4 reasons to live in a master-planned community

Imagine stepping out your front door into a thoughtfully designed neighborhood, where beautifully landscaped paths lead you past friendly neighbors and everything you need is just minutes away. That’s the beauty of life in a master-planned community—a place where convenience, connection, and quality of life come together seamlessly.

But the benefits go well beyond charm and walkability. A well-planned community offers financial advantages, opportunities to get to know your neighbors, and exclusive amenities designed for the people who live there. Whether you're searching for your first home or your forever home, choosing a master-planned community could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

What is a master-planned community? 

Put simply, it means “complete.” Developed with a long-term vision in mind, the goal is to create a community where residents can live, work, and play nearby, so they don’t have to get in the car for everyday needs. From shopping and dining to recreation—all close to home—a master-planned community (MPC) is designed to offer a completely integrated lifestyle. 

Are master-planned communities good investments?

While many factors influence the housing market, there’s a compelling case to be made for the long-term value of living in a master-planned community. As The Motley Fool puts it, “MPCs are designed to create a cycle of value creation.” Thoughtfully planned neighborhoods—with homes, businesses, parks, and amenities woven together—help foster long-term growth.

And though no one can guarantee how the market will shift, living in an MPC offers a level of built-in stability that can help protect your home’s value. New Home Source says, “When the economy is thriving, your home may increase in value at a faster, more stable rate than homes outside of an MPC. Conversely, when the economy is in a rough patch, the neighborhood will help maintain your home’s value.” In other words, an MPC isn’t just a better place to live—it’s a stronger investment in your future.

One key advantage of MPCs is the variety of housing options, a major perk if you ever want to downsize or upsize while staying in the same community. As Alex Toth, head of business development at Opendoor, told Better Homes & Gardens, “The developer usually plans the community with varying home designs, providing a lot of great options for buyers. We see a lot of families and retirees gravitate to these communities for that very reason.”

What types of homes are available in master-planned communities? 

Planned communities have developed a reputation for being “cookie cutter,” but if you actually visit a community like ours you’ll see that’s simply not the case. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, townhomes (for sale & for rent), as well as apartment buildings, all created by a selection of different builders. And, because the homes in a new community are built to order, homebuyers often have customization options. Whether you’re looking for main-floor living, a dedicated dog-washing station, a house with flex space, or something we haven’t even thought of yet, your perfect fit is just a conversation away.

Each homebuilder brings their own distinct designs to the mix, which means the community boasts a variety of architectural styles, from Craftsman to PNW Modern. But no matter which home you choose, one thing remains constant: sustainability. New construction is well known for being more eco-friendly than the resale market, and research shows that sustainable dwellings are the future of housing. Here in South Hillsboro, every home in Reed’s Crossing is built to Earth Advantage Silver or equivalent certification, meaning homebuyers can be assured they’re making an environmentally friendly choice. 

What are the amenities in a master-planned community?

MPCs are designed with convenience in mind—placing shops, restaurants, playgrounds, health and wellness centers, walking paths, dog parks, and more just steps from your door. With less time spent in transit, you have more time to focus on what truly matters to you, whether that’s staying active, connecting with friends & family, or simply enjoying the everyday moments that make life special.

At Reed’s Crossing, everything within the community will be less than a mile from every home. If you’re looking to unwind in one of the 7 parks, break a sweat at Active Wellness Center, or grab a smoothie or cup of coffee on the way to work, the opportunities for a vibrant, healthy lifestyle are plentiful. And with Town Center seamlessly integrated into the community, you’ll have access to a grocery store, shopping, dining, and essential services—all just a walk or bike ride away!

More than a home—a community that cares

One of the things we hear over and over from Reed’s Crossing residents is how much their sense of belonging has grown since moving here. A master-planned community is designed to bring people together, turning neighbors into friends. They tend to feature passionate HOAs, with a packed calendar of community events that make it easy to connect with others. From movies in the park to potlucks in the community garden, there’s always something bringing people together. And in a time when so many are struggling with loneliness, having that built-in connection isn’t just a perk—it’s life-changing.

There are so many little moments that make a community feel like home. Whether it’s gathering for holiday celebrations, sharing homemade treats, or having a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your house while you're away, these small acts create a sense of inclusion that can brighten your whole outlook on life. And it all starts with choosing the right neighborhood.

Still have questions about life in South Hillsboro? Take a virtual tour, come by for a visit, or sneak a peek at what’s in store for the future.