First introduced in the 1980’s, the concept of "New Urbanism" is to create sustainable and dense neighborhoods focused around mass transit and walkable distance to work, live, and play. Neighborhoods are designed to provide good balance for residents and the more I see of them, the better I like the idea!

Urban Living says diversity is key to a successful urban living design,

Choice and diversity mean there is a little something for everyone.  Urban Living in Downtown San Diego transcends age.  Aging “baby-boomers” have just as much of a desire to downsize and be close to live, work, and play as a younger working professional.

While I do like the idea of being able to walk to the store, walk to get a haircut, and walk to the post office, there are some concerns that these urban areas - sometimes designed to look like old "small town" America - seem more like "Pleasantville."

Have you looked at the people who live or frequent such areas?  They are the ones who are afraid to actually live in or visit a real city.  The areas that these communities are copying have existed for generations and evolved organically to become the neighborhoods they are.  This is an attempt by corporate america to bypass all those generations of history and just manufacture the same experience.

I love going into "real" cities for concerts, little restaurants, and more, so don’t think the picture painted of frightened residents is accurate.  To me the convenience of living within walking distance to stores and to mass transit is very appealing.  Plus I am one who likes sitting on the front porch in the evening - saying hello to a neighbor walking a dog or chatting with the lady across the street about what it was like to live in Montana.  I miss those old gathering places with the porch swings and extra seating.

If new urbanism means that planners and developers can recapture the nostalgia of my old neighborhood, then so what?  I’m in!

Photo from *here*.