Pictures were taken of front porches, village greens and neighbors socializing with one another.  It became apparent (all over again!) that the main reason why people move to traditional neighborhoods is not the same reason one might move to a conventional Florida style neighborhood.  It is because of the way these places make us feel… the look of the greens, the individual personalities of our porches, the quiet way that the architectural design of the place helps us get closer to our neighbors without realizing it.

I have learned that 'community' is a word that needs no definition in a TND.  It is automatic, through good times as well as challenges. With so many public greens and places to come together, you begin embracing the communication, the involvement and the mutual support.  On Saturday mornings, the sound of kids playing in the parks serves as a back drop to the aroma of coffee coming from the Town Ground Café Espresso.  Porches become an artist palette during the holidays, displaying the fondest perceptions we each have of celebrations from the past.  Kids and the older folks feel at home here.  Many of us remember grandparents living in a place like this, while some are the grandparents living here.

These are the new traditional neighborhoods.  Although many of us may travel a distance to get to work, it is more than worth the commute.  Once we are back home, it is easy to walk to our small downtowns that offer everyday conveniences, so that we don’t have to get back in our car and travel again.  These are true, modern day villages.  They provide a wonderful sense of grounding and belonging.

Although floor plans vary, homes commonly use the length of a homesite, offering a front porch and private side and backyards.  Traditional neighborhoods developments are often called 'front porch communities' because everyone has one…and uses it as an additional room!  Shopping for a TND home is different…you look for porch swings, unique picket fences, and hammocks in addition to other outdoor furniture.

Whether you’re a realtor or a homebuyer, and are curious about the unique lifestyle a traditional neighborhood offers, we invite you to browse through information about TNDs and the companion New Town located in the west central part of Florida.  Additionally, TND questions and answers, articles and helpful CDD information are all here.  These neighborhoods are unique amongst all of the conventional neighborhoods around, and understanding their design differences, community lifestyle and specific challenges will better prepare you and future homeowners for a 'good fit'!

Sincerely,                                                                

About the site developer:

Pam Marron is a Sr. Loan Officer with Homexpress Lending, Inc. and has worked as a loan officer in the mortgage banking industry since February 1985.  She has vast experience with automated loan approval engines, helping homebuyers, realtors, builders and developers with FHA, VA  and conventional mortgages, USDA and reverse mortgages,  re-hab, and most recently, the Pasco county NSP assistance.  Pam is an active member of the Rotary Club of Seven Springs, President of Fine Arts of the Suncoast, Inc., and the director of the Suncoast Arts Fest.  Pam also serves on the Longleaf Public Events Committee, and helped to organize the Longleaf Farmer’s Market.  Ms. Marron’s family was the first to purchase a home in the Longleaf development, a traditional neighborhood (TND) in New Port Richey, Florida.  Pam has developed seminars entitled “TNDs: Not Your Typical Real Estate” and “How to Sell in Community Development Districts (CDD’s)…Know Your Amenities and Benefits!” and has presented to the West Pasco Board of Realtors, at real estate offices, and at realtor seminars.    Pam Marron 24 yrs. Sr. Loan Officer Homexpress Lending, Inc (727) 375-8986 pmarron@tampabay.rr.com

If there is an opportunity to help you with mortgage financing for TND properties, with CDD communities, with any type of residential financing, please consider me! I live in Longleaf, a traditional neighborhood with a CDD in place!