Kathy Virtanen of Englewood Courtyard describes how its neighbour, Englewood Village, was developed specifically in order to create a welcoming community:
“I’ve worked on two other complexes of well over 200 units, and have had people who moved from other communities of over 200 units, and we all have said that there wasn’t the close-knit feeling that you have here. We really feel that at Englewood, we picked the right number.”
Kathy’s observation is certainly shared by the residents of Englewood Village. Walk through the neighbourhood on a sunny afternoon and one feels a sentimental attraction to the past: one where neighbours share a day on the porch and where people can leave their doors unlocked at night.
By keeping the number of units below 200, Englewood Village has created a community of familiar faces and new friendships. Shelly, one of the residents, described her new neighbour as her best friend.
Kathy mentioned a time when she sent out an email to homeowners, asking if someone would be willing to drive a neighbour to the doctor the following day. The number of volunteers willing to help out “floored” Kathy. This is the kind of communal engagement one hopes for when moving into a community.
New developments at Englewood Village should only further encourage a “neighbourly” atmosphere. The community will soon have a multi-million dollar clubhouse, complete with a common room, gym, spa and kitchen. Combined with games nights, cocktail evenings and crafts events, Englewood Village has created an environment where people feel a sense of attachment to their neighbours.