b'Welcome to theAGRIHOODNew communities combine suburbia with farm livingBy Melissa Erickson of this sort of service, said Lara Hermanson,Residents receive regular farm shares of More Content Now principal with Farmscape, an urban farmingfresh vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs T heres a new meaning to living downcompany that has designed and installed moreduring harvest season, Moguel said. than 700 projects and agrihood developments. Agrihoods are attractive to homebuy-on the farm. Agrihoods are an inno- The concept may be new, but its catchingers who want to live in a modern residen-vative housing concept that centers aon. There are at least 90 agrihoods across thetial community with a rural feel, she said. community around a working acreage. United States, with many more planned in atWhen residents choose to live in an agri-An agrihood is a master-planned resi- least 27 states, according to the Urban Landhood, they are seeking an environment that dential community with a working farm Institute.allows them to be more connected to both and barn as one of its central amenities,Agrihoods are most popular in suburban,their community and the food they con-said Susan Moguel, marketing director atmaster-planned communities, Hermanson said. sume. Communities like Arden also allow Freehold Communities, creator of masterThe interest in local, organic food sys- families to develop a greater appreciation for planned communities in Florida, Texas, Northtems has grown immensely, but manynature, clean living and sustainability more Carolina, Tennessee and California. Withpeople lack the training and means to oper- so than a typical suburban development.a focus on healthy living, sustainability andate a farm, she said. The beauty of anInterested in starting an agrihood inagriculture serving as a foundation for theagrihood is it gives people all the fun partsyour neighborhood? community, it is a neighborhood that is spe- of living on a farmgreat food, beauti- If you live in a community with a home-cifically designed to connect residents withful fields and a close-to-nature vibewhileowners association, you can start by bringing these elements in their day-to-day lives.in many cases staying close enough to theit up at a meeting and getting your neigh-Agrihood communities can includecity to allow residents to commute to thebors interested in doing this, Hermanson farms, ranches and orchards, and resi- well-paid jobs required to support it.said. If youre a developer, build an agri-dents can participate in the labor, enjoyFreeholds Arden development in Palmhood! These projects have sailed through its benefits and share in the produce.Beach County, Florida, is a 1,200-acreplanning as most communities are support-Unlike a gym or pool that may get minimalcommunity with green spaces, parks,ive of projects that are kind to nature and use, everybody eats, so more people get use outnature trails, two lakes and a central farm.as pretty as most of these projects are. 4 JULY-AUGUST 2020'