Among the larger multifamily developments under construction is the 220 apartment complex being developed by Hanover at The Pinehills, which will be a rural community of 3,065 homes—apartments, single-family homes, townhouses, cottages and condos. It's so big, it's really a town within the town of Plymouth, according to general managing partner Tony Green and president John Judge. The development team—New England Development, The Green Co and Wallace Associates—started the development 15 years ago, and expect the 2,000th family to move in this year.

Also under construction there are 85 independent and assisted living apartments being developed by Burlington-based Northbridge. On 3,200 acres, the team has installed Pinehills’ own utilities, including a private water company, a wastewater treatment plant and 35 miles of roads while leaving 70% of the site as open space, Tony tells us. There are 25 commercial businesses that create place at The Pinehills. From a US Post Office to gourmet fare. For serious matters, there’s a dentist, doctors, Beth Israel medical services, insurance agent, accountants, wealth managers and attorney’s office. With 500k SF open or under construction,  more commercial and retail space is planned.