The main image is courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg—a 55+ active adult community located in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—which showcases an aerial view of their Rock Creek Fitness Center, outdoor pool, and multifacted Rock Creek Clubhouse.
The concept of wellness takes many forms, but in the context of housing and community development, it’s typically been confined to amenities such as pools, fitness centers, and walking trails.
Today, however, wellness in newly planned communities is taking on a more expansive meaning. Wellness is becoming deeply integrated into:
- How communities are planned
- How homes are built
- How people live
Though this evolution of home and community wellness is visible in many aspects of built environments, one of the most forward-thinking sources of next-generation wellness planning is in the newest wave of 55+ communities.
With Gen X now entering the 55+ demographic, active adult communities are rethinking what it means to live well, age boldly, and remain connected to life’s purpose.
We spoke with industry leaders and explored their wellness principles to uncover five defining strategies that reveal how three new 55+ active adult communities are reshaping wellness—not just for today’s residents, but for the next generation of active adults, as well.
Table of Contents
- A Brief Primer on Wellness
- 5 Ways 55+ Communities Are Reinventing Wellness
- The Next Chapter of Wellness
- Profiles of 3 Innovative 55+ Active Adult Communities
Also see:
A Brief Primer on Wellness
According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness spans across six interconnected dimensions:
- Physical
- Mental
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Social
- Environmental
This holistic view acknowledges that thriving later in life isn’t just about staying active, but about meaning, belonging, creativity, emotional resilience, and a connection to place and purpose. That kind of multidimensional definition requires multifaceted solutions, and the newest generation of active adult communities is rising to this critical need and challenge.
5 Ways 55+ Communities Are Reinventing Wellness
This section explores how three active adult communities are uniquely addressing this multidimensional concept of wellness:
- Altis at Serenity by Tri Pointe Homes
- Amblebrook at Gettysburg by Crown Community Development
- Del Webb Lost Pines by Del Webb
Their approaches are redefining aging and wellness, and are well-suited for the prevailing traits of Gen X—independent, self-sufficient, adaptable, yet open to genuine engagement—who are entering the 55+ homeowner demographic.
5 Innovative Ways 55+ Active Adult Communities Are Reinventing Wellness
- Starting with Location
- Designing for Connections
- Facilitating Natural, Effortless Movement
- Fostering Social Belonging & Personal Growth
- Redefining Aging
1. Starting with Location
Wellness starts with location, not just in terms of walkability and climate, but in proximity to the people and places that help shape an active adult life. In other words, a vibrant wellness-centric community needs to be located where active adults want to live.
Festive 4th-of July store fronts in downtown Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
Image courtesy of James Spidle
Amblebrook at Gettysburg, Del Webb Lost Pines, and Altis at Serenity have all tapped into high-growth markets that appeal to today’s 55+ buyers:
- Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
- Greater Austin Area
- Raleigh-Durham Metro of North Carolina
Del Webb Lost Pines, located in the Greater Austin area, and Altis at Serenity, in the Raleigh-Durham metro area of North Carolina, are in areas that rank #2 and #3 respectively on the 2025 Baby Chasers Index—a list of cities with the most overlap in migration patterns between millennials and baby boomers, the two largest living generations. The name derives from the finding that 25% of baby boomers wish to relocate to be near their grandchildren.
Amblebrook at Gettysburg is well-equipped for overnight stays with grandchildren
Image courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg
This is no coincidence: many older adults today prioritize regional relocation over retirement. That means they’re not only looking for sun and scenery, but also for connection and opportunity.
Map of Amblebrook at Gettysburg showing proximity to nearby metro areas with average driving times
Image courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg
Amblebrook, which is already open and thriving in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, proves that historical charm and cultural resonance also matter. Located within a two-hour drive of Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia, Amblebrook offers access to urban hubs while also offering its residents ample opportunities to enjoy nature, history, and community intimacy. Its success signals that the best 55+ communities aren’t isolated retreats. Instead, they’re deeply rooted and intentionally placed hubs that support all the dimensions of wellness from the ground up.
A view of the historic town of Gettysburg on a serene fall afternoon
Image courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg
Key Takeaway #1:
Innovative 55+ communities are building in regions where active adults want to live
2. Designing for Connections
Many active adults want to live in communities where they can feel connected, not cloistered. That vision comes to life, for instance, through thoughtful integration that places Tri Pointe Homes’ Altis at Serenity 55+ community within the larger, all-ages Serenity planned community by Greenfield Communities in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.
The Barnyard amenity hub and Junior Olympic outdoor swimming pool, situated in the all-ages Serenity community, enveloped with walking trails
Image courtesy of Tri Pointe Homes
While Altis at Serenity is age-restricted and offers its own exclusive amenities and premium homes designed specifically for active adults, its location within Serenity keeps 55+ residents engaged and immersed within the broader community. This deliberate planning creates balanced, organic opportunities for intergenerational connection, whether hiking the community trails or attending social events at Serenity Hall.
An inviting blue hammock located next to the walking trails on the peaceful recreational grounds of Serenity
Image courtesy of Tri Point Homes
Altis at Serenity reflects a deeper understanding of the social and environmental dimensions of wellness, reinforcing that healthy aging doesn’t mean withdrawing from society, but rather being part of a multigenerational whole.
“Altis at Serenity marks the East Coast debut of our Altis 55+ brand, and it’s a significant milestone in Tri Pointe’s national commitment to wellness-forward living for active adults,” said Bob Davenport, Division President of Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh.
“Altis is about inspiring a ‘new next’ lifestyle. With the active adult market still underserved, we see this as the right place and the right time to expand our vision for communities that prioritize purpose, connection, and livability for today’s 55+ buyer.”
“Altis is about inspiring a ‘new next’ lifestyle.” — Bob Davenport, Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh
Altis at Serenity also nurtures internal wellness inside every home. Designed using Tri Pointe’s LivingSmart program, each home features sustainable building practices, smart home technology, energy efficiency, air quality optimization, and water conservation. From floorplans to filtration, wellness is embedded in every detail, not just included as an afterthought.
An intimate seating area with fireplace next to the Serenity Barnyard amenity hub and outdoor pool
Image courtesy of Tri Pointe Homes
This kind of integration also supports mental and spiritual wellness: healthy homes, shared parks, event programming, and purposeful placemaking create opportunities for reflection, engagement, and personal growth. In this way, Altis promotes a truly holistic version of health and well-being.
Key Takeaway #2:
Innovative 55+ communities are designing for intergenerational connection and integrated wellness
3. Facilitating Natural, Effortless Movement
Wellness doesn’t always require a fitness class. Sometimes, it’s about creating places where movement happens effortlessly.
Like Altis at Serenity, Del Webb Lost Pines is located within a larger planned community—The Colony in Bastrop, Texas—which is emerging as a model for walkable design tailored to the preferences of active adults.
Partial view of the Del Webb Lost Pines Community Lot Phasing Plan Map, which will incorporate walkable design throughout the community
Image courtesy of Del Webb
With connected pedestrian trails adjacent to the nearby Colorado River, wellness-oriented greenspaces, and planned amenities all within reach, the community—currently under construction—will support physical health through routine, unstructured activity. Residents will be able to walk their dogs, meet a neighbor for coffee, or take an evening stroll to the clubhouse to socialize with other community members.
Example Del Webb walking trails that will be integrated throughout the Lost Pines community
Image courtesy of Del Webb
“Having opportunities for daily movement at your doorstep can be one of the best ways to promote your overall health,” said Pablo Rivas, Division President of PulteGroup Central Texas.
“At Del Webb Lost Pines, we’re creating a place where health happens naturally, by walking out your front door and being immersed in a setting designed to support daily well-being. Walkability is central to aging well, because when residents have an outlet to enjoy the outdoors and encourage daily activity, it reinforces confidence and quality of life.”
“…we’re creating a place where health happens naturally…” – Pablo Rivas, PulteGroup Central Texas
Built environments like Del Webb Lost Pines have profound implications for longevity. Studies show that older adults in walkable communities experience many social health benefits, such as higher levels of social interaction, plus physical benefits like lower rates of mobility-related decline and better cardiovascular health. Walkability is always a convenient aspect of a community, but at Del Webb Lost Pines, it’s also a feature that promotes dignity, freedom, and the ability to age actively instead of passively.
Environmental wellness is enhanced with walkable communities as well. Fewer short car trips mean fewer emissions. Walkable community designs encourage spontaneity and reduce the mental burden of planning every outing or social interaction. It’s health by convenience, not obligation.
Key Takeaway #3:
Innovative 55+ communities are encouraging everyday movement with walkable designs
4. Fostering Social Belonging & Personal Growth
Wellness also lives in the invisible threads that connect us. For active adults, social connection is often the strongest predictor of overall wellbeing, even more than physical health or financial security. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, people who are isolated face a 50% greater risk of premature death than those with strong social ties. That makes community design not just a lifestyle consideration, but a public health imperative.
Residents enjoying a cooking class being held in the Demonstration Kitchen at Amblebrook
Image courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg
Amblebrook at Gettysburg understands this at the most fundamental level. That’s why this community has invested deeply in its social infrastructure. Amblebrook offers its residents a thoughtfully designed, college-like campus with robust lifestyle programming and a full-time staff to maintain it.
An overhead view of the Rock Creek Fitness Center, Pool, Rock Creek Clubhouse and amphitheater at Amblebrook
Image courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg
This impressively active 55+ community hosts more than 2,000 events per year across a spectrum of interests and energies, from adrenaline-pumping fitness classes to low-key knitting groups, travel excursions, volunteer teams, and interest-based clubs. Over 45,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenity space—double the industry norm—is dedicated to supporting residents’ physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Resident gardeners harvesting vegetables in the fall in the Amblebrook Community Garden
Image courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg
With over 50 resident-led clubs, the culture is participatory, not prescriptive. With an on-site lifestyle director, the calendar can continue to adapt to the evolving interests and needs of residents. The community includes inspired amenities like a demonstration kitchen, a performance hall, pickleball courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools, all of which offer both utility and belonging. The right community atmosphere can make people feel like they’re part of something larger.
The expertly designed community garden at Amblebrook at Gettysburg
Image courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg
“We find that many Amblebrook residents don’t come here to retire, but to reinvent themselves,” said Sara Carbonell, Director of Marketing at Amblebrook. “This chapter of life comes with freedom to try new things, meet new people, and step into roles they didn’t have the space or time for before. People at any age flourish when they’re learning, connecting, and contributing. Amblebrook is the kind of community where these personal and lifestyle transformations among active adults feel possible and welcomed.”
“We find that many Amblebrook residents don’t come here to retire, but to reinvent themselves” — Sara Carbonell, Director of Marketing at Amblebrook
Amblebrook’s social infrastructure touches nearly every dimension of wellness. By designing an active adult environment that supports residents in forming friendships, learning new skills, and giving back to the community, Amblebrook shows that wellness is as much about who we’re with as it is about where we live.
Key Takeaway #4:
Innovative 55+ communities are creating social infrastructure that fosters belonging
5. Redefining Aging
Perhaps the most profound shift happening in today’s 55+ communities is cultural:
the redefinition of what this life stage actually means.
The earliest Gen Xers are now part of the active adult community. To this generation, which has largely been defined by reinvention, independence, and disruption, the word “retirement” doesn’t mean what it once did. For imaginative communities like Altis at Serenity, Del Webb Lost Pines, and Amblebrook at Gettysburg, this generational shift is a call to action:
These aren’t communities where people go to slow down. Instead, they are places where people can get a fresh start.
Whether that means launching an encore career, taking up pottery, starting a band, working remotely, or finally having the time and space to discover what excites and inspires them, living in an age-restricted community can now be like getting a new lease on life.
A trio of residents giving a musical performance at the Community Hall at Amblebrook
Image courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg
These environments are designed to reflect the active adult energy through open floorplans for entertaining, private flex spaces for hobbies or remote work, and campus-style amenity centers that feel more like wellness resorts than retirement villages.
This sense of reinvention really matters: according to the National Institutes of Health, more than one in four retirees report having depression. It’s a clear reminder that purpose, connection, and engagement are essential for active adults—and a primary reason why these three 55+ communities have such high appeal.
Amblebrook residents enjoying a water aerobics exercise class
Image courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg
Active adult communities are welcoming the next wave of active adults by designing for them, from home designs and amenity offerings to lifestyle programming and community culture. These communities show that wellness isn’t just about adding years to your life, but about adding vitality and purpose to your years.
Key Takeaway #5:
Innovative 55+ communities are redefining aging through empowered living
The Next Chapter of Wellness
As the active adult population grows and diversifies, so too must the communities that serve them. The future of wellness in 55+ communities is about creating places that support a whole, evolving human being across many dimensions of life.
Aligning with the facets of wellness outlined by the Global Wellness Institute, communities like Altis at Serenity, Del Webb Lost Pines, and Amblebrook at Gettysburg are changing what it means to thrive in later life:
- Physical wellness is supported through walkability, fitness amenities, and accessible design.
- Mental wellness flourishes in environments that encourage creativity, learning, and problem-solving.
- Emotional wellness is nurtured through social connection, purpose-driven activities, and inclusive culture.
- Spiritual wellness discovers space in nature, community rituals, and opportunities for introspection and finding purpose.
- Social wellness is embedded through shared events, communal spaces, and intergenerational design.
- Environmental wellness is supported through sustainable practices, green design, and mindful placemaking.
These communities are expanding expectations instead of limiting possibilities and hope. In doing so, they’re helping thousands of people experience aging in healthier, more empowering ways. Active adult living is about creating a meaningful next chapter defined by vibrancy, purpose, and wholeness.
Profiles of 3 Innovative 55+ Active Adult Communities
- Altis at Serenity by Tri Pointe Homes
- Amblebrook at Gettysburg by Crown Community Development
- Del Webb Lost Pines by Del Webb
Altis at Serenity by Tri Pointe Homes
Altis at Serenity community entrance sign in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
Image courtesy of Tri Pointe Homes
Overview
Altis at Serenity in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, is a boutique 55+ active adult community by Tri Pointe Homes, located within the 550-acre all-ages Serenity development. Designed for active adults, the community will include resort-style amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, pickleball courts, a dog park, and resort-style swimming pool, with access to Serenity’s trails and The Barnyard amenity complex.
Location
Situated minutes from the downtown of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, a charming and fast-growing town just 30 minutes south of Raleigh. This setting combines small-town character with easy access to the broader Research Triangle’s shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Community Size
Altis at Serenity encompasses approximately 220 acres of Serenity’s 550-acre plan, delivering an anticipated 425 homes to the 1,257 total homes expected at Serenity upon full buildout.
Home Collections & Floor Plans
Nine distinct floorplans across three home collections, Altis at Serenity offers variety in size and layout to meet a wide range of homebuyer preferences. Homes range from approximately 1,300 to 3,300 sq. ft., with 2 to 4 bedroom layouts, modern open-concept designs, flex spaces, and two-bay garages.
Price Range
Homes are currently priced from the upper-$400s to the mid-$600s, depending on floorplan and features.
Key Wellness Features & Amenities
- Planned clubhouse and lifestyle amenities for social gatherings and wellness activities
- Emphasis on active lifestyles and community connection: exclusive access to a private 55+ amenity center, anchored by a resort-style pool, pickleball courts, dog park, and event lawns
- A full-time lifestyle director will coordinate clubs, events and social calendar
- Walking trails and natural open spaces within the Serenity master-planned community
- Shared access to amenities in the all-ages Serenity community, including access to The Barnyard amenity hub with a Junior Olympic outdoor swimming pool, adventure playgrounds, outdoor yoga platforms, a hammock station, event lawn, and more
Amblebrook at Gettysburg by Crown Community Development
Community entrance sign to Amblebrook at Gettysburg
Image courtesy of Amblebrook at Gettysburg
Overview
Amblebrook is a premier 55+ active adult community, located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, delivering resort-level living with a touch of small-town charm. Situated in scenic southern Pennsylvania, this thoughtfully designed enclave brings together exceptional amenities, engaging lifestyles, and a carefully curated selection of new homes from top-tier builders.
Location
Located just a few miles from downtown Gettysburg, Amblebrook balances tranquil countryside vibes with convenient access to daily necessities, medical services, shopping, dining, and iconic historic sites.
Gettysburg is a tax-friendly town for retirees, as Pennsylvania does not tax retirement income (including Social Security, pensions, IRAs), offers a modest flat state income tax (3.07%), and supports seniors with property tax rebate programs.
Community Size & Planning
Upon completion, the 779-acre community will include approximately 2,000 homes across five neighborhoods.
Homebuilders & Home Types
Built by multiple renowned homebuilders—including Caruso Homes, D.R. Horton, DRB Elevate Homes, Lennar, and Ward Homes—Amblebrook offers a wide array of home styles ranging from modern farmhouse cottages to stylish villa floor plans.
Home sizes span from approximately 1,400 to nearly 3,800 sq. ft., featuring 2–5 bedroom options, open floor plans, one-level living, zero-entry designs, and flexible spaces, such as dens or lofts, and upscale finishes.
Price Range
Homes in Amblebrook generally start in the mid-$300,000s, with upper-range pricing reaching into the mid-$700,000s, depending on size, builder, and customization.
Resort-Style Amenities
- Over 50,000 sq. ft. of indoor amenities, including a 24,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and a 22,000 sq. ft. fitness center.
- Indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi/spa, pickleball, tennis, bocce, basketball courts, and a performing arts theater.
- Specialized spaces like a demonstration kitchen, Canvas and Indigo studios, lounge/bar, community hall, and game rooms.
- Outdoor lifestyle venues: amphitheater, great lawns, bocce/croquet, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, fishing pond with dock, dog park, trails, parks, and landscaped social areas.
- On-site wellness services, including a wellness concierge in partnership with WellSpan Health that offers: massage therapy; athletic training; physical therapy; mind & body programs; pharmacy services; health screenings; and telehealth & digital services.
- Wellness & Lifestyle Programming: dedicated Lifestyle Director organizes regular social and wellness programming—think yoga, Pilates, cooking demos, gardening, TED Talks, arts, and more—to foster engagement and connection.
- Natural Environment & Outdoor Living: set amid hundreds of acres of Gettysburg’s scenic landscape, residents can enjoy walking trails, fishing, gardening, dog parks, and easy access to nearby parks like Unity Park and national historic areas.
Del Webb Lost Pines by Del Webb
Rendering of the future Del Web Lost Pines community entrance sign
Image courtesy of Del Webb
Overview
Del Webb Lost Pines marks the re-entry for Del Webb into the Austin market after a 30-year hiatus, nestled in Bastrop within the master-planned Colony community. This resort-style enclave offers open-concept homes, exceptional amenities, and a lifestyle designed for wellness, connection, and relaxation. Home sales and the grand opening are scheduled for early 2026.
Location
Just 30 minutes southeast of Austin, Del Webb Lost Pines is situated in Bastrop, Texas, a charming town blending historic appeal with access to vibrant culture and nature. Bastrop boasts tree-lined streets, local festivals, and proximity to the Colorado River and Lost Pines Forest—offering outdoor adventures and small-town character.
Community Size & Planning
Del Webb Lost Pines spans approximately 160–323 acres and will consist of 504 single-family homes upon full buildout. The project kicked off with over 260 homes in its first phase, aiming for home sales and a grand opening in early 2026.
Home Styles & Features
Residents can choose from three distinct home series, consisting of a wide range of options in size, design, and price. Each series offers single-story designs with open floor plans and energy-efficient construction. Most homes include spacious kitchens, private owner suites, and an option for a three-car garage. Some designs include optional loft areas for added flexibility.
Resort-Style Amenities
- Indoor Offerings: expansive clubhouse with multi-purpose hobby rooms; fitness center, aerobics classes, golf simulator; activities overseen by a full-time Lifestyle Director
- Outdoor Features: resort-style pool, bocce and pickleball courts; miles of walking trails weaving throughout the community
- Wellness Offerings: focuses on balancing social engagement and active living. A Lifestyle Director manages and schedules ongoing fitness classes, hobby groups, and social events, cultivating connections and personal growth.
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