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New Ruralism
Moving to the country is a current trend, with half a million people relocating last year alone. Rural areas are experiencing population growth as all walks of people move to the country searching for a simpler life where they can reconnect to the land without the need to make a living from it. Technology enables these rural dwellers to remain connected with the world at large.
We call this aspiration New Ruralism and it's the driving force behind the population rebound that rural America is experiencing. The St. Joe Company, based in Jacksonville one of Florida 's largest real estate operating companies is uniquely positioned to exploit this trend. The Company is engaged in development and real estate services and owns more than 850,000 acres of land, concentrated primarily in Northwest Florida . With its large well-located land holdings, St Joe Company is creating a wide range of places to help fulfill the aspirations of Baby Boomers. New Ruralism design principals are based in “place making,” the craft of creating unique places where people are drawn to live, work and escape. The principals behind of St Joes New Ruralism developments are: a sense of boundaries, a sense of place, Long-term environmental stewardship, a sense of community and unique programming that nurture a sense of connection to the land and the place.
St Joe's Company is creating 340,000 acres of New Ruralism real estate products - RiverCamps (Average cost $342,900), White Fence Farms ($20,000 to $70,000 an acre minimum 5 acres) and Florida Ranches ($4,500 to $20,000 an acre). These low-density home sites are sold fee-simple and are surrounded by a large common area preserved for conservation. A full menu of owner services is now being developed with the services of concierges and farmhands at the beck and call of residents.
The idea of “lifestyle marketing” is not new and New Ruralism capitalizes on a demand for private-retreat residences designed to recreate an “old farm and equestrian” feel. For the most part, it consists of large-scale land area, low population density, a connection with nature, a sense of community (by choice), and access to essential services and technologies. The bottom line is that New Ruralism developers have seized an untapped market niche by promoting lifestyle alternatives to suburbia and sprawl, much like those employed by New Urbanism. MJA Consulting's team has the depth of experience in Outdoor Recreation Planning and Rural Design skills necessary for New Ruralism Projects and is looking for opportunities to create New Ruralism Development within Central Florida and beyond.