Local is the key to a successful housing community. Adapting thedesign and amenity options to the local community and surroundingculture can make or break a project, and in master plandevelopments, it is crucial to pay close attention to thesurrounding market.

"A successful masterplan is a reflection of its surroundings,"Suzanne M. Maddalon VP of marketing at masterplandeveloper Freehold Communities, tells GlobeSt.com."At our South Florida and Palm Springs communities, for example,it's essential that the amenities are resort-style. Shearwater,near St Augustine, is like a beach club, with a lazy river andother pools, and a clubhouse programmed year-round with activities.Miralon, opening this year in Palm Springs, includes a Mid-CenturyModern-style lounge complete with a bar, because the Mid-Centurystyle has historic roots in the region, and our research pointed tothe cool bars of downtown Palm Springs, along with yoga studios,pet parks and gardens. Headwaters is near Texas' wine country, sowe make wine tasting from local vineyards part of theexperience."