How to Arrange Villagers Houses in Animal Crossing New Horizons: Tips for Creating a Harmonious Village Layout

Arranging your villagers’ houses in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an exciting way to personalize your island while also considering the everyday movement and lifestyles of your in-game neighbors. Whether you’re creating an organized neighborhood, a thematic village, or a freeform scattering, the layout directly affects the aesthetics and workflow of your island. Many players strive to optimize both form and function so their island looks harmonious and feels easy to navigate.

For a balanced approach, start by visualizing the overall ‘town plan’—will you group houses in a classic block, line them along a winding path, or nestle them in themed zones? Consider leaving space for landscaping, paths, fencing, and communal areas like plazas or parks. Keep in mind access to amenities: placing houses near shops, the Resident Services building, or features like rivers can enhance the sense of community. Some players use symmetry for a clean, suburban look, while others prefer a more organic arrangement to mimic a cozy village. Most importantly, your design should reflect your aesthetic and how you envision island life flowing day-to-day.

As a designer, I approach the layout of villagers’ homes with the same careful planning as a residential community design. Home design tools—even in real-world projects—help visualize spacing, communal zones, and pathways, ensuring every area is connected yet distinct. Taking inspiration from real-world neighborhood design also means considering accessibility, privacy, and the creation of focal points, whether it’s a central plaza, a waterfront, or themed districts. This thoughtful approach translates seamlessly into your ACNH island for a more cohesive, inviting environment.

Tips 1:

Use in-game terraforming and pathing tools to define neighborhoods and connect homes. Try sketching a plan on paper or using digital planners before moving houses—each relocation costs Bells, so planning ahead saves resources. Feature greenery, fences, and custom patterns to create unique boundary lines for each home.

FAQ

Q: How much does it cost to move a villager’s house in Animal Crossing New Horizons?

A: Each move costs 50,000 Bells per house.

Q: Can I group all villagers' houses together in one area?

A: Yes, you can place all houses in a single area if space allows. Many players create organized neighborhoods this way.

Q: Will villagers get upset if their house is moved often?

A: No, villagers do not get unhappy or lose friendship points if you move their home multiple times.

Q: How do I move a villager's house?

A: Speak to Tom Nook in Resident Services, select the Infrastructure option, and then “Relocate a home.”

Q: Can I customize the exterior of villagers’ homes?

A: You can only change the location, not the exterior design of regular villagers’ houses (but you can for your own home when upgraded).