Why Active Adult Communities Are the New College Campuses
The future of retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about starting over, intentionally. Across the country, active adult communities are transforming what it means to live well beyond 55. Fueled by innovation, engagement, and a sense of shared purpose, these neighborhoods feel less like retirement villages and more like vibrant college campuses for a new chapter of life.
Communities like Amblebrook at Gettysburg are leading the way. With thoughtfully curated amenities, resident-led programs, and connections to local institutions, they embody the very best of modern 55+ communities. But it’s more than just a trend—it’s a fundamental shift in over 55 housing trends, centered around autonomy, vitality, and lifelong growth.
Residents as the Heart of the Campus: A Brain Trust in Action
At Amblebrook, the culture is built from the inside out—and it starts with the residents. Sara Carbonell, who leads marketing for Amblebrook, describes the power of their residents: “We really have felt like this community is a brain trust. These folks really want to educate their neighbors, share what they've learned throughout their career... in addition to learning new hobbies and building friendships and getting fit.”
This approach positions residents not as passive consumers, but as contributors. The result is a dynamic, ever-evolving environment driven by curiosity and collaboration.
Resident-led initiatives include:
- A TED Talk-style lecture series initiated by homeowners
- Weekly presentations on topics like foreign policy, often led by residents
- Community clubs focused on everything from art to public speaking
- “Brain trust” knowledge-sharing forums modeled after peer education
As Carbonell explains, “One of our residents did a talk on foreign policy... you would never think that in an active adult community that you would be learning about foreign policy, but it was well attended, and he just continues to come up with topics like that weekly.”
The result? A genuine culture of intellectual stimulation—and a sense that living here feels more like returning to college than retiring from life.
The New Demographic: Why Younger 55+ Buyers Want In
A surprising trend in today’s over 55 housing trends is the age of incoming residents. Many aren’t retired, and some are still working full- or part-time—especially from home. That shift is redefining expectations.
“Right now we’re trending on the younger average age—in the sixties, 62 to 65,” Carbonell notes. “Folks are still working from home... so that means they can maybe move earlier.”
Instead of waiting for full retirement, buyers are choosing to relocate sooner, enticed by lifestyle offerings that mirror their interests and values.
These younger residents are drawn to:
- High-speed internet and home office spaces for remote work
- Opportunities to build new friendships post-career or post-parenting
- Low-maintenance homes that still feel fully custom
- Amenities that support ongoing fitness, creativity, and connection
- A “fresh start” energy in an age-targeted social environment
This generation of buyers doesn’t see 55+ as an ending—they see it as the beginning of their most self-directed chapter.
Built With You: Homes That Reflect Individual Identity
The homes at Amblebrook are a foundational part of what makes this community thrive. Designed for people who value both comfort and purpose, these residences offer a refreshing balance between style, practicality, and low-maintenance living. For today’s 55+ homebuyer, it’s not just about having fewer responsibilities—it’s about having the right kind of space to live fully and freely.
With multiple builders offering a variety of thoughtfully designed floorplans, residents can choose homes that suit their specific lifestyle—whether that means entertaining more, downsizing from a family home, or simply living with more intention.
Features that define these homes include:
- One-level living that supports long-term mobility and accessibility
- Low-maintenance exteriors, with landscaping and upkeep handled by the community
- Flexible interior layouts designed for working from home, creative pursuits, or visiting guests
- Direct access to trails, amenity hubs, and fitness centers for daily convenience
- A seamless blend of privacy and connection, supporting both quiet living and social engagement
Amblebrook homes aren’t just a place to live—they’re part of a larger ecosystem built around wellness, engagement, and the freedom to enjoy life without compromise.
A Place That Feels Like College (But Way More Fun)
So what’s it actually like to live at Amblebrook? According to Carbonell, many home shoppers express a clear sentiment: “They feel like this is a college campus... they're starting over in a social setting, like a college, where you can meet other people with similar backgrounds, develop new hobbies…”
That sense of renewal drives decision-making. With kids grown and careers shifting, residents want to find their tribe. And Amblebrook offers the perfect ecosystem for rediscovery.
The college campus energy comes through in:
- Shared learning spaces like TED Talk theaters and art studios
- Daily programming, events, and mixers that mimic student life
- Clubhouse common areas that encourage organic interaction
- A “resident-first” vibe where personal growth is celebrated
One couple, early adopters of Amblebrook, exemplifies the magic. “They say that they were the fifth buyer... they left a single-family home in a very rural area and decided to downsize. They have just flourished in this community,” shares Carbonell.
She adds, “They’ve made some best friends that they’ve traveled with—something they hadn’t done previously... he was one of the mechanics for Air Force One. She worked for a government agency for 30-plus years doing really exciting missions.” These aren’t just retirement stories—they’re stories of renewal.
The New Standard in Amenities: From Pickleball to Performing Arts
Forget shuffleboard and card tables. Today’s 55+ communities offer amenities that would rival any luxury resort or college campus. And Amblebrook is a national standout.
“We have over 50,000 square feet of indoor amenities,” says Carbonell. “A clubhouse, fitness center, indoor lap pool, and resort-style outdoor pool. And one of our unique features is we have three indoor pickleball courts and nine outdoor courts.”
These are not just perks—they are pillars of daily life. They fuel social bonding, physical health, and personal enjoyment.
Signature amenities at Amblebrook include:
- 3 indoor + 9 outdoor pickleball courts (year-round play!)
- A four-lane, 25-yard indoor lap pool
- Strength and cardio training rooms
- A performing arts theater and resident bar/lounge
- A “Stir Lab” demonstration kitchen for cooking classes
- An art studio and small movie theater for screenings and TED-style talks
- An outdoor amphitheater
- Onsite health services provided by WellSpan Health
Notably, WellSpan Health offers a tiered wellness program exclusive to residents. Carbonell explains, “They provide a whole host of services... and we just coined that as WellStrong—training that is needed after physical therapy, before athletic training... to get the person back to fighting shape.”
This holistic approach isn’t an upgrade—it’s the future of what aging in place looks like when done right.
Learning Across Generations: A True College Collaboration
One of the most compelling integrations at Amblebrook is its growing partnership with Gettysburg College. The goal? To create a two-way exchange of learning, mentorship, and innovation between residents and students.
“We would really like to see the mentorship opportunity... having our residents help [students] launch into the career that they're interested in pursuing,” says Carbonell.
And the groundwork has already begun.
Partnership features include:
- Access to the Gettysburg College Innovation Lab (3D printing, woodworking, sewing)
- On-campus and in-community classes taught by college faculty
- Guest lectures and learning sessions held at Amblebrook
- Opportunities for students and residents to collaborate on passion projects
- Co-hosted events like parent weekends and alumni reunions
This partnership models the best of what active adult communities can offer: meaningful, intergenerational connection rooted in place.
A Joyful Discovery Process: Stay-and-Play, Not Just Shop-and-Tour
Understanding the unique nature of the Amblebrook experience, the team designed a thoughtful and immersive introduction for prospective buyers. It’s not about a hard sell—it’s about authentic engagement.
“We came up with a Stay and Play program... one part is the Joy Ride, which is a day stay, and the other is the Joycation, which is like three nights and two days,” explains Carbonell. “We even set them up to meet with a resident so they can really hear straight from the horse's mouth what it's like to live at Amblebrook.”
This soft-entry model has proven powerful.
Elements of the Stay and Play program:
- Discounted overnight stays at partner hotels
- Custom itineraries built through the Alosant platform
- Opportunities to attend real events, classes, and mixers
- Tours of model homes and builder meetings
- Gift cards to explore Gettysburg’s local restaurants
- Direct conversations with current residents
The result? As Carbonell puts it, “This has helped their conversion tremendously... there’s nothing like participating in those activities to get a flavor of what it’s really like to live there.”
Technology That Supports Lifestyle, Not Sells It
The Alosant platform plays a quiet but critical role in the success at Amblebrook. Built to empower rather than market, it supports prospective and current residents in exploring, connecting, and participating in their community—not just shopping for a home.
The Alosant platform isn’t just another app—it’s a white-label digital experience that reflects the identity of Amblebrook, not the technology behind it. The intentional choice to keep the community’s branding front and center reinforces role of Alosant as a trusted advisor—supportive, collaborative, and committed to amplifying the community’s vision rather than its own.
Ways the Alosant platform is integrated at Amblebrook:
- Creates custom itineraries for Joycation visitors, enabling more bandwidth and more Stay & Play opportunities
- Allows residents to RSVP for events and fitness classes
- Shares updates on amenities, news, and community announcements
- Acts as a virtual concierge for daily engagement
- Tracks lifestyle preferences and helps newcomers find “their people”
Carbonell highlights its strategic value: “People who come through that Stay and Play experience... their conversion is significantly higher.” In other words, the program works and the tech fuels it’s growth—not by selling, but by enabling authentic discovery.
Want to Hear More?
For a behind-the-scenes look at how communities like Amblebrook are built from the ground up—with purpose, connection, and lifelong learning in mind—tune in to the Alosant Communities Connected podcast.
🎧 Episode: “Building Community Through Lifelong Learning and Partnership”
Listen now on Apple Podcasts
This episode features Sara Carbonell, Director of Marketing and Sales at Amblebrook, as she shares firsthand insights on creating a brain trust, the shift in over 55 housing trends, and why today’s active adult communities feel more like vibrant college campuses than ever before.
Conclusion: This Is the Future of 55+ Living
Active adult communities like Amblebrook are not a passing phase—they’re a movement. They reflect the next generation of retirees: younger, more active, more curious, and eager for a second chapter that prioritizes meaning and connection.
From over 55 housing trends to intentional community building, every aspect of places like Amblebrook is designed to support personal growth, wellness, and shared joy. Or, as Carbonell puts it, “This is one of those opportunities that you can’t pass up. And not many people have an opportunity like this in their lifestyle. I feel truly fortunate to be part of it.”
In a world where aging often comes with stereotypes of slowing down, these communities offer a bold new model: one rooted in learning, leisure, leadership, and most of all—life.
Active Adult Communities FAQs
What makes Amblebrook different from traditional 55+ communities?
Amblebrook focuses on resident-driven culture, lifelong learning, and amenities that rival luxury resorts. Its connection with Gettysburg College and its wellness integration set it apart.
Is Amblebrook only for retired individuals?
No. Many residents are still working part-time or remotely. The community is designed to accommodate flexible lifestyles.
How can I try living there before I buy?
Amblebrook offers a Stay and Play program, including day stays and overnight Joycations. You’ll experience community life firsthand before making a decision.
What kinds of activities are available?
From TED Talk-style resident lectures to cooking classes, pickleball, and art workshops—there’s something for everyone.
How is health and wellness integrated into daily life?
With onsite services from WellSpan Health and programs like WellStrong, residents have access to everything from massage therapy to injectables.
Can residents shape the programming?
Absolutely. In fact, many of the most beloved activities—like the TED Talks—are entirely resident-driven.
Further Reading
- Gettysburg College - Innovation Lab
- The Value of a Lifestyle Management Platform for Master Planned Communities
- Top Prospect Engagement Tools Land Developers Love
- Engage Better with Personalized Resident Communication
