What's A "TND," And Do I Need One?

TNDs, Traditional Neighborhood Developments, are an emerging national trend in land use planning and development.  And once you've seen and experienced one, you'll realize that we could all use a lot more of them.

TNDs successfully recreate the magical environment that flourished in our communities after World War II... front porches, sidewalks, tree-lined lanes, street lamps, children playing, neighbors strolling and saying "Hello!"   It's a re-creation of the place we all grew up, or at least the place we wish we'd grown up.

TNDs are meant to be walkable communities where people live, work, shop and play.  Neighborhood features include a town center or town square, parks, plazas, commercial establishments, civic buildings, common green spaces, sidewalks, narrow street grids, paths and trails throughout, and homes with front porches set close to the street on small lots with detached garages and service alleys.

Everything in a TND is planned and built more to a "human scale."  Buildings are closer together and, normally rise only two or three stories.  Unique homes highlight a variety of neo-traditional architecture with lush landscaping and mature trees.  Streets and alleys are built to promote slower speeds and children playing.  Many TNDs offer playgrounds, ball fields, picnic pavilions, ponds, community gardens and swim clubs.  Parks and green spaces common to all residents provide spaces to walk, meet friends, play, relax and enjoy a quieter, more comfortable lifestyle.

Exterior home styles in TNDs usually lean toward the timeless beauty of period architectural styles... Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Federal, Italianate and Gothic.  But interiors are packed with modern spaces and conveniences... living rooms, dining rooms, private offices, gourmet-style kitchens, butler pantries with wet bars, large, abundant closets, high-efficiency windows and HVAC systems, extra insulation and master suites that overlook private courtyards and patios.

The beach vacation village of Seaside on Florida's Gulf Coast was likely the beginning of TND development in the U.S., emerging during the early 1980s.  But since Seaside, TNDs have proliferated throughout the U.S., and indeed, in many countries around the globe. "The Town Paper," a publication dedicated to TND promotion and education, currently lists over 240 TNDs in 41 States and TNDs in 53 countries outside the U.S. in countries as diverse as Canada, Sweden and Turkey.

Fortunately, the trend toward TNDs continues to grow.  Even in my small hometown of Covington, Georgia, 35 miles east of Atlanta, there is Clark's Grove, a four year old traditional neighborhood development.  Construction is just underway on another, Dorchester Place, three blocks off the historic town square.  And at least one more has been approved by the County Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners, and lauded for its design, foresight and positive impact on the county.

Yeah, I think we could use a lot more TNDs.  They provide us a nostalgic look back, a positive impact on our environment, a renewed sense of belonging to our community, and a more relaxed  lifestyle.  That's why we, "Your Traditional Neighborhood Specialists," as Realtors specialize in marketing TNDs and historic properties, and why we say, "It's the closest we can get to what we left behind!"