The Reality of 'New Urbanism'

Why New Urbanism does not appeal to the vast majority of buyers.

1 minute read

February 22, 2005, 2:00 PM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


Many home buyers, especially those aware of the benefits of close-knit communities and walkability, still prefer the comforts of suburban sprawl. Is New Urbanism ultimately just a niche market?

"Although new urban communities are relatively hot sellers in some areas, new urbanism in its purest form remains essentially an idealistic model that does not appeal to the vast majority of buyers...This reality falls short of the predictions of some green-minded land planners that new urbanism would transform suburban sprawl into more compact, livable communities...While new urban communities look good and have some wonderful features, they're more popular with architects and designers than they are with potential buyers..."

Thanks to Chris Timmerman

Sunday, February 20, 2005 in The New York Times

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