two riverfront parks, a lakefront amphitheater and a second pool will be added next year. Founders Pointe, a waterfront community near Smithfield, features a Residents' Club- a $2 million dollar club and pool complex which has a 112' water slide and a 4,000 square foot pool. The Riverfront has also been awarded "Community of the Year" twice by the Tidewater Builders Association. Gatling Pointe, Eagle Harbor, and Founders Pointe have also received the "Community of the Year" award by the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association.
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