Goose Creek, S.C. - The highest national honor in residential homebuilding landed in Goose Creek, South Carolina. On February 17, 2026, the National Association of Homebuilders named Carnes Crossroads as both Residential Community of the Year and Amenity of the Year in the United States, awarding it the association’s prestigious Gold Award, the highest recognition for excellence in the homebuilding industry. Carnes Crossroads is a dynamic agricultural-focused residential community known as an Agrihood. At the heart of the community is a scalable working farm with full-time farmers growing produce shared among residents.
“Being named Community of the Year is an incredible honor and a reflection of the transformation behind Carnes Crossroads,” said Andrew Smith, Freehold Executive Vice President. “After acquiring a community that had been selling for more than a decade, we re-envisioned it around a distinctive Agrihood concept and delivered thoughtfully designed amenities that define its identity today. This recognition speaks to the strength of our partnerships and the clarity of that vision.”
Carnes Crossroads’ award-winning Agrihood community features include an 11-acre scalable working farm, a farm store that offers locally sourced goods and a children’s garden focused on offering hands-on education from an early age. The neighborhood’s farm amenities are complemented by sports courts, a modern wellness center and a resort-style pool. Located within the growing City of Goose Creek and Berkeley County, Carnes Crossroads extends its mission beyond its residents by welcoming the surrounding community to attend its popular Fourth Fridays Farmers Market and other seasonal events that highlight how locally sourced, farm-to-table offerings contribute to a healthy lifestyle for all.