Developers are often looking for untouched land when they want to create more than just a single home. They might be seeking something far away from a city, but rural communities are not always popular with modern home buyers. Being able to get a location right outside a city with good roads for commuting could be a boon. Creating a new community in this area could offer the promise of plenty of buyers, and it could become a significant area on its own with the right planning and permits.
Cities and urban areas tend to spread over time, and developers are looking for land to help them cash in on that spread. Many younger couples want a new home, but they also want a sense of community or a nice neighbourhood for their family. By combining those two factors, developing a property near the city with multiple homes and a few retail spaces could see great profits with the right investment if plenty of local work is available.
Housing is important, but adding retail space to a small new neighbourhood can make a big difference when it comes time to sell lots. Driving miles to pick up milk and bread is not what many people seek these days, so convenience is important. Adding just a few shops that will serve the neighbourhood and surrounding areas can be a winning way to build interest. It assures convenience for new residents to the area, and it might even help attract business from existing homes surrounding the new community.
There are many decisions that go into planning a new community, and developers today have learned to create spaces where people will feel they are moving into an existing neighbourhood. Providing them with the amenities they need is just one more item on the plus side for their future purchasers.