Just like hundreds of others from around the country, Marianne and Rob Barry from Cazenovia, New York found that there is arguably only one real 55+ Active Lifestyle Community in the state of Maine. It’s called Highland Green. The Barrys, pictured with our Highland Green New Construction Design Coordinator Sandra Halverson, will move here in 2017 when their custom-built home is complete. Highland Green has attracted new residents from 29 States and counting. In 2015 alone new friends made the decision to move to here from as close as Harpswell, Maine and from as far as California, Colorado, Texas, Indiana, Florida, and numerous places in between. Many residents are still working and span an age range of 30 years!
In the early 2000’s, longstanding Maine resident and award-winning developer John Wasileski founded Highland Green, on the north side of Route 196 in Topsham. It was carefully envisioned to cater to the rising tide of Baby Boomers poised to succeed the post-World War Two generation of retirees, and who would not live in a traditional Retirement Community. Highland Green continues to grow under the vision and guidance of John and remains professionally managed by his company.
Senior Housing is one of the largest segments of the U.S. Housing Industry. Within the industry there is a clear differentiation between 55+ Active Lifestyle Communities and Retirement Communities. “At its most basic level, ‘active’ means independent, so 55+ Active Lifestyle Communities offer no assistance with daily living activities, such as meals, medication, housekeeping, programmed entertainment and personal care,” says Jane O’Connor, the principle of 55 Plus, LLC and an internationally known expert, on the ever growing market niche of Senior Housing.
55+ Active Lifestyle Communities are planned developments that offer independent, relatively maintenance-free living to residents primarily aged 55 and over. They promote friendliness, convenience, and an active social and cultural lifestyle along with some amenities. Highland Green uniquely offers truly custom-built homes under a cooperative association structure that allows for less time spent on grounds keeping and maintenance and more time enjoying life. A distinctive amenity at Highland Green is the incorporation of the 235-acre Cathance River Nature Preserve into the development.
Highland Green is not a Retirement Community. “In the industry, a Retirement Community refers to more of a traditional continuum of care environment with progressive care living, group transportation, congregate dining, medical care, and management employed activities coordinators. These communities tend to cater to the more needs-driven resident who has waited until they are in need of services to enter the community. Nationally, the average age in Retirement Communities is now 83-86 years of age.” says Jane. “The traditional market segment for Retirement Communities is within a 20-mile radius of their campus. 55+ Active Lifestyle Communities attract customers from a much broader range of ages and geographic locations. They are seeking a new adventure for the next stage of their life. In short, it is all about lifestyle.”
There are many retirement communities in Mid Coast Maine, throughout the state, and across New England. Exploring options may be confusing. However, there is no mistaking the extraordinary and enriching natural environment supporting the vibrant and unique resident-driven lifestyles and activities that those of Highland Green enjoy.
Highland Green is not only a unique 55+ Active Lifestyle Community. It is a Masterpiece of Maine Living enjoyed and experienced daily by folks like the Barrys and a fascinating group of peers from across Maine and the Nation.
