Traditional suburbs put homes in one area, schools in another and shopping in yet a third. New Urbanists mix building types, sizes and prices. A modest townhouse or duplex cozies up to large single family home, which may have a rental apartment over its garage. Apartments are built over street level stores. New Urbanist design encourages human interaction by keeping houses close to each other and close to the street.
Residents gather on front porches, in nearby parks and on open plazas.
Neighbors share driveways, walkways and alleys.