James Hardie Blog

The green rolling hills of Marsh Creek in Chester County, PA, are about an hour’s drive from Philadelphia and beckon outdoor enthusiasts for miles. Visitors and locals of the area enjoy the lake, Marsh Creek State Park, and the long list of tasty food options. When in Marsh Creek, look out to see the sparkling nearby lake and look up to see the sprinkling of bright-colored hot air balloons in the sky—they launch in nearby Pottstown. Here are some other must-sees while you’re in the area:

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Just 25 miles west of Philadelphia, is a small town in Chester County called Malvern. Here, you’ll stumble upon beautiful homes, tree-lined streets and a small-town feeling that’s tough to replicate. With Malvern just a short (express) train ride from two city centers—Philadelphia and New York City—you have easy access to the bustling metropolis, when you crave it, and the quiet and calm respite when you don’t. Here are a few of our favorite Malvern communities, all with home exteriors clad in James Hardie® siding and trim.

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In the rolling hills 18 miles outside of downtown Richmond, Virginia, is the fast-growing suburb of Midlothian, where the picturesque community of Hallsley calls home. Combining a small-town Southern feel with amenities that feel like a 5-star resort, this new community has strong roots, just like the old growth trees that surround it.

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The Jersey Shore is known for its beaches and iconic boardwalks, where you can fill up on a sausage-and-peppers sandwich and a cone of orange cream frozen custard, play a few rounds of skee ball and take in the sunshine as you walk the boards. 

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Nestled in the farmlands of Kentucky, there’s a neighborhood that harkens back to the old days and is filled with traditional Southern charm. Located just outside of Louisville, Norton Commons is the kind of place where neighbors sit in rocking chairs on the front porch, sip sweet tea and swap stories until it’s time to head in for supper. And though it feels like it’s been here forever, this neighborhood is relatively new.

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Birmingham may be the largest city in Alabama and the industrial center of the south, but when you’re here, it somehow feels quaint. As you explore the revitalized downtown area, it’s difficult to differentiate the old from the new; every piece of architecture feels intentional. The city’s design review committee makes it a point to be sure new developments have a true urban character and fit into the existing setting.

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Several Chicago suburbs are getting an upgrade—by going back to the basics. In 2009, John McLinden formed the design, development and construction company StreetScape, which aims to take existing neighborhoods and give them the vibrant feel of a smaller, close-knit community. Soon after, he revitalized a Libertyville, IL, foreclosure site with twenty-six beautiful single family homes, now known as the School Street neighborhood.

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Tucked in the South Carolina low country, there’s a small Beaufort neighborhood that you don’t want to miss. Habersham is definitely a stop to add to your Carolina coast tour, especially if you’re exploring the other Sea Island hotspots, which include Charleston, Savannah and Hilton Head.  This gem is 30 miles from Hilton Head, 40 miles from Savannah and 70 miles from Charleston, and worth a day trip.

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