The Cypress of Raleigh Club

The Cypress of Raleigh is a retirement community on Cypress Lakes Drive, with private homes spread over 44 landscaped acres in north Raleigh. Members buy an equity stake in their home, a model its founders preferred to the usual life plan arrangement.

Day to day there is a clubhouse, a full slate of fitness classes and neighbors within walking distance. Members say a good number of their friendships started in an exercise class. The community took its model from similar places on Hilton Head Island and in Charlotte.

What to know

• Three local Raleigh businessmen brought the concept here in the early 2000s.
• It opened in 2008 with three villa buildings, 37 cottage homes and a clubhouse.
• A fourth and fifth villa building opened in 2018 and 2020, adding nearly 200 members.
• The Rosewood Health Center provides award-winning care on the property.
• Three dining venues serve farm-fresh food, with a registered dietitian on staff.