By Devyn Bachman, Research Analyst | John Burns Real Estate Consulting
Velodromes, tree houses, zip lines, and even zoos have become hot new amenities for successful master-planned communities. During our survey of more than 270 master-planned communities for our annual ranking of the 50 top-selling communities, we discovered numerous jaw-dropping amenities.
Velodrome/BMX Course
Residents of Riverwalk in the Charlotte MSA take adrenaline to new heights by embracing the world of extreme biking.
Orange Monster / Cruiser Bike Giveaway
Children designed their own dream play-scape in Eastmark known as the Orange Monster. The structure encourages community involvement and exercise. Over the past three years, every home within this Phoenix community has received a cruiser bike to promote a healthy, active, and social lifestyle.
US Tennis Association National Campus / Orlando City Soccer
Orlando’s Lake Nona attracted USTA’s new tennis headquarters with 102 tennis courts! The masterplan offers sports enthusiasts a chance to play in world-class training facilities and attracts families of the top tennis and soceer players in the nation.
Crystal Lagoon
Park Place in the Tampa MSA will house one of the first US residential crystal lagoons, a massive man-made lake for swimming and boating surrounded by white sand beaches. The technology includes hundreds of sensors and gadgets to help self-clean the pool.
Special Ambassador / Tree House
Hub, Cane Island’s community ambassador, is a golden retriever who welcomes residents to the Houston community and never turns down a back scratch. Residents gather at Cane Island’s unique tree house café.
The Incline
Outdoor and athletic enthusiasts in Denver love The Meadows’ incline, a 200-step outdoor staircase that residents use to get a serious work out.
Giving Tree
Inside Verrado is a “giving tree,” an actual tree that represents the Phoenix community’s passion for giving back. Verrado offers opportunities and encourages residents to become involved with local charities.
Zip Line
Nocatee community members can soar high above the Jacksonville terrain while riding on zip lines.
Brevard Zoo
Animal lovers and local residents rejoiced after developers of Viera, located along Florida’s Space Coast, donated a portion of their land to a local zoo.
Polo Fields
Residents at Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota can enjoy the on-site polo competitions and other equestrian fun. The Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch includes nine world-class fields and one regulation size arena.
Community Gardens
Daybreak in Salt Lake City offers residents an opportunity to be involved with their community gardens, embracing the farm-to-fork movement. Harvest in the Dallas-Ft. Worth MSA takes the concept to a whole new level, allowing residents to reserve plots and plant what they wish, while providing the water necessary to grow the gardens.
