What’s It Like Living in a New Housing Development?

When I was first moving into my new construction home, I joked that it was as if I was settling an uninhabited planet. As the sixth completed home in a new housing development that is planned to take 20 more years to finish, I was dismayed (but not surprised) by the seemingly endless plots of dirt surrounding me. A year and a half later, there are a lot of new houses and a lot more grass, but I’m a long way from the finish line. And I’m far from alone.

In 2018, the United States spent $6.38 billion on new residential construction, and the amount of new housing starts continues to rise. While it isn’t all centered in new housing developments—a staple of the suburbs, but less popular in cities—many Americans are finding themselves in a similar situation as I did: in a new house in a new housing development that has a long way to go before it looks like a traditional neighborhood.

So what’s it really like living in a new housing development? If you’re planning on embarking on a similar journey, here’s what you can expect.

There’s Less of a Neighborhood Vibe…

… But There’s Still a Sense of Community

You’ll Have to Get Comfortable with Construction Noises

You May Be Slow to Get Basic Town Services

Your Investment Will Mature, But Not Right Away

There’s a Serious Lack of Older Trees

You Might Be Limited In What You Can Do To Your Property

You’ll Feel Part of Something Bigger

As for whether moving into a new housing development is a good next step for you, be sure to check out our article on the pros and cons of buying new construction. Because equally important to making sure you’re okay with the realities of living in a growing community is knowing that you’re ready to tackle all that comes with building that new home in the first place.

For me, a year and a half into this journey I’ve seen a lot of progress, and continue to be excited about all of the progress that is to come. Keep an open mind, stay positive, and embrace the inherent chaos of life in a construction zone—it will all pay off eventually.