Planned community developers design neighborhoods, retirement communities and, sometimes, complete cities before any construction begins. The increase in urban sprawl in the last 30 years made city planners recognize a need to develop communities that are pre-planned in order to incorporate green space and eco-friendly features into developing areas. Developers of pre-planned towns, called master planned community developments, strive to optimize the number of business opportunities available in a variety of fields from construction to small business ownership.

Business opportunities abound as more and more master planned community developments spring up across the country. Once built, the new communities offer well-traveled shopping districts for small businesses located in the development. Retirement communities, in particular, create opportunities for health care businesses such as pharmacies, doctors and physical therapists.

Planned community developers focus on diverse business projects:

1. During the construction phase and beyond, a planned communities development creates opportunities for architects, engineers, landscapers and other related businesses;

2. In a retirement community development, planners focus on the health, fitness and lifestyle needs of older adults, which means new business opportunities for health care professionals;

3. A master planned community development places housing developments around shopping districts to ensure that small businesses have patrons.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Healthy touches bring planned communities and businesses together

Many planned communities developments are being designed to promote easy access to businesses by adding health-conscious features. These areas place neighborhoods with wide sidewalks, bike paths and parks in close proximity to corner stores and shopping.

I recommend: A planned communities development like Arizona's Sycamore Canyon hires several builders, such as Canoa Homes, to provide home style choices to residents. Upon completion, most developments require the services of community associations such as Associa to manage repairs, snow removal, pool maintenance and other projects.

Join a retirement community developer to market your services to older adults

Retirement community developers create complete neighborhoods specially designed for older adults. Developers take into account the residents' desired lifestyles, social needs and potential health challenges as builders create a plan for each development. Retirement communities provide opportunities for exercise centers, pharmacies, physical therapists and other businesses that cater to older adults.

I recommend: Touchmark, a development and construction company, creates planned community developments for older adults. Touchmark builds resort-style facilities, provides health and fitness clubs, and offers home care and home health services in each development. Pringle Development builds similar award-winning, retirement communities in Florida.

Find planners for your master planned community developments through professional associations

Master planned community developments can be distinguished from unplanned neighborhoods by their large size and the variety of things to do. Find skilled engineers or architects to design the neighborhoods, homes, businesses and parks in your development through local chapters of industry-specific professional associations.

I recommend: Discover quality planners such as Rettew Associates, or use the Architect Finder tool offered by the American Institute of Architects to find architects.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you begin work on a planned community development, learn about local zoning laws. Find out if any of your prospective development sites are in an economically challenged area. You may be able to receive a government subsidy when you bring business to such areas.