Serenbe, a biophilic community located just outside of Atlanta, has been selected as the "World's Greatest Biophilic Community" by the national television series World's Greatest!. The announcement, made by the community's founder, underscores a significant shift in how developers and residents alike are rethinking the relationship between human habitats and the natural world. The recognition comes as more people seek living environments that prioritize health, sustainability, and connection to nature, making Serenbe a model for future development.
The World's Greatest! film crew traveled to Chattahoochee Hills to capture life throughout Serenbe, documenting its trails, farm, farmers market, architecture, restaurants, Inn, and streetscapes. The segment features interviews with Serenbe Founder Steve Nygren and COO Garnie Nygren, along with residents, exploring the vision behind the community. This national exposure is important because it brings the concept of biophilic design into mainstream conversation. Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into the built environment, has been linked to improved mental and physical well-being, stronger social ties, and greater environmental stewardship. By showcasing Serenbe, the television series is not only celebrating one community but also promoting a paradigm shift in how neighborhoods can be planned and built.
"Serenbe was founded on the belief that development doesn't have to come at the expense of nature and that the two actually enhance one another," said Steve Nygren, Founder of Serenbe. "Being selected as the World's Greatest Biophilic Community is an exciting opportunity to share what we've learned at Serenbe and show a national audience there is a different way to think about how we build communities and live our daily lives." This philosophy has driven Serenbe's development since its founding in 2004 by the Nygren family. Today, the community is home to over 800 residents and is set among acres of preserved forests and meadows with miles of nature trails that connect homes, restaurants, arts, and businesses. It boasts a working organic farm, four restaurants, a 27-room Inn, and over 300 days of arts and cultural programming annually.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond Serenbe itself. As cities and towns grapple with challenges like sprawl, environmental degradation, and declining public health, biophilic communities offer a tangible alternative. They demonstrate that dense, walkable neighborhoods can coexist with preserved green space and that local food systems and cultural amenities can thrive alongside residential development. Serenbe's selection as the world's greatest biophilic community could inspire other developers, planners, and municipalities to adopt similar principles, potentially leading to more sustainable and livable communities across the country and beyond.
For those interested in learning more, the Serenbe segment from the World's Greatest! episode can be viewed here, and additional information about Serenbe is available at Serenbe.com. The World's Greatest! series, produced by How2Media, has been airing nationally for more than 18 years, bringing viewers informative and entertaining stories through on-location footage and interviews. Its platform provides a valuable opportunity for Serenbe to share its vision with a wide audience, reinforcing the idea that the best reason to live in a place is the life it offers.
