Mindy and Brent Smart love living in Viridian so much that they've recruited two friends and their children's grandmother to also buy homes in the scenic north Arlington community.
Besides being surrounded by nature and close to work, great schools and recreational amenities, the Smart family says they enjoy the numerous community events and activities that help keep them connected to their neighbors. The Smarts were among the first families to move to Viridian, which has grown to more than 1,000 homes since the first were built in 2012.
Recently, the Smarts stopped by the Viridian Lake Club on a Saturday afternoon to participate in one of Viridian's annual Acts of Kindness events, creating hundreds of colorful stuffed animals to be donated to hospitalized children. The City of Arlington is proud to feature Viridian in this month's episode of Meet the Neighbors, a regularly scheduled web and video program that spotlights neighborhoods large and small across The American Dream City.
"This is one of the many events that happen throughout the year that bring the community together. That is what drew us to Viridian to live here, the sense of community and neighborhood," Mindy Smart said. "Everybody is so friendly here. It's a small-town feel. We've gotten to know our neighbors and we've become very close with them."
Viridian boasts a 2,000-acre master plan that includes five major lakes, a sailing center, a lake club, 500 acres of open space and an additional 500 acres of lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. Residents in the rapidly growing community, located off Collins Street north of Green Oaks Boulevard, can also take advantage of miles of nature trails connecting to Arlington's River Legacy Parks and the River Legacy Living Science Center.
Activities and programs, including some that are open to the public, include artisan markets, movie nights, farm-fresh food deliveries, doggie socials, and holiday events. Viridian also features an on-site lifestyle director who plans an array of clubs, festivals, classes and other activities.
"Where I used to live, the people next door to me and across the streets I didn't even know their names. Here at Viridian, because of all the community events, I know people who live six and eight streets over, plus the neighbors right around me," said Annette Foltz, who has lived in Viridian nearly five years. "There is a lot of community involvement here. They really strive to make sure we all know each other."
Mindy Arvisu, whose family moved to Viridian nearly three years ago, agrees.
"We love it. I love it for my kids. They get to run around and play," Arvisu said. "You feel the sense of community here in Viridian."
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