The Seeds of the Agrihood Movement

Rooted in historical movements like garden cities, the agrihood concept emerged as a response to the desire for sustainable living and community engagement. The early 20th century saw the rise of garden cities, inspired by Ebenezer Howard's vision of "towns in the country." These communities pioneered sustainable, walkable neighborhoods with green spaces and opportunities for agriculture.

A Modern Renaissance

In recent decades, a resurgence of interest in sustainable living and local food production has fueled the agrihood movement. Concerns about food safety, environmental impact, and the desire for healthier lifestyles have driven people to seek communities that prioritize agriculture and community engagement.

Serenbe: A Pioneering Agrihood

Serenbe, established in 2004 outside of Atlanta, Georgia, is often considered the first named agrihood. Founded by Steve Nygren and his wife, Marie, Serenbe envisioned a sustainable community integrating agriculture with residential living. With its working farm, edible landscaping, and community amenities, Serenbe has become a pioneer in the agrihood movement, inspiring numerous other projects across the United States.

Florida Agrihood Examples

-The Grow (Orlando): This 1,200-acre mixed-use development features a nine-acre vegetable farm, among other amenities.

-Pine Dove Farm (Tallahassee): A gated agrihood community with a vegetable farm, chicken coops, and hiking trails.

-Flint Rock Agrihood (Tallahassee): A 250-acre development with 151 acres of conservation preserve with lot sizes from .99 acre to 1.69 acres.

-Arden (Palm Beach County): This 1,200-acre development offers residents the opportunity to till the soil themselves and reap the benefits of the community farm.

Proposed Agrihood Development in St. Johns County

Freehold Communities is proposing a groundbreaking agrihood development south of St. Augustine Premium Outlets in St. Johns County. The project, spanning over 2,673 acres, aims to redefine suburban living by integrating residential units with agricultural practices.

Key Features of the Proposed St Johns County Agrihood

-Sustainable Living: The Agrihood will feature community gardens, farm-to-table restaurants, and educational programs related to sustainable farming.

-Outdoor Living: Residents will enjoy ample opportunities for outdoor living, with parks, playgrounds, and access to natural spaces.

-Diverse Housing Options: The development will offer a variety of housing options, including up to 3,332 residential units.

-Community Amenities: Residents will enjoy parks, playgrounds, an amenity center, and essential infrastructure.

-Partnership with Local Landowners: Freehold Communities is partnering with the Robinson family, who have owned the land for over a century, to ensure the development honors the land's heritage.

Potential Benefits of the Agrihood

-Job Creation: The Agrihood is expected to create jobs in various sectors, including agriculture, construction, and hospitality.

-Increased Property Values: The development could lead to increased property values in the surrounding area.

-Improved Quality of Life: Residents will benefit from access to fresh, locally produced food, recreational amenities, and a strong sense of community.

-Economic Diversity: The Agrihood will contribute to the economic diversity of St. Johns County.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the Agrihood offers significant potential, it will also face challenges such as infrastructure development, market demand, environmental impact, and community acceptance. The success of the project will depend on careful planning, effective management, and strong community engagement.

The proposed Agrihood in St. Johns County represents a significant step forward in the agrihood movement in Northeast Florida. By combining sustainable living, community engagement, and economic development, this project has the potential to create a unique and desirable residential community. As the development progresses, it will be interesting to see how this innovative concept evolves and whether it becomes a model for future projects in surrounding communities like Jacksonville.