7 Reasons to Buy a Home in The Riverfront at Harbour View

What's unique about the best selling new home community in the Hampton Roads area in the last decade?

The Riverfront at Harbour View, a master planned community developed by East West Communities, was recently awarded the Stanley Hall of Fame award from the Tidewater Builders Association for having the best quality community development and achieving unprecedented success in our region. The golf course waterfront community has received multiple "Community of the Year" awards and numerous other awards for its new homes and amenities.



What are some of the reasons the community has attracted over 1,000 families since it's grand opening in the spring of 2000? Seven of the unique reasons are listed below:

1. Location- Besides the natural beauty of the property, it has it all from a community development standpoint. It has the hottest location in the Hampton Roads area, if not in all of Virginia. It has shopping, restaurants, and an increasing number of employment centers nearby (located in the heart of Hampton Roads, central to both the Peninsula & Southside) with easy access to I-664.
The Harbor View region has become one of the fastest growing areas for population and job growth increases in the past decade.



2. Resort style amenities - Golf course, two swimming pools, two riverfront parks, and Residents' Club with programmed activities year round. A full time Activities Director oversees our club operation.

• 18-hole championship Riverfront Golf Course with breathtaking views of the Nansemond River
• Elegant Residents' Clubhouse with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and gazebo Cabana Bar
• The Riverfront Swim Club with Junior Olympic swimming pool, and 100 foot water slide
• Two waterfront parks with piers and gazebos
• 43-acre lake with walking / jogging paths
• Two tennis courts and volleyball courts
• Lakefront amphitheater with gazebo and picnic area
• Two children's playgrounds
• Leisure / biking trails connecting lakeside amenities through an underground tunnel
• Lakeside infinity pool, overlooking 26-acre Eagle Lake
• Village Square Park, a two-acre landscaped park with waterfalls and babbling brook

3. Diversity in housing styles, type, and price range- There is something for everyone.From one of the single family condominium homes at Gables at The Riverfront, with prices starting in the $270's range to one of the custom homes from 8 quality homebuilders with new home values ranging in price from the $500's to over $2 million. Lots in the new Village Square Place and Summerhouse Drive section start in the $130's, several lakefront lots remain from $200,000. and a few select golf course and riverfront lots are available for a limited time.



4. Distinctive Architecture- The Riverfront has one of the most distinctive streetscapes in our region for offering a unique blend of new home styles, from the French County, English Cottage, and Craftsman styles, to timeless Traditionals and Transitionals with European architectural influences. Homebuyers can build the dream hoem they've always wanted or selct one of the Showcase Model Homes built for sale. Currently Sasser Construction and ABT Custom Homes have two furnished models available. Norman Miller, Birdsong Builders, Les Ore Construction, Sadler Building Corporation, and Rowe & Weldenfield Custom Homes have new homes in varying stages of construction.



5. Beauty- It is truly a spectacular parcel of land which borders the Nansemond River, with unparalleled views up the James River. Nearly two thirds of the property also offers a premium view of the water (lake, creek, marsh, or river) or the golf course. Highly elevated land, the waterfront lots offer panoramic views, with scenic sunsets on the river.

6. Memorable experiences- One of the unique benefits is the access to water that we give our residents. You don't have to live on the water to appreciate it. Two parks with gazebos and piers have been built at prime riverfront locations for residents to enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or just sit back and watch the sun set. We've also built two other waterfront amenities- the second swimming pool with an inifinity edge, and the lakefront amphitheater (which also has a playground). An underground bike tunnel also connects the pool to the lakeside park.

7. Timing-
It's a last chance opportunity to custom build your dream home in The Riverfront. We've just opened our last section of single family homesites- the last golf course and riverfront lots are now available. Only 8 riverfront lots remain, and a handful of golf course and lakefront lots remain. With over 1,000 new homes built, the last lots just released, and interest rates still near record lows, now's a great time to explore your new home construction choices and achieve your goal for the dream home you've always wanted.

The East West Realty Sales Team- Tina Manrique, Priscilla LeMoine, Mark Edwards (single family custom homes) and Jasmine Feliu & Jeni Millikin (Gables at The Riverfront condominiums)
Information Center is open daily. (757)-638-9100

           

Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West is also celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club, a riverfront club/restaurant and pool complex with a 68 slip marina adjacent to the town of Smithfield, Virginia. Visit an East West Realty Sales Center today.

The Last Blast of Summer at The Riverfront at Harbour View Swim Club

  Riverfront Swim Club Labor Day Fun

It was the last blast of the summer – and time for everyone to take a break from work, school and chores to enjoy the community’s annual Labor Day Celebration at the Riverfront Swim Club! A traditional All-American picnic with hot dogs, hamburgers & apple pie gave party-goers the energy to compete in a myriad of games and contests. The Bouncin’ Bronco, Tacky Tourist Relay and Giant Belly Flop contest took the prize for the most crazy fun, for participants and spectators alike. And, for the more relaxed in the crowd, simply lounging poolside, enjoying the sounds and the scenery, was just enough excitement on a beautiful end-of-summer day.

The Riverfront at Harbour View

The Riverfront at Harbour View is a waterfront, golf course community overlooking the Nansemond and James Rivers in Suffolk just 2 miles from the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel. Located in the heart of Hampton Roads, The Riverfront is mere minutes from Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and Norfolk, yet a lifetime away from the hustle of city living. The neighborhood is also hosting the 2011 Fall Homearama event.

Features Resort-style amenities with programmed activities. Some of the other community amenites are:

• Challenging 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Doak
• Elegant clubhouse with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, large plasma screen, and gazebo Cabana Bar
• The Riverfront Swim Club with Junior Olympic swimming pool, and 100 foot waterslide
• Two waterfront parks with piers and gazebos
• 43-acre lake with walking / jogging paths
• Two tennis courts and volleyball courts
• Lakefront amphitheater with gazebo and picnic area
• Two children's playgrounds
• Leisure / biking trails connecting lakeside amenities through an underground tunnel
• Meticulously landscaped medians with benches and walkways located throughout the community create additional park-like settings
• Full-time Activities Director
• Lakeside infinity pool, overlooking 26-acre Eagle Lake
• Village Square, a 2-acre landscaped park with waterfalls and babbling brook

7 Reasons to Buy a New Home in a Master Planned Community

Why have planned communities become so popular in today's economy? Yes, people are building and buying new homes again in Virginia, and we're excited about what's going on in our four East West Communities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Maybe the sales pace isn't what it was a few years ago, but that's okay. Builders have definitely stepped up and are taking great care of the customer, AND we're seeing outstanding new home values as a result. One of the drawbacks of the building boom a few years ago was the fact that builders couldn't meet their closing deadlines and sometimes customer service fell behind the wayside. Our buyers are finding out that it is a great time to build after comparing their options with the other possibilities in the marketplace. There's a definite resurgence of interest in building a new home in our market, so I've listed 7 reasons why people are buying new homes in our communities today.

1. Sense of place, belonging. There are many reasons why today's homebuyers are seeking planned communities as a place to call home. Many of today's homebuyers in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia are searching for a sense of belonging....a place they can enjoy recreation and have a lot of fun things to do without leaving their neighborhood. Many people seem to long for a safe place to live, a place to raise a family, to maintain a home they can be proud of, and live the American dream. A planned community offers many lifestyle opportunities and home style options.

2. Value.  Homebuyers looking for more value tend to be more cautious in their home purchase than they were maybe a few years ago. If you're investing your hard earned money, you want to make sure you're in an area that offers a high quality of life and offers a good resale opportunity. There's definitely a market looking for a neighborhood with lifestyle amenities- a place where they can get to know their neighbors, entertain friends and family, and have memorable experiences.

Homebuyers have been paying more attention in recent months in finding not only the "right price", but what's equally important is finding the "right home" and the right neighborhood. Buying a new home is a way to make sure you achieve your dream home and it's never been a better time to purchase a new home. Pricing of materials and labor are very attractive today than a few years ago and we're seeing it reflected in many pre-sold homes. People also want to take advantage of the lower interest rates.



Over 2,100 families have relocated to three planned communities developed by East West Communities in the last ten years - Eagle Harbor, The Riverfront at Harbour View, and Founders Pointe since 2000. (Founders Pointe is the newest of the three and opened in 2005). Another 500 homes were developed in the Gatling Pointe community before 2001 in Smithfield, Va. The grand opening for Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg is this May. (See the East West story at the bottom of this article.)

3. Feeling of Security.Planned communities help give homebuyers a feeling of security. When asked what people look for in a new home, many say a sense of community. Planned communities help provide the lifestyle that makes a house a home. The statement entry helps give a sense of arrival, a creative land plan allows for pocket parks, recreational areas, and private cul-de-sac neighborhoods and slower traffic. A more attractive streetscape is accomplished through unique and distinctive architectural guidelines, enhanced landscaping requirements and a quality team of homebuilders. The protective covenants also protect value and helps control the overall look and feel of a planned community.



4. Reputable Homebuilders. Some of the area's most reputable builders have also committed to building Featured Models in our communities because they know they attract quality homebuyers and it's a place they enjoy building new homes. The group of preferred builders also helps to accomplish the overall architectural theme goal and helps establish a great looking streetscape, thus a more attractive neighborhood. Residents also like dealing with homebuilders that are dedicated to their neighborhood.



5. Creative new home designs. We often see builders create a brand new home design that's on the cutting edge of national trends, showcasing the finest building products and materials. Our new home communities attract alot of visitors and the builders see it as an opportunity to go above and beyond in their selection of the home plan, the overall exterior curb appeal, and interior appointments. Every time we open a new section, our builders have stepped up with totally new plans which helps keep the neighborhood interesting and different.

The Tidewater builders Association held its annual Homearama model home show in Founders Pointe last year and it returns to The Riverfront this fall. Tens of thousands of people attend to see the superior quality homes over a sixteen day period. The best in new home designs and finishes are showcased on the same street, and it's always a win win situation for the builder/development and the customer.

6. Resort style Amenities. Residents in our East West Partners communities often say that living in our neighborhood is like being on vacation year round. Neighborhoods with active community clubs is attractive to many relocating from outside of the area. The resort styled amenities in The Riverfront, Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, and Gatling Pointe rival those at some of the greatest resorts. First class facilities such as the Founders Pointe Residents Club and The Riverfront Swim Club may add value to their homes and offers many positive experiences for their families....a chance to rediscover the simpler things in life, like going for a walk to one of the neighborhood parks. Residents enjoy the monthly planned activities - whether it's signing the kids up to one of the summer camps, participating on the neighborhood swim team, or on one of the many fun events scheduled by the Activities Coordinator.

Relocating families also tend to feel it's easier to get to know your neighbors in a planned community that offers a centralized amenity location. A lively club operation helps provide social interaction and opportunities to make new friends. It helps make the adjustment to a new area easier and it's a reason families from out of the area feel more welcome. There's something special about being able to take your grandchild to the river to check out one of the canoes to explore nature in your backyard..... Many buyers yearn for the opportunity to experience these memorable moments with their families.


7. Developer's Credibility.Today's consumers should investigate their options fully when finding the right neighborhood. Look at the track record and the whole body of work for that developer and/or builder. East West has always done better when the homebuyer compares the total community to other options in the marketplace. Communities like The Riverfront, Founders Pointe, and Eagle Harbor are located in growth areas and are places that people are moving to, and not away from.  The northern Suffolk/Isle of Wight County corridor is located on the western edge of the Tidewater area of Virginia, and is central to both the Peninsula and southside Hampton Roads.

After 35 years of developing planned communities, East West has listened to the homeowners' needs, wants, and desires- though numerous focus groups, surveys, and market research. Every time we open a new community we strive to provide the homebuyers with more things that they want. (For example, at Founders Pointe, one of our new home communities in the Hampton Roads area, there are more walking trails, a waterfront observation pier, a larger clubhouse, more pool shade structures and a water slide for the kids.  In Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg, there will be miles of natural leisure trails winding through the neighborhood of three acre homesites.)





Our Story
East West Communities has been developing planned communities since 1972, in six different states. East West's initial community in Chesterfield County, Brandermill, was awarded the "Best Planned Community" in 1978 by the National Housing & Builders Association and Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Our Woodlake community in Midlothian was also awarded "Best Community in the U.S. " by the Urban Land Institute in 1990.

Since then, East West Communities have expanded into the Hampton Roads market with four planned communities. Gatling Pointe features a yacht club, marina, and riverfront clubhouse & pool complex. Eagle Harbor features a lakefront park, clubhouse, and spectacular pool with a water park and a GardenGolf course. The Riverfront features a Swim Club, golf course, two riverfront parks, a lakefront amphitheater and a second pool will be added next year. Founders Pointe, a waterfront community near Smithfield, features a Residents' Club- a $2 million dollar club and pool complex which has a 112' water slide and a 4,000 square foot pool.

Over 1,000 familes have purchassed new homes in The Riverfront at Harbour View since its grand opening in 2000. Eagle Harbor has also attracted over 1,000 families since 2002. Founders Pointe, which is about 50% developed, has sold 150 custom homes (since 2005) of a possible 319 total homes (when it is fully developed).

The Riverfront at Harbour View has also been awarded "Community of the Year" twice by the Tidewater Builders Association. Gatling Pointe, Eagle Harbor, and Founders Pointe have also received the "Community of the Year" award by the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association. Liberty Ridge, a brand new custom home community in Williamsburg, opens this spring as the first two models are nearing completion. Liberty Ridge offers three acre lots and is located just ten minutes to Colonial Williamsburg.

        

 

Thinking About a New Home in 2011? Tips on selecting your plan and your builder.

How do I select my builder and what new home plan should I pick? Now's a great time to be building a new home as the prices to build are lower than they have been in years. Some customers are finding out that they may be able to build the home they want at a better price than some of the existing resale homes. There's never been a better time to custom build the home of your dreams.

The Riverfront at Harbour View sets a visionary new standard for planned communities in the Mid-Atlantic and across the country. Whether you select a custom-designed home, or an elegantly-appointed condominium, you'll enjoy all the comforts you need and the style and quality you'll find nowhere else.
Carefully selected builders are invited to create homes of timeless design and sought-after features. Homes at The Riverfront are distinguished by spacious floorplans, luxurious amenities, uncompromising construction, made all the more spectacular by river, golf, lake, marsh, or meticulously landscaped park views.



The Quality You Demand, The Peace Of Mind You Seek
The homes in The Riverfront at Harbour View are designed and custom built to create an overall architectural appeal that is immediately sensed when you drive through the community. The variety of home plan sizes, styles, and designs are limitless.  Let our award-winning team of custom builders help  create the home of your dreams. There are many advantages that come from working with a preferred builder in a quality master planned community.

Prior to construction, each home plan is submitted to The Riverfront Architectural Review Board for approval. Here the exterior of the plan is reviewed, including  design elements,  exterior finishes, site plan, and landscaping design. The creation and enforcement of these standards helps to protect the investment of every homeowner in the community.



Many of these home designs are from nationally renowned architecture firms. You can select from the our featured builders' custom plans or from nationally awarded home designers such as -Frank Betz Associates, Inc., William E. Poole Designs, Inc., Stephen Fuller, Inc.,  Living Concepts, and Garrell Associates, Inc. Many of the new homes are designed by the builder's local architect, but many originate from one of the plans from a national plan design service.

To check out the availablr new homes at the Riverfront, http://www.the-riverfront.com/our-homes/available-homes/



Featured Builders
If you are ready to start your home buying process, you couldn't be in better hands than you are at The Riverfront. A collection of imaginative homes are being built by a carefully selected group of Hampton Roads' finest builders. You can choose from a wide variety of styles and floorplans - all of which feature the latest innovations in new home construction. We are proud to have the following featured builders for you to choose from in The Riverfront.

• ABT Custom Homes, Inc
• Birdsong Builders, Inc
• Cohen Homes
• Emerson Builders, Inc
• Hohmann Builders, Inc
• Norman Miller Custom Builder
• Sadler Building Corporation
• Sasser Construction, LLC

Ready to let your imagination soar? Take a ride with us over an expanse of rolling greens where nature provides the perfect backdrop for The Riverfront playground. Step out of your living room and into the great outdoors for a tranquil sunset today, and perhaps a round of 18 holes tomorrow.

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 East West Realty, Mark Edwards - Hampton Roads area of Virginia