From Amenities to Atmosphere: How Master-Planned Communities Are Redefining Suburban Living
Did you know that master‑planned communities have been around since the 1950s? And they offer more than what you might think. These enticing communities range from full town‑like developments to specially created clusters of neighborhoods. Each master‑planned community is unique, yet designed with a common overarching theme. In 2024, the truest form of a master‑planned community is being built for everyone at every stage of life, and here’s why.
A master‑planned community (MPC) is just that: planned. Often, the areas we live in tend to grow without any vision or control over spatial planning. However, developers planning residential neighborhoods within master‑planned communities take the time to meticulously craft a layout that suits a wide variety of future residents, as well as incorporates commercial opportunities, extensive amenities, green space, schools, and so much more. Unlike communities that develop in response to a location’s growth, an MPC is designed based on the expectation for growth and intentionally incorporates stages within their plan to facilitate and be flexible towards growth.
It’s important to debunk the myth of cookie‑cutter homes being associated with master‑planned communities. While semi‑custom production homes are often part of the offering within an MPC, developers often have a mixture of builder partners, housing plans, and architectural styles for homeowners to shop from.
Whether you’re interested in a move‑in ready new construction home or are excited about the process of handpicking the floor plan and personalizing every aesthetic inch within, both are available within an MPC. These popular communities are also becoming highly sought after by home shoppers looking for multifamily apartment homes, active adult 55+ neighborhoods, and the convenience of a lock & leave lifestyle. With such a variety of offerings all within one MPC, there is no doubt you will find a residence that fits your style, budget, and lifestyle.
One of the top perks of living in an MPC is the unparalleled quality of life that extends far beyond the confines of one’s home. These meticulously crafted neighborhoods are designed to enhance every aspect of residents’ daily lives, fostering a sense of belonging, well‑being, and fulfillment. At the heart of this enhanced quality of life is the strong sense of community that thrives within these neighborhoods. From the moment residents move in, they become part of a vibrant and interconnected network of neighbors who share common interests, values, and aspirations.
“As developers, our vision extends far beyond the mere construction of homes and infrastructure. We’re committed to creating vibrant and sustainable communities that enrich the lives of our residents in every way possible. From meticulously planning every detail of the neighborhood layout to curating a diverse array of amenities and fostering a strong sense of community, our goal is to provide a setting where families can thrive, friendships can flourish, and memories can be made for generations to come,” said Garrett Mechler, local New Braunfels resident, and VP of Operations at ASA Properties, the developer of Veramendi.
As a resident of an MPC, you’ll find an endless array of resort‑style amenities designed and built for year‑round entertainment. From spectacular pools to splash pads and outdoor kitchens, meandering trail systems to dedicated parks and green spaces, master‑planned communities are designed to offer all of your needs just outside your doorstep. Many MPCs even host community events and activities for the residents to enjoy and socialize with neighbors throughout the changing seasons.
The overarching theme of many master‑planned communities is a place where you can “live, work, play, and learn”. Over time, the design of a master‑planned community can include everything you would expect in a small town: office space, schools, daycares, dining, retail, markets, medical facilities, and more. Plus, developers typically look for locations that offer residents close proximity to urban centers and convenient access to major thoroughfares, airports, sporting venues, and other big city amenities, giving a “best of both worlds” inclusiveness.
Master‑planned communities are dynamic entities and part of the allure is that they are designed to evolve. Developers regularly introduce new amenities, services, and infrastructure improvements to meet the changing needs and preferences of residents, ensuring that these communities remain desirable places to live for generations to come. Investing in a home within an MPC can offer long‑term value. Due to the meticulous planning that goes into these developments, they often maintain high property values because of their desirable amenities, well‑maintained infrastructure, and carefully curated aesthetics.
If you’re interested in buying a home in an MPC, below are some tips to consider.
- Take a tour of the community and visit their Welcome Center, if they have one. Be sure to stop at the model homes and speak with the builder representatives to best determine which home options are right for you. Take in how you see existing residents use the amenities, facilities, and green spaces around them, and consider whether it is the lifestyle you’re looking for.
- Check out the schools. The location of an MPC is often planned to be within or near a highly‑ranked school district. Many even offer in‑community walkable access to education facilities varying from pre‑school to university.
- Ask what type of go‑green efforts are in place. Many master‑planned communities prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. From energy‑efficient home designs to green spaces, recycling programs, and conservation efforts, these communities often have strong initiatives in place to minimize their environmental footprint.
- Amenities usually come with fees to support the maintenance of pools, fitness, trail systems, community parks, etc. Discuss how these are managed. Homeowners associations are the most common way to handle costs and set expectations for the community‑wide rules. Ask about the HOA; what the annual fees are and how often they expect to increase.
Hopefully, by now you can see the many reasons master‑planned communities appeal to so many people and satisfy almost every lifestyle. Because an MPC is designed to create an all‑encompassing community, the diverse blend of home offerings, amenities, sustainability initiatives, and commercial opportunities fit together as one beautiful puzzle. It combines the best elements of convenient city living with the charm of a small‑town community.
As one of the top three Texas towns to live in according to USA Today (U.S. Census Bureau data 2023), New Braunfels is proud to be the home of the master‑planned community, Veramendi. Offering true Hill Country living in the heart of New Braunfels, Veramendi is designed for long‑term sustainable growth and encompasses the sense of community you’ve been searching for. Contact us today to explore available homes and dive into the amenities awaiting at Veramendi!
