Poetic license

What’s in a name? That which we call a Natomas housing development by any other name still would look like cookie-cutter homes in the flood zone. Follow the colorful flags and giant balloons, and you’ll find a sales office with glossy brochures and cheerful representatives eager to put a positive slant on anything—tiny backyard becomes cozy terrace, manmade lake means natural setting, and strip mall nearby indicates big city at your doorstep. SN&R asked tough questions like, “Does ‘at Creekside’ mean there’s a creek nearby?” and watched sales reps scramble. Here is a list of “creatively” named communities cropping up near you.

Sources: www.centexhomes.com, www.kbhome.com, www.lennar.com, www.sacramento.meritagehomes-ca.com, www.westparke.com, www.newhomesource.com.