What I didn't say explicitly at the time, but probably should have, is that this kind of development—compact and walkable, with homes and businesses close together—is a textbook example of "smart growth." This type of development, which is designed to protect the environment and improve quality of life, is based on ten basic principles:
- Mixed land use, with housing and retail close together
- Compact development (sometimes worded as "growing up, not out")
- Varied housing choices
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Distinctive communities
- Open space
- Developing within existing borders
- Transportation choice
- Supportive government
- Community involvement
So I've written a piece for Money Crashers all about smart growth. I cover the ten principles in more detail; go into the many benefits of smart growth for the economy, environment, and communities; provide several real-life, award-winning examples of smart-growth projects; and conclude with advice on how to get involved with the smart-growth movement where you live. I hope this article will serve as a useful basic primer for anyone who wants to know what smart growth is all about.
You can read it here: What Is Smart Growth – Urban Planning Principles, Benefits & Examples
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