Carnes Crossroads launches agrihood community

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) — The Carnes Crossroads community celebrated the opening of its agrihood-style development Saturday. 

Designed with sustainability and community in mind, the development blends residential living with agriculture to promote a healthier and more connected lifestyle.

The neighborhood features a large-scale working farm that provides farm-to-table products just minutes from residents’ homes. 

Carmen Eldridge, co-owner of Convivial Foodscapes, says the initiative is about much more than just growing food.

“Carnes Crossroads gives people a unique opportunity to get to know where food comes from,” Eldridge said. “They also get to meet their farmers. Another cool aspect is how it builds community. So, people can come here, meet their neighbors, share recipes, things like that.”

Beyond agriculture, the community emphasizes wellness and outdoor recreation. It includes a nine-mile trail system, a children’s garden, and other amenities aimed at fostering healthy lifestyles.

Gerrit Albert, regional president of Freehold Communities, says Carnes Crossroads brings a fresh approach to residential planning.

“Very few understand how to bring agriculture into a community. That’s what makes this place so special,” Albert said. “You can take lettuce from our farm, pick up a steak from a local proprietor, and have dinner tonight based upon our farm.”

While the farm is primarily intended for residents, Albert hopes the agrihood will inspire a bigger movement toward eco-conscious living.

“We are just so thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of the new amenities here at Carnes,” Albert said. “It’s introducing an agrihood concept not only to Charleston, but really to South Carolina.”

Carnes Crossroads plans to host a monthly farmers market and public tours, inviting the greater community to experience the agrihood firsthand.