This “pocket neighborhood concept” seems like a new trend, but its the way people have lived for centuries before modern subdivisions; where before, people clustered homes together intentionally for increased safety and shared responsibilities…

Expect to get to know a few of your neighbors on a personal level, where you may enjoy the fireside evening roasting marshmallows, or even ask your trusted neighbor to babysit your children. As Ross Chapin says on his website,

”During the daily flow of life through this commons space, nearby neighbors offer ‘nodding hellos’, or stop for a chat on the porch. These casual conversations can eventually grow to caring relationships and a meaningful sense of community — all fostered by the simple fact of shared space.” And a little later in his article he states, “The fabric of social health in our society has been fraying, in part because many people lack networks of personal and social support…. Pocket neighborhoods can help mend a web of belonging, care and support.  Their protected setting encourages informal interaction among neighbors, laying the ground for caring relationships.”

The ingenuity of the pocket neighborhood concept provides a layered approach to personal space, starting from the public street to the narrowed entry to the community, the common walks and green spaces for the residents, and then to the individual fenced gardens that separate the common area and private porches. This layered approach provides a balance between community and privacy. Residents tend to feel safer than in a conventional subdivision or apartment.

Many are beginning to rethink what is required from their homes, and how their home helps grow their character and possibilities. It turns out that as builders, by studying the ideas and concepts of what we build, the lifestyle in lower price homes can be significantly more rewarding than in a high priced community!

Don’t worry about mowing or snow shoveling. The yards are all maintained by an HOA