The Promise of Paradise: Recreational and Retirement Communities in the United States since 1950

by Hubert B. Stroud

Overview

In the first geographic and environmental analysis of the recreational and retirement community industry, Hubert B. Stroud shows how and why certain communities had positive impacts on the surrounding region while others did not. Focusing on well-known developments in Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Arkansas, and Tennessee, he finds that most developments were poorly planned, resulting in environmental damage, overtaxing of public services, and social and economic problems. Yet Stroud acknowledges that future development is inevitable, as recreational and retirement communities continue to lure urban America with the promise of paradise.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801867583
Publisher:	Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date:	01/01/1995
Series:	Creating the North American Landscape
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.55(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Hubert B. Stroud is professor of geography at Arkansas State University.

Editorial Reviews

Stroud's survey is one of the most comprehensive undertaken to date, and he skillfully integrates the forces that controlled the rapid expansion of these settlement forms..Succeeds admirably in describing the landscapes produced by the recreational land development industry, interpreting their various local impacts, and discussing regulatory controls that could ameliorate and eventually resole the problems that have arisen. Most of all, this is a classic geographical account of these settlements, infused with perceptive field-based insights, strongly supported by maps and photographs, and always focused on the interactions between these communities and their environmental contexts.
—Progress in Human Geography

From the Publisher

A clearly written analysis of the impact of recreational land development--environmental problems, economic concerns, and consumer issues--with a close look at six examples of "new communities"--their hype and their reality. Stroud (geography, Arkansas State U.) also analyzes land-use planning and regulation--examples in five states and trends. A timely and important book for every community where sprawl vs. development is being debated. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Stroud's survey is one of the most comprehensive undertaken to date, and he skillfully integrates the forces that controlled the rapid expansion of these settlement forms..Succeeds admirably in describing the landscapes produced by the recreational land development industry, interpreting their various local impacts, and discussing regulatory controls that could ameliorate and eventually resole the problems that have arisen. Most of all, this is a classic geographical account of these settlements, infused with perceptive field-based insights, strongly supported by maps and photographs, and always focused on the interactions between these communities and their environmental contexts.

Progress in Human Geography