When people think of California, some often think of celebrities, hipsters, Hollywood, the beach, the traffic, and all the vegan yoga teachers that fill the city. While many of these stereotypes may be true, California serves as one of the leading environmentally friendly states in the nation. A prime example is the rise of local Agrihoods.
Farm to Table Freshness
Though California has a green thumb, the state is taking another step up. To accommodate the housing crisis and serve the environment, developers have established agricultural neighborhoods, or “Agrihoods.” These communities bring together farmland and housing, allowing residents to achieve farm-fresh food just steps away from their homes.
Luxurious Walden Monterey
A new, luxury Agrihood community called Walden Monterey hopes to attract nearby Silicon Valley residents. Each home in this 22 lot Agrihood will cost around $5 million and provide 20 acres of land. Walden Monterey hopes to attract these wealthy Silicon Valley locals for a peaceful transition when coming home from staring at a computer screen all day. Nick Jekogian, the site’s developer, initially thought of taking the land and creating a golf course. After spending the night in a tent on the land, his motive changed. What were tracks for golf carts will now be used for dog parks and amenities. Golf posts will be turned into homes and acres of potential room for farmland. This is to provide those with a farm-to-table diet.
Millennial Investors
By combining the amenities of rural farming and modern living, millennials have been fleeing to these Agrihoods. The Ranch at Rancho Mission Viejo, however, is attracting these hipster millennials. Developers initially hoped to create a vibrant and creative way to bring together an engaging community. Since millennials contribute a large percent to today’s new home buyers, this Agrihood seems to serve all interests. Once completed, the Agrihood will provide 6,000 acres of homes and over 17,000 acres full of natural habitat reserve.
Agrihoods Across the U.S.
While California is no stranger to community gardens, urban agriculture, or co-housing, other states have been taking action as well.