Seabrook Mixed Use Community: An Example of New Urbanism, and Somewhere I'd Love to Live

Green, mixed use communities are popping up all over the country - emphasizing an intelligent combination of housing, recreation, shared space and community involvement. Seabrook mixed use development, is located on the beautiful beaches of Washington State, just 30 minutes from Olympic National Park.

Comprised of traditional, modestly sized (770 sq. ft and up) singled houses placed in clusters with shared green space, the town is almost too perfect. With the abundance of footpaths and low traffic, cars are quickly replaced with bicycles - even mentioned on their Web site "What's with the bikes?"

Though it is masterfully marketed via the Seabrook Web site, they pay careful attention to the environment while they build. Native plants are used throughout the properties, crushed oyster shells line the alleys, driveways and walkways and houses are built with sustainable materials. Homes come outfitted with the most current and energy efficient appliances, and much of their building uses local reclaimed wood. All trees removed from the site are milled locally and put back into the landscape, the few lawns are shared and cared for organically, as is the whole landscape. And they're slogan, "nothing is greener than something lasts," is quite true.

Cottage rentals are available for vacationers and it is much of a vacation destination. But I could imagine living here or retiring here, once my days of DIY are over.

But green paradise doesn't come cheap starting in the low $400k for a 770 sq. ft. cottage.