Guest post by Karlyn McKell

Farm-to-table living is easier than ever in the new mixed-use developments popping up across the U.S. known as agrihoods! There are at least 200 agrihoods in the U.S. today spanning 28 states, and many more are currently under construction.

So what is an agrihood, exactly? These planned housing developments are built around a working farm. The idea is that residents can get back to the basics by living in a sustainable community that grows food, embraces the outdoors, and promotes communal living.

Moving to an agrihood doesn’t suddenly make you a farmer: crop cultivation is left up to the professionals, and the food produced is sold to residents as well as local businesses such as restaurants and grocers.

Many agrihoods have additional features such as an onsite kitchen for hosting workshops, walking trails and green spaces, playgrounds and activities for children, and more.

Here are some popular features of an agrihood:

1. Working farm

Seventy three percent of Americans consider access to fresh, healthy foods a top priority. Residents looking to enjoy farm-fresh ingredients straight from the source will love the benefits an agrihood provides. Because the community is centered around a working farm, eating healthy has never been easier.

Working professionals tend to the farmland so residents don’t have to, although weekend workshops and other events give community members upfront access to the farms.

2. Shared amenities

Neighbors are encouraged to commune with one another in the shared amenities. An onsite kitchen to host workshops lets residents learn how to prepare the food found on the working farm. Other popular amenities include pavilions, coffee shops, an onsite restaurant and more.

Expect to see the shared amenities increase as agrihoods grow in popularity. Olivette in Asheville, North Carolina is currently building a school onsite so children can live and learn to love the outdoors.

3. Green spaces

You can get out and enjoy the fresh air easily in an agrihood, thanks to the shared green spaces carved throughout the community. It’s all about spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature. Walking trails and parks encourage an active lifestyle for families and some agrihoods even have water and lake access!

4. Residential housing

Agrihoods are committed to sustainability even during the construction process. The residential structures onsite are typically built with energy efficient solutions. Many agrihoods offer new builds that have earned Energy Star ratings and LEED certifications. This not only reduces your carbon footprint, but it reduces your electric bill each month too.

5. Community gardens

While the working farm around the agrihood is tended to by the professionals, you can still partake in growing crops of your own at the onsite community gardens! Here, residents can plant their own flowers, herbs and produce next to their neighbors and watch the fruits of their labor grow throughout the season.

To learn more about agrihoods and how they are making the simple life even simpler, check out this visual from The Zebra below!

graphic by TheZebra.com.