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, announced in a press release, underscores the growing importance of sustainable, nature-centric development in the real estate and urban planning sectors.
The World's Greatest! film crew traveled to Serenbe to capture daily life throughout the community, from its trails, farm and farmers market to its 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 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 recognition comes as businesses and developers increasingly seek sustainable models that prioritize environmental and human well-being. Serenbe, founded by the Nygren family in 2004, 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. It offers fresh food, over 300 days of arts and cultural programming, multiple independent shops, a 27-room inn, a new wellness retreat, four restaurants and a working organic farm.
For leaders in business and technology, Serenbe's model demonstrates how integrating natural systems into community design can create value beyond real estate. Biophilic design has been linked to improved health outcomes, higher property values and stronger community engagement. As remote work reshapes where people choose to live, communities like Serenbe may become blueprints for future developments that attract talent and investment.
The World's Greatest! series, produced by How2Media, has been spotlighting noteworthy companies, organizations, technologies and destinations for more than 18 years. It airs nationally and is available across streaming platforms. The Serenbe segment can be viewed here, and more information about Serenbe is available at Serenbe.com.
This recognition matters because it validates a development philosophy that could influence how cities and companies approach sustainability, employee wellness and community building. As the world grapples with climate change and urbanization, Serenbe's example offers a tangible case study in balancing growth with nature—a lesson that could resonate across industries.
