Building a Better Quality of Life Through Thoughtful Neighborhood Design
/When it comes to creating a place people want to call home, we’re thinking outside the house at Union Village Ohio. Thoughtful neighborhood design is key to building a better quality of life. It may not be obvious, but careful planning of streets, parks and other places has shaped our village in the making. In fact, the award-winning Union Village Master Plan is founded on the 10 principles of new urbanism because these attributes create a vibrant, better place to call home.
Here are three ways we’re building a neighborhood that enriches, uplifts and inspires the human spirit.
Creating Connections Through Neighborhood Design
Despite increased digital interactions, more and more Americans report feeling loneliness. This contributes to depression and other mental health conditions, but it also impacts physical health. Social isolation is linked to increased risks for stroke and heart disease.
Humans need physical and emotional connection for overall health and well-being. Urban planners have seen an opportunity to create connections by planning neighborhoods with this goal in mind. At Union Village, parks and other “third places” provide the setting for sparking conversation.
“The pandemic helped us realize we are not whole without second and third places,” said Union Village Realtor Dave Watkins. “Third places in particular are neutral and lend themselves to talking. A third place is where neighbors gather outside their homes or work, such as a park or restaurant. When people visit our neighborhood, they notice this feature is different from other new construction they may be considering.”
Large front porches are another feature of Union Village that promotes neighborliness. Meanwhile, people can enjoy connection through a neighborhood newsletter and events just steps from their residence.
Pictured: Interesting features like a historic bell capture attention and spark conversation at Union Village Ohio. At the town square, villagers catch up and enjoy live music during warmer months. Meanwhile, porches connect homes to the neighborhood.
Bringing Generations Together at Home
Quality of life improves when we have the time and space to interact with people outside of our own generation. Union Village is built on the 8-to-80 principle: it’s designed to serve eight-year-olds, 80-year-olds and everyone in between. Knowledge, perspective and sense of purpose are increased by spending time with people who are both younger and older than ourselves. We can also spend more of our life in the same place if the neighborhood is designed to accommodate all ages.
At Union Village, multigenerational living is happening at two levels. There are several house plans that offer lower level suites or even over-the-garage apartments. This lends to the growing trend of multigenerational households. Because there is a variety of homes, there is also a great opportunity for extended family members to simply live in close proximity to each other.
People who live or work at Union Village can walk to a restaurant and other future amenities. The Washington house plan includes a carriage house with a one-bedroom apartment. Nearby, the playground at Union Village Square is a destination for all ages.
Putting Destinations in Walking Distance
Union Village homes are just steps from the town square, where live music, dining and other future amenities are planned. According to the Congress for New Urbanism, compact, walkable communities like Union Village improve health by encouraging physical activity, lowering risks for obesity and chronic disease.
Residents of truly walkable neighborhoods are better connected to their community and enjoy overall better health and prosperity. People want to live in welcoming communities where they can easily (and safely) walk to parks and shops. That’s the Simply Living lifestyle offered at Union Village Ohio.
Video: Cincinnati Realtor Eric Sztanyo created a video about his visit to Union Village Ohio.
About Union Village
Union Village is a unique village under construction in Turtlecreek Township (Warren County) Ohio. Designed on the principles of new urbanism, Town Architect Michael Watkins earned the Urban Planning John Russell Pope Award for the Union Village master plan. Touting charming front porches, masterfully crafted homes, beautiful park spaces and tree-lined streets, the Village will grow to include restaurants, shops and amenities in walking distance to homes.
Interested homebuyers can complete a brief questionnaire or call (513) 409-3190 to schedule a private showing.
Contact Us
Real Estate Inquiries: Dave Watkins (513) 409-3190
Media Inquiries: Sara Cullin (513) 383-5627
