Epcon Communities for 55+ Homebuyers: Builder, Homes, and Lifestyle

Many active adult homebuyers begin their search with an important question: Which home builders understand the lifestyle we want today and the one we may need tomorrow? That curiosity often leads to Epcon Communities. This nationally recognized builder has become a familiar name among 55+ buyers.

Known for its courtyard home designs and planned neighborhoods, Epcon Communities fills a unique need in the active adult market. Their homes feature single-level living, open layouts, and a low-maintenance lifestyle that appeals to buyers who want to spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying life. Private interior courtyards, abundant natural light, and accessible, aging-in-place features set the brand apart. Spaces in these homes are known for feeling both luxurious and practical.

Whether you’re looking to downsize or just beginning your research on the most well-known 55+ developers, this post will give you some useful insight into Epcon Communities. Read on to learn more about Epcon’s design philosophy, customization options, and how they compare to similar builders.

Who Is Epcon Communities?

Founded in 1986 in Columbus, Ohio, Epcon Communities emerged from a simple yet powerful observation: The housing industry had largely overlooked the preferences of 55+ homebuyers.

For example, while first-time homebuyers may focus on school districts or proximity to career hubs, active adult homebuyers often seek comfort and lifestyle enhancements. This might mean low-maintenance living, single-level floor plans, and neighborhood connection. When you think about what matters most in your next home, you might not be as concerned with square footage as you are about how your home supports your daily life.

The History of Epcon Communities

Co-founders Edward Bacome and Philip Fankhauser understood that. They set out to create homes and neighborhoods specifically designed for the 55+ stage of life, emphasizing comfort, accessibility, and ease of ownership. Nearly a decade later, the company expanded its reach by launching Epcon Communities Franchising in 1995, which helped accelerate national growth through a network of regional builders and developers.

Today, Epcon-branded communities can be found across the country, with tens of thousands of homes built under the Epcon name. This broad footprint established Epcon as a trusted presence in the active adult housing market.

As a privately held builder and franchisor, Epcon operates with a model that blends national brand standards with local market expertise. Independent builder-partners—ranging from production and custom builders to land developers and real estate investors—develop communities tailored to their regions while adhering to Epcon’s core design principles.

Epcon’s Core Design Principles

At the heart of the company’s philosophy is the idea that homes should support both lifestyle and longevity. Epcon’s signature designs prioritize single-level living, open layouts, and abundant natural light, often centered around private interior courtyards. Communities are planned to encourage connection, typically offering shared amenities and inviting social spaces.

Over time, Epcon’s homes have evolved alongside new generations of buyers, reflecting changing tastes while maintaining a consistent focus on accessibility and convenience. Everyday livability is also a top priority, with flexible spaces designed to adapt to homeowners’ needs.

Where Does Epcon Build?

Epcon Communities are not confined to a single region. Through its national franchising network, Epcon-branded communities are developed in numerous states, with a particularly strong presence in the Midwest, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Sun Belt.

Buyers will frequently see Epcon homes in Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Texas, though the brand’s footprint extends well beyond these areas.

Suburban and Metro-Adjacent Locations

Rather than focusing on dense urban cores or remote rural settings, Epcon communities are most often found in suburban and metro-adjacent locations. These neighborhoods are typically located near everyday conveniences such as shopping centers, restaurants, health care providers, and major transportation routes. This means residents benefit from both accessibility and a quieter residential environment.

Because Epcon operates through local builder-partners, communities are spread across multiple markets nationwide. This decentralized approach can be especially appealing if you hope to live closer to children, grandchildren, or long-time friends. Rather than being limited to a region or two, you can often find Epcon Communities locations within or near established metro areas across the country. That flexibility makes it easier to prioritize family connections without giving up the design features and low-maintenance lifestyle many 55+ buyers want.

Epcon Communities for 55+ Buyers

Alabama

• Cornerstones at Oxmoor Valley – Birmingham, AL
• Sea Pines at Bon Secour – Foley, AL
• Hamilton Gables – Opelika, AL

Arkansas

• Arbors at Deer Crossing – Bentonville, AK
• Arbors at Pinnacle Ridge – Rogers, AK

Colorado

• The Courtyards at Lupton Village – Fort Lupton, CO

Georgia

• The Courtyards by the Manor – Alpharetta, GA
• The Courtyards at Bailey Farms – Dacula, GA
• Harris Orchards at Duluth – Duluth, GA
• The Courtyards at Post Road – Cumming, GA
• Meadows at Jodeco – McDonough, GA
• The Fairways at Savannah Quarters – Pooler, GA

Illinois

• Timbers Edge Villas — Joliet, IL
• Heritage Club Villas – Tinley Park, IL

Indiana

• The Courtyards of Carmel – Carmel, IN
• Stonebridge Villas at Edison Lakes – Mishawaka, IN
• Villas at Vale Park – Valparaiso, IN
• Courtyards at Pepper Creek – Valparaiso, IN
• The Courtyards of Cielo Ranch – Westfield, IN
• The Courtyards of Westfield – Westfield, IN

Iowa

• Courtyards at Rock Creek – Ankeny, IA
• The Courtyards at Harvest Ridge – Ankeny, IA
• The Courtyards at Shadow Creek – Clive, IA
• The Courtyards at Windsor – Johnston, IA
• The Courtyards at Parkside – Waukee, IA
• The Courtyards at King’s Landing – West Des Moines, IA

Kansas

• Villas of Piper Valley – Kansas City, KS

Kentucky

• The Villas of Fowler’s Creek – Union, KY

Minnesota

• The Villas at River’s Edge – Rogers, MN

Mississippi

• The Oaks at Parkview – Olive Branch, MS

Missouri

• The Villas at Summit Ridge – Lee’s Summit, MO

North Carolina

• The Orchard Villas – Apex, NC
• Olde Towne Village – Asheboro, NC
• The Courtyards at Kildaire Farms – Cary, NC
• The Courtyards at Lochmere – Cary, NC
• The Courtyards at O’Kelly Chapel – Cary, NC
• The Courtyards at West Cary – Cary, NC
• The Townes at West Cary – Cary, NC
• The Courtyards at Homestead Road – Chapel Hill, NC
• The Villas at Culp Arbor – Chapel Hill, NC
• Ridge Road Villas – Charlotte, NC
• The Polo Club at Mountain Island Lake – Charlotte, NC
• Evergreen at Flowers Plantation – Clayton, NC
• The Courtyards on Poplar Tent – Concord, NC
• The Courtyards on Lake Norman – Cornelius, NC
• The Courtyards at Cramerton – Cramerton, NC
• The Courtyards at Andrews Chapel – Durham, NC
• The Courtyards at Southpoint – Durham, NC
• HighRidge – Fuquay-Varina, NC
• The Villas at Robinson Oaks – Gastonia, NC
• Abbey Glen – Gibsonville, NC
• The Villas at Deep River Plantation – Greensboro, NC
• Villas at Sedgefield – Greensboro, NC
• The Courtyards at Harrisburg – Harrisburg, NC
• The Courtyards on Robinson Church – Harrisburg, NC
• The Courtyards at Eastfield Farm – Huntersville, NC
• The Courtyards at Kinnamon Park – Huntersville, NC
• The Courtyards at Walters Farm – Huntersville, NC
• The Courtyards of Huntersville – Huntersville, NC
• Courtyards at Harmon Mill – Kernersville, NC
• The Courtyards of Marvin – Marvin, NC
• Polo Club at Weddington – Matthews, NC
• The Courtyards on Chestnut Lane – Matthews, NC
• Villas on 5th – Mebane, NC
• The Courtyards at Mint Hill – Mint Hill, NC
• The Courtyards at Quail Park – Mint Hill, NC
• Courtyards at Blume Point – Mooresville, NC
• The Courtyards at Lake Davidson – Mooresville, NC
• Courtyards by Carrell – Ocean Isle Beach, NC
• Camden Villas at Mid South Club – Southern Pines, NC
• The Courtyards at Weddington Road – Stallings, NC
• The Courtyards on Lawyers Road – Stallings, NC
• The Courtyards at Heritage Grove – Wake Forest, NC
• Villas of Wake Forest – Wake Forest, NC
• The Courtyards at Wesley Chapel – Waxhaw, NC
• The Courtyards at Mallory Retreat – Winnabow, NC

Ohio

• Villas at Waterford Glen – Amelia, OH
• Quarry Lakes at Amherst – Amherst, OH
• Ballymeade Village – Beavercreek, OH
• The Courtyards at Stonehill Village – Beavercreek Township, OH
• Bedford Place – Blacklick, OH
• Hunters Glen at Northmont – Clayton, OH
• Edinburgh Village – Dayton, OH
• The Villas at Beavercreek – Dayton, OH
• The Courtyards at Price Farms – Delaware, OH
• The Courtyards at River Bluff – Delaware, OH
• The Courtyards on Riverside – Dublin, OH
• The Villas of Gahanna – Gahanna, OH
• The Courtyards of Glenshire – Granville, OH
• The Courtyards at Beulah Park – Grove City, OH
• The Villas at Hamilton West – Hamilton, OH
• The Courtyards at Carr Farms – Hilliard, OH
• The Courtyards at Hidden Ravines – Lewis Center, OH
• The Courtyards at The Ravines – Lewis Center, OH
• The Courtyards at Clear Creek – Lewis Center, OH
• The Maples at 20 Mile Farm – Loveland, OH
• Bridgewater – Mansfield, OH
• The Woods on Wilkens – Mason, OH
• The Courtyards at Haines Creek – New Albany, OH
• The Courtyards at New Albany – New Albany, OH
• The Courtyards at New Seasons – North Canton, OH
• Villas at Milnor Crossing – Pickerington, OH
• The Courtyards on Hyland Run – Plain City, OH
• Fairway Villas at Catawba Island Club – Port Clinton, OH
• The Courtyards on Hyatts – Powell, OH
• Magnolia Meadows – Sheffield Village, OH
• Fairways at Boulder Creek – Streetsboro, OH
• The Villas at Benchrock – Tipp City, OH
• Bel Haven – West Chester, OH
• The Villas at Maple Creek – Westerville, OH
• The Courtyards on Tussic – Westerville, OH
• The Village at Windemere – Westerville, OH

Pennsylvania

• Scenic Ridge – Harmony, PA
• Cobblestone Village – Valencia, PA

South Carolina

• ClubRidge at Woodcreek Farms – Elgin, SC
• Peach Grove Villas – Elgin, SC
• Lexington Villas – Lexington, SC
• StoneGate at Prince Creek – Murrells Inlet, SC
• Augusta Place at Laurel Creek – Rock Hill, SC
• The Village at India Hook – Rock Hill, SC
• The Ravines at Woodridge – Spartanburg, SC
• Marrington at Cobblestone – Summerville, SC
• The Courtyards at Tega Cay – Tega Cay, SC

Tennessee

• The Oaks at Woodchase – Cordova, TN
• Cottages at Pryse Farm – Farragut, TN
• The Cottages at Last Plantation – Gallatin, TN
• The Grove at Cedar Hills – Lenoir City, TN
• The Courtyards at Stewarts Creek – Smyrna, TN

Texas

• Villas at White Oak Ranch – Conroe, TX
• Oaks at Wildwood – Georgetown, TX
• Villas of Stone Glen – Keller, TX
• The Village at Prestonwood – Plano, TX
• Ladera at the Reserve – Mansfield, TX
• Serenity at Meridiana – Manvel, TX
• Winfrey Estates – Tomball, TX

Virginia

• Magnolia Lakes – Chester, VA
• Villas at Ashlake – Chesterfield, VA
• Villas at Five Forks – Williamsburg, VA

Wisconsin

• The Villas at Apple Creek – Appleton, WI

Epcon Home Designs and Floor Plans

Epcon home designs focus on comfort and livability, creating spaces that feel both open and inviting. While many Epcon residences are attached homes, they’re designed to deliver the privacy, layout, and feel of single-family living. Single-level living anchors most floor plans, allowing a natural flow between the kitchen, great room, and dining areas without stair interruptions. Also, open-concept layouts enhance the sense of light and spaciousness.

Many, though not all, Epcon homes feature distinctive private courtyards, a design feature closely associated with the brand. In communities where this layout is offered, the courtyard serves as a sheltered outdoor retreat, often framed by large windows that invite natural light and create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Other plans may emphasize covered patios or alternative outdoor living spaces. Attached garages, ample storage, and flexible living areas are also common.

Homes in Epcon communities typically range from 1,400 to over 3,000 square feet, with customization options that may include expanded living areas, sunrooms, upgraded kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and accessibility features. Some homes also offer optional bonus suites. You can use these private, adaptable spaces as guest accommodations, home offices, fitness rooms, or creative studios.

Community Style and Amenities

Epcon communities are thoughtfully designed to balance privacy with connection. Unlike sprawling master-planned developments, many Epcon neighborhoods feature clusters of homes oriented around walking paths, greenspaces, and communal areas that encourage casual interaction among neighbors. Streets are typically pedestrian-friendly, with landscaping that enhances both beauty and privacy.

An Active, Social Lifestyle

One of the things that sets Epcon communities apart is how much they encourage an active, social lifestyle. Clubhouses often become the heart of the neighborhood, a place where neighbors naturally gather for coffee or meet for game nights. Winding walking and biking paths invite daily strolls, while fitness centers, swimming pools, and even pickleball courts make it easy to stay active without leaving the neighborhood.

Many Epcon communities also feature outdoor gathering spaces, such as patios, fire pits, and small event spaces. These create the perfect backdrop for casual get-togethers or seasonal celebrations. Some neighborhoods also go a step further, offering garden plots for green thumbs, hobby studios for painting or crafts, and terraces or picnic areas for enjoying the outdoors.

Neighborly Connection

It’s these little extras that really bring people together. Whether you’re joining a book club or simply stopping to chat on a walking path, there are always opportunities to meet new people and make new friendships. In an Epcon community, staying active and engaged happens naturally—no planning required.

Compared with larger 55+ developments, Epcon communities prioritize quality over quantity, offering a sense of neighborly connection without the overwhelming scale of massive master-planned resorts. Thoughtful layouts and diverse amenities help residents maintain an active, social lifestyle while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a smaller, more personalized neighborhood.

Is Epcon a 55+ or Age-Restricted Builder?

Epcon builds active lifestyle communities that appeal to adults in the 55+ market, but Epcon itself is not exclusively an age‑restricted builder.

While many Epcon neighborhoods are developed with 55+ buyers in mind and may include age‑qualified covenants, not all Epcon communities carry a formal age‑restricted designation (such as 55+) under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). This distinction means that in some markets, Epcon homes may be sold to buyers of any age, depending on developer decisions and local regulations.

Age‑Restricted Communities

The difference between Epcon’s active lifestyle focus and a designated 55+ community centers on eligibility and community management. Age‑restricted communities must comply with legal requirements that maintain defined percentages of residents aged 55+, often resulting in tailored amenities and social programming for older adults. Epcon’s design philosophy—single‑level living, low maintenance, and open layouts—naturally attracts 55+ buyers, but without age restrictions, the neighborhood may include a broader mix of ages and life stages.

This distinction matters for buyers because it affects community character and resale considerations. It also impacts lifestyle expectations. For example, living alongside residents younger than 55 can bring fresh energy, a diversity of perspectives, and occasional intergenerational social opportunities, but it may also introduce noise, more active lifestyles, or different schedules that don’t always align with traditional retirement routines.

Pros and Cons of Age‑Restrictions

Living among peers of a similar age often fosters a quieter, more predictable environment, with neighbors who share common routines and lifestyle interests. It can make socializing easier through clubs and group activities tailored to the demographic. On the flip side, you may miss the energy and variety that younger residents bring, or feel limited by fewer opportunities for intergenerational interaction.

You can get a true sense of a community’s vibe by attending open houses, if possible, or touring amenities. You might also want to attend local events before committing.

Who Might Epcon Communities Be a Good Fit For?

Epcon Communities are particularly well-suited for buyers seeking a lifestyle that combines ease and comfort. Connection is also woven into Epcon communities.

Homebuyers Looking for Low-Maintenance

The homeowners’ association (HOA) typically handles things like exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal. This means residents can embrace a lock-and-leave lifestyle. They can spend more time on hobbies or travel on a whim. Many active adults simply like not needing to handle yard work or home repairs.

Homebuyers Looking to Downsize

These communities also appeal to homeowners looking to downsize without sacrificing too much space, privacy, or style. Epcon homes often provide flexible layouts, optional bonus rooms, and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, allowing residents to maintain a sense of personal space while embracing a more manageable home size. Courtyards, patios, and open floor plans foster natural light and a feeling of openness, even in smaller homes.

Homebuyers Looking for Community Connection

Beyond the homes themselves, Epcon’s neighborhoods are ideal for active adults who value community connection in a smaller, more intimate setting. Walking paths and gathering spaces create opportunities for social engagement without the scale of massive master-planned developments.

Many communities host social clubs, hobby groups, and casual meetups, making it easy for newcomers to meet neighbors, form friendships, and build a sense of community. Depending on the neighborhood, residents may find book clubs, wine tastings, walking groups, card games, gardening circles, or even birdwatching gatherings. Fitness classes, coffee meetups, and seasonal events are also common. These activities often grow organically from residents’ shared interests, helping cultivate a welcoming environment where neighbors quickly become friends.

Discover Homes That Fit Your Life

If you’re looking for a home that blends low-maintenance, single-level living with thoughtful design and a strong sense of community, Epcon Communities is a standout choice in today’s active adult housing market. From open floor plans and flexible layouts to inviting neighborhoods and social amenities, Epcon homes are designed to make life easier, more comfortable, and more connected.

Understanding the builder, its philosophy, and the types of communities it offers is an important step toward making a confident, informed move. By exploring Epcon alongside other 55+ options, you can find the neighborhood and lifestyle that truly fit your needs and aspirations.

FAQ: Epcon Communities for 55+ Homebuyers

What are Epcon Communities known for?

Epcon Communities are best known for single-level home designs, private interior courtyards, open floor plans, and low-maintenance living.

Is Epcon Communities a 55+ builder?

Epcon builds active lifestyle communities that appeal to 55+ buyers, but not every Epcon neighborhood is formally age-restricted. Some communities follow 55+ guidelines, while others are open to a broader age range.

Where are Epcon Communities located?

Epcon communities are located across the country, with a strong presence in the Midwest, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Sun Belt. States include Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Texas, and many others.

What types of homes does Epcon build?

Epcon primarily builds single-level homes, many of which are attached but designed to feel like private single-family residences. Open layouts and indoor-outdoor living spaces are common features.

Do all Epcon homes have courtyards?

Many Epcon homes feature private interior courtyards, which are a signature design element. However, not every floor plan includes this feature, as designs vary by community.

How large are Epcon homes?

Homes typically range from about 1,400 to over 3,000 square feet, with options for expanded living areas and flexible spaces.

Can you customize an Epcon home?

Customization options often include upgraded kitchens, sunrooms, spa-inspired bathrooms, bonus suites, and accessibility features, depending on the community and builder-partner.

Are Epcon homes low-maintenance?

Yes. Many Epcon communities include homeowners’ associations that handle landscaping, exterior maintenance, and sometimes snow removal.

What amenities do Epcon communities offer?

Amenities commonly include clubhouses, walking paths, fitness centers, swimming pools, pickleball courts, and outdoor gathering spaces. Offerings vary by location.

How big are Epcon communities?

Epcon neighborhoods are often designed on a smaller, more intimate scale compared to large master-planned 55+ developments, encouraging neighborly connection.

Are Epcon Communities good for downsizing?

Yes. Epcon homes are popular with buyers who want to downsize without giving up privacy, natural light, or flexible living space.

Who builds Epcon homes?

Epcon operates as a franchisor, working with local builder-partners who develop communities according to Epcon’s design standards and philosophy.

Are Epcon Communities located near cities?

Most Epcon communities are in suburban or metro-adjacent areas, close to shopping, dining, health care, and major roadways.

What makes Epcon different from other 55+ builders?

Epcon stands out for its courtyard-focused architecture, single-level living, and smaller-scale community layouts that emphasize connection without overwhelming size.

How can I find Epcon Communities near me?

You can explore Epcon Communities and compare them with other active adult neighborhoods on 55places.com, where you’ll find detailed listings, community profiles, and access to local 55+ real estate experts.

How 55places.com Can Help

Exploring active adult communities can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options in different regions. 55places.com simplifies the process by providing clear information on floor plans, amenities, pricing, locations, and lifestyle features, so 55+ buyers can make informed decisions.

For those who want more personalized guidance, 55places.com connects homebuyers with local real estate experts who specialize in 55+ communities and understand the nuances of each market. Whether you’re just beginning to research or ready to schedule tours, the tools, resources, and local expertise available through 55places.com help make the journey to a new home both manageable and exciting.

Whether the next move is to an Epcon home or another 55+ community, 55places.com offers the insights and trusted support to help buyers find a home that fits their lifestyle. Contact us today and confidently step into what comes next!