My Community Vision

If I had the funding and ability to customize my own community there would be some key features I would include.  I would first make an effort to make this area as squared/rectangular as possible.  I feel like it's much easier to have clear borders, and an idea of what area is actually part of the community.  The outsides of the community would be mainly housing, with straight gridded streets when possible and the various gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores ect..   At the center of the community would be a circular retail/shopping section.  This area would be in the center of the community so it is accessible by everyone.  The stores would create a circle, where people would walk on the inside under canopies but would still be outdoors.  Parking would be on the outside of the ring.  I think that very open, comfortable outdoor shopping areas are much better than any fancy indoor mall.  In the middle of the circle would be restaurants and other social areas and small shops.  Spread among the houses would be various small community parks. I think that small parks around neighborhoods encourage activeness, and community interaction which is good.  Also in the neighborhoods would be a few grade schools, a middle school, and a high school.  Attached to the high school would be a large open field with their football, soccer, baseball, and other sports fields, along with a nice park.  This would be a very active and friendly community environment where people would frequently meet.  I would put as much nice landscaping in the neighborhoods also.  These nice parks and areas I feel are key.  With an active community, there would be less crime, and more friendliness. This is no Beverly Hills with enormous mansions, but simply a nice, homey feeling community. I would chose that over a busy big town lifestyle any day.