America's most unusual planned communities

Whether it's a religious calling, a golfing itch or Disney-developed serenity, millions have found a way of life in communities that amount to mini worlds.

For a citizenry obsessed with personal freedoms, it's amazing how many of us live in manufactured environments. But just as art and culture draws urbanites to America's major cities, suburbanites flock to some of the largest planned communities in search of that special something. It's not just for the space, the pace, or the pool, either. Whether it be a religious calling, a golfing itch or Disney-inspired serenity, millions have found a way of life in communities that amount to miniature worlds. Here's a glimpse of some of them, highlighting the quirks that make them worthwhile places to live.