Living the Agrihood Life at Olivette Riverside Community & Farm

When people ask me why I chose to live in an agrihood, my answer is simple: it aligns with how I believe we should live.

As someone who has spent years helping people find healthier, more sustainable homes, I wanted my own life to reflect those values. That's why I chose to make my home at Olivette Riverside Community & Farm, a unique neighborhood nestled along the French Broad River just outside Asheville, North Carolina.

Living here isn't simply about owning a home. It's about being part of a community that recognizes a truth my grandmother taught me long ago: everything touches everything else.

What Is an Agrihood?

An agrihood is a neighborhood built around agriculture, community, and connection to the land. At Olivette, the working farm sits at the heart of the community. Residents can walk to the farm, purchase fresh produce, volunteer, attend events, and experience the changing seasons firsthand.

Instead of viewing farmland as something separate from daily life, an agrihood weaves it into the fabric of the neighborhood. The result is a lifestyle that encourages healthy living, local food, environmental stewardship, and meaningful relationships.

A Different Kind of Neighborhood

One of the things I love most about Olivette is the sense of connection.

Neighbors wave as they walk by. People gather for farm events, community celebrations, and volunteer opportunities. Children grow up seeing where food comes from. Adults reconnect with the rhythms of nature that are often lost in modern life.

In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, living here reminds me that community still matters.

Living My Values Every Day

As the Broker-in-Charge of Love The Green Real Estate Consulting Firm, I spend my days helping clients understand how homes affect their health, finances, and environmental impact.

Living at Olivette allows me to practice what I preach.

I can step outside and see sustainable land stewardship in action. I can support local agriculture without driving across town. I can enjoy natural beauty while minimizing my impact on the environment.

The experience continually reinforces what I've learned throughout my career: sustainability isn't about sacrifice. It's about creating a better quality of life.

Lessons from the Farm

The farm has a way of teaching patience and perspective.

Growing food requires planning, hard work, and faith in the future. It reminds us that the most valuable things often take time. It teaches respect for the natural systems that support all life.

Watching crops grow season after season has deepened my appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world. The health of our soil affects our food. The health of our food affects our bodies. The health of our communities affects our well-being.

Everything truly touches everything else.

Why Agrihoods Matter

As communities across the country search for ways to become more resilient and sustainable, agrihoods offer an inspiring model.

They create opportunities for local food production, preserve open space, encourage social connections, and foster environmental responsibility. They demonstrate that development and conservation can work together rather than compete with one another.

For me, living at Olivette is more than a housing choice. It is a daily reminder that our homes are part of something larger.

A New Blog Series About Agrihood Living

Because agrihoods are becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation about sustainable development, healthy living, and community design, I will be launching a blog series exploring this unique way of life.

Drawing from my experiences as both a resident of Olivette and a green real estate professional, I'll share insights into what makes agrihoods different, how they benefit residents and the environment, and why they may represent an important model for the future of housing.

Along the way, I'll explore topics such as community-supported agriculture, conservation development, healthy homes, walkability, local food systems, and the many ways that thoughtfully designed neighborhoods can improve our quality of life.

Whether you're curious about agrihoods, considering moving to one, or simply interested in sustainable living, I invite you to follow along as we explore how these communities are redefining the relationship between people, homes, and the land.

Creating a Sustainable World One Home at a Time

My mission has always been to create a sustainable world one home at a time. Living in an agrihood allows me to experience that mission firsthand every day.

Whether I'm walking through the neighborhood, visiting the farm, talking with neighbors, or helping clients discover healthier ways to live, I'm reminded that where we choose to live shapes how we experience the world.

Olivette Riverside Community & Farm is more than my neighborhood. It's a living example of the future I hope to help build—one where people, community, and the environment thrive together.

I look forward to sharing that journey with you through this new agrihood blog series.