Culdesac will be the first neighborhood-scale community with zero residential parking, which will allow for more open spaces that can be used for socializing, events, and getting to know your neighbors.
Rendering by Opticos Design.
A five-minute city, car-free and golf cart centered communities are gaining momentum around the United States, from Port Aransas, Texas, to Tempe, Arizona.
With plenty of extra outdoor space, Culdesac will hold over 150 events per year, including concerts, food trucks on the plaza, outdoor yoga classes, and more that guests can enjoy close to home.
Rendering by Opticos Design.
Automobiles have long been a symbol of freedom and advancement, making it easy to overlook the strain they put on our communities and the environment. Even smaller cities are battling noise and air pollution as the number of cars per household increases. Long commutes, congested traffic routes, parking fees, and pollution have all encouraged a whole new way of thinking when it comes to cars.
Culdesac, in Tempe, Arizona is the first car-free community in the United States that has been built from top to bottom around the idea that cities can be made better. “The vision has always remained the same — to build cities for people and not cars,” says Culdesac’s general manager, Lavanya Sunder. Space that is typically reserved for roads, parking lots, and individual parking has been completely rethought in this rental apartment community. Parking lots and garages have been replaced with wide-open spaces that offer everything from fire pits and hammocks to water features and inviting courtyards.
Tempe, Arizona, offered the ideal canvas for a project like Culdesac. “We chose Tempe for its thriving job market, proximity to transportation, and forward-thinking, action-oriented local government,” says Sunder. These are among the added benefits when considering a car-free community.
“By removing parking lots, we were able to see all of the possibilities, twice the retail, triple the open space, and 55-percent landscape coverage, compared to less than 20 percent from comparable developments,” notes Sunder.
The community was designed as a five-minute city, meaning everything residents might need is within reach and life is at your front door. “Homes at Culdesac all open up to vibrant shared courtyards, versus impersonal hallways in traditional apartment complexes,” says Sunder. Seemingly small details such as this contribute to the overall atmosphere that is created when a place urges its residents to slow down. “Community is a key component of Culdesac. Culdesac will have over 150 events per year, including concerts, food trucks on the plaza, outdoor yoga classes, and more.”
Communities such as Culdesac are finding that residents are drawn to the idea of knowing their neighbors again. A notion that hasn’t been overlooked in other communities around the United States. Port Aransas, Texas, is a beautiful beach destination that is like traveling back in time. The eclectic atmosphere is entirely accessible by golf carts, including the 18 miles of beach, with spacious boardwalks that accommodate the carts and encourage foot traffic. The use of golf carts decreases traffic, noise and pollution, and creates a very relaxed pace around the island. Cinnamon Shore, the 1,000-acre, master-planned beachfront community is very walkable and designed with families in mind who want to enjoy the small-town feel in Port Aransas.
A private luxury community, Haig Point, on the northern end of Daufuskie Island in South Carolina is only accessible by ferry, and the island is almost entirely car-free. Residents and guests never have to worry about traffic, stopping for gas, or finding a parking space, as the island runs mainly on golf carts. Similarly, Fire Island, across the Great South Bay from Long Island, New York, is another popular summer retreat that functions smoothly without cars. Bikes, golf carts, and jet skis are the best way to experience the Fire Island’s top-tier accommodations.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, “the mean number of vehicles in households is 1.9 personal vehicles…. Thus, it appears that households on average have more vehicles than drivers.” American cities, from New York to San Francisco, are struggling to provide enough space to merely park all of these vehicles, nevermind drive them.
Our personal space, green space, shared space, and even sidewalks have decreased significantly over the years as the need to accommodate a growing number of automobiles increases.
Communities such as Culdesac are hoping it is time for the urban form to be rethought and upgraded. “We also will have an “Extend Your Home On-Demand” Program,” says Sunder.
Communities such as Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas, Texas, are embracing the idea that guests want a slower pace without sacrificing accessibility.
©istockphoto.com / IR_Stone
Car-free and golf cart centered communities are designed for those looking to reconnect with the outdoors and spend less time stuck in traffic.
©istockphoto.com / 300dpi
“Residents will have access to a variety of bookable spaces to allow them to expand and contract their home as needed.” A modern way of living has melded with the traditional idea of small-town communities. “Culdesac will have bookable guest suites, podcast studios, hosting spaces, and day-use office spaces to allow your home to adjust to your needs,” Sunder explains. “Why pay for a guest room 365 days a year, when you only use it a few times a month?”
Forever shifting to accommodate the residents’ needs, a car-free community like Culdesac is ideal for many people, even during these changing times amidst a pandemic. “The idea of life at your front door makes Culdesac Tempe a place that a variety of people with different needs are interested in — young professionals, students, families, remote workers, retirees, empty nesters, et cetera,” says Sunder. More spacious apartments and public workspace are functional for those residents who are working remotely, as they also don’t have to worry about commuting into an office every day. Since the pandemic, “we’ve seen increased interest from folks particularly from New York and San Francisco, and 50 percent of our waitlist are people coming from outside Arizona,” notes Sunder.
W. Terry Potts
Country Club Properties
183 West Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741 | 828.526.2520 | Fax: 828.526.2470
ccp4terry@gmail.com | www.ccphighlandsnc.com
Country Club Properties is a fully independent real estate brokerage firm serving the country club market in the Highlands-Cashiers area. Completely independent from any developers, speculators or sales programs, Country Club Properties offers an untethered relationship. Area country clubs include Highlands, Wildcat Cliffs, Old Edwards Club, Mountaintop Club, Trillium Links Club, Cullasaja Club and Highlands Falls. Whether your interest is buying or selling real estate in the Highlands area, give Country Club Properties a call.
Featured Property: High Farm, NC
This highly unique property consists of over 90 acres of rolling land, flanked partially on one side by USFS land. The property has about 27 acres of open pasture with the additional acreage being wooded with streams and flanks the Chatooga River on a stretch of whitewater, waterfalls and swimming holes. $4,500,000 MLS #91498
W. Terry Potts originally appeared as an Elite agent in Unique Homes Spring ’21: Elite edition. See the ad here.
Andy Leung
Keller Williams Realty
1501 Highwoods Blvd. Suite 103, Greensboro, NC 27410
336.772.0333 | Andy@TeamLeung.com | www.GreensboroAreaHomes.com
As the founder of Team Leung and a Greensboro native, Andy Leung has been selling high end real estate since 1998. Earning the coveted KW Luxury designation, his team is part of the top 2 percent of all agents in the #1 real estate company in North America, Keller Williams Realty. Having the industry’s highest distinction, Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Andy and his team understand that each luxury home is unique. Whether it is a downtown condo or a lakefront chalet, Andy and his team will provide the concierge service you deserve.
Featured Listing by Andy Leung
High Point, North Carolina
120 Brightleaf Lane
Welcome home to this gorgeous brick home that sits on 1.4 acres. The home offers a lot of amazing features, including an open floor plan and large rooms throughout, making it perfect for entertaining or enjoying time with family. Enjoy the serene Southern mornings on the lovely balcony off the beautiful master suite. Head outside to a peaceful backyard and a lovely deck.
$660,000.
Andy Leung originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See his page here.
Terry Potts
Country Club Properties
183 West Main Street | Highlands, NC 28741
828.526.2520 | Fax: 828.526.2470 | ccp4terry@gmail.com | www.ccphighlandsnc.com
Country Club Properties is a fully independent real estate brokerage firm serving the country club market in the Highlands-Cashiers area. Completely independent from any developers, speculators or sales programs, Country Club Properties offers an untethered relationship. Area country clubs include Highlands, Wildcat Cliffs, Old Edwards Club, Mountaintop Club, Trillium Links Club, Cullasaja Club and Highlands Falls. Whether your interest is buying or selling real estate in the Highlands area, give Country Club Properties a call!
Featured Listing by Terry Potts
HIGHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA
The best long-range view in Highlands
Overlooking parts of NC, SC and GA, this property has views and so much more. Winding along a private road, you will be surrounded by nearly a mile of native forests before reaching the entrance drive of this estate of over 6 acres. MLS #86778
$2,900,000
Terry Potts originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See his page here.
Artfully integrating into today’s modern hospitality environments, Sans Hands faucets use electromagnetism to streamline the hand washing process and reduce the spread of disease and bacteria.
By Brielle Bryan
Driven by growing concern over germs and bacteria on restroom surfaces, more hospitality environments are turning to hands-free, automated faucet technology. Sonoma Forge, located in Sonoma County, California, combines craftsmanship and skilled metalwork with its unique line of designer faucets, tub fillers, shower systems and coordinated bath accessories.
Sans Hands, Sonoma Forge’s sensor faucet technology, offers an improvement over outdated infrared technology with its invisible sensors. Sans Hands incorporates an electromagnetic proximity sensor, and is packaged in stylish designs that perfectly fit today’s modern industrial style.
“Rather than relying on old, unreliable infrared technology, Sans Hands allows users to skip the frustration of frantic hand waving and enjoy the stylishly unique bathroom décor,” said Erik Ambjor, president of Sonoma Forge.
Sans Hands faucets use the basic principle of electromagnetism. Simply speaking, the components include a spout, a low-voltage current from an electrical source — either battery or plug-in — and an electronic brain supplying an electromagnetic field to the spout. When a user approaches the faucet, the electromagnetic field is interrupted, which opens and closes the valve.
Sans Hands faucets are handcrafted and assembled by skilled artisans. They also come in wall-and-deck-mount configurations and are available in a wide array of finishes. A suite of coordinating bath accessories, including decorative hardware, towel bars, tissue holders, mirror mounts and more complete the industrial look. The refreshing design options offer homeowners a decidedly masculine sense of style that enhances any setting, whether urban loft, country villa or boutique hotel.
Photo courtesy of Sonoma Forge
Inventories, demand, new construction, urban renewal, untapped potential and changing business opportunities. All of this and much more vary greatly from region to region, market to market, and submarket to submarket. We took it all into account as we determined which 18 places most warrant keeping an eye on in 2018.
By Camilla McLaughlin
Atlanta, Georgia — Midtown is on fire, the result of extensive redevelopment, and local experts believe downtown will become equally vital. Buckhead is still a locus for the high end, but new upscale buildings bring luxury to revitalized city neighborhoods. Look for more upscale communities in the suburbs as well.
Austin, Texas — Along with Atlanta, Austin is setting the pace for a new age for cities in the south. Technology, pharmaceutical and biotech industries coupled with a unique lifestyle bring newcomers. Not to be discounted is Texas’ status as a no-income-tax state. Californians will continue to look favorably on this city.
Boston, Massachusetts — New
ultra-luxury buildings have buffed Boston’s luxury patina. And the redevelopment of neighborhoods is creating more upscale addresses. Prices in the greater Boston area reached a new high in October with a $568,000 median. A steady influx of foreign investors and slightly more balanced inventory are expected to drive the market into 2018.
Charleston, South Carolina — This city’s ascendancy to the luxury elite is undeniable. Christie’s ranks Charleston fifth, ahead of Paris and Sydney, on its Luxury Thermometer, based on demand and growth. Antebellum classics in historic sections still captivate, but enclaves outside the city or on the water also capture attention. Food, authenticity and waterfront — is there a more compelling combo?
Charlotte, North Carolina — Forecast to be a top housing market in 2018, Charlotte offers urban perks with renewed neighborhoods, new towers and major sports teams without the big-city hassle. Investors, developers, retirees and millennials are all taking notice. An international airport and a temperate climate place this city in the major league.
Darien, Connecticut — Experts anticipate interest in suburban towns with easy access to major metros to grow this year, and Darien is a good example. Homes that are priced right and close to the water sell quickly. Recent ultra sales in nearby Greenwich bring more high-end focus to Connecticut suburbs.
Las Vegas, Nevada — Not too
long ago, some predicted that it would take decades, if ever, for Las Vegas to bounce back from the recession. Today, it tops Realtor.com’s list of the best housing markets for 2018. While a few segments still play catch up, luxury in Las Vegas is back full force with new ultra-lux properties in a range of prices. Architecturally, many are innovative showstoppers.
Maui, Hawaii — More visitors return to Maui than any other Hawaiian island. The number of private jets on the tarmac at Kahului Airport, condominiums asking $25 million and a recent $40 million home sale attest to Maui’s luxury charisma. Montage Residences Kapalua Bay with $54 million in sales in 2017 set the bar for resort residences.
“We have seen value increase, but what we have seen of significance is the number of luxury home sales in our marketplace has really grown year over year, each of the past three years,” says broker Peggy Hoag.
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota — More than Super Bowl LII adds to hubbub in downtown Minneapolis. The boom includes a new 120-block downtown neighborhood anchored by a new stadium, home to the Vikings, and a five-block Wells Fargo mixed-use complex. Offering a higher quality of life at an affordable price, Minneapolis tops Urban Land’s outlook for the Midwest.
Nashville, Tennessee — Once considered a second-tier city, this music hub is now a real estate superstar. Nashville was one of eight metros showing inventory gains in October. Buyers responded, making days on market in November among the
lowest in the country. Nashville appears on several markets to watch this year, making it more than a good bet for 2018.
New York City’s Northern New Jersey suburbs — Developers are eyeing submarkets adjacent to major metros, and towns in Northern New Jersey are in their sights. Already, the region is home to some of the priciest ZIP codes in the country. Manhattan is less than 30 minutes away, and estates here greatly appeal to celebrities thanks to lifestyle and privacy.
Newport Beach, California — Slim inventories make tear downs prized properties here. Developers look for properties to tear down and build new product that appeals to high-end clients who can come in and customize. RE/MAX broker Jeff Grice said more agents are
working with these builders, and his brokerage recently listed a property in the process of being rebuilt for $8.8 million that sold within 11 days. “I foresee this getting bigger and bigger in 2018,” he says.
Orlando, Florida — Florida attracts more international buyers than any other U.S. state and more than Mickey Mouse makes this city a top destination for global buyers in Florida. New luxury enclaves are being developed including more properties in Lake Nona by noted architects.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Inventory is the story here, but one of more rather than less inventory as new luxury rentals and residences come online in Center City. For single-family residences, demand still exceeds supply. Slow and steady
describes a continued influx of newcomers to the city, the second greatest among U.S. secondary markets.
Portland, Oregon — A slim inventory has pushed prices up by almost 10 percent, but low housing prices compared to Vancouver and San Francisco bring newcomers, as does a growing tech presence. Luxury here is on a steady growth path. “We have seen value increase, but what we have seen of significance is the number of luxury home sales in our marketplace has really grown year over year, each of the past three years,” says local broker Peggy Hoag.
San Diego, California — Luxury is not new here, but the cachet of this Pacific star continues to expand. There is no better testimony than the inclusion of San Diego on Christie’s list of
the top 10 fastest growing luxury markets. Luxury has expanded downtown with artful new towers and large-scale developments include North Embarcadero Esplanade.
San Jose, California — The heart of Silicon Valley led the country in price growth with a year-over-year price increase of 19.2 percent in October with 76.3 percent of homes selling above list price. But don’t expect any cooling here until inventory pressures are relieved with more homes in the market.
Seattle, Washington — It’s no surprise Seattle leads ULI’s list of markets to watch. At year end, the typical home was snapped up in just 10 days, making it the fastest market in the country. Upscale properties are in demand thanks to international interest and home-grown tech wealth.
Photo courtesy of iStockphoto.com
State capitals are oftentimes thriving cities with a lot of economic and cultural value. In fact, they can be some of the best places to live in America. But not all state capitals are created equal. WalletHub has put together a list of 2018’s Best State Capitals to live in. And though 17 of them are the largest cities in their states, the biggest population doesn’t always represent the best quality of life.
In order to determine which state capitals make the best homes, WalletHub compared all 50 across 51 key indicators of affordability, economic strength, quality of education and health, and overall living standards. Our data set ranges from cost of living to K–12 school-system quality to number of attractions.
Best State Capitals to Live In
- Austin, TX
- Madison, WI
- Boise, ID
- Lincoln, NE
- Bismarck, ND
- Raleigh, NC
- Denver, CO
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Juneau, AK
- Concord, NH
- Columbus, OH
- Helena, MT
- Olympia, WA
- Oklahoma City, OK
- St. Paul, MN
- Cheyenne, WY
- Montpelier, VT
- Pierre, SD
- Des Moines, IA
- Phoenix, AZ
Pictured above: Columbus, OH waterfront; Oklahoma City, OK
Out of these places:
- Juneau, Alaska, has the highest median household income (adjusted for cost of living), $67,310, which is 2.6 times higher than in Hartford, Connecticut, the city with the lowest at $26,264.
- Bismarck, North Dakota, has the lowest unemployment rate, 1.7 percent, which is 4.6 times lower than in Hartford, Connecticut, the city with the highest at 7.8 percent.
- Providence, Rhode Island, has the lowest share of state-, local- and federal-government employees, 8.4 percent, which is 4.6 times lower than in Juneau, Alaska, the city with the highest at 38.4 percent.
- Madison, Wisconsin has the highest share of adults 25 years and older with at least a bachelor’s degree, 56.3 percent, which is 4.7 times higher than in Trenton, New Jersey, the city with the lowest at 11.9 percent.
For the full story, and the entire list of best small cities, visit WalletHub.com.
Phoneix, AZ
Denver, CO
New To The Cliffs Collection is the Creekside Farm with Community Garden And Golf Ridge Cottages With Scenic Views
By Samantha Myers
“It’s an exciting period of growth at The Cliffs, with the ongoing developments in both the Walnut Cove and Mountain Park communities,” says Kent Smith, president of Cliffs Land Partners. “With these distinct new offerings, we are continuing to expand our portfolio of unparalleled lifestyle and real estate opportunities that offer an elevated experience and quality of life to our residents.”
The Cliffs is a collection of seven premier private, luxury residential mountain and lake club communities in the Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains between Greenville, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina, as well as Clemson, South Carolina. Located at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, a 20-minute drive from Asheville, is Creekside Farm, a new property featuring 18 homesites with pastoral views of a 60-acre working farm and Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course.
“We have just launched an organic farm inside the gate. People have a strong interest in farm-to-table and we have been a little challenged in the planned community to fit that into an otherwise country club setting,” says Smith. “We decided to put it inside the community of walnut cove — we have a full-time farm manager, property manager, and people can get their fresh vegetables and produce and take it back to their homes without ever leaving the gate.” Complete with a barn built in 1932, the “agri-hood” will continue to supply members with fresh produce each week.
Also new to The Cliffs is The Golf Ridge Cottages at Mountain Park, which offers 22 home and homesite packages atop a picturesque ridgeline at the southernmost edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“We’ve seen a trend to more modest square footage, we’re seeing more empty-nesters who don’t want 6,000-square-foot homes, they want around 2,800- to 3,200-square-foot properties. Consequently, the properties are under a million, in the $800,000-900,000 range with beautiful views. We’re just breaking ground in that area.” Finish packages on these homes, planned by luxury builder Arthur Rutenberg Homes are available in Mountain Rustic of Craftsman style.
“Most planned communities are architecturally appealing and offer a wellness center and amenities,” says Smith. “The one big difference for us, The Cliffs, is where we’re located. We’re surrounded by 1 million acres of National Forest in a temperate year-round climate.” Besides its seven clubs, seven golf courses, and 6 wellness centers, the suite of amenities offered at The Cliffs include boating, watersports, a marina, beach club, cycling, paddle sports, tennis complexes, an equestrian center, hiking trails, wakeboarding and more.
“The person that comes here tends to be really immersed in the outdoor recreation and setting for themselves and their families,” says Smith. “Here you get all four seasons without too much of any in particular. Because of that, what we’ve come to see is a really active inbound population. We’ve got lots of people that like to hike and bike. The director of cycling for The Cliffs has ridden in 17 Tour de Frances. So much of the riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains is not unlike riding through the countryside in France.”
From the lively streets of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and the serenity of Northern Georgia to the stoic desert landscapes of Arizona, homes that favor resort-style luxury are in demand.
By Kristen Ordonez
The Waterfall Club at Lake Burton
Situated in the mountains of Northern Georgia, The Waterfall Club provides social and golf memberships and a wide variety of activities and services. This pristine resort is a focal point for buyers interested in homes within the Lake Burton area, which provides the most luxurious real estate options, according to Julie Barnett, Realtor from Harry Norman, Realtors.
“Rabun County sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains,” Barnett says. “It is 67 percent national forest, so there is very little development on the mountains. There is hiking, biking, shopping in the small boutiques in Clayton and a variety of great restaurants.”
For those who have already staked their claim within the area, the perks of living there only seem to grow with Five-Star dining, two marinas and the Bent Grass fairways, which offer unsurpassed beauty and play ability. The current highest listing in Waterfall is $3.5 million, with other available homes ranging from 300 to 10,000 square feet.
The Triangle of North Carolina
One area that is used to the hustle and bustle of a resort-type atmosphere is the Triangle area of North Carolina, specifically the cities of Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh. Realtor Jennifer Guyer-Stenner of Fonville Morisey Realty notes that this area is considered a “miniature Silicon Valley and encompasses three premier universities (UNC, NC State, and Duke),” resulting in “a true melting pot” of residents who frequently flock to sporting events, recreational lakes, and golf courses such as Governors Club, Wakefield and Northridge.
With 750 luxury homes on the market in the Triangle area priced above $750,000, and the highest priced listing at nearly $7 million, Stenner affirms that this location will satisfy the needs of any discerning buyer.
Arizona
Something important to consider when purchasing a home is to find a “real estate professional who knows where the values [and] where the safest investments are,” according to Realtor Frank Aazami. Both Aazami and Lisa Westcott-Wadey, who thrive as Realtors with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in Arizona, know the values that can be found in their areas.
“Arizona has many attractions and outdoor activities that most don’t realize,” Wadey states. With up-and-coming residential opportunities like the new Ritz-Carlton Residences in Paradise Valley and tech industries in Mesa and Chandler, both local out-of-state buyers seem to be flocking toward The Grand Canyon state for resort communities.
Whether your home of choice is the close to $20 million home in Silverleaf or something lower on the spectrum, the market is open, but fierce. According to Wadey, “buyers want what they want and they are not willing to settle.”
courtesy jennifer guyer-stneer, fonville morisey realty
photo ©thompsonphotographic.com 2015
courtesy Lisa Westcott-Wadey / The W. Group
courtesy Frank Aazami/tourfactory
