Ben PhilipHighland Green Retirement Community is an active adult 55+ lifestyle community located in Topsham, Maine, near the vibrant town of Brunswick. It spans more than 600 acres and is uniquely designed with a 230-acre nature preserve woven into its landscape. Known for its balance of natural beauty, sustainability, and modern conveniences, Highland Green attracts residents from across the United States. It offers custom homes, engaging amenities, and a strong sense of community, making it one of the most distinctive retirement communities in New England.
Highland Green Retirement Community
Community at a Glance
Highland Green is a 55+ active adult lifestyle community located in Topsham, near Brunswick, Maine. Spanning an impressive 635-acre campus, it integrates 230 acres of a nationally award-winning nature preserve into its design. It is uniquely positioned—just 1.2 miles from Interstate 295—offering both serene natural beauty and convenient access to Freeport, Portland, and beyond.
It is a resident-driven community that has drawn interest from retirees across 34 U.S. states, creating a richly diverse and dynamic environment.
Home Options & Architectural Character
Highland Green offers several living options tailored for low-maintenance, high-quality retirement living:
- Custom-built homes and Quarry Cottages: Freestanding, not cookie-cutter, with floor plans ranging from around 1,400 to over 3,500 square feet.
- Available Now Homes: Ready-to-move-in residences for those seeking an immediate transition.
- Apartment-style living: For those preferring compact, community-oriented floor plans.
Residents benefit from customization flexibility: many homes are built from past plans that can be tweaked or replicated, reflecting the underlying “Highland Green New Construction DNA.”
Lifestyle & Amenities
Community & Social Engagement
Social life at Highland Green is vibrant and varied:
- Activities and clubs span social, intellectual, exercise, and volunteer realms.
- Residents hail from 34 states, and about one-third are native to Maine. Some are still working; others retired recently or long ago. Some live year-round, others split seasons.
- Governance and involvement vary—actively engaged neighbors mingle with quieter ones, all unified by a strong sense of home and community.
Recreation & Wellness Facilities
The community features a broad array of wellness and recreational amenities:
- Community Center
- Fitness area
- Tennis courts
- Arts & crafts studio
- Library / reading room
- Bar or pub (Wild Duck Pub & Restaurant)
- Social events and clubs
- BBQ/grilling area
- Boat/RV storage and parking
- Walking and biking trails
- Swimming pool
Adding to its unique character is the Scottish-style 9-hole golf course, professionally managed, open to the public, and used by residents only on a pay-per-use basis. In winter, its trails double as cross-country ski tracks.
Conservation & Nature Integration
Highland Green isn’t just a living community—it’s a conservation-first environment. The developers incorporated a 230-acre preserve into the design deliberately, creating an immersive natural setting. Walking and biking trails weave through woods and open spaces, inviting exploration and connection with nature.
Grounds & Maintenance
Maintaining the aesthetic and operational excellence of Highland Green is a dedicated grounds services team—part of Sea Coast Management. They handle mowing, weeding, edging, mulching, irrigation, and—come winter—snow removal from common areas and even individual driveways and walkways.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled in the Midcoast Maine region, Highland Green offers the best of both worlds: peaceful natural surroundings and access to cultural amenities.
- Just minutes from Brunswick, a vibrant college town.
- Quick access to Portland, Freeport, and even Boston via I-295.
- Midcoast Maine is known for its scenic coastline, quaint harbors, hiking, sailing, and cultural attractions. Highland Green provides a gateway to it all.
Sustainability & Environmental Focus
Highland Green emphasizes environmental responsibility:
- Homes often include solar energy packages and other green/environmental options.
- The golf course and broader community have earned Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program certification—affirming their environmental stewardship.
The landscape design incorporates natural rock outcroppings and ridgelines, creating a golf course and environment that feels organic and environmentally attuned.
Summary & Key Highlights
Feature | Details |
| ——————— | ———————————————————— |
Size & Nature | 635-acre campus with 230-acre nature preserve |
Residence Types | Custom homes, ready homes, apartments |
Customization Options | Flexible construction from existing designs |
Amenities | Pub, fitness, arts studio, library, pool, trails |
Golf Course | Scottish-style 9-hole course, cross-country skiing in winter |
Social Life | Active clubs, dynamic resident engagement, diverse origins |
Maintenance | Professional grounds services year-round |
Location | Close to Brunswick & I-295; rich Midcoast Maine context |
Environmental Focus | Solar homes, Audubon-certified golf, integrated nature |
Who Might Thrive Here?
- Outdoor lovers who cherish nature trails, conservation landscapes, and scenic beauty.
- Socially engaged retirees who enjoy clubs, shared meals, arts, fitness, and golf.
- Those seeking low-maintenance luxury—custom homes built for comfort, not cookie-cutter living.
- Individuals valuing sustainability, eco-conscious living, and environmental certifications.
- People wanting peaceful living with modern convenience—close to healthcare, culture, and city amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Highland Green Retirement Community?
A. Highland Green is a premier 55+ retirement community that blends modern housing with natural surroundings. It is not a traditional retirement village but rather a neighborhood where active adults can enjoy low-maintenance living, vibrant social opportunities, and access to both urban and natural attractions. Its integration of a large nature preserve makes it unique among retirement communities.
Q: How many homes are in the community?
A. The community is designed for several hundred homes, with a mix of custom-built residences, Quarry Cottages, and available-now homes. Many homes are built based on popular designs with opportunities for customization, ensuring variety and individuality across the neighborhood.
Q: What types of homes are available?
A. Highland Green offers:
- Custom single-family homes with flexible layouts
- Quarry Cottages for those who prefer smaller, low-maintenance living
- Ready-to-move-in homes for immediate residency
- Apartment-style living options for those who desire compact spaces with shared amenities
Homes typically range from 1,400 to over 3,500 square feet, accommodating different lifestyles and needs.
Q: What amenities are available?
A. Residents enjoy a wide variety of amenities, including:
- A community center and fitness facilities
- Arts and crafts studio
- Tennis courts and a swimming pool
- Library and reading rooms
- Walking and biking trails
- A Scottish-style 9-hole golf course
- Wild Duck Pub & Restaurant
- Social clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities
Q: Are there educational opportunities?
A. Yes. Highland Green is located close to Bowdoin College in Brunswick, where residents can take advantage of cultural and educational programs. Nearby, there are also community centers, adult learning programs, and lectures open to the public. Many residents actively engage in lifelong learning through local universities and cultural institutions.
Q: What healthcare facilities are nearby?
A. Brunswick and the surrounding region provide access to excellent healthcare. Major hospitals, clinics, and medical specialists are only a short drive away. Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick is the primary medical center nearby, ensuring residents have access to both routine care and emergency services. Portland, with its larger hospitals, is also within easy reach.
Q: What shopping and dining options are available?
A. Residents can enjoy both convenience and variety. Nearby Brunswick and Freeport offer shopping centers, local boutiques, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets. Dining options range from casual eateries to fine restaurants. The Wild Duck Pub inside the community provides a social gathering place for meals and events. Portland, only 30 minutes away, expands the dining and shopping experience with its vibrant food scene and retail outlets.
Q: What recreational activities are nearby?
A. Highland Green is surrounded by opportunities for recreation:
- Hiking and nature trails within the 230-acre preserve
- Golf at the community’s own 9-hole Scottish-style course
- Boating, fishing, and kayaking along Maine’s scenic coastlines and rivers
- Cross-country skiing in winter
- Arts, music, and theater in nearby Brunswick and Portland
- Cultural festivals and local events throughout Midcoast Maine
Q: What committees are available for residents?
A. Highland Green is a resident-driven community, which means many committees and groups exist to enhance life in the neighborhood. Residents can join committees related to community governance, gardening, conservation, social events, and volunteer projects. These committees foster collaboration and allow everyone to play an active role in shaping the community.
Conclusion
Highland Green Retirement Community is more than a place to live—it is a lifestyle choice. With its natural surroundings, variety of housing options, and wide range of amenities, it provides the perfect blend of tranquility, engagement, and convenience. Residents can enjoy the peace of Maine’s natural landscapes while still having easy access to healthcare, shopping, cultural activities, and lifelong learning. It is a community built not just for retirement, but for truly living.