by Robert Borges on June 16, 2025
Discover the Best Golf Course Communities for Luxury Living and Active Lifestyles
From Arizona deserts to the Carolina coast, the most sought-after golf communities of 2025 combine award-winning golf with resort-style amenities, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant social scenes. Curated from Private Communities Registry's (PCR) Most Popular Lifestyle Communities of 2025 list, these ten elite residential golf communities stand out as the best golf communities in the nation.
Whether you're seeking 55+ golf communities, luxury golf homes, or year-round golf and recreation, this guide is your trusted resource for finding the ideal fit.
Why Are Golf Communities So Popular?
Golf communities attract buyers of all ages thanks to the unique combination of recreational, social, and lifestyle advantages. Beyond access to championship courses, these neighborhoods offer:
- Maintenance-free living and scenic surroundings
- Private clubhouses, dining, and fitness centers
- Access to tennis, pickleball, pools, marinas, and more
- Gated security and low-traffic environments
- A built-in community of like-minded, active neighbors
Who Are Golf Communities For?
- Retirees and active adults 55+ seeking recreation and relaxation
- Golfers looking for private access to professional-level courses
- Families who value safe, amenity-rich neighborhoods
- Second home buyers and vacation homeowners seeking lifestyle and leisure
Benefits of Living in a Golf Community
- Private, peaceful, and scenic settings
- World-class golf facilities steps from your door
- Social connections through clubs, leagues, and events
- Added home value in resort-style settings
- Easy access to outdoor recreation and wellness amenities
The 10 Best Golf Communities of 2025
Each of these communities features premier golf experiences alongside first-class real estate and amenities.
Encanterra®, a Trilogy® Resort Community – Queen Creek, AZ
Home to a Tom Lehman-designed championship course, Encanterra® offers a core-style desert layout, full practice facilities, and year-round tournaments. The private club setting includes luxury clubhouses, pools, dining, and spa services, with optional golf memberships available to all residents—including those in the 55+ Trilogy® enclave.
Ave Maria – Ave Maria, FL
This Southwest Florida golf haven features two 18-hole championship courses—Panther Run and The National Golf & Country Club—designed for golfers of all levels. With driving ranges, practice bunkers, and short-game areas, it's ideal for improving your game in a resort-style setting. Both all-ages and 55+ neighborhoods are available.
Lake Arrowhead – Waleska, GA
Surrounded by mountains and a pristine lake, this gated community boasts one of Georgia’s top-rated courses. The Highlands Course stretches over 7,100 yards, with a driving range, pro shop, and clubhouse dining. Residents enjoy serene, elevated living just north of Atlanta.
Connestee Falls – Brevard, NC
Golfers at Connestee Falls enjoy a George Cobb-designed mountain course with scenic terrain, year-round play, and a full slate of clinics and tournaments. The resident-owned community also offers new and resale homes and an abundance of natural amenities and clubs.
Dataw Island – Beaufort, SC
Home to two top-ranked 18-hole courses—the Cotton Dike (Tom Fazio) and Morgan River (Arthur Hills)—Dataw Island delivers serious golf pedigree. This coastal community also includes a full-service marina, private tennis club, and scenic lowcountry beauty near historic Beaufort.
Savannah Lakes Village – McCormick, SC
With two lakefront championship golf courses and clubhouses overlooking Lake Thurmond, this 4,300-acre active adult paradise offers unlimited golf and outdoor adventure. Residents also enjoy trails, fitness, and a strong community spirit near Augusta, GA.
Rarity Bay – Vonore, TN
Overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains and Tellico Lake, Rarity Bay offers an 18-hole championship course, golf school, and scenic course-side homes. The community combines golf, equestrian facilities, and waterfront living for a truly unique lifestyle.
Tellico Village – Loudon, TN
With three championship golf courses—Toqua, Tanasi, and Kahite—this East Tennessee community is a golfer’s dream. Each course has its own clubhouse, pro shop, and dining, plus lakeside amenities like a yacht club, fitness centers, and strong social programs.
Fawn Lake – Spotsylvania, VA
The crown jewel of Fawn Lake is Arnold Palmer’s “Virginia Masterpiece” 18-hole course, surrounded by wooded estate homes and a private lake. PGA instruction, a full-service clubhouse, and recreational offerings like tennis and water sports add to the appeal.
Heritage Shores – Bridgeville, DE
This 55+ active adult community features an Arthur Hills-designed championship course with modern GPS carts and top-tier practice areas. An award-winning clubhouse, wellness center, and dining venues make it a year-round resort lifestyle near the Delaware Shore.
Explore and Find Your Perfect Golf Community with PCR
PCR is your go-to resource for discovering top-rated golf communities across the U.S. Whether you’re a retiree, snowbird, or avid golfer, you can explore communities by state, lifestyle, or amenities on PrivateCommunities.com.
What You’ll Find on PCR:
- Interactive search tools
- Exclusive community profiles
- Photo galleries and video tours
- Real estate listings and move-in ready homes
- Direct connection to community representatives
FAQs About Living in Golf Communities
What are the best golf communities in the U.S.?
The best golf communities combine top-tier golf with luxury living, such as Encanterra® in AZ, Dataw Island in SC, and Tellico Village in TN. This article lists the top 10 for 2025.
Are there 55+ golf communities available?
Yes. Several featured here—including Encanterra®, Heritage Shores, and Del Webb Naples at Ave Maria—offer 55+ living with golf.
Are golf communities only for retirees or golfers?
Not at all. While many are ideal for retirees and 55+ buyers, especially those with optional golf memberships, many golf communities welcome residents of all ages and interests. They appeal to anyone seeking a peaceful, scenic, and amenity-rich lifestyle—even those who don’t golf. Residents often enjoy walking trails, tennis, pickleball, community clubs, and lakeside or mountain recreation.
What should I look for in a golf community?
Look for a well-maintained course, practice facilities, golf memberships, social activities, and nearby amenities that fit your lifestyle.
How much does it cost to live in a golf community?
The cost of living in a golf community can vary widely based on location, amenities, and home size. Home prices typically range from the mid-$300s to well over $1 million in luxury golf communities. While some communities are more accessible to middle-income buyers, others are tailored toward high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusive, resort-style living. Monthly homeowner association (HOA) dues may range from $100 to $1,000+, depending on what’s included.
Are there additional fees beyond the purchase price of a home?
Yes, many golf communities have membership options and related fees. These may include:
- Social memberships: Often required, providing access to clubhouses, dining, and community events.
- Golf memberships: Optional in some communities but mandatory in others, with one-time initiation fees and monthly dues.
- HOA fees: Cover community maintenance, landscaping, and access to shared amenities like pools, fitness centers, or trails.
- Capital contributions or transfer fees: One-time fees paid at closing to support the community reserve fund.
It’s important to work with a real estate agent familiar with golf communities to understand all costs upfront.
Are homes in golf course communities more expensive?
Generally, yes. Golf communities often feature premium amenities and master-planned layouts, which add to the value of the home. Properties with direct golf course views or proximity to club facilities may command a higher price per square foot than homes in standard residential neighborhoods. However, many communities also offer more affordable housing options, such as villas, townhomes, or condos.
Do golf community homes hold their resale value?
Homes in well-maintained golf communities with strong amenities and desirable locations often retain or exceed average market value—especially in regions with high demand for retirement, second-home, or resort-style living. Resale value tends to be strongest in communities with established golf programs, vibrant social scenes, and gated security.
How do I find the best golf course community for me?
Start your search on PrivateCommunities.com to explore by region, lifestyle, or home type.
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
