From Cordova Hills to Braden, a decade-long vision becomes reality in Sacramento County.

From Cordova Hills to Braden, a decade-long vision becomes reality in Sacramento County.
Braden, a 2,700-acre master-planned community in Sacramento County, is weeks away to break ground.

A master-planned community in Sacramento County, previously known as Cordova Hills, is set to break ground this year under its new name, Braden. This ambitious project, led by developer Somers West, has been in the planning stages for over a decade and will span an impressive 2,700 acres.

Somers West envisions Braden as a community with a unique ecosystem where the average commute time is only 10-15 minutes. The development incorporates "new urbanism" principles, emphasizing walkability, community spaces, and reduced reliance on cars. This approach aims to foster a more connected, environmentally friendly living environment.

Braden is set to include over 8,000 homes at full build-out, catering to diverse housing needs with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Additionally, the community will feature 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, a 225-acre university campus designed to accommodate up to 6,000 students, and over 950 acres of open space dedicated to parks, trails, and natural areas.

Cordova Hills Project Sacramento
Rendering courtesy of Somers West.

The first phase of construction will focus on a 180-acre mixed-use Town Center. This area will include the first 968 homes, a school, park blocks, and trails.

Braden Project Sacramento
Rendering courtesy of Somers West.

Braden's design draws inspiration from successful communities like McKinley Village in East Sacramento and Central Park in Denver, Colorado. These successful developments are known for their vibrant, walkable neighborhoods and strong sense of community—qualities Braden aims to resonate with.