|
Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND): A
comprehensive planning system that integrates a variety of
housing types and land uses in a pedestrian-friendly setting.
TND’s incorporate many of the attributes of traditional small
towns, but use modern development technique, even in the case of
revitalization.
Simplified:
Traditional Neighborhoods build families and communities by
offering amenities within common areas for all to share.
The
street design is short and connected.
Front
porches serve as an extension of the home.
Stores,
schools and public places are within walking distance of homes.
These are key elements of a TND:
-
The neighborhood has a variety of building uses that can be found in the center or at the neighborhood’s edge and will include educational facilities, civic buildings and commercial establishments to be located within walking distance of private homes.
You will commonly see a downtown center with retail shops and offices and an elementary or other type of school.
-
Most dwellings are within a five minute walk of that center.
-
There are a variety of dwelling types close together (ie; small to large single family, condominiums, rentals apartments, etc.)
Commonly, townhomes, villas or condominiums will adjoin streets of single family homes. Lot sizes are distinguished with names that represent their size; typically cottage, village and estate. A variety of home types may be found on one street. Condominiums, townhomes and apartments may be found above or adjoining downtown shops.
-
This also includes varying home price levels.
-
A privacy side yard is typically on one side of the home.
-
Homes are placed close to the sidewalk, and usually have front porches.
-
Floors are raised above the sidewalk level for enhanced privacy and architectural appeal.
-
Elementary school within walking distance of homes.
-
Small parks and/or playgrounds near every dwelling.
-
Buildings in back of homes which can be used as living quarters or places to work.
-
Streets are...
-
narrow, lined with trees and wide
sidewalks
-
laid out in a connected network in
stark contrast to the sparse branched pattern of most
suburban neighborhoods
-
shorter
-
Parking locations are...
What are the major advantages of living in a TND?
-
Typical planning allows for parks and recreational areas,
as well as schools and small businesses
 close
by for community use.
-
Front porch of home is focal and
encourages interaction with neighbors. If front loaded
garage, usually recessed from front elevation of home and
not predominant feature.
-
TND planning provides for amenities
(recreational, public, and business) to be within a five to
ten minute walk of each home site. Emphasizes less
automotive travel.
-
Unique Live/Work zoning on specific streets allow for small
businesses to adjoin to homes.
-
Garage apartment can generate rental income or serve as
additional living quarters.
-
Design of the neighborhood encourages interaction with community. In many
TNDs, events are able to be held within the TND because of space, allowing residents to experience cultural events close by.
Understanding the 'Why' of higher home cost in a TND:
-
More infrastructure for public use areas such as parks, playgrounds, ball fields, and alleys.
-
Shorter streets connect to alleys, incurring
more street pavement costs.
-
Homes cost more because of raised floor level, front porches, and extra architectural detail.
Perceived drawbacks to living in a TND:
-
“Everyone is so social. I prefer to keep to myself and don’t want other people in my business all the time.”
TNDs foster community socialization because neighborhood design encourages walking close by to shops, parks, schools, etc. However, private backyards and privacy side yards provide solace.
-
“The houses are so close together and the lots are narrower.”
In a typical suburban yard, lots are not much bigger. In a TND, home design is commonly more linear without a driveway encumbering the front yard. In a TND, more land is used for parks and recreational areas and common areas that are accessible to the entire community. Most
TNDs also have a variety of larger lots commonly called estate lots. Clients that are attracted to TND homes, like the idea of having less land to maintain.
How to sell homes in a TND:
-
Drive through a TND neighborhood in the early evening and weekends and see residents playing in parks and relaxing on front porches. This is the best selling feature without words!
-
In newly built TNDs, know where a mature streetscape is.
Buyers need to visualize what the community will mature to.
-
Know what kind of downtown shops there are and point out the convenience of service/product.
TND shops are banking on providing a need close by for the TND communities. 
-
A TND features a variety of price ranges protecting it when certain market segments sour.
-
A good TND home space has a very private back yard,
and
a public front porch that is conducive for socialization with neighbors.
-
Studies show that TND communities’ (overall) appreciation is approximately 2.5% higher than a conventional community, while lot appreciation soared to from 20 to 40 percent, versus less than 10 percent for conventional developments. Major reason cited was the appeal as the TND matures.
TNDs get better with age!
-
TNDs commonly sponsor events from within the community,
offering activities that do not have to be traveled to!
-
Get to know where your buyer is coming from.
Clients from the northeast or older communities will recognize this type of neighborhood more often.
-
Residents that buy in
TNDs choose these communities primarily because of amenities of the neighborhood as well as of the individual home.
Know how many parks, schools, ball fields, community pools and recreational areas are in the community, and know the services that downtown shops offer, even showing a menu or list of products easily accessible.
Study from the book, Valuing the New Urbanism” by Mark Eppli and Charles Tu.
|
