yep.... however, 90% of the construction industry only looks at the up-front cost unfortunatly...I think more people would do that if they could.
Problem is it takes money to do a planned community and no building is willing to do that and not government is willing to do it either.
What most builders dont' realize is they will get more for homes that are in a nice planned community.
this is why hardly anyone will install a 14 seer air conditioner. low E windows or use radient barrier decking... all of which will help the home owner in the long run (say 3-5 years) but none of which will increase the builder's bottom line (in fact it cost profits).. yeah, i install that stuff anyway in my spec-houses just because i want to, but i am the only one in my area who does.