Lisa Mailhot | December 10, 2024
Buyers
In the heart of many American suburbs, a new neighbor is moving in—one that never sleeps, barely breathes and demands vast amounts of power: data centers. These windowless warehouses are integral to our digital lives, housing the servers that keep cloud computing and artificial intelligence running. However, their rapid expansion into densely populated areas raises concerns about their impact on communities.
Take the story of Bren Mar Park in suburban Virginia. Richard Andre Newman, a lifelong resident, once envisioned spending his twilight years in this quiet neighborhood where kids ride bikes and neighbors greet one another. Now, he’s contemplating leaving because a 466,000-square-foot data center, Plaza 500, is set to rise nearby. Residents like Newman and Tyler Ray have voiced concerns about potential environmental harm, strained power grids, and the quality of life. Still, these worries often collide with the economic incentives local governments prioritize.
In Northern Virginia alone, over 300 data centers dot the landscape. Proponents tout the tax revenues and indirect job creation that these facilities bring. For example, in Oregon’s Morrow County, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has contributed millions to local infrastructure, from fire engines to grants for first-time homebuyers. Yet, the substantial tax breaks these companies receive leave some questioning the fairness of the trade-offs.
The dilemma lies in balancing economic growth with preserving community well-being. While data centers offer financial benefits, their environmental footprint and proximity to residential areas pose challenges that local leaders and citizens must navigate thoughtfully.
Orange County offers a unique blend of innovation and serene living, where technology and community coexist harmoniously. If you want to make your home here, let’s connect and find the perfect place for your next chapter.
New tariffs on Chinese imports are already causing sharp increases in tiny home and ADU prices. In high-cost regions like Orange County, this could significantly impac… Read more
Buyer love letters might tug at heartstrings, but they can also tread dangerous legal ground. Learn the top three ways these letters could violate Fair Housing laws — … Read more
Renters have more power than they think when it comes to repair issues in California. This blog breaks down your rights as a tenant, including when and how you can leg… Read more
The Midwest is on fire—and we’re not talking weather. Home prices in cities like Milwaukee and Detroit are soaring due to tight inventory and high demand. This blog di… Read more
The income gap between renting and owning a home has surged to over $52,000 in 2025. While rent increases have slowed, home prices and mortgage rates remain high, maki… Read more
Inflation cooled in March thanks to falling gas prices, providing a temporary sigh of relief for mortgage markets. While rates aren't dropping just yet, lower pressure… Read more
A new Redfin survey reveals that 1 in 5 homebuyers plan to sell stocks to fund their down payment. As market volatility shakes confidence, homeowners and renters alike… Read more
Despite a strong March jobs report, new tariffs and rising economic uncertainty are casting a shadow over the housing market. Here’s how these national trends could pl… Read more
The National Association of Realtors® just introduced a new companion to its Clear Cooperation Policy: Multiple Listing Options for Sellers. This update offers sellers… Read more
Let's find a time that suits you best to chat about your goals, show you how we work, and figure out how we can help you the most