Master-planned communities were established in the mid-20th century as an escape from the unplanned growth of urban areas. We also call them new towns or planned communities. Now, we usually associate them with retirees and expansive construction in the United States’ Sun Belt. So, in this article, we’ll learn what a master planned community is and have a guide to finding master planned communities in Florida and Austin.
What is a Master Planned Community?
A master-planned community is one that is built in an area that has been pre-planned to include certain facilities. Examples of such facilities are pocket parks, swimming pools, a golf course, a town center, and the ability to purchase single-family homes from a few home builders. Each builder usually has different price points and design options. These homes also have standard pricing that can be upgraded depending on the home buyer’s budget.
Why Should You Live in a Master Planned Community?
For many homebuyers, living in a suburban neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of Austin that has everything they need within the neighborhood is most appealing. Many of these communities have an elementary school, a neighborhood park, as well as a community center with a pool and gym facilities.
How Do You Know Which Community Is Best for You?
Finding the ideal area depends on a lot of factors, such as which section of the city you prefer or how far you will have to travel to get to work and back. When people move to Austin, they frequently express a desire for a shorter commute, so keep that in mind as you look for a community to establish roots and begin to build a life in this wonderful city.
Master Planned Communities in Austin
Austin has numerous master-planned communities. Even more, they are still expanding. The best of both worlds is available in master-planned communities. Aside from a diverse selection of lovely homes, the majority of the communities offer exceptional amenities to their residents. They also hold events and gatherings to give everyone a sense of belonging in the community. Here is a list of some of Austin’s master-planned communities.
#1. Easton Park
Easton Park is a master-planned community that provides a friendly lifestyle, spectacular amenities, and excellent home collections and designs by experienced Central Austin home builders. Subsequently, Easton Park has four neighborhoods. They are: Bryan Park, Knob Hill, Union Park, and Skyline Park
#2. Goodnight Ranch
Goodnight Ranch Austin is a 770-acre master-planned community in Southeast Austin that offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Residents can choose from a variety of distinctive and attractive homes in the community. Apartments from Commons provide luxury living within the community, whilst Urbana provides a flexible choice for persons interested in renting within Goodnight Ranch Austin.
#3. Steiner Ranch
Steiner Ranch Austin is also called the “Land Between Lakes”. It gets the name from the two lakes surrounding it – Lake Austin and Lake Travis. The community embodies convenience, privacy, a way of life, and a sense of belonging. Steiner Ranch has also set aside 1,500 acres to protect the community’s habitats and green space.
#4. Rough Hollow Lakeway
Rough Hollow Lakeway is the ideal location for a premium lakefront community with a resort vibe. This community, nestled in the tranquility of the Hill Country, provides resort-style facilities and award-winning homes. Residents also enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Travis from their homes. There are 22 distinct communities in the community, each with a different style ranging from semi-custom to custom homes.
#5. Lakeside at Tessera
Lakeside at Tessera, located in Lago Vista on the north bank of Lake Travis, is an urban paradise of services and activities that combines nature with the convenience of city living. The Austin Business Journal named Lakeside at Tessera the finest master-planned community in 2019.
#6. Avery Ranch
A master-planned community with about 4,000 homes is located in far northwest Austin. Avery Ranch, a 1,800-acre master-planned community, features homes with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The community also has a plethora of amenities, including five community centers spread across 17 acres of property. Avery Ranch Golf Club, located on the grounds, is one of Austin’s top golf courses.
#7. Lake Pointe
Lake Pointe Austin could be an excellent choice for a master-planned community with lake and beach amenities! Residents enjoy relaxing by the beautiful lakes, boating, and fishing. Lake Pointe Austin provides the convenience of living close to nature while still being close to the large metropolis.
#8. Mueller
Mueller is a 700-acre master-planned community located three miles north of downtown Austin and two miles south of The University of Texas at Austin. It is an award-winning community that is on its way to becoming home to 14,300 people, 14,500 employees, and 10,500 construction jobs. The development will include 4 million square feet of business and retail space, approximately 6,200 homes, and 140 acres of public open space. The modern planned community’s real estate, which consists of single-family homes and apartment buildings, is home to a large number of young families.
#9. Circle C Ranch
Circle C Ranch is a well-known master-planned community located in southwest Austin. The family-friendly neighborhoods are close to many freeways, as well as entertainment and conveniences. Circle C Ranch residents enjoy the neighborhood’s many amenities, which include the Circle C Community Center, four distinct types of pool/swim centers, and children’s playscapes. There are also nearby attractions such as the Circle C Metropolitan Park, a golf club, a tennis club, and bike and equestrian routes.
#10. Belterra
Belterra is a superior, spectacular 1,600-acre master-planned community neighborhood in Dripping Springs, Texas’ wedding capital. It is bounded on the north by Hwy 290, on the south by Belterra Dr, on the west by Sawyer Ranch Rd, and on the east by Nutty Brown Rd. When you live in Belterra, you may discover the Hill Country scenery linked with medieval fences and stunning cliffs at a place close to Austin.
#11. Tahitian Village
A residential community with homes developed in 1986 and recently constructed homes from the 2000s to the 2010s. It is located in the heart of Bastrop County’s Lost Pines within the 78602 zip code. Tahitian Village is great for people who want to live in a rural area yet still be accessible to the exciting entertainment venues and conveniences of Downtown Austin.
#12. 6 Creeks
6 Creeks is a new master-planned community in Kyle, Texas. It is one of the state’s fastest-growing communities. This new community is 25 miles from downtown Austin, 12 miles from San Marcos, and one hour from San Antonio. Butler Ranch Estates is a new Century Communities home development near Dripping Springs, TX. The community is located in the 78620 zip code of Dripping Springs, which is 24 miles southwest of Downtown Austin. Residents appreciate the community’s tranquil and pleasant atmosphere.
#13. Colovista Bastrop
Colovista Bastrop is a golf community in the Lost Pines of Bastrop, 78602 zip code. Les Appelt’s concept was Colovista, a 17,000-square-foot home overlooking the Colorado River. Headwaters is an award-winning, 1,035-acre master-planned community with separate communities, magnificent Hill Country views, and sustainable homes designed by the greatest home builders in the country.
#14. Larkspur
Larkspur is a Williamson County residential master-planned community with 608 acres and 1,500+ house lots, as well as open spaces, trails, and luxury amenities. Onion Creek is a well-established golf-course community located fifteen minutes south of Austin in the 78747 zip code that provides beautiful homes surrounded by mature trees, well-kept lawns, as well as the greens of the Onion Creek Club.
#15. Reagan’s Overlook
If you’re looking for a new community in Leander, Reagan’s Overlook is one of the best places to live because of the area’s spectacular views of the Texas Hill Country. The estate homes in the community range from conventional to contemporary in style, and there are also amenities for families to enjoy. Leander’s retail and activity attractions are within walking distance of this magnificent retreat surrounded by the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Florida Master Planned Communities
If you’re looking for a master planned community in Florida, here are a few picks.
#1. Arden
This South Florida gated master planned community focuses on healthy living by offering new homes and activities that link inhabitants to nature. An agrihood with a 5-acre farm, a clubhouse, a swimming pool, a fitness center, walking and bicycling trails, parks, and other amenities are available.
#2. Aria
This gated master planned community in Southwest Florida features Italian-inspired new homes and resort-style amenities such as a social clubhouse, exercise center, swimming pool, and pickleball courts. The homes contain luxury elements and smart home technology. The Gulf Coast beaches, championship golf courses, and downtown Venice are all just a short drive away.
#3. Sarasota Artistry
This Sarasota gated community is located in one of the “Top 20 Most Desirable Places to Live,” according to US News, and offers healthy living and tranquil lake views. The community was built with fitness and relationships in mind. It contains amenities such as a lakeside clubhouse, fitness center with yoga and aerobics classes, sports courts, and a network of walking trails.
#4. Avalon Trails
This 55+ active adult community is close to golf courses, shopping, downtown Delray Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean. Year-round exercise, swimming, pickleball, bocce ball, tennis, and social activities are available to residents.
#5. Maria Avenue
This master-planned community in the Naples area includes several residential subdivisions, a town center with shopping and eating, golf courses, parks, tennis, pickleball, and other family-friendly facilities. The 55+ Del Webb Naples subdivision is also part of the community.
#6. Ballenisles Country Club
Buyers in this established Palm Beach County country club community have exclusive access to three historic golf courses that were originally designed as the PGA’s home, as well as a 22-court tennis center and a sports complex.
#7. Boca Royale Golf and Country Club
This gated golf community in southwest Florida provides new single-family and attached homes for sale in a country club setting 15 minutes from the beach and close to stores, restaurants, and schools in the laid-back Gulf Coast city of Englewood.
#8. Briarwood Active 55+ Resort
This 55+ prefabricated home community in Daytona Beach provides resort-style living as well as a range of active adult amenities such as a clubhouse, fitness center, ballroom, heated swimming pool, spa, and stocked fishing lake, shuffleboard, and more.
#9. Viera Bridgewater
This “55 and better” active senior community is close to golf, shopping, downtown Melbourne, and the beaches of the Space Coast. Year-round exercise, swimming, pickleball, bocce ball, tennis, and 125 acres of shimmering lakes are available to residents.
#10. Calesa Township
A master-planned community of brand-new homes that blends affordability and resort-style facilities, providing an amazing opportunity for a varied variety of demographics ranging from first-time homebuyers to active people.
What Does Living In A Commune Look Like?
As a way to fulfill a utopian ideal, community living frequently supports egalitarian institutions and focuses vulnerable and underprivileged individuals. These communities frequently arise naturally as groups of people with common interests begin to investigate the advantages of living together.
Does Communes Still Exist In The United States?
There are approximately 200 co-housing opportunities in the United States today; they are generally considered a more independent and organized form of communal living.
What Is A Well Planned Community?
A planned community is a housing complex in which the homes, roads, stores, and other amenities have been meticulously designed and organized to make living there as convenient and joyful as possible.
Why Does California Have So Many Gated Communities?
Gated communities are becoming increasingly popular in California and across the country. This is due in large part to Buyers realizing they may have more flexibility, less noise, and a less ecological footprint by living in a planned community – especially with remote work becoming more common.
In Conclusion,
The average master-planned community is more than 2,500 acres in size. And, it is located in either an urban or suburban setting. Residents want to live there because they want to experience a self-contained environment. Typically, all social and recreational opportunities are restricted to residents and their guests.
The number of amenities provided by a master-planned community distinguishes it from a subdivision. It may consist of a single huge residential area. Or, it may divide into several subdivisions and neighborhoods.
Master Living Community FAQs
What is the largest master planned community in the US?
The largest master-planned community in the US is Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota, Florida, with 2,574 sales.
How do master planned communities make money?
The MPC’s developer purchases thousands of acres of undeveloped but useable property. The developer first sells a tiny section of the land to homebuilders, who then build residential neighborhoods on it. These neighborhoods increase the demand for commercial real estate.