If you’ve reached that threshold age of 55, or have a partner who has, you may be one of the many considering a move to an “active adult” or 55+ community. Such communities are growing in popularity, as they offer largely one-story living with minimal or no property maintenance, and the opportunity to meet new people through activities and amenities. Larger communities tend to have walking trails, clubhouses, pool, tennis, and pickleball, plus clubs & classes, from ballroom to bocce, and water sports to word games.
Within the 55+ market, there are a plethora of builders, each offering a distinct product in terms of size, construction, and lifestyle. Understanding what each offers can be helpful if you’re considering a move to the area or whether a 55+ neighborhood may be right for you. Here are some of the major players in the Triangle:
Del Webb
The granddaddy of the 55+ communities is Del Webb, which boasts two significant neighborhoods in the western part of the Triangle: Carolina Preserve on the Durham/Cary border, and Carolina Arbors, which is in Durham northeast of RDU airport. These are sprawling communities with over 1200 homes, walking trails, and lavish clubhouses. Del Webb communities will feel more massive than other 55+ neighborhoods, and offer the largest clubhouses with the greatest number of amenities. Typically a Del Webb clubhouse will include both indoor and outdoor pools, an extensive gym, and plentiful meeting rooms for clubs and activities.
Epcon Communities
Next in line is Epcon Communities. Epcon was founded in 1986 in Ohio, and has been expanding their reach ever since. As of February 2024, there were eight built or planned Epcon communities in the Triangle area, including three in Chapel Hill, two in Durham and three in Cary. Epcon prides itself on more intimate communities and a high quality of construction. A typical neighborhood will have 90-150 homes and a smaller clubhouse with a gym and central event/meeting area. Newer communities also offer an outdoor pool and pickleball courts. Epcon neighborhoods do feature walking trails, though the footprint will be smaller relative to Del Webb, given the difference in community size.
David Weekley
David Weekley, a semi-custom national builder, has also entered the active adult market, and there are two communities in the greater Chapel Hill/Pittsboro area. Both are located in Chatham County, which boasts the lowest tax rate in the Triangle (and is therefore often very attractive to retirees locating here.) Called Encore, these communities offer a higher level of customization in home design, with the option for many structural choices as well design center choices. The Encore neighborhoods tend to be a tad larger than Epcon, with 150-200 homes. Like Epcon and Del Webb, you’ll find a clubhouse, walking trails, pool, and tennis/pickleball courts in their neighborhoods.
Lennar
Lennar, a production national builder, has recently thrown their hat in the 55+ housing ring. Fendol Farms is their flagship community here, with 500 homes near RDU in Durham. Fendol Farms boasts a large clubhouse with plentiful activities, walking trails, clubs and courts. The clubhouse has a fitness center and gathering rooms, plus a bar & grill. Recently completed, Fendol Farms is 15 minutes from both the Durham and Raleigh downtown centers.
Creekside at Bethpage
Also near to the airport is Creekside at Bethpage, builder Taylor Morrison’s first foray into the 55+ market here. Creekside features 650 homes and boasts “resort-style amenities”, from a sprawling clubhouse with social rooms and a hobby & game room, to an arts and crafts studio, amphitheater, computer center, billiards, and a fully-equipped fitness center with an aerobics and dance studio. You’ll also find walking trails, ponds and plentiful open space.
With the Triangle’s growth and influx of empty nesters, the 55+ housing landscape is expected to expand significantly over the next several years. If you’re considering a move to an “active adult” lifestyle, the above builders and neighborhoods could be just the ticket to new adventures in the Triangle. Here’s to your house!
— Wendy is a Broker with Nest Realty Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill. With over 20 years in real estate and nearly three decades in the area, Wendy has the experience and local market knowledge to be a trusted partner in the home buying or selling process. To learn more about Wendy, visit her agent page.