The staff at Where to Retire conducts extensive research to determine the country's most desirable planned communities. The year-long investigation culminates with editors zeroing in on neighborhoods that are amenity-rich, have a strong sense of community, and offer diverse recreational opportunities ranging from sports and physical activities to culture and the arts. Seventeen states are represented on the list.
The article sites Daniel Island's private golf courses by Tom Fazio and Rees Jones, the recreational offerings at the island's Family Circle Tennis Center and Blackbaud soccer stadium, boating and crabbing in the surrounding rivers and creeks, neighborhood parks, island shops and restaurants, and the proximity to Charleston's medical facilities and world-class arts and dining scene among the features that lure residents from around the country to live in this island town community.
According to the article: "Residents of the master-planned communities on Where to Retire's Top 50 list speak of 'a sense of belonging' and 'a wonderful lifestyle change' when describing what they love about their neighborhoods."
"It's no surprise that Daniel Island is consistently ranked on this list," said Rick Vale, Broker-in-charge at Daniel Island Real Estate. "Over and over we hear the same comments from our buyers of all ages about Daniel Island. People are attracted to the amenities, the island's events and social activities and the fact that they're living in a small town community. They love the lifestyle that Daniel Island offers."
"The combination of amenities and social opportunities at each (of the Top 50 communities) produces a common result: the interesting, active and fulfilling lifestyle retirees seek," said Where to Retire publisher Karen Northridge. "Clubhouses, fitness centers, social clubs and educational classes mean residents get much more than a house when they purchase in a planned community.”
The Where to Retire article acknowledges renewed optimism about housing and the economy and credits it - along with pent-up demand - for a growing interest in master planned communities.
