About Pennsylvania

A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Pennsylvania

Written by Melissa McClave

History, Food Culture & Rural Charm Await Seniors in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s unique mix of outdoor activities and vibrant history makes it an ideal location for 55+ active adults to retire. Diversity is everywhere in the state, from its residents to its four seasons and geography.

Regions range from mountains to coastline, each offering a unique feel to its residents. Food culture is ingrained in the society with the state hosting numerous food festivals throughout the year. There are also an abundance of farms, serving fresh fruits and veggies at local farmers markets plus signature foods like pork rolls, philly cheesesteaks, and scrapple!

Pennsylvania has a large Jewish community, especially around the Philadelphia area. Rural regions, like those are around Lancaster, are known as Amish Country. This is the perfect setting for someone interested in a more bucolic lifestyle.

For opportunities to learn and stay active, seniors can visit Pennsylvania’s various museums and historic sites. As one of the first European colonies in America, many colonial era landmarks remain, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

For empty nesters looking to travel during retirement, the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the largest in the region, with six additional international airports throughout the state. Day trips to nearby states like New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut are easy by car, on the Amtrak train or on the Greyhound bus.

Pennsylvania’s Unique Regions

While Pennsylvania is more rural than some of its northeastern neighbors, there’s still a variety of different places to live, offering different lifestyles to seniors. Spend your retirement near the beach, explore the wilds in the mountains, or live among history in the state’s most famous cities.

Greater Pittsburgh

The region surrounding Pittsburgh is known as Greater Pittsburgh. The closest suburbs make it easy to enjoy the attractions, shopping, and events in the city while still getting some peace and quiet. These include Cannondale, Monroeville, and Gibsonia.

Other towns in the area like Canonsburg and Houston lie a little farther away from Pittsburgh, to the southwest. Monaca and Sewickley are right along the Ohio River bend to the north, so water sports like fishing and boating are common there.

Historic Harmony has had a large Lutheran community since its founding. Beaver Falls’ claim to fame is its Beaver River Trail for biking and hiking.

Delaware Valley

Tucked next to the Delaware River, Delaware Valley is also known as the Greater Philadelphia Area. It includes historic towns that date back to colonial times like Phoenixville, Downington, West Grove, and Coatesville. Each town offers unique historic sites and a small town vibe.

Pennsylvania Piedmont

The forested region of Pennsylvania Piedmont features farmlands and farmers markets galore. Rural regions like Hatfield, Easton, and East Petersburg are full of parks and community markets. Suburban areas such as Bath and Ambler have downtown areas with restaurants, stores, breweries, and historic buildings.

Active older adults that love to shop are sure to enjoy Whitehall, which has the biggest shopping district in the Lehigh Valley area. Pennsylvania Piedmont also encompasses Lancaster, home to one of the most famous Amish communities in the United States.

Gettysburg is the perfect location for people that love Civil War history. Walk through the National Military Park, the site of Gettysburg National Battlefield, and learn about the famous conflict at local museums.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Pennsylvania Dutch Country is best known as the heart of Amish Country, though it is also home to other religious groups like the River Brethren and Mennonites.

The area has many cultural sites, especially around Allentown. This major city is rapidly growing, offering its 55+ active adults shopping opportunities and award winning parks.

Northeastern Pennsylvania

In Erie County, Northeastern Pennsylvania includes outdoor hotspots around the Endless and Pocono Mountains. Scranton is an industrial town that maintains a quaint vibe with natural beauty. Stroudsburg’s historic buildings surround a lively downtown with restaurants and boutique shops.

Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania is rural, featuring farm country and woodlands. Rolling hills surround Lebanon, which is notable for its high average population happiness and low crime rates.

How to Stay Active During Retirement in Pennsylvania

Renowned for its casinos, forests, and diverse weather, Pennsylvania is a paradise for 55+ active adults. See all the ways you can spend your time learning, exploring, and relaxing when you retire in the state.

Activities Available On-Property in 55+ Communities

Many 55+ communities in Pennsylvania have parks and gardens with their own walking and biking trails. Some even have putting greens where you can practice your stroke.

For pet lovers, look for communities with private dog parks where your dog can socialize and exercise too! These communities may also have convenient onsite grooming stations.

Check Out the Clubhouse

Spend time with your fellow like-minded residents at the community clubhouse. This space is convenient for playing games, practicing a craft, or cheering on your favorite team.

No matter the season, there’s a sport that you can take part in with your fellow residents. When the weather is warm, the Clubhouse offers an airconditioned place to enjoy an after-game ice-cold beverage with your teammates. Bocce ball, pickleball, and tennis are great ways to stay active in fitness and the community.

Hit the Fitness Center

On-property fitness centers offer state-of-the-art fitness equipment and modified classes aimed at residents who enjoy the routine of daily exercise, no matter the weather. These onsite Fitness Centers offer senior friendly workouts. Some communities offer instructor-led Pilates, yoga, Crossfit, and dance classes.

Swim in Indoor/Outdoor Pool

Swimming is an excellent activity for residents experiencing the physical limitations brought on from years of high impact sport. The buoyancy of the pool alleviates pressure on the joints while still allowing for a satisfying workout. Some communities have private outdoor pools, while others have heated indoor pools that can be used year round.

Things to Do for Seniors Around the State

Pennsylvania offers empty nesters many off-property things to do to stay active during retirement. Casinos like the Poconos and Mount Airy are popular with those who enjoy trying their luck at the slots, sports book, or tables. Fishing, road trips to the state’s historical sites, shopping for collectables, and dining on local fare, are also great ways to stay active.

Explore Museums

There’s a Pennsylvania museum for just about any interest, from history to hobbies and beyond!

Check out paintings and sculptures at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania to see full-sized historical railcars, and learn about American history at The National Civil War Museum. Museums are always looking for knowledgeable volunteers or part-time docents who have a shared passion for their offerings.

Attend a Professional Sporting Event

Pennsylvania is home to multiple professional sports teams located in the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Notable franchises include the Flyers and Penguins in the NHL, the Eagles and Steelers in the NFL, the Philadelphia Union in the MLS, the 76ers in the NBA , and the Phillies and Pirates in MLB.

Go Hunting

Pennsylvania has hunting seasons for deer, elk, wild turkeys, black bears, and various small game. Most hunting is allowed through the fall and early winter months.

Why Pennsylvania Attracts Retirees

Seniors love retiring in Pennsylvania because there are so many things to do during retirement. Fishing, hunting, golf and motorsports make it easy to remain active in your golden years. You can also visit the casino or a historical site to learn about the state’s past.

It’s easy to travel in Pennsylvania as well, as it’s home to international airports in Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, and Pittsburgh. The rest of the northeast and the tri-state area is only a few hours away by car. However, given the state’s reputation for delicious restaurants and food festivals, you may not want to leave!

The Best Communities for 55+ Active Adults

Pennsylvania’s 55+ communities are well suited for those who like to stay active. Options like all ages communities and assisted living housing are available alongside more standard options like condos and luxury rental apartments.

Low Maintenance Communities

If shoveling snow and raking leaves during retirement doesn’t appeal to you, consider living in a low maintenance community!

These master planned housing developments have maintenance needs taken care of by the staff so you have more free time to enjoy personal pursuits during your retirement.

Age Restricted Communities

Avoid noisy neighbors with age restricted communities, where residents must be seniors!

These communities tend to be more peaceful and feature amenities useful to 55+ adults like an indoor pool, fitness center and communal kitchen.

Condominium Communities

Condominium (condo) communities allow seniors to own their unit while not being responsible for exterior maintenance. Condos are popular with seniors looking to downsize and can be a more affordable option than a stand-alone home.

Condo communities in Pennsylvania can have gated access, covered parking and shared amenities such as a pool, clubhouse and fitness center.

Manufactured Home Communities

Pennsylvania’s manufactured home communities are a low cost housing solution for seniors looking to spend less on housing and more on staying active during their retirement.

These communities are often located near natural parks and forests while still being located within a short drive of the closest city.

Pennsylvania Healthcare for Seniors

Pennsylvania has numerous healthcare facilities dedicated to 55+ adults. Chronic condition care, routine checkups, and emergency care are all available at institutions like the Penn Medicine multi-hospital system and Jefferson Health in the Philadelphia area.

Additional healthcare systems include Tower Health in Reading and Virtua near the South NJ border.

pennsylvania 55+ Active Adult Living Communities

Pennsylvania Communities

St. Joseph’s Court
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Fallsington PA / 215-944-8799
- Manor Homes
- 55+
- Coming Soon
Cedarfield
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Gettysburg PA / 717-334-7822
- Townhome, Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Traditions of America at Hanover
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Bethlehem PA / 610-751-6228
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Walnut Meadows
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Harleysville PA / 817-482-1547
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Ashbridge Manor
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Downingtown PA / 610-269-8800
- Apartment
- 55+
- New Homes
The Villas at Cattail
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Hanover PA / 717-778-4207
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Arbor Gate Retirement Community
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Myerstown PA / 717-866-9363
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Arcona by Charter Homes & Neighborhoods
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Mechanicsburg PA / 800-325-3030
- Townhome, Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Ivygreene at Northampton
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Newtown PA / 215-867-2525
- Townhome
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Honeycroft Village
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Cochranville PA / 610-880-2216
- Single Family Attached, Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Candlewyck At New Garden
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Avondale PA / 866-736-1222
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
The Manor at Yorktown
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Jamison PA / 877-251-3435
- Apartment
- 55+
- Rental
Watson Run by Berks Homes
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Intercourse PA / 717-575-4059
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Regency at South Whitehall - Carriages Collection
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Allen Township PA
- Carriage Homes
- 55+
- Coming Soon
The Fields at Indian Creek
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Emmaus PA / 484-268-5755
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Carriage House Manor
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Horsham PA / 800-872-7653
- Townhome
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Traditions of America at Green Pond
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Bethlehem Township PA / 610-632-8559
- Townhome, Condominiums
- 55+
- New Homes
Villages of Doylestown
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Doylestown PA / 215-583-3850
- Townhome
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Salem Manor
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Bensalem PA / 215-343-1550
- Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Legacy at Morgan Hill
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Easton PA / 484-268-5755
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
The Villas of Newtown
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Newtown PA / 215-583-3850
- Villa Homes, Ranch Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Harlow Pointe by Wilkinson Homes
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Landenberg PA / 302-275-1567
- Carriage Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Legacy at Trio Farms
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Nazereth PA
- Single Family Detached, Townhome
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Greens at Westover
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Norristown PA / 484-938-1055
- Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Hidden Springs MHC
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Souderton PA / 800-397-2158
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Park View at Valley Forge
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Norristown PA / 610-539-4700
- Townhome, Carriage Homes
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Hershey's Mill
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West Chester PA / 6510-436-8900
- Attached, Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Village at Summit Crest
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Blandon PA / 610-944-6200
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Wyndham Woods
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Hatfield PA / 267-657-3293
- Townhome, Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Creekwood Village
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Schwenksville PA / 610-287-4770
- Single Family Detached, Ranch Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge
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Sewickley PA / 412-534-4232
- Single Family Detached, Garden Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Brookshire
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Manheim PA / 717-665-6679
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Westtown Reserve
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West Chester PA / 215-910-3064
- Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Briarwood Commons
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Whitehall PA / 484-268-5755
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Hearthstone at West Bristol
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Bristol PA / 215-757-7257
- Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Legacy At Stony Creek Farms by Ryan Homes
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Norristown PA / 484-938-1055
- Townhome
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Cloverleaf Estates East
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Delmont PA / 724-468-4131
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Traditions at Washington Crossing
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Washington Crossing PA / 215-343-1550
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
The Village at Maidencreek
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Blandon PA / 717-327-4250
- Townhome
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Greenleigh Condominiums at Regents' Glen
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York PA / 717-505-4458
- Condominiums
- 55+
- New Homes
The Meadows At Skippack
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Collegeville PA / 610-489-5752
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Alden Place at Cornwall
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Cornwall PA
- Attached, Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
The Vineyards
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Pennsburg PA / 215-855-9526
- Ranch Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Harrogate
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Landenberg PA / 484-371-8184
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Colony at Skippack
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Skippack PA
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Knox Court Condos at Heritage
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Warminster PA / 215-801-7661
- Condominiums
- 55+
- New Homes
Centennial Station
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Warminster PA / 215-583-3850
- Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Traditions of America at Southpointe
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Canonsburg PA / 724-306-6284
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Riverview Estates
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Easton PA / 610-923-8422
- Townhome, Condominiums
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New Homes
Sycamore Grove at Regents' Glen
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York PA / 717-505-4458
- Villa Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
The Villages of Flowers Mill
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Langhorne PA / 215-583-3850
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
The Village at Upstream Farm
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Easton PA / 610-438-0291
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Yardley Village
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West Chester PA / 610-337-3500
- Condominiums, Apartment
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
High View Acres
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Apollo PA / 800-504-0670
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Holland Preserve
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Holland PA / 215-583-3850
- Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
The Villas at Five Ponds
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Warminster PA / 215-343-1550
- Single Family Attached
- 55+
- New Homes
Walnut Hill
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Huntingdon Valley PA / 215-542-1331
- Townhome
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Smiths Corner
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Harleysville PA / 215-513-9555
- Single Family Detached, Condominiums
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Hartefeld Turnberry Village
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Avondale PA
- Single Family Homes
- 50+
- Resale Homes
Traditions at Skippack
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Collegeville PA / 484-938-1055
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
The Crossings at Sweet Briar
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Lebanon PA / 717-639-3796
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Ann's Choice
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Warminster PA / 800-431-0605
- Apartment
- 55+
- Rental
Fox Hill Farm
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Glen Mills PA / 610-558-4441
- Attached, Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Traditions at Ridley Creek
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Brookhaven PA / 610-880-2216
- Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Foxfield
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Garnet Valley PA / 610-880-2216
- Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Traditions of America at Lititz
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Lititz PA / 717-626-0327
- Attached, Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Spring Valley Farm
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Richboro PA / 877-330-2773
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Rolling Hills
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Myerstown PA
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Stony Run
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Denver PA / 717-336-8290
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Mill Run
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North Wales PA / 303-745-2220
- Townhome
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Stoneridge Commons of Grove City
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Grove City PA / 412-366-5700
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Breyer Court
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Elkins Park PA / 382-295-5898
- Townhome
- Townhome Communities
- Resale Homes
Little Farm Estates
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Chalfont PA / 215-822-0535
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Meadow View Farms
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Oley Township PA / 610-987-0422
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Stuarts Keep
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Norristown PA / 484-938-1055
- Townhome, Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Sweetbriar 55 Living
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Lebanon PA / 717-690-5746
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Legacy At The Traditions At Inniscrone Golf Club by Ryan Homes
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Avondale PA / 484-720-8442
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Terraces at Montgomery Walk
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Montgomery Township PA / 215-619-2735
- Single Family Attached
- 55+
- New Homes
Pine Manor
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Carlisle PA / 800-755-1458
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- New Homes
Montgomery Walk
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North Wales PA / 215-619-2735
- Townhome, Carriage Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Traditions of America at Summer Seat
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Sewickley PA / 412-837-2520
- Garden Homes, Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
The Paddock at Equine Meadows
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York PA / 717-757-4859
- Condominiums, Apartment
- 55+
- New Homes
Colonial Estates
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Fayetteville PA / 717-352-9004
- Manufactured Home
- Manufactured Communities
- New and Resale Homes
The Village at Whitehall
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Whitehall PA / 855-392-2347
- Condominiums, Apartment
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Pin Oak
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Dillsburg PA / 717-432-7704
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Forest Ridge
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Warrington PA / 215-348-4853
- Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Spring Valley Village
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Bechtelsville PA / 866-274-0990
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Traditions of America at West Brandywine
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Downingtown PA / 610-632-8418
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Four Seasons at Elm Tree by K Hovnanian
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Mount Joy PA / 717-581-9850
- Single Family Attached, Single Family Homes
- Active Adult Communities
- Resale Homes
Meadows at Parkview - The Carriages
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North Wales PA
- Carriage Homes
- 55+
- Coming Soon
The Villages
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Kennett Square PA
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Presbyterian Apartments
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Harrisburg PA / 717-233-5114
- Apartment
- 55+
- Rental
Villages Of Northampton
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Richboro PA / 267-566-0999
- Townhome
- Townhome Communities
- Resale Homes
The Aspens
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Lebanon PA / 717-865-6550
- Attached
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Traditions of America at Richland
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Gibsonia PA / 724-304-6881
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Deatrick Village
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Gettysburg PA / 717-334-7822
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Douglas Village
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Douglassville PA / 610-323-4583
- Manufactured Home
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Regency at South Whitehall - Villas Collection
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Allen Township PA
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Coming Soon
The Reserve at Gwynedd by Del Webb
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Upper Gwynedd Township PA / 215-699-8077
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Lakeview Estates
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Newtown PA / 215-583-3850
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- Resale Homes