Raleigh, NC Retirement Living: Top Four 55+ Active Adult Communities
Have you reached the point where your home feels like too much?
Too much housekeeping. Too much yard work. Too many stairs.
If the idea of single-level living, minimal exterior maintenance, built-in social opportunities, and resort-style amenities sounds appealing, a 55+ active adult community may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Today’s 55+ communities are not quiet or outdated. Many feel more like resort-style neighborhoods — complete with pools, fitness centers, pickleball courts, clubs, classes, walking trails, and neighbors who are excited to build new friendships.
Why 55+ Active Adult Communities Are So Popular
Active adult communities are designed to reduce daily responsibilities while increasing opportunities for connection, wellness, and fun.
Many offer:
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First-floor or single-level living
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Lawn care and exterior maintenance included
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Resort-style clubhouses and amenities
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Organized social events, clubs, and classes
Carolina Preserve (Del Webb)
Carolina Preserve is one of the most well-established and amenity-rich 55+ communities in the region. Built between 2006 and 2013, all homes here are resale, and the community is known for its beautifully landscaped grounds and strong sense of community.
Residents enjoy access to a 34,000-square-foot clubhouse featuring:
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State-of-the-art fitness center with personal trainers
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Dance studio and pottery studio
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Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
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Spaces for social gatherings
With 100+ clubs and interest groups, there’s something for nearly every hobby — from gardening and photography to pickleball and crafting. Walking trails and greenways wind throughout the neighborhood, making it easy to stay active.
Homes range from villas with shared walls to larger single-family homes, all offering main-level living.
Encore at Chatham Park (David Weekley Homes)
Encore at Chatham Park is a newer 55+ community located within the large, master-planned development of Chatham Park. Construction began in 2023, and there are still new construction opportunities available.
The community features a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse with:
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Lofted ceilings and natural light
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Card and gathering spaces with fireplace
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Full kitchen and meeting rooms
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Fitness and instructor-led workout spaces
Outdoor amenities include:
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Resort-style pool and hot tub
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Fire pits, meditation garden, and bar area
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Pickleball and tennis courts
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Miles of greenway trails
Homes include attached villas as well as single-family homes in multiple collections, ranging from approximately 1,400 to over 3,000 square feet.
Regency at Holly Springs (Toll Brothers)
Regency at Holly Springs is a luxury 55+ active adult community built by Toll Brothers, offering high-end finishes and private resident amenities.
Community highlights include:
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Private resident clubhouse and pool
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Pickleball courts
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Optional social membership to 12 Oaks Country Club, featuring a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, restaurant, trails, and gardens
Upscale homes at Regency at Holly Springs are new construction, ranging from approximately 1,600 to over 2,400 square feet, all with first-floor primary bedroom suites. Buyers who build can personalize their homes through the Toll Brothers design studio.
Lawn care is included, allowing residents to enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle without sacrificing luxury.
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Altis at Serenity (TriPointe Homes)
Altis at Serenity is a brand-new 55+ community currently under development, offering some of the most flexible and affordable new construction options.
The community will ultimately include 425 homes and offers three collections:
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The Groves
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The Pines
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The Meadows
Homes range from just under 1,300 square feet to over 3,000 square feet, with options for:
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All first-floor living
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One-and-a-half-story designs
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Customizable layouts when building from the ground up
While Altis-specific amenities are still under construction, residents currently have access to the broader Serenity community amenities. Initial move-ins are anticipated beginning in late 2025, with Altis amenities expected in 2026.
BONUS MENTION: Asteria at Chatham Park (Future 55+ Community)
Asteria is a highly anticipated future 55+ community planned within Chatham Park, with development expected to begin
While details are still limited, Asteria is expected to offer a lifestyle-focused experience designed around connection, wellness, and modern living.
Tips for Choosing the Right 55+ Community
Before deciding, keep these tips in mind:
1. Visit multiple communities — each has a unique personality.
2. Compare amenities — not all communities offer the same features.
3. Review HOA fees carefully — more amenities often mean higher monthly costs.
4. Consider proximity — think about family, healthcare, and daily conveniences.
Thinking About a 55+ Community?
I help empty nesters and downsizers decide whether a 55+ community is the right fit and guide them through every step — from selling a current home to finding the next one that matches their lifestyle.
If you have questions about 55+ communities or downsizing in the Raleigh area, I’d love to help.
Reach out anytime to talk through your options and start your next chapter with confidence.
