THE best part about living in Aberdeen is being a little more away from it all, yet with amenities that make it enjoyable, assuredly states resident Lisa Whiteside. "The unobstructed views of stars and sky make it truly special."
Lisa and her husband, Robert, moved from Walnut Woods in Center Grove into Aberdeen during August 2023.
They say Aberdeen is different in that it's farther south and more removed from the hustle-bustle of the 135 corridor. Robert explains: "It's a neighborhood, but with a park-like setting, with the Agrihood concept at its core. We lived in a lovely neighborhood with wonderful neighbors previously. However, the option to hop on walking trails and swing by the neighborhood market for fresh produce or free-range eggs is unlike anything we've experienced previously."
As Indy’s first 'Agrihood' and wellness lifestyle community, Aberdeen's gated neighborhood blends agriculture with a host of health-minded amenities, including more than 2.5 miles of trails, woods, green space, stocked lakes, community gardens and monthly programmed activities, plus a working farm that supplies food and staples.
Located in Bargersville, Aberdeen Farms is a farm-to-table hamlet with horses, cows, fresh-cut flowers, seasonal produce, an event barn and farm market offering locally grown produce, eggs from pasture-fed chickens, baked goods, milk, USDA-inspected meats.
When looking at building and relocating, Robert says building with Duke Homes and the concept of this community was just the right fit. "We have children at home, as well as adult children, so the appeal of tennis/pickleball courts, trails and nature offers a little something for everyone. The proximity to downtown Bargersville is also a plus," he adds.
Surprises discovered by the Whitesides since living at Aberdeen spring up from how wonderful the nature aspects have been. "The sunsets never disappoint," Robert says. "We see deer quite frequently and even an occasional bald eagle sighting."
People choose subdivisions for a variety of reasons, including safety, community, amenities and a sense of belonging. Robert says Aberdeen's monthly events and farmers market help build a sense of community they enjoy, and they meet a lot of folks outside for their evening stroll or walking their pets.
"There are families of all ages, whether you're an empty nester or with young children, you'll meet others in the same stage of life here. We're so close to great restaurants in downtown Bargersville. And, the new roundabout will eliminate the only stop sign/light we would encounter in the short drive to Indianapolis International Airport!" Robert shares.
Abderdeen's Abundant Amenities:
Aberdeen's on-the-spot market offers seasonal food products, such as berries, fruits, sweet corn, pumpkins, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, asparagus, beans, lettuce, kale and apples from local orchards. Some of the products are grown or raised at Aberdeen; others are sourced locally. Butter, honey, honey sticks, jams, jellies, salsas, teas, sunflower or olive oils also are offered.
Aberdeen’s overall farm operation also provides learning opportunities through educational activities that enable volunteers and residents to participate in growing and harvesting produce.
The on-site event barn is a community hub, anchoring the farm and welcoming all who come to shop, sit a spell on the covered porch, or stop by to feed the chickens, cows and horses. Special events are scheduled at the barn, along with additional monthly activities/events open to the community at large. The farm also boasts pastures for farm animals, rows upon rows of sweet corn, a pumpkin patch, an orchard and numerous plots for fresh cutting flowers, herbs and produce.
An apothecary section at the market offers Aberdeen Farms' own line of products, including scented Dead Sea bath salts; whipped facial and body tallow; all natural hand soap, plus locally sourced handmade goat soaps and lotions. Candles, a small assortment of indoor plants and various wall and kitchen décor also are available.
"We love the barn and market, and seeing the animals, way more than we would've imagined. We've been nicely surprised in terms of things we love that we didn't quite anticipate," says Michael Knott and Tera Moody, who moved in during April 2024. "We also enjoy how woodsy the trail feels."
This duo lived in Greenwood before moving to Bargersville, and in Chicago and California prior to that.
Michael says the mix of amazing homes, a community-oriented living philosophy, and the trails and farm, is very unique.
"We were attracted to the idea of community and wellness, and community events. We love how different the houses all are, our previous neighborhoods had more of a cookie-cutter feel," explains Tera.
She says they appreciate the organized community events and market as opportunities to meet people. "We didn't always know our neighbors well in other places we've lived, but here that's something that comes easier, as it's part of the community fabric. And we love being out the front door and minutes later being on a trail where you feel like you're in a state park, or walking beside a pretty water setting with the lakes."
Michael adds, "People are friendly and seem to be happy to be here. We love that our kids can play with the boys next door, and we hope to continue to meet more people as they move in."
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DukeHomes.com
This intentionally planned, distinctive community is the vision brought to life of seventh-generation family farmer and developer Mike Duke, founder/president of Duke Homes, Inc., and his wife and co-visionary, Marcia Duke.
"The best part about living in Aberdeen is being close enough to shopping and dining, but far enough away to feel somewhat remote. Modern homes, but old-school living philosophy."