If you think that all new residential developments are the same, take a trip to Long Beach this weekend and check out the grand opening of the award winning Olive Court development by Livable Places. The event begins at on Saturday, March 8^th at 10:00 A.M. at Olive Court (323 E. Dayman, Long Beach 90806) one block north of the Pacific Coast Highway’s Metro Blue Line station.

Livable Places boasts that Olive Court is an example of the kind of sustainable development that is possible when environmental, transportation and basically an anti-sprawl mind set are applied to new projects.

So what makes Olive Court different than other new developments in LA County?

Olive Court is located both centrally and within walking distance, and located close to Metro’s Blue line for those interested in transit-oriented living. The location was specifically chosen to reduce dependence on a car to get around. Schools, health care, jobs, and Long Beach’s downtown are all within easy walking distance.

All units also feature new, Energy Star appliances to reduce emissions. The landscaping and architecture are designed to be environmentally friendly.

Olive Court is also an affordable housing option (although in Southern California, that means prices start at $300,000). No down payment is required making it an option for first-time home buyers interested in a more eco-friendly lifestyle. For more information, head down to Olive Court tomorrow or visit the Livable Places website.

Livable Places was founded in 2000 as the brainchild of a group of housing advocates and environmentalists concerned that sprawl, the housing crisis and the lack of investment in older urban areas has adversely affected the quality of life in the Los Angeles region. Olive Court is one of two residential projects being developed by Livable Places. The other one, Fuller Lofts, should be opening in East L.A. soon.

Image: Livableplaces.org