Hi. I'm Abby Quillen.

I'm an author, editor, and freelance writer living in Eugene, Oregon with my husband and two sons. You can find my books and published writing at abbyquillen.com.

Do you want to design a meaningful life full of the stuff that matters to you — and get rid of the things that don't? Me too. That's why I started New Urban Habitat in March of 2009.

Why New Urbanism Matters

I believe in creating safer, more walkable, and more livable communities. New Urbanism principles — compact neighborhoods, accessible public spaces, and streets designed for people, not just cars — are at the heart of how I think about a healthy, sustainable life.

When we can walk or bike to the places we need to go, our families, our health, and our environment all benefit.

New Urban Habitat grew from a simple question: what would daily life look like if it were designed around well-being rather than accumulation? The blog explores that question through essays and tips on simple living, sustainable choices, and reconnecting with the rhythms of nature. Readers are invited to slow down and notice what truly matters, from the food on their plates to the time spent outdoors, and to question habits that no longer serve them or the wider world.

Across the site, the focus stretches from gardening and backyard chickens to walking and cycling as everyday transportation, with plenty of attention given to family life and the small joys that come with it. Children, pets, and shared meals appear as recurring threads, alongside honest reflections on homeschooling, preschool years, and the ways a household can be reshaped around curiosity and connection rather than convenience.

The writing also turns toward redefining wealth, recognizing that health, relationships, and a sense of place often matter more than material things. Posts touch on mental health, movement, and exercise as part of a holistic approach, along with seasonal living, herbs, and homegrown produce. The overall tone is hopeful and practical, suggesting that meaningful change usually begins with modest, deliberate choices made one ordinary day at a time.