Retirees looking to downsize often set their sights on Eastern Pennsylvania real estate. This part of the country is ideally situated in the mid-Atlantic and includes cities like Philadelphia and Allentown. Day trips to places like the Big Apple and Atlantic City are favorite pastimes. There are also plenty of leisure activities within the region. Other pluses of living here include retirement-friendly taxes, hundreds of golf courses, world-class medical facilities, charming small towns like Lancaster, and abundant outdoor recreation.
We’ve curated a short list of age-restricted retirement communities in Eastern Pennsylvania that offer both attached and condo homes. All four have impressive amenities as well as homeowners’ associations (HOAs) that cover lawn care and exterior maintenance.
Read on to see if any hold the key to your downsizing goals.
The Reserve at Gwynedd – Lansdale, PA
Low $500ks – High $700ks
Respected builder Del Webb completed the gated community of The Reserve at Gwynedd in 2012 with 400 condo, attached, and single-family homes. The five condos models range from 1,494 to 1,908 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and private balconies. Two attached models range from 2,788 to 3,051 square feet with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and two-car garages. Single-family models range from 2,900 to 3,200 square feet. They offer three bedrooms, two-and-a-half to three bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage.
The Reserve at Gwynedd has a community center and sports pavilion offering indoor and outdoor pools plus activity and gathering rooms. There are also dozens of clubs and events like bridge games, softball, yoga, book discussions, and the singles group. Lansdale is 26 miles outside of Philly, and it’s close to landmarks like Valley Forge Park, Peddlers Village, and the King of Prussia Mall.
The Villages at Pine Valley – Philadelphia, PA
Low $300ks – Mid $300ks
Smaller in scale and about 30 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia, The Villages at Pine Valley was built in 2007 by The Bock Development Group and Holy Redeemer Health System. There are 90 resale condo and attached homes with six condo floor plans ranging from 800 to 1,400 square feet. These offer one or two bedrooms, one-and-a-half or two bathrooms, and dens. Some homes include modern kitchens, stainless steel appliances, and balconies.
Homeowners make good use of the community clubhouse with a swimming pool, fitness center, gathering room, and movie theater. Popular group activities include potlucks, creative arts, dancing, and day trips.
This property is also right next to Pennypack Park, which has biking, fishing, hiking, and picnic areas. Other nearby points of interest include Walnut Lane Golf Club, Neshaminy State Park, and Parx Casino. For shopping needs, The Villages at Pine Valley is minutes away from a Target, a Walmart, an Aldi, a Giant Food Store, and several shopping malls.
Foxfield – Garnet Valley, PA
Mid $300ks – Low $500ks
One of the most affordable options is Foxfield, built by McKee Builders from 2004 to 2013 in Garnet Valley, about 25 miles west of Philly and close to the Delaware border. It has 520 resale condo, attached, and single-family homes as well as an array of resort-style amenities.
The 132 condos were designed with five floor plans ranging from 1,114 to 1,400 square feet. They feature one to two bedrooms, two baths, and one-car garages on the ground level. The four attached models range from 1,708 to 1,836 square feet with one to three bedrooms, one-and-a-half to three baths, and attached one- or two-car garages. Options include dens, deck, porches, and morning rooms.
At the center of this 55+ community is a 9,200-square-foot community center and a 6-hole golf course. There’s a catering kitchen and grand room, indoor and outdoor pools, bocce ball courts, and an exercise room. Additional perks include walking trails, an RV parking lot, a putting green, and a wide variety of social groups.
Foxfield is less than five miles from a shopping center that has a Walmart, an Acme, a Dollar Tree, a beauty salon, and restaurants. Head in the other direction and you’ll run into Naamans North Park and Route 92 (which has more shops, services, and restaurants). Once you get into Delaware, you can visit spots like Brandywine State Park and Winterthur.
Bluestone Creek – Warrington, PA
Mid $300s
Finally, we come to Bluestone Creek, completed in 2007 by Ryan Homes and C & M Builders with 162 resale condos and attached homes. It’s located in desirable Bucks County, known for its scenic beauty, historical attractions, and charming small towns.
The five condo buildings have townhome-style condos. Each unit offers up to 1,730 square feet with up to three bedrooms, two baths, and assigned parking spots. The townhomes on the property are around 2,900 square feet with up to three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and attached one-car garages. Upgrades include nine-foot ceilings, full basements, and first-floor master suites.
The private clubhouse has a fitness center inside, and there are walking trails and a gazebo on the property. Bluestone Creek is close to Route 611, which is lined with restaurants, pharmacies, shops, and grocery stores. Fairway Golf Course and the Mary Barness Tennis and Swim Club are both less than three miles away.
