New England is home to some of the most well-planned and thoughtfully designed communities for adults aged 55 and over. These communities offer low-maintenance homes and access to local shops, parks, and attractions. For those seeking a blend of comfort, convenience, and lifestyle, several locations stand out for their tailored approach to active adult living.
Below are three top New England communities that consistently attract attention for their features, location, and design.
Top Three Communities
Cottages at Winding Ridge – Gorham, ME
The Cottages at Winding Ridge is a 55+ community in Gorham, a town with easy access to Portland, Maine, and Casco Bay. This newly developed neighborhood is designed with energy-efficient construction, thoughtful layouts, and upscale finishes. Homes in the community feature open-concept kitchens, sun-filled living rooms, and attached garages. Many houses have private patios or sunrooms, providing comfortable outdoor living space with minimal upkeep.
The community's layout encourages walkability and social interaction, with sidewalks, landscaped common areas, and gathering spots throughout the neighborhood. Residents enjoy proximity to local grocery stores, restaurants, and medical facilities, while nearby nature preserves offer access to walking trails and scenic drives. With its combination of convenience and privacy, the Cottages at Winding Ridge are well-positioned to meet the lifestyle goals of today’s active adults.
The community's layout encourages walkability and social interaction, with sidewalks, landscaped common areas, and gathering spots throughout the neighborhood. Residents enjoy proximity to local grocery stores, restaurants, and medical facilities, while nearby nature preserves offer access to walking trails and scenic drives. With its combination of convenience and privacy, the Cottages at Winding Ridge are well-positioned to meet the lifestyle goals of today’s active adults.
Tara Estates – Rochester, NH
Tara Estates is a well-established 55+ manufactured home community in Rochester, New Hampshire. This community has become popular for those who want a move-in-ready home with minimal exterior maintenance and access to dedicated resident amenities. The homes at Tara Estates feature single-level layouts, ample living space, and optional upgrades like sunrooms and carports. The neighborhood is laid out to encourage a peaceful atmosphere with tree-lined streets, large lots, and open green spaces.
The community’s centerpiece is a fully equipped clubhouse where residents participate in scheduled fitness classes, social events, and hobby groups. There are indoor and outdoor spaces for cards, crafts, and other organized gatherings. Walking paths and landscaped common areas offer opportunities for exercise and fresh air without needing to leave the neighborhood. Tara Estates is close to Rochester's local restaurants, banks, and medical providers and just a short drive to destinations like Dover, Portsmouth, and the Seacoast.
The community’s centerpiece is a fully equipped clubhouse where residents participate in scheduled fitness classes, social events, and hobby groups. There are indoor and outdoor spaces for cards, crafts, and other organized gatherings. Walking paths and landscaped common areas offer opportunities for exercise and fresh air without needing to leave the neighborhood. Tara Estates is close to Rochester's local restaurants, banks, and medical providers and just a short drive to destinations like Dover, Portsmouth, and the Seacoast.
Yankee Commons – Kittery, ME
Yankee Commons is a 55+ manufactured home community in Kittery, a coastal town across the river from Portsmouth, N.H. The community includes a mix of newer and established homes designed for easy single-level living with manageable yards and plenty of storage. Many homes include porches or decks offering a private spot to enjoy the outdoors. Homes are arranged on wide streets, and consistent maintenance and landscaping are provided by professional management.
The setting of Yankee Commons is one of its strongest assets. Residents are just minutes from the shops and restaurants of downtown Kittery and close to outdoor attractions like Fort Foster, Seapoint Beach, and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. The area supports an active lifestyle with access to kayaking, hiking, and scenic drives throughout southern Maine. It’s a practical, attractive option for active adults who want coastal access without the responsibilities of traditional homeownership.
The setting of Yankee Commons is one of its strongest assets. Residents are just minutes from the shops and restaurants of downtown Kittery and close to outdoor attractions like Fort Foster, Seapoint Beach, and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. The area supports an active lifestyle with access to kayaking, hiking, and scenic drives throughout southern Maine. It’s a practical, attractive option for active adults who want coastal access without the responsibilities of traditional homeownership.
Community Features and Amenities
Distinctive Housing Styles for Every Preference
Each of these communities offers a unique housing style to meet the needs of 55+ residents. The Cottages at Winding Ridge features newly constructed homes with modern layouts and energy-efficient upgrades, which are ideal for those seeking new builds in a connected setting. Tara Estates focuses on spacious manufactured homes that combine comfort and affordability. Yankee Commons also provides manufactured homes in a coastal location, offering a simple lifestyle close to the water.
Local Access with Regional Appeal
These top New England communities offer convenient access to nearby towns and regional destinations. Situated in Gorham, Maine (just nine miles from Portland and near Sebago Lake), residents at the Cottages at Winding Ridge enjoy outdoor recreation and convenient access to everything in Gorham. Tara Estates benefits from Rochester’s central Seacoast location, offering easy access to the ocean, lakes, and cultural venues in Dover and Portsmouth. Yankee Commons in Kittery provides immediate coastal access while remaining close to the shops and services of southern Maine and neighboring Portsmouth.
Trust The Scoville Foley Team With Your Real Estate Goals
If you’re considering a move to the above-mentioned communities or broadly exploring real estate opportunities, Carrie Scoville and Amy Foley of Scoville Foley Team can guide you through the process.
As co-founders of Signature Homes Real Estate Group and The Scoville Foley Team, Carrie & Amy bring over two decades of experience across various property types — from historic homes to new builds and luxury estates. With a proven track record and a reputation for responsiveness and reliability, Carrie & Amy are ready to help you navigate your real estate journey with confidence and care.
As co-founders of Signature Homes Real Estate Group and The Scoville Foley Team, Carrie & Amy bring over two decades of experience across various property types — from historic homes to new builds and luxury estates. With a proven track record and a reputation for responsiveness and reliability, Carrie & Amy are ready to help you navigate your real estate journey with confidence and care.
