In an unconventional move for modern property development, a new Californian neighbourhood is asking prospective residents to commit to being good neighbours before they even receive their keys. Silverwood, a massive $7 billion master-planned community in Hesperia, San Bernardino County, has begun welcoming its first residents to what developers describe as 'prestigious' homes.
The Vision Behind the Community Pledge
John Ohanian, project general manager at DMB Development, explained that the kindness pledge is central to their vision of creating a harmonious living environment. 'We are purposefully designing a community where people are more engaged with one another and actually know their neighbours,' Ohanian told the Daily Mail.
The development's design intentionally fosters interaction, with front-facing houses featuring porches, extensive sidewalks, trails, and large green spaces anchoring each village. Properties in the community range from $400,000 to nearly $730,000, offering residents access to tree-lined streets, parks, courts, pools, and on-site schools.
Ohanian revealed the pledge has been 'universally well received' with no negative feedback to date. 'I think people are anxious to live where small town charm meets modern family living,' he added.
From Political Campaign to Community Principle
The innovative approach was partly inspired by former Anaheim mayor Tom Tait, who campaigned for 'a city of kindness' back in 2010. After implementing similar principles in Anaheim from 2016, Tait reported significant benefits including reduced homelessness, expanded rehabilitation services, improved police morale, and a more united faith community.
The Silverwood pledge encourages residents to 'embrace listening to others, even when we disagree' and to 'seek to exclude words that hurt and divide'. While the development won't penalise residents for occasional bad moods, Ohanian confirmed they plan to reward acts of kindness within the community.
Residents Embrace the New Approach
Early residents have welcomed the concept, particularly in today's politically divided climate. Karryn Kurnosoff, who moved in with her family including two young children, told Dwell: 'People need to be reminded to be courteous and kind. Even if it may be sad that we seem to need it, to be reminded we can be different and still get along.'
Mother and daughter Tracy Smith, 67, and Clair Mattig-Smith, 42, chose Silverwood after considering a move to Texas, where they felt neighbourly interaction was stronger. Clair explained to Business Insider: 'It feels like there's more of a sense of community in Texas. People know their neighbours, whereas in California, I feel really disconnected.' After six years in her previous home, she had only known one neighbour.
Clair believes the pledge is 'the sort of thing much needed in today's society' and that Silverwood's 'intentional sense of community will eliminate a lot of the negativity we see in other areas of life.'
Building Connections Through Design and Events
Set in the desert foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, Silverwood is planned to eventually encompass more than 15,000 homes across over 9,000 acres during the next two decades. The development includes 4,900 acres of open space and parks with more than 166 miles of paths and trails.
Community manager Ohanian reported that residents are already embracing the community spirit. 'People are making sure they know their neighbours and introduce themselves when new residents are moving in. They are already organising neighbourhood get-togethers,' he observed.
The development will feature numerous amenities designed to bring people together:
- The Crest Club's Lodge Room for social activities including ping pong, pool, and book clubs
- A resort-style Pool Complex with cabanas and a children's fun zone
- Five elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school within walking distance
- Regular community events including concerts, movie nights, and seasonal festivals
Ohanian emphasised that teaching kindness will be a key part of the curriculum in the community's schools, further embedding the principle throughout Silverwood.
The master-planned nature of Silverwood has drawn comparisons to the 1998 film The Truman Show, which depicted life in a perfectly designed community. However, unlike the fictional Seahaven, Silverwood's residents are fully aware of their environment and actively choosing this innovative approach to community living.
