Agritopia

src: househunterphoenix.com

Agritopia is a 166-acre mixed use planned community in Gilbert, Arizona designed to encourage agrarianism combined with a sense of community amongst the socioeconomic ranges. Homes ranging from 1300 square feet to 7,000 square feet reside next to each other, some with full basements and some without. Narrow streets and front porches, with low back fences, encourage neighborly socialization, and is reminiscent of the mid-west in the 1950s. The "farm" feel is evident throughout Agritopia.

The neighborhood was developed by Joe Johnston in the 2000s on the site of his historic family farm. It contains 452 lots on which the developer built single family homes, cottages, and bungalows, all in neotraditional architectural styles popular in early 20th century America. The community also includes a functioning urban farm, community garden, private 470-student Christian school, community center, retirement home, and four restaurants. The developers established neighborhood covenants that encouraged home-based and agricultural businesses, and pedestrian transit, but discouraged rental housing.

Agritopia was designed in order to bring a sense of community and walkability to Gilbert. Within Agritopia are currently two stand-alone restaurants called "Joe's Farm Grill" which was featured on the Food Network's popular show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dive's" hosted by Guy Fieri and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7-days per week. Next to Joe's Farm Grill is "The Coffee Shop" which was featured in the Food Network's "Cupcake Wars" and won the episode. The Coffee Shop serves breakfast and lunch, as well as award-winning pastries like scones and cupcakes. The newest addition to Agritopia is a set of buildings called "Barnone" which features artisanal craftsmen showcasing their goods and making them onsite. Barnone is a community for skilled craftsmen to make and sell their handcrafted goods. There, visitors will find twelve of Arizona's best makers, ranging from woodworkers to experimental winemakers, restaurateurs and more.

There are two restaurants, a florist, a wine-maker, and more in Barnone. An "Agritopia Farm Store" features the certified organic produce, eggs, and other organic products for sale every day. The final piece of Agritopia will be the construction of the "Epicenter" which will feature non-chain restaurants and high-end luxury rental apartment units.