Benefits of New Urbanism
BENEFITS TO RESIDENTS
- Higher quality of life
- Better places to live, work, & play
- Higher, more stable property values
- Less traffic congestion & less driving
- Healthier lifestyle with more walking, and less stress
- Close proximity to main street retail & services
- Close proximity to bike trails, parks, and nature
- Pedestrian friendly communities offer more opportunities to get to know others in the neighborhood and town, resulting in meaningful relationships with more people, and a friendlier town
- More freedom and independence to children, elderly, and the poor in being able to get to jobs, recreation, and services without the need for a car or someone to drive them
- Great savings to residents and school boards in reduced busing costs from children being able to walk or bicycle to neighborhood schools
- More diversity and smaller, unique shops and services with local owners who are involved in community
- Big savings by driving less, and owning less cars
- Less ugly, congested sprawl to deal with daily
- Better sense of place and community identity with more unique architecture
- More open space to enjoy that will remain open space
- More efficient use of tax money with less spent on spread out utilities and roads
BENEFITS TO BUSINESSES
A New Urbanism community helps attract and retain valuable employees that appreciate the culturally sophisticated environment, conveniences and sustainability all of which increase productivity.
- Increased sales due to more foot traffic & people spending less on cars and gas
- More profits due to spending less on advertising and large signs
- Better lifestyle by living above shop in live-work units – saves the stressful & costly commute;
- Economies of scale in marketing due to close proximity and cooperation with other local businesses
- Smaller spaces promote small local business incubation
- Lower rents due to smaller spaces & smaller parking lots
- Healthier lifestyle due to more walking and being near healthier restaurants
- More community involvement from being part of community and knowing residents
Source: www.newurbanism.org
