As the Carolinas grow, more and more towns and cities will experience traffic and congestion that makes people want to stay home at certain times of the day. City planners, architects, developers, and civic leaders have taken note of the growing (and slowing) problem, and have started to consider alternative methods of development.

One of the new development philosophies is New Urbanism, which strives to develop thriving livable communities with lots of open green space, neighbors who actually know and help each other, and less dependence on cars.

Different organizations have slightly different interpretations of what New Urbanism consists of, however the basic principles of New Urbanism include the following:

1. Overall, the housing in the development will be tightly clustered together fostering a sense of “community”, unlike the suburbs where the housing is spread out and most people don’t even know their neighbors. Large open green areas are therefore available to be left in their natural state for all to enjoy.
2. The neighborhood will have a distinct center and public green area. In this center, there will be spaces for gatherings, and possibly public art. Public spaces and green areas are provided to encourage a sense of “community”. There is an emphasis on streetscape planning consisting of more narrow roads lined by trees and landscaping, and other aesthetic features such as lighting and sitting areas. The housing in the center of the community will be the densest, with decreasing density as you move away from it.
3. There will be a range of housing options for old and young alike, as well as a mix of building types. The intergenerational mix of older people with young people supports today’s two income lifestyle. People who might be retired or working less have time to care for the children of young growing families, and most of them have already raised families of their own so they’re experienced and well trained in the art of taking care of kids. The exchange of ideas between generations keeps the older people young and allows the younger people the benefit of the wisdom gained through the aging process.
4. New Urbanism strives to reduce our dependency on automobiles. You will find different types of commercial activity developed as part of the community and mixed together. Businesses, offices, retail shops, and residential spaces will be located in the same development. By having retail shops and offices located right within the community, people can walk from home to shopping, or home to work, live healthier lives, spend more time with neighbors, and reduce their impact on the environment. Public transportation throughout the community further reduces resident’s reliance on automobiles.
5. In an effort to develop walkable Neighborhoods, New Urbanism communities provide a high level of connectivity between streets, public spaces, sidewalks, and developed areas.

These principles are part of a systematic approach to development with the final goal being the enhancement of the quality of life of its residents, and the creation of a sense of “community”. With a great regard for quality design in its streetscapes, public areas, commercial buildings, and residences, New Urbanism communities hope to create a thriving environment in which residents actually get to know and support each other. By creating a community where people spend less time in cars and traffic, the hope is they will have more free time to spend with friends, family and neighbors, less stress, and in the end be healthier and happier.

For more information about New Urbanism communities in the Carolinas, see my “North and South Carolina Community Directories”. Included are over 30 communities in North Carolina and South Carolina, which exemplify New Urbanism concepts.