Millennials Choose Agrihoods Over Golf Course Homes

Orange County, California - 4 years into the construction of the first agrihood in Southern California, The Ranch at Rancho Mission Viejo, is approximately 25% complete. The project has been ambitious, not just from a scale standpoint, but also from a community planning aspect.

What is an Agrihood? It loosely defined as a housing development centered around community farming. The first of its kind sprouted in Detroit with the goal of allowing its residents to grow its own food. The idea of this appeals to younger generations who have grown to be more health and eco conscious. However, planners and residents of agrihoods are also inspired by the communal atmosphere embodied by rural farming towns.

Many in our industry hype up this new style of living as a trend taking over the US. Let’s debunk this now. It is a new idea that is being implemented in its infancy. However, folks in their 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s overwhelmingly prefer agrihoods over golf course communities.

While the baby boomers were enamored by golf course communities, the demand for homes in golf course communities has drastically fallen over the last decade. Aside from being a status symbol, buyers prized the green space and views.

Apartments, townhouses, single family homes are all available in socal’s only agrihood. Pricing ranges from $400,000 to over $1m. There is a farm that is at the heart of each community. They have fruit trees, nut trees, toolsheds, composting sites, chicken coops, and other varieties of ranch style equipment. Outdoor activities are encouraged. Residents can subscribe to farming, farm-to-table cooking, and other types of activities.

Interested purchasing a home in an agrihood? Contact jason@torcora.com