Johnson County community’s family legacy spans several decades

Live at the Communities of River Ridge and you’ll enjoy life in a collection of three idyllic neighborhoods tucked in the rolling hills just off of 151st Street in Johnson County. And as a River Ridge resident, you’ll be part of a family legacy that spans several decades.

“River Ridge has been around a long time,” said Jack Southerland, developer. “My dad bought this ground in 1964—it was way out in the country back then, with gravel roads.”

Bill Southerland built the first home in the Communities of River Ridge in 1971, Jack’s childhood home. Just four years later, Bill and his business partner, Eldon Cook, began developing River Ridge.

Now, 45 years later, the thriving community is home to three neighborhoods and more than 300 homes. Yet despite River Ridge’s steady growth, the community retains the charm and warmth of the traditional neighborhoods of the past, thanks in part to the community’s unparalleled location.

“My mom named the community River Ridge because we’re up high on a heavily treed ridge that overlooks the Blue River Valley, which has kept us buffered from surrounding development and helped us keep a small-town feel,” Jack said.

Because River Ridge’s development has continued over more than four decades, the community is a time capsule of sorts that showcases the evolution of residential design.

“You can drive from one end of the community to the other and see how home design trends have evolved over the years,” Jack said.

Now, a team of celebrated builders delivers modern, spacious floor plans that are enhanced with thoughtful details and eye-catching flourishes. River Ridge is quickly nearing completion, but prospective buyers still have limited opportunities to discover their dream home in this remarkable community.

Four speculative homes are in varying stages of completion, an ideal choice for buyers who need to accommodate a specific timeline. Three of the homes are move-in ready, including a furnished model home at 2772 W. 162nd Terrace. The 1½-story home by Tabernacle Homes offers four bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms and 3,750 square feet, priced at $719,000. The stately home won two awards during the Fall Parade of Homes: Pick of the Parade and second place, Distinctive Plan & Design.

KBC Homes has a reverse 1½-story home at 16232 Manor Rd. with four bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms and 3,800 square feet. The home is on a walkout homesite, includes a suspended slab garage and is priced at $679,900.

A reverse 1½-story home by Wheeler Design, Inc., located at 2775 W. 161st Terrace, offers a rare and generously sized ¾-acre walkout homesite. The home includes four bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms and approximately 3,800 square feet, priced at $635,000.

Prospective buyers needing a bit more time should consider a 1½-story home by Tabernacle Homes at 16217 Belinder Rd., which will be complete in 30 days. The four-bedroom, 4½-bathroom home includes 3,750 square feet and a daylight homesite, priced at $759,000.

Those who would prefer to work with one of the community’s builders—including Tabernacle Homes, Parkview Homes, KBC Homes, Koehler Building Company, Wheeler Design, Inc., Comerio Corporation, Braklow Custom Homes, Bickimer Construction, James Engle Custom Homes, John Stewart Custom Homes, Willis Construction or Reed Fuller Construction—can choose from the final 17 homesites that remain in River Ridge.

In addition to gracious homes and an enviable location, River Ridge includes a number of amenities, including a swimming pool, playground, tennis courts, volleyball courts and a fishing pond. Or simply kick back on your deck or patio and take in the quiet, breathtaking scenery, including views of nearby Aubrey Vineyards winery.

“Many people who visit are surprised how close River Ridge is to everything you need: highways, shopping, and restaurants at 135th Street and along 151st Street,” said Lettiann Southerland, who markets the community for Lettiann & Associates Real Estate Services. “But it feels like it’s miles from the city. It’s peaceful here.”

For Jack, it’s “bittersweet” seeing the community near completion, but he’s grateful to have seen its transformation firsthand.

“I’ve lived here the whole time and still live here,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of things become part of River Ridge, which is such a tight-knit community. A lot of our family lived here most of our lives, and this place is near and dear to me.”