When you hear about a new Smart Neighborhood in Alabama, chances are you’d expect that to be in a more metropolitan area like Birmingham or Huntsville. But what about in a rural communities like Valley, Alabama?
Today marked the grand opening of Camellia Crossings, a significant new development in the east Alabama town of Valley. Developed by Holland Homes (who is also a builder partner of ours), the planned community will cover more than 350 acres and include 370 homes plus 10 acres of commercial usage. The first phase of development will include 28 homes.
So why is this important? Smart Neighborhoods are a major project of Alabama Power. They’re designed to bring next generation efficiency and technology to entire neighborhoods. According to the Department of Energy, a smart neighborhood house is up to 50% more efficient than a typical existing home.
Chorus will provide SmartHome technology and home security for homes in the neighborhood. So what does that mean? All homes will come with efficiency-creating devices, like smart thermostats and smart lighting – all of which can be controlled through the Chorus smartphone app. In addition, homes will be equipped with outdoor security cameras and digital smart security panel, as well.
Most Alabamians couldn’t find Valley on a map – or much less, Chambers County. But this small town, that sits on the border with Georgia, is just a few miles up I-85 from Auburn.
The neighborhood is also seen as a powerful indicator of Valley’s trend-setting economic growth. It’s no secret that rural towns have struggled to retain residents in recent years, but Valley has been hard at work to push against that trend, investing in everything from community centers and walkways to industrial parks. And those efforts are bearing fruit. The ribbon cutting at Camellia Crossings marks the first new for new housing communities in 6 years.
With the recent resurgence of the city, community leaders are calling this neighborhood an anchor neighborhood for the city’s workers to live in. Home prices for the Smart Neighborhood will range from the $200,000s to $400,000.