Guide to 55+ and Retirement Communities & Services in the Brandywine Valley

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55+ Communities for the Fit, Active and Independent

There are a variety of communities in our area built and managed for active seniors living an active and healthy lifestyle with amenities geared toward that group. Whether you’re looking for a townhouse, condo, apartment or single home, these communities cater to older adults and offer settings that generally feel like resorts. They’re designed to make retirement healthier and more enjoyable.

Pennsylvania

King of Prussia

Canvas Valley Forge
844-400-6435; CanvasValleyForge.com
Experience active adult living at Canvas Valley Forge, where vibrant community and lifestyle meet. Enjoy beautifully designed apartments, curated amenities and endless opportunities to explore your passions. From fitness classes to social events and new hobbies, Canvas offers everything you need to live life to the fullest in a community designed just for you.

West Chester

Harrison Hill Apartments
610-430-6900; HarrisonHillApts.com
“Harrison Hill is more than a community; it is a neighborhood!” 55+ independent residents enjoy Monday Mingle, holiday festivities, barbecues and more! A festive, family-oriented, welcoming environment features five stories that offer 114 apartments homes comprised of one bedrooms and one bedrooms with a den, all with walk-in showers & washer/dryers.

Hershey’s Mill
484-502-1175; HersheysMill55Plus.com
Hershey’s Mill, a gated 55+ community, is situated around an 18-hole championship private golf club featuring casual and formal dining. The community also offers Tiger Turf-coated tennis courts, pickleball, 8 bocce courts, winter paddleball, shuffleboard and horseshoes, as well as walking trails, 24/7 coverage and protected interior paved roads for biking. Visit during their Community Open House on Oct. 12th from 1 to 4 p.m. Home sites from $300K to $800K.

Independent Living Communities with Continuing Care & Life Care Communities

Many seniors are currently independent, but want or need, for themselves or their spouse, to live with support—moving from independent living to assisted living, followed by skilled nursing and several kinds of specialized facilities. When the sequence is combined on a single campus, it’s called a continuing care community or life care community. Those listed have strong “independent living” programs.

Pennsylvania

Cornwall

Cornwall Manor
717-273-2647; CornwallManor.org
Cornwall Manor is a not-for-profit community located in historic Cornwall. Providing a fulfilling lifestyle for individuals 60+ since 1949, the community is located in a natural wooded setting with a variety of independent homes and apartments, onsite health care, top-notch amenities and services, and maintenance- free living. You owe it to yourself to visit Cornwall Manor.

Downingtown

Brandywine Walk
610-773-2057; NVHomes.com/BrandywineWalk
Brandywine Walk 55+ by NVHomes offers the only new single-family 55+ homes with a sought-after Downingtown address. This is your chance to spend your best years in a brand-new home, tucked away in a beautiful Chester County setting, just off of Rt. 322 and close to everything you need. Choose from four all-new luxury floorplans, all with owner’s suite, kitchen and great room on the first floor. Visit NVHomes.com to learn more about this one-of-a-kind community.

St. Martha Villa for Independent & Retirement Living
610-873-5300; Villa.StMRehab.org

Exton & Glen Mills

IntegraCare
Exton Senior Living
610-594-0200; IntegraCare.com/Exton-Senior-Living
Glen Mills Senior Living
610-358-4900; IntegraCare.com/Glen-Mills-Senior-Living

Kennett Square

Friends Home in Kennett
610-444-2577; FHKennett.org
With their no-commitment “Give it a Try” stay, residents can experience life at Friends Home enjoying support, community and comfort, before making the decision to sell their home or move furniture. Options for seniors include supportive independent living, personal care services and skilled nursing care for more intense care. Come to their Open House, Nov. 20, 4:30 to 7:30. They are a member of Leading Age & Friends Services Alliance.

Kendal-Crosslands Communities
844-907-1800; Kendal-Crosslands.org
Located adjacent to Longwood Gardens on a 500+-acre accredited arboretum campus, the community provides two life plan communities and two 50+ neighborhoods with customizable cottages and apartments. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, art studios, gardens, hiking trails, dog park, tennis and pickleball courts, therapy, fitness, multiple dining venues, libraries and putting greens, all with highly rated healthcare. Member of Leading Age, FSA and accredited by CARF-CCAC.

Lancaster

Homestead Village
717-397-4831; DiscoverFarmstead.org

Media

Riddle Village
610-891-3700; RiddleVillage.org

Multiple Locations

Acts Retirement–Life Communities
888-521-3651; AboutActs.com/CountyLinesMag
For more than 50 years, Acts Retirement-Life Communities has provided residents gracious living options and a maintenance- free, amenity-filled lifestyle that allows them to celebrate the good life without all the worries. Best of all, Acts Life Care lets residents pay for future care in today’s dollars should their needs change.

Morningside House
610-594-0455; MHSeniorLiving.com
Discover exceptional senior living with Morningside Senior Living. Their locally rooted communities in Exton, Collegeville, Towamencin and Blue Bell offer supportive personal care, memory care and short-term stays. Each location features apartment-style residences, compassionate teams and engaging wellness programs—including on-site therapy services—designed to help residents thrive in vibrant, personalized environments where comfort, care and community come together.

Luthercare
Lititz; St. John’s Herr Estate, Columbia; Spang Crest, Lebanon
717-626-8376; Luthercare.org

Newtown Square

Dunwoody Village
610-359-4400; Dunwoody.org
Located in a suburban setting on 83 picturesque acres, Dunwoody Village is a five-star rated CCRC with a host of amenities. Dunwoody offers residents independent living, personal care, skilled nursing and memory support, as well as rehabilitation and home care to both residents and the outside community. Plan for tomorrow by getting on the waiting list today.

White Horse Village
610-558-5000; WhiteHorseVillage.org
White Horse Village is an active senior living community nestled on 109 scenic acres, offering spacious residences, exceptional dining and a full continuum of care. First-class amenities include a tavern, dining venues, wellness center, indoor pool/ spa, bocce, art studio, woodshop, hiking trails, community garden and more. Extensive programming offers a diverse range of activities catering to various interests.

West Brandywine

Freedom Village at Brandywine
484-288-2601; FVBrandywine.com
Life is good here … The best retirement is when you have more time to do what you want, with an abundance of choices for dining, socializing, fitness and fun. At Freedom Village at Brandywine, you can enjoy a carefree, maintenance-free lifestyle where you’re welcomed like family. Their life care plan gives you access to a full continuum of care if you ever need it. Independent living, personal care, memory care, skilled nursing and rehab. Visit them today.

West Chester

Barclay Friends
610-696-5211; BF.Kendal.org
Located in a quiet neighborhood, Barclay Friends offers a welcoming environment where older adults engage in meaningful connections and lifelong interests. Residents take part in everything from creative arts and gardening to mindfulness and community gatherings. The campus features thoughtfully designed spaces that invite conversation, reflection and personal growth. A continuum of health and wellness services is available to support each person’s needs over time.

The Hickman
484-760-6300; TheHickman.org
Located in the heart of West Chester, this award-winning senior living community offers personalized care, engaging activities and specialized memory care in a welcoming environment. Enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle with amenities designed to enhance your wellbeing. Come to The Hickman, where every day feels like home. When you’re here, you’re home.

Wyomissing

The Highlands at Wyomissing
610-775-2300; TheHighlands.org
With over 113 acres of gently rolling hills, lush walkways and towering hardwoods, The Highlands at Wyomissing has offered stunning amenities, engaging activities and endless opportunities for over 35 years. They’re proud to be the only nonprofit life care community in Berks County, where residents are free to live their active, independent lifestyles with a continuum of care available right at home if they were to ever need it.

Delaware

Hockessin

Harmony at Hockessin
302-504-8007; HarmonyAtHockessin.com
Opening summer 2025. Discover more than a new home at Harmony—find friendship, vibrant community and carefree living. For over 40 years, Harmony communities have celebrated the fun and connection of senior living. Enjoy spacious apartments, weekly housekeeping and exciting amenities. A full calendar of events and complimentary transportation make life easier and more enjoyable.

In-Home Care & Special Services

For those seeking comfort or support during treatment for a serious illness.

Delaware

Delaware Hospice
800-838-9800; DelawareHospice.org
You’re not alone in facing serious illness. Delaware Hospice embraces you and your loved one with a community-focused continuum of support, providing more than in-home hospice care. Whether you need community resources, palliative care or grief support, they provide comprehensive care to children and adults for every stage of serious illness. Call or visit their website for local, expert care.

Senior Services & Continuing Education

Wilmington

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware
302-573-4417; OLLI.UDel.edu
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the UD is a statewide, volunteer-based learning cooperative for adults 50+. Its largest campus is at Arsht Hall in Wilmington. Members can choose from over 300 courses, in-person or online, fall and spring semester, taught by experienced and professional volunteers. One low fee provides multiple benefits offered and your choice of an unlimited number of courses each semester. Curiosity never retires!