Updated on July 3, 2008

1. What is Agritopia?

Agritopia is an integrated mixed use community made up of homes, urban agriculture, commercial enterprises, and other uses. These different elements are intertwined in such a way as to be much more like a traditional town. Neighborliness, beauty, and walkability are all a part of the design.

Yes, basements are available in each of the Classic Series floor plans. They are offered finished or unfinished and are full basements. This means that the home will be raised above ground level by a couple of feet at the main floor. You will step up to the porch in homes with a basement.

9. What do the homes look like?

The homes are modeled after homes that were built in the Phoenix area in the 1930's and 40's. We looked at the architectural styles and detail used in those vibrant neighborhoods and have adapted them to Agritopia. The four styles that we have adopted are Craftsman/California Bungalow, Spanish Revival, Arizona Ranch, and Northern European Revival (influenced by Tudor and French Revival). The homes are not authentic replicas of these homes, but capture the essence of them.

10. Are they be "cookie cutter" homes?

No! Avoiding boredom and sameness is one of the basic design motivations for Agritopia. There are six floorplans of the Classic Series Homes and five floorplans of the Cottage Series Homes. Each of the floorplans has four distinct elevations (the architectural styles previously described) and each elevation has four distinct color schemes to chose from. That means that there are 176 different homes before talking about options!

11. Are there lots of options?

Yes! We are not taking a "one size fits all" approach. There is a broad array of floorplan, exterior finish, interior finish, systems, and appliance options. This allows people with a broad range of needs and resources to find a home at Agritopia.

12. What about garages?

In most residential neighborhoods, the garage dominates the streetscape. This is NOT the case at Agritopia.

Classic Series Homes have garages that are recessed to the back of the home (usually 50 feet back, making a nice, safe play court by the home) and, in all floorplans, the garage can be detached from the house and placed at the back of the lot. The garages are accessed from the front of the lot, except in certain Phase II and III lots which are accessed via the alley to prevent backing out onto a main loop. All homes have at least a two car garage, most can have a three car garage (and still be attached) and, if detached they can house up to four cars. Extended depths are also available, as an option. Garages can also have apartments or guest rooms attached to them.

Cottage Series Homes feature a two car garage at the rear of the home. It is accessed via a paved alleyway.

13. How many homes are in Agritopia?

There are about 460 lots divided into three phases. The first phase has 157 lots. However, there may be more than 460 "homes" in that Agritopia has some very unique zoning. You can have more than one dwelling unit on a lot. This can take the form of the main home plus a garage with an apartment unit or even a completely separate bungalow unit. The total number of dwelling units (assuming everyone bought all of the possible ones) is potentially closer to 750.

14. How big are the lots at Agritopia?

The Classic Series lots range from about 7,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet. There is considerable flexibility in sizing your lot. The Cottage Series lots are about 2,500 square feet.

15. Why aren't the lots bigger?

Part of the idea behind Agritopia is a simpler life. A simpler life means having less to take care of. This includes having less land to take care of. On the other hand, the public space is extensive and enjoyable by all.

16. What is the streetscape like?

The Town of Gilbert has allowed us to have narrow streets in exchange for installing fire sprinklers standard in each home. Parking is allowed on one side of most streets causing traffic to slow down. The curbs are generally vertical rather than the typical rolled curb. After the curb is a grass strip with trees to line the streets and then a generous sidewalk. The front yard begins at the sidewalk and is not very deep (10 feet or less, in most cases). This allows for social interaction from the porch and a larger backyard.

17. Can I operate a home-based business at Agritopia?

Yes, with some limitations. The zoning of Agritopia is more friendly to home-based businesses than is the case in the rest of Gilbert. Our desire is that as many people as possible be able to work and live in the community.

18. Can homeowners have a garden in a portion of the urban farm?

No. The farm is privately owned and operated to ensure a high level of care. It will be open to the public for strolling during certain hours.

19. What is the purpose of the urban farm?

The farm is established for three purposes -- to produce abundant crops and agricultural products, to be beautiful open space, and to be an educational resource. The production of the farm is used in the local restaurants and sold at The Farm Stand, primarily. The farm is not currently certified organic -- we intend to use organic practices exclusively.

20. What was the first commercial development within Agritopia?

Joe's Farm Grill, serving the bounty of the farm, opened in October 2006. In addition, The Coffee Shop, opened September 2006. The Farm Stand opened in Decemebr of 2006.

21. Are there schools close by?

Agritopia is in the Higley Unified School District. There is an elementary school within 1 mile and a new high school closer yet. Also, Surrey Garden Christian School, a private K-12 school is located within the community and is in operation.

22. What about the San Tan Freeway?

The San Tan Freeway borders the northern portion of Agritopia. It is open for traffic. Noise walls, rubberized paving, and the fact the the freeway is depressed make it rather quiet. The full interchange at Higley Road is very convenient for residents.

23. Is there an HOA?

Yes. The HOA is an imperfect form of governance for a community, but it is currently the best form. There are CC&R's to ensure reasonable freedoms, while protecting the rights of neighbors.