So what is “new urban”

You know the saying everything old is new again, well that is how I would best describe the term “new urban mom” and the focus of this website. One of the things that makes the internet so attractive to so many of us is that you can find a community that reflects your interests and priorities in life. We like that choice in our living and working environment as well and we are making those choices. We are embracing new technology for its ability to bring us together…much like the village square used to do in years gone by. That is, I believe, the lure and attraction of the whole “new urbanist” movement.

We are doing things in our homes, in our communities and in our workplaces that reflect our beliefs and our priorities from our families to the environment. So we see individuals and families choosing to work close to home or at home to be closer to what is important to them. We’re making our homes and our streets more than a place to eat and nod off in after a commute a 16 hour workday. Our communities are becoming central to who we are and what we believe in.

I grew up in the suburbs, moved to the city as a young working woman and then moved back to the suburbs to raise my kids. What I want now is the best of all worlds…natural environments and parks for my kids, attractive, culturally interesting and walkable community for our family’s social life and easy and close access to employment or professional resources to support my home business.

This is basically the “new urbanist” vision and developers and planners have been creating these kinds of communities (in the suburbs, cities and rural areas) for about 15 years. The first well known community of this type was built in northwest Florida and is called Seaside. This development is laid out like a small town and buyers love the look. Business parks and schools are all located near the homes to encourage walking and healthier environments.

Today there are hundreds and hundreds of these kinds of developments across the United States, Canada and else where. Let’s face it we’re all getting pretty tired of the long, traffic-congested commute to work and getting wise to the fact that our car pollution is killing us.

You don’t have to be in a new development to be part of this movement that is rediscovering the treasures of community or small town living. You might live in a rural community, traditional suburb or the city…it makes no difference. New urbanism in my mind is a way of defining how we live, choose to work and interact with our neighbors and physical environment.

Tags: New Urbanism