Agrihoods, the latest in mixed-use developments, will soon be in Northeast Florida

Agrihoods are popping up as the latest development trend in Northeast Florida. Green Cove Springs in Clay County will see two “agrihoods” coming to the area and bringing thousands of homes to keep up with population growth over the next few years. 

What is an agrihood?

Agrihoods, which mix large, subdivision lifestyles with agriculture, are intended to be self-sustaining communities with schools, shopping and natural resources. These developments can include community gardens and native plants.

Where do agrihoods go?

Agrihoods most often appear in communities with large, undeveloped land or existing agricultural zoning. They must then be developed to include housing while still incorporating an agricultural component of the neighborhood.

What agrihoods are coming to Northeast Florida?

Saratoga Springs and Agricola are both planned agrihood developments for the Green Cove Springs area of Clay County in Northeast Florida.

Why are agrihoods becoming more popular?

A 2018 report by the Urban Land Institute reported agrihood projects across 27 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Agrihoods can vary from offering smaller, community gardens to full-sized, large working farms as part of the development.

The main benefits of agrihoods include access to fresh, healthy foods, a greater sense of community and social interaction, increased property value and support for jobs and the local economy.

Do other agrihoods exist in Florida?

The Grow, a 1,200-acre, mixed-use subdivision near Orlando, recently broke ground. Pine Dove Farm, near Tallahassee, is a gated agrihood community. 

Arden, in western Palm Beach County, is another 1,200-acre development and features an organic farm.

What is Saratoga Springs?

Saratoga Springs will be located west of Green Cove Springs, behind Spring Park Elementary School, and could bring as many as 4,489 homes to the area. This development will be anchored by multiple working farms and include five neighborhoods, interconnected walking trails, parks and other amenities, according to a news release.

What is Agricola?

Agricola plans include converting 3,145 acres of land into 4,000 residential units, featuring a mix of single-family and multi-family homes and about 370 townhomes. About 50% of the property will be set aside for open space, which could be recreational, community gardens, walking trails and plazas and squares.

When will Saratoga Springs open?

Freehold Communities, based in Boston, broke ground Jan. 30 for its Saratoga Springs agrihood on 2,240 acres in Green Cove Springs in Clay County.

When will Agricola open?

Construction on the Agricola property’s 3,100 acres, also in Clay County, is still awaiting approval. Agricola held a community workshop Feb. 27 for feedback and suggestions, but the Board of County Commissioners must approve the property, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17 and Leno Road, to be rezoned from “agriculture” to “planned community” before it can join the agrihood trend.

How much will Saratoga Springs cost?

Freehold bought the Saratoga Springs for $70.02 million in January. No information about how much it will cost to develop the land is available yet.

How much will Agricola cost?

Costs associated with developing Agricola have not yet been announced.