Home shoppers may find themselves deciding whether to prioritize the home itself or its location. With a master-planned community, you can enjoy the best of both.

Chinook Gate Community, Airdrie, Alberta

What is a master-planned community?

A master-planned community is a large, carefully designed, mixed-use residential community that includes not only homes but amenities like parks, schools, shopping, dining, entertainment, and more.

This type of housing development is planned by a team to create a convenient, well-rounded living environment where residents have easy access to the things they need and can enjoy a connected community.

An MPC can almost function as a self-contained town where residents can live, work, and play right outside their front door.

Elyson Community, Katy, Texas

What are the benefits of living in a master-planned community?

1. Live in a thoughtfully designed area

Master-planned communities are carefully designed with intention. From street layouts, home locations, natural areas, amenity offerings, shopping, dining, offices, and more, the entire community is strategically crafted to ensure a sense of flow and balance throughout.

Compared to smaller neighborhoods, master-planned communities provide a broader selection of housing options and floor plans. Whether you’re looking for a smartly designed townhome or a spacious single-family home, these communities cater to various lifestyles and price points.

The result is a more diverse community comprised of many people, from first-time buyers to families and downsizing empty nesters. You have a more visually interesting neighborhood design and varied neighbors, giving you a chance to expand your social circle.

2. Convenient location close to everything you need

Living in a master-planned community means enjoying a lifestyle where style and comfort meet convenience. These communities are designed with thoughtfully placed homes and areas for mixed-uses such as shopping, dining, work, and play. It’s easier to check off your to-do list when the gas station, pharmacy, and grocery store are just around the corner and your kid’s school is just a few minutes away.

It's not just about conquering errands; master–planned communities are built to support a well-rounded life. Schools, parks, and playgrounds are often within walking distance, and access to major highways or public transportation makes commuting to nearby cities a breeze. The convenience of having everything you need within arm’s reach means you can spend less time traveling and more time enjoying life.

Blossom Rock Community, Apache Junction, Arizona

3. Top-notch amenities right outside your front door

The abundance of amenities is one of the biggest draws of living in a master-planned community. Why choose between the park or the pool when you can have both – and more? It’s not just about finding the home of your dreams but having exclusive access to a variety of amenities designed to enhance the quality of your life and help you connect with neighbors.

Imagine soaking up that summer sunshine by a resort-style pool, where you can lounge, refresh, and unwind. For families, the splash pads keep the little ones entertained while you enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

Feeling social? Meet up with neighbors for a walk on one of the trails or meet up to let the kids play on the playgrounds. Head over to the clubhouse, perfect for hosting your next celebration, or the barbecue area for a neighborhood cook-off to see who earns the title of “Grill Master.” As the evening winds down, gather around one of the community fire pits to share stories, make s’mores, and relax under the stars.

For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, the basketball and pickleball courts are always buzzing with activity. Join in the game or cheer on your neighbors from the sidelines. Master-planned communities often include plenty of grassy areas that are perfect for picnicking, throwing a frisbee, or playing some lawn games (cornhole, anyone?).

Don’t forget the four-legged members of your family! Some master-planned communities include fenced-in dog parks with water fountains for the pups and comfortable benches for their humans to sit, stay, and socialize.

As the saying goes, “The more, the merrier,” and that’s exactly what life in a master-planned community offers: more ways to live, play, and connect.

4. High degree of safety and security

Some master-planned communities provide superior safety features and a unique feeling of security, with many of these neighborhoods being gated, patrolled by neighborhood security, or both.

The layout of the community can also contribute to the overall feeling of safety, with homes, amenities, and common areas strategically placed to foster natural surveillance. Your neighbors can help keep an eye on this and public spaces can be easily observed which helps discourage any unwanted activity. Well-lit streets, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and clearly marked signage further enhance the community's safety.

Master-planned communities often have a strong sense of neighborhood unity, creating an additional safety layer. The close-knit nature of these neighborhoods and organized community groups means that residents look out for one another. It’s easier to recognize unfamiliar faces, report concerns, or rely on a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency.

Kissing Tree Community, San Marcos, Texas

5. Enjoy the benefits of an HOA

HOAs play a key role in creating great communities. While part of their role is to make and enforce rules and restrictions, they’re also responsible for maintaining common areas and community amenities and organizing community events.

One of the best aspects of living in an MPC is exclusive access to beautifully maintained amenities. The HOA takes care of the upkeep of these spaces, ensuring the pool stays sparkling blue, the playground equipment is clean and functional, and the walking paths are well-lit.

Beyond maintaining the physical spaces, the HOA plays a key role in fostering a strong sense of community. From holiday events and neighborhood block parties to yoga classes and movies in the park, the HOA often organizes events designed to bring residents together.

6. Enhanced resale potential

Master-planned communities have plenty of benefits, and they come together to create added value for a home buyer’s investment. As soon as you drive into an MPC, you immediately notice how well-maintained and nice the neighborhoods look. The yards are perfectly landscaped, and the home designs are modern. It’s the kind of place that makes a good first impression. Compared to other neighborhoods, an MPC often feels more polished and upscale, which is exactly what a lot of buyers want.

Knowing there’s an active HOA means buyers don’t have to worry about things that bring down the value of the neighborhood, like unkept yards or homes in disrepair. The HOA ensures the community standards are upheld, which protects your investment while you live there and gives future buyers peace of mind that their investment will be safe in the future as well.

Amenities play a crucial role in overall property value. Pools, parks, walking trails, playgrounds—these all add serious appeal for buyers. Having access to those features right outside your front door is a big draw, especially for families or anyone who loves the convenience of having recreation and relaxation close by. The combination of great amenities and a convenient location makes homes in master-planned communities stand out in the market.

Homes in master-planned communities offer a lifestyle, not just a house, and that’s something buyers are willing to invest in. Living in a master-planned community has plenty of advantages, and they all combine to make it a smart choice now and in the future.

Wendell Falls Community, Wendell, North Carolina

Brookfield Residential Master-Planned Communities

Brookfield Residential proudly builds brand-new homes in award-winning communities throughout North America. We create unique places where people live their best lives, connect with neighbors, and take advantage of all the amenities outside their front door.

The thoughtful planning put into our master-planned communities doesn’t stop at the homes. The entire lifestyle the community offers has also been carefully curated with conveniences designed to support the vision.

At Brookfield Residential, we want our homeowners to live an exciting life with engaging amenities and an abundance of social opportunities around every corner. We take community living to the next level with Lifestyle Directors who connect neighbors through fun in-person and virtual events, specialty clubs, and fostering community programs.

Movies in the park? Check. Family game nights? Check. Virtual wine tastings? Check. Food truck events? Bagels and brew? Craft classes? Check. Check. Check. There are countless ways to have good times and make great memories.

The Orchards Community, Edmonton, Alberta

Our HOA teams help ensure the amenities are maintained, the neighborhoods feel safe, the landscape is well cared for, and you have someone who can help if you have questions or concerns. The result is a great place to live and play that will stay in that condition for years to come.

Explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!