Cost of Suburban Versus Rural Lots

On today’s show we’re talking about the transition from rural to suburban. We have several projects underway that are making that transition from agricultural land into urban subdivisions.

When we think of suburban streets, we often think of tree lined streets with curbs and sidewalks. What we don’t see all the utilities that are buried beneath the ground, each with their own infrastructure.

The planning process requires careful attention to each of these. Because they’re hidden, they’re largely taken for granted by the public. But as a developer, each of these require careful planning. The cost of most of this infrastructure is born by the developer and usually dedicated to the city or the utility.

In a rural setting, most houses are nearly off-grid. The only true requirement is for electricity. Water usually comes from a well on the property. Wastewater is treated locally using a septic system. Stormwater management relies on surface drainage and gravity. Internet relies on wireless or satellite solutions. Heating is either provided by electricity or by large cylinders of propane gas that get refilled a couple of times a year.

On today’s show we’re going to construction a budget for the cost of servicing a typical suburban lot and compare that with the cost of a typical rural lot with well and septic instead of municipal services.

So here are the 11 services that are required in almost every setting.

1) Electricity

2) Water

3) Sanitary Sewer

4) Storm water sewer

5) Optical Fiber which has largely replaced telephone

6) Cable TV

7) Natural Gas

8) Street lighting

9) Fire hydrants

10) The road

11) Sidewalks

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Host: Victor Menasce

email: podcast@victorjm.com