Chicago Developers Share Top-Three Strategies To Bring Neighbors Together, Foster Community Spirit

For years, a home’s best-selling attributes were likely its location and price. And while those still remain strong factors in choosing a place to live, developers know today’s residents are much more social and place an increasingly strong emphasis on what their immediate neighborhood and community brings to the table. According to Chicago-area developers, here are the top three strategies they use to create thriving neighborhoods that foster a sense of community among residents.

Great minds think alike
Sharing common interests can lead to more frequent and long-lasting connections with people in a community. Take for example Lexington Square townhomes in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. According to Jeff Benach, co-principal of Lexington Homes, a new generation of urbanites looking to move up from a condo or apartment is flocking to Lexington Square.

“Because we offer a product in a trending neighborhood with a lot of flexibility in its design and a great value in terms of price and size, a large majority of our buyers have been young couples looking to expand their families,” said Benach.” They’re all at similar stages in their life, which has led to organic bonding and a very tight-knit community feel. On any given warm Friday night you can see Lexington Square families bringing out the kids’ toys and congregate for a pizza party.”

Jamie Ghafari, a Lexington Square homeowner, added, “A lot of the families that moved here had babies within the first year. We quickly became close neighbors and even started our own weekly mom’s group. It’s been a great experience living in such a vibrant and fun neighborhood where our kids can play and grow up together.”

While a family-friendly community might be high on the list for some, others might be more interested in living where their four-legged friends are readily welcomed. When Colleen Urbanski and her fiancé decided to rent an apartment at The Oaks of Vernon Hills, a 336-unit luxury rental community in Vernon Hills by REVA Development, one of the deciding factors was that it was pet-friendly. Within a few months of moving in they adopted a puppy.

“A recent survey by apartments.com states that more than 70 percent of renters have pets, so offering a variety of places where residents can spend quality time with their pets can only help bring people with like-minded interests together and create a camaraderie among neighbors,” said Matt Nix, principal with REVA Development. The Oaks has a dog park, walking paths and plenty of green space for residents who own pets.

“When we first moved in we got to know a few people but once Lance came, I met so many other neighbors who have dogs,” said Urbanski. “A number of my neighbors and I regularly meet up for walks and/or ‘play dates’ at the dog park. I even have some neighbors who have offered to watch Lance whenever we go out of town.”

Get out of the house
According to Brian Brunhofer, president of Deerfield, Illinois-based Meritus Homes, features like shared amenities, green spaces and paved walkways give residents a reason to get out of their house and help foster tight-knit communities where neighbors look out for one another.

At Greenbook, an exclusive Meritus neighborhood within the master-planned Highland Woods development in Elgin, residents have access to a wealth of community amenities that create ample opportunities for homeowners to interact and connect with one another.

“Highland Woods features a resort-style pool, a clubhouse and fitness center, multiple neighborhood parks and even an on-site school,” said Brunhofer. “Children who live in the development attend school together, see each other at the pool, and spend time together at the playground – you can’t help but get to know other families as these amenities all encourage residents to be out and about within the community.”

Calling all social chairs
Many communities also offer organized clubs in the neighborhood or planned activities where neighbors can meet each other.

For example, at The Arbors of Brookdale, a 281-unit garden-style apartment community in Naperville, the onsite management team helps facilitate year-round gatherings. The Arbors’ three annual parties include: a holiday party with Santa; an Easter party with the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunt; and a summer party at the community’s outdoor pool that always includes a bouncy house.

According to Barbara Gaffen, co-CEO of Prime Property Investors (PPI), which owns and manages The Arbors of Brookdale, residents can also enjoy the community’s onsite playground, tennis courts and indoor and outdoor pool, which provide additional opportunities to socialize.

“Most people want to know their neighbors better, but the opportunities don’t always present themselves naturally,” said Gaffen. “By hosting organized events and acting as a social director, we make it easier for our residents to connect with each other.”