American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the name of the first "new town" built in the United States?

1. Radburn, NJ

2. Columbia, Maryland

3. Reston, Virginia

4. Lakewood, Colorado

The correct answer is: Radburn, NJ

The first "new town" built in the United States is indeed Radburn, New Jersey. Established in the 1920s, Radburn was designed by urban planner Clarence Stein and is often cited as a prototype for the "garden city" movement in the U.S. This development was innovative for its time, promoting pedestrian-friendly streets, interconnected green spaces, and a unique design that separated vehicular traffic from pedestrian walkways, thereby creating a safer, more pleasant living environment. Radburn's design reflected a response to the rapid urbanization and industrialization in the early 20th century, aiming to provide an alternative lifestyle that was more communal and nature-oriented. The planning principles displayed in Radburn have significantly influenced later developments, including Columbia, Maryland; Reston, Virginia; and Lakewood, Colorado, which were also designed with new urbanism principles. However, Radburn holds the distinction of being the first such planned community in the U.S., paving the way for future new towns.