The Allure of Living in an Agrihood
With increasing desire to be more connected to our communities and more connected to the food we consume, interest in living in an agrihood has been on the rise.
An agrihood is a neighborhood that’s planned and built around the concept that food is grown in the community, for its residents, by the people who live there.
And it’s becoming a compelling new living arangement for people seeking a suburb with a country feel.
Agrihood Features that Attract
Fresh Food
In our post Cleantech Collides with the Future of Food, we discussed some of the problems with our food system, one of primary issues being that food often travels hundreds or thousands of miles to reach your grocery store. In an agrihood, your veg is being grown within a few blocks.
Agricultural Education
In order for an agrihood to work, the people in the community have to be on board with contributing to growing the neighborhood’s food. This necessitates and opens up opportunities for agricultural education for children and adults who are less experienced.
Green Spaces
A desire for more green space close by is a huge driver for agrihood communities. With farm land, gardens, and recreational spaces incorporated into the community, residents get to enjoy more green space than your average suburb.
Walking distance to local businesses
Some agrihoods like this proposed project outside of Des Moines plan for businesses like restaurants, breweries and wineries, and retail stores for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Community Connection
In an increasingly digital world, the urge to seek community connection is getting stronger for many people. And the very nature of how agrihoods are organized make for a deeper connection to your neighbors.
Existing US Agrihoods to Explore Yourself
Sendero: Rancho Mission Viejo, CA
Act on Climate
Want to help environmentally burdened communities install solar panels to see a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come? Get involved with Grid Alternatives.
