by Robert Borges on December 14, 2021
With so many master-planned communities catering to so many lifestyle preferences, more and more are becoming environmentally conscious. Certified green homes…land conservation…renewable energy sources…community gardens. These are just a few of the things that make a community green and sustainable.
Whether you feel strongly about actively mitigating the effects of climate change, or just want to do your part in treating Mother Nature with care and respect, there are many benefits in trying to live a little more green—not just for the environment, but also for your health and your pocket book.
If eco-friendliness is on your checklist as you look for the perfect place to settle down in, here are a few environmentally considerate communities to help get your search started.
Located 40 minutes north of Atlanta, Lake Arrowhead is a gated mountain, lake, and golf community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spanning over 8,000 acres of woodland, residents enjoy an active, lakefront lifestyle. The community's 540-acre spring-fed lake (ranked the cleanest lake in the state) offers crystal-clear waters, perfect for various water activities such as pontoon boating, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. With depths exceeding 80 feet, it's ranked among the cleanest lakes in the state. Residents stay engaged with year-round events including outdoor concerts, pickleball, golfing, wine tastings, and wellness classes.
GlenLaurel Preserve- Brevard, NC
GlenLaurel Preserve, nestled in North Carolina's Transylvania County, embodies sustainable mountain living. Carved into the Blue Ridge Mountains, it overlooks the French Broad River Valley and borders the Pisgah National Forest. Residents enjoy eco-conscious amenities like onsite hiking trails, trout streams, and a dog park. The community clubhouse, featuring The Laurel Club and Fiddler’s Roost, offers gathering spaces for events and shows. With proximity to downtown Brevard, including shops, restaurants, and healthcare facilities, GlenLaurel seamlessly blends modern comforts with environmental stewardship. Its 215-acre development by MountainSide Homebuilders emphasizes eco-friendly designs, preserving half of the land for mountain conservation and resident enjoyment.
Balsam Mountain Preserve- Sylva, NC
Unique in every sense, this western North Carolina mountain community has a history steeped in preservation—built on a commitment to preserve its natural surroundings. With 4,400 acres that are home to less than one residence per acre, Balsam Mountain Preserve is the lowest density private community in the Carolinas. Located less than 40 minutes west of Asheville, residents are treated to a mountain lifestyle complete with championship golf, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant social calendar.
Carnes Crossroads- Goose Creek, SC
Carnes Crossroads is a sustainable agrihood just 25 miles from Charleston. This thoughtfully planned community features a multi-acre farm providing organically grown produce to residents through a monthly farm share. With welcoming front porches, parks, trails, and resort-style amenities, including a state-of-the-art wellness center, pools, and social events, it offers a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. The community also includes on-site schools, a commercial downtown, and classic Lowcountry homes, making it ideal for families and retirees seeking a coastal, sustainable living environment.
Whitetail Club is an eco-friendly gated community set above Payette Lake in Idaho's Salmon River Mountains, just two hours north of Boise. This four-season destination in McCall offers custom homes, cabin homes, and homesites amidst unspoiled wilderness. Residents enjoy access to a Golf Digest “Top 100” championship golf course, a new 17,000-square-foot lakefront clubhouse, extensive trails, and various recreational activities. The community prioritizes environmental stewardship and is fully developed with no indebtedness, offering a serene, nature-integrated lifestyle.
See the complete list of PCR’s featured green communities to learn more and request information.
