Traditional Neighborhoods

What makes a neighborhood traditional?

A Unique Place to Live

A Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) is a comprehensive planning system based on traditional town planning and community building principles. Its central focus is on the creation of a true sense of place which is unique and special as well as the establishment of a walkable environment. Such planning integrates various land uses such as residential, commercial, civic and open space uses, all within walking distances of one another.

Front Porch Living at its finest

Residential land uses offer a wide variety of housing in both size and style which appeals to a wide range of homeowners. Homes comply with a strict design code insuring the congruence of various architectural styles. Homes often have front porches for enhancing interaction with neighbors and the community and typically have rear entry garages. The design code results in homes having higher levels of architectural detail and character.

The Town Center is the heart of the community

Commercial uses such as retail, restaurant, entertainment and office are located in a town center and in mixed-use buildings. Such buildings often have commercial uses on the first floor with housing on the floors above. A central plaza or square often is used for public events and activities. The town center is within walking distance of all homes in the neighborhood.

The Tradition is Community

Civic uses such as libraries, schools and churches are integrated into the fabric of the neighborhood and reflect the local community's culture and enhance its social fabric.

Feel the Open Green Spaces

Open space is threaded throughout the neighborhood and represented in various forms such as large parks, pocket parks, greens, preserves etc. Open space allows the community to experience the outdoors, interact with one another and engage in recreation. Ideally a park is located within a 3 minute walk of every home.

A Safe and Inviting Community

Buildings and the spaces in between them are given equal importance in the community's design. The built environment is planned such that a human scale (a comfortable scale) is achieved. Buildings sit closer to streets and one another. Streets are narrower and on-street parking is encouraged with the specific goal of slowing traffic. All streets are lined with trees. Sidewalks are wide and separated from the street by planted strips. Open space is define and articulated in ways that feel safe and inviting. Such designs enhance pedestrian walkability.