With new homes that don't require maintenance, community amenities and an overall philosophy of low-stress living, it's easy to see why master-planned communities are so appealing to today's homebuyers. 
A well-planned community offers a variety of housing choices, plus recreation, amenities, support services and open space. For many new homeowners, it's the perfect choice for today's 24/7 lifestyles: quality of life and new homes that are ready for immediate move-in.
“Developers of master planned communities want to maintain a great living environment well into the future, so quality is key,” says Karen Cochran, sales representative for Centex Homes' Summer Walk community in San Diego. “The land planning, amenities, selection of home builders and pricing are all very important.”
So how do you decide which community is best for your needs? One of the biggest considerations facing any potential homebuyer is location. Is where you live convenient for work? Are there quality schools nearby? What's the community like? Is it attractive? What about recreation -- like a pool, parks, or a golf course?
Compare the neighborhoods you like, keeping in mind the advantages of living in a planned community:There are many more questions to ask, since location is a matter of personal preference, but the following basics will get you started as you begin your home search:
Architectural integrity. A planned community establishes master architectural guidelines for homes and community amenities, which ensures that neighborhoods are well designed and complement each other for the long term. These guidelines create a unified theme, but with variations so that each neighborhood is unique. Long-term community specifications maintain the integrity of an attractive street scene, as well as landscaping and facilities.
Amenities that enhance quality of life. Master-planned communities are about convenience - from the brand-new home that won't require extensive maintenance to amenities that make is easy to enjoy long weekends and quality family time. Specific amenities might include pools, tennis courts, hike-and-bike trails, recreation centers, gyms, sports fields, golf courses, clubhouses and much more. Smart community planning also considers views and the preservation of natural open space, as well as convenience for residents. For example, a planned community will typically be closer to good schools, commercial/retail centers, and major transportation corridors.
Take Centex Homes' Haciendas Sur neighborhood, located in the Santaluz™ master-planned community near Rancho Santa Fe in North San Diego County. It's the picture of sophisticated country living with such amenities as a golf course, walking trails, hundreds of acres of rugged open space, and views across rolling hills toward the ocean.
At Sunbow in Chula Vista where Centex Homes has built its Summer Walk and Seasons neighborhoods, the focus is on family-oriented recreational amenities, affordable prices and a hometown atmosphere.
Another facet of careful master planning is a respect for the natural beauty of the land, a defining characteristic of a Centex Homes' newest community: Arrowood™ in North San Diego County. And, the setting for Centex Homes' Douglas Crossing community is a peaceful country retreat with hike-and-bike trails, parks and amenities that complement more than 65 acres of preserved natural habitat.
Investing in your future. Homes in master-planned communities also tend to maintain their value. Homebuyers see them as more desirable places to live because they're convenient to work, school and amenities. Your homeowner's association dues are truly an investment in the future and contribute to the ongoing maintenance of community landscaping, pools, parks, recreation centers and other common area amenities. As the years pass, the homeowners association refreshes and renovate amenities as needed so the community continues to maintain its level of quality and desirability.
Sense of community. There's also a strong sense of community in a planned residential environment, where families and children gather at the playground or around the grill, and where a pool or recreation center is often the center of activity. Many master-planned communities have on-site elementary schools and retail centers that are minutes away, making handling life's daily activities easy and convenient. For example, Centex' Arrowood™ community has such amenities such as a Village Green for concerts and picnics.
You can feel the pride of good planning in the way the residents feel about their community. They own much more than a comfortable home in a beautiful neighborhood. They have a great place to live -- whether they are starting a family, raising children, enjoying a new phase of life as a couple or cherishing their privacy. Centex Homes has a long history of building neighborhoods in the finest master planned communities where the quality of the community complements the quality of the homes, and it's clear that master planning makes the difference - a difference our homebuyers appreciate. It's the ideal residential environment that makes it easy to experience life at a relaxing pace!