Serenbe, a pioneering biophilic community located just outside of Atlanta in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, has been selected as the "World's Greatest Biophilic Community" by the national television series World's Greatest! The recognition shines a national spotlight on an approach to development that prioritizes the integration of people, nature, and community, offering a potential model for sustainable living amid growing concerns about urban sprawl and environmental degradation.
The World's Greatest! film crew traveled to Chattahoochee Hills to capture daily 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, as well as residents, exploring the vision behind the community and how its biophilic design connects people to nature through thoughtful land planning, fresh food, wellness, the arts, and everyday opportunities to spend time outdoors.
"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."
The implications of this national recognition extend beyond mere accolades. As cities and towns across the country grapple with challenges related to climate resilience, public health, and social isolation, Serenbe's model demonstrates a viable alternative that prioritizes conservation and community well-being. By showcasing Serenbe to a national audience, the World's Greatest! segment could inspire other developers, planners, and local governments to consider biophilic principles in their own projects.
Founded by the Nygren family in 2004, Serenbe is home to over 800 residents and is set among acres of preserved forests and meadows with miles of nature trails that connect homes and restaurants with arts and businesses. The community features a working organic farm, four restaurants, a 27-room Inn, a new wellness retreat, multiple independent shops, and over 300 days of arts and cultural programming annually.
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.
World's Greatest! is a national television series produced by How2Media that goes behind the scenes to share the stories of noteworthy companies, organizations, technologies, and destinations. For more than 18 years, the series has brought viewers informative and entertaining stories through on-location footage and interviews. World's Greatest! airs nationally and is also available across streaming platforms.
Serenbe's recognition as the "World's Greatest Biophilic Community" not only validates its founding principles but also underscores a growing movement toward regenerative development. As the national conversation increasingly focuses on sustainable living, Serenbe stands as a testament to the idea that communities can be designed to thrive in harmony with nature, potentially influencing how future neighborhoods are built across the country.
