~ 2023 GCH Annual Index ~
Year-End Double Issue
> The Most-Visited Communities – Where Buyers Want to Live
> The 2023 GCH Community of the Year
> 2023’s Most-Wanted Amenities – The Top 10
> The Most Popular Community Types, Lifestyle
> 2023 Top Search Categories
> The Most Search-For States
> The Golf Retirement Planner
> New Communities & Coming Soon in 2024
> The Most Popular Homes of 2023
Happy New Year! Welcome to the 2023 GCH Annual Index–an in-depth look at all the year’s activity on the Golf Course Home Network.
This year’s Index is the 12th consecutive edition, featuring the year’s new communities, most-visited communities, retirement advice, top amenities, most popular homes and more.
The real estate year has been challenging, especially if you had wanted to buy using a mortgage. And cash buyers, like all buyers, have faced stubbornly high prices while searching through low home inventories.
Next year appears it will be better with mortgage rates finally beginning to fall. If inventories start to grow, it could be a banner year for real estate. (Lead photo: Callawassie Island, SC)
Golf Grows Again
Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA: Six world-class golf courses, 117 golf holes.
The National Golf Foundation reported that 41.1M Americans (age 6+) played golf both on-course and off-course in 2022 (the most recent statisical year), up nearly 10 percent from the previous year’s strong number.
In addition, 3.3M people played golf for the first time in 2022, the third year in a row that figure topped 3 million–yet more signs that golf is continuing to grow.
Prior to the pandemic-boosted totals of recent years, the previous recorded-high of 2.4 million new players was set in 2000, when Tiger Woods was at the height of his popularity.
That rising participation in the sport helped Golf Course Home surpass last year’s visitor total. Use the links below to see a review of all the activity GCH enjoyed in 2023 and use it to help plan your searches in 2024.
New Communities & Retirement Focus
Trilogy at Rio Verde, AZ: Gated, 55-plus community near Scottsdale.
Concurrent with the rising number of new golfers and increased play is the sustained interest in purchasing in a golf community.
Our 2023 stats show that the continuing No. 1 reason someone visits GolfCourseHome.com is to find a home for their retirement.
To help you in that search, see below for links to the GCH Golf Retirement Planner, as well as links and summaries of the year’s activity.
And finally, thank you, our subscribers and visitors, for continuing to make Golf Course Home–now entering its 29th year since its founding in 1995 and its 25th year online–a part of your journey to a new home and a new chapter in your lives. It continues to be our privilege to serve you. Stay safe and healthy in 2024!–David Lott, Founder & Publisher
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2023 GCH Annual Index
The Year’s Most-Visited Communities
Savannah Lakes Village, SC: 2023’s 2nd most visited.
The Top 10 Most Visited Communities for the year earned their spots by consistently ranking high all year long. The list features two new entries–Moss Creek, SC, and Grand Haven, FL–and two that made significant moves upward.
In all, 22 different communities enjoyed at least one stint ranked amongst a month’s elite 10, and four different communities topped at least one month as the most visited community.
Savannah Lakes Village, SC, new to the ranking list last year, made a good run at the top spot with two wins as the monthly No. 1.
Florida the Top State
The state of Florida placed four communities in the Top 10 list of most-visited communities, further confirming its corollary position as the most-searched-for state. South Carolina followed with three communities, Georgia with two and Arizona with one.
The Field Club/Boathouse in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, MA, again ruled the summer months, grabbing the No. 1 spot in both July and August.
A Consistent Favorite
Harbour Ridge, FL: Golf, yacht club, marina & fine homes.
Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Palm, City, FL, was once again the most-visited community for the year, claiming the top position in seven months out of 12 and was a Top 5 member or better throughout the year.
Savannah Lakes Village made its first full year on GCH a good one with a strong second-place showing.
Other communities that claimed a monthly first-place ranking were The Field Club/Boathouse, MA, and Winding River Plantation, NC. See the full ranking list below.
2023 GCH Annual Index
The List – Most-Visited Communities
Moss Creek, SC: Lowcountry living with golf, equestrian & more.
1. Harbour Ridge Yacht & CC, Stuart, FL
2. Savannah Lakes Village, McCormick, SC – Up from No. 9
3. The Club at Quail Ridge, Boynton Beach, FL
4. The Club at Ibis, West Palm Beach, FL – Up from No. 8
5. Sun City Riverbend, Bluffton, SC
6. Osprey Cove, St. Marys, GA
7. Reynolds Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
8. Trilogy, Rio Verde, AZ
9. Moss Creek, Hilton Head Island, SC – New to Top 10
10. Grand Haven, Palm Coast, FL – New to Top 10
Honorable Mentions: These communities were also strong performers, landing just outside the Top 10, earning a well-deserved Honorable Mention: The Landings, Savannah, GA; Lake Arrowhead, Waleska, GA; The Field Club/Boathouse, Edgartown, MA.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
Harbour Ridge, FL: Riverside & golf course living equal No. 1.
Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Palm City, FL, is the most-visited community for 2023, a designation it earns for a record seventh time.
Longevity and familiarity must have something to do with it as the community has now been featured on GolfCourseHome.com for 23 consecutive years.
The community has made numerous investments in its amenities, headed by its magnificent clubhouse.
Thirty-six championship golf holes bring in the golfer and a beautiful racket sports layout that includes tennis and pickleball, a relaxing spa and a marina on the St. Lucie River complete the picture.
Having a marina and water access rate high on GCH visitors’ list of desired amenities–another reason the south Florida community engenders so much attention.
Add in still affordable prices for real estate options and the result is a winning combination.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
Most-Wanted AMENITIES
In the past 24 months, most all communities added pickleball.
Retirement communities and guarded gates were the top two priorities for buyers searching for a community in 2023.
A desire to be near water, lakes especially, along with access to a marina remained a Top 5 desire as in past years. A pet friendly community was close behind.
The most noted change in the Top 10 Most Wanted Amenities was the jump 24-hour security made from No. 10 to No. 7.
New to the Top 10 was Olympic-size pool which returns after a hiatus of one year. Walking and biking trails, fitness centers and children’s camps/activities all hovered just outside the first 10.
A special mention goes to pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the U.S., for which a majority of GCH communities, in an attempt to meet demand, have added the sport in the past 24 months.
See the complete Top 10 below, with links connecting to a list featuring all communities with the stated amenity.
2023 Top 10 Amenities
1. Retirement Communities
2. Gated Communities
3. Marina
4. Pet Friendly
5. Lake
6. Rentals – Up 3 spots
7. 24-Hour Security – Up 3 spots
8. Equestrian
9. Olympic-size Pool – New
10. Boating
Special Mention: Communities with Pickleball.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
Top 5 Lifestyle Locations
Hammock Dunes, FL: Oceanfront living is the No. 1 choice.
Options for living on the water made two of the top three choices for lifestyle locations for GCH visitors. Heading the chart was oceanfront living with lakeside living coming in at No. 3.
Military communities, such as Indian River Colony Club in Melbourne, FL, was the second-ranked choice.
Top 5 Locations/Lifestyle
Links go to a list of all communities featuring the stated location/lifestyle:
- Oceanfront Communities
- Military Retirement Communities
- Lake Communities
- Mountain Communities
- Island Communities
- Desert Communities
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2023 GCH Annual Index
The Most Searched-for States
Woodside, Aiken, SC: Helped South Carolina jump to No. 4.
Florida continues to be the No. 1 most-searched-for state for Golf Course Home visitors with Georgia second, moving up from third last year. South Carolina jumped two places to No. 4. See complete list below.
- Florida
- Georgia
- Arizona
- South Carolina – Up from No. 6
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
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2023 GCH Index
The Golf Retirement Planner
Lake Arrowhead, GA: Its No. 1 reason: top-notch quality of life.
The Golf Retirement Planner features a number of guides that give top 10 reasons for retiring to a specific community or location. See a sampling of the guides, below. Go to Golf Retirement Planner for the full list of articles.
- Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Lake Arrowhead, GA READ MORE
- Top Five Reasons to Retire to Woodside, SC READ MORE
- Retire Melbourne FL: Top 10 Reasons to Choose Indian River CC READ MORE
- Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Delaware (& Heritage Shores) READ MORE
- Retire Savannah: Top 10 Reasons to Retire to The Landings, GA READ MORE
- Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Grand Haven FL – Video READ MORE
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2023 GCH Annual Index
Top Search Categories
The Landings, GA: Dock your boat here and catch the breeze.
Here are some of 2023’s most-searched-for categories featuring all the posts related to the search phrase.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
New Communities
St. James Plantation, NC: Newest member w/ golf & a marina.
Golf Course Home welcomed new member communities from North Carolina and Virginia in 2023 and will welcome additional members from South Carolina and Virginia in January 2024. See a brief description and links to the communities below.
New Communities
St. James Plantation, NC – Private, gated golf and marina community set on the North Carolina coast. Covering 6,000 acres, this family focused community offers a wide selection of prime real estate, championship golf, private beach club and full-service marina. READ MORE
Winding River Plantation, NC – A luxury, coastal golf community set in Brunswick County near Oak Island, the port town of Southport and historic Wilmington. Resort-like amenities include 27 holes of golf, oceanfront beach club with pool, tennis courts, social clubs and much more. READ MORE
Ford’s Colony, VA – Located just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, Ford’s Colony is a 3,000-acre, private, gated community featuring 54 holes of championship golf, fine dining and world-class amenities. READ MORE
Kingsmill, Williamsburg, VA – A private, gated, golf and waterfront resort community set on the James River near historic Williamsburg, VA. Covering 2,900+ acres, Kingsmill offers three championship golf courses, tennis, indoor & outdoor swimming pools, riverfront marina, tennis/pickleball/racquetball courts, spa, four restaurants and more. READ MORE
Coming January 2024
Colonial Heritage, Williamsburg, VA – A gated golf community for adults 55 and up with clubhouse, fitness center, tennis, swimming and more.
Governors Land, Williamsburg, VA – A private golf and waterfront community with Harbor & Marina Village, tennis, fitness, swimming and much more.
Riverton Pointe, SC – Is a new, master-planned community in Hardeeville, SC, featuring a Nicklaus Design golf course, pool, clubhouse, tennis, pickleball, fitness center and new construction homes.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
The Most Popular Homes
Grand Haven, FL: This month’s most viewed home.
For the third year in a row, the Editors have identified the Most Popular Golf and Water View Homes featured on Golf Course Home during the year.
Each week–Monday through Thursday–we post new homes and condominiums for sale on the GCH homepage and feature them in our e-newsletter which goes out three times a week.
Thus, each home enjoys up to 10 days in the spotlight on the homepage and in the newsletter.
See below, in order of the most number of views received, our most popular homes.
2023 GCH Annual Index
The Most Popular Homes
Dataw Island, SC: A villa with a water view is the most viewed.
1. Dataw Island, SC – Villa, 3 BR/2 BA – $425,000 – READ MORE
2. Harbour Ridge Y & CC, FL – 3 BR/2 BA – $285,000 – READ MORE
3. Sea Trail Plantation, NC – 3 BRs/2.5 BA – $575,000 – READ MORE
4. Grand Haven, FL – 3 BR/3 BA – $565,000 – READ MORE
5. Sea Trail Plantation, NC – 3 BR/2.5 BA – $415,000 – READ MORE
6. Lake Arrowhead, GA – 4 BR/2 BA – $439,900 – READ MORE
7. Harbour Ridge, FL – 3 BR/2 BA – $325,000 – READ MORE
8. Savannah Lakes Village, SC – 3 BR/2 BA – $285,000 – READ MORE
9. Woodside, SC – 3 BR/3 BA – $524,990 – READ MORE
10. Grand Haven, FL – 3 BR/2 BA – $458,500 – READ MORE
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The GCH Annual Index through the years, every edition from 2011 to 2023, click here.
1446 Patriot Drive, Melbourne, FL 32940 – Indian River Colony Club
in Golf Homes, Real Estate for Sale, Retirement Communities1446 Patriot Drive, Melbourne, FL 32940
Asking Price: $320,000 Beds/Baths: 3 BRs/2 BAs
This ranch-style home at 1446 Patriot Drive in Indian River Colony Club is a desirable Phoenix model in a quiet setting.
Well-maintained and well-priced, it features vaulted ceilings and a bright, open floor plan.
The primary bedroom is oversized and the bath has a walk-in shower plus dual sinks and vanities.
The kitchen includes a bar and breakfast nook, all giving onto an oversized screened back porch. Send me more about this home in Indian River Colony Club!
KEY FEATURES: 1446 Patriot Drive, FL
The home has a spacious screened lanai.
> More Community Information: Indian River Colony Club, Viera FL
About Indian River Colony Club, FL
Homes are competitively priced, starting from the mid-$100,000s.
Primarily a military retirement community, Indian River Colony Club (IRCC) is a 55+, active adult, country club community dedicated to serving those who served.
Located on 453 acres with 773 individually owned 2-4 bedroom, single-family homes, the community is accented by abundant wildlife and beautiful golf course views. Send me more about this home in Indian River Colony Club!
Enjoy Lakefront & Golf Views
Homes offer lake, golf and preserve views.
The community features a variety of single-family home living options with 18 floor plans from which to choose.
Homesites offer lakefront, golf course and preserve views while homes are updated and in turnkey condition. Send me more about this home in Indian River Colony Club!
Real Estate
Homes are competitively priced from the mid-$100,000s.
Indian River Colony Club offers 2-4 BR individually owned homes set on 453 acres. Homes feature views of the community’s golf course, 28 lakes, and preserve where wildlife still abounds. Send me more about this home in Indian River Colony Club!
1002 Cupp Lane, Greensboro, GA 30642 – Reynolds Lake Oconee
in Golf Homes, Real Estate for Sale, Retirement CommunitiesAddress: 1002 Cupp Lane, Greensboro, GA 30642
Asking Price: $519,000 Beds/Baths: 2 BRs/3 BAs
This 1,499-sf, Club Cottage unit at 1002 Cupp Lane in Reynolds Lake Oconee has a fine view of the Preserve golf driving range.
From your front door you can walk to the pickleball complex at Linger Longer Park and Pool, the Preserve golf course and Eighty8 Kitchen + Cocktails restaurant and community walking trail.
This attractive unit has been renovated to include a staircase up to the loft and a sitting area has been attached to the master bedroom.
Also added are a new guest bath and an all-new master bath with soaking tub, tile shower and vanity.
The kitchen cabinets are all new, as are the countertops and appliances. Send me more about this home in Reynolds Lake Oconee!
KEY FEATURES: 1002 Cupp Lane, GA
The home is updated and well kept.
> More Community Information: Reynolds Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
About Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA
Reynolds is set on more than 374 miles of shoreline.
Reynolds Lake Oconee, the South’s premier golf and lake community located just east of Atlanta, offers six award-winning golf courses, 11 restaurants, the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds, a lakefront Ritz-Carlton, and a range of other acclaimed amenities.
Golf lovers have six award-winning courses on the property–five of which are in Golfweek’s Top-15 courses to play in Georgia. Send me more about this home in Reynolds Lake Oconee!
Reynolds Lake Oconee Lake & Golf Views
Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee is a complete lake resort.
A private waterfront community on Georgia’s scenic Lake Oconee, Reynolds Members experience amenities such as six world-class golf courses, 11 unique restaurants, 90 weekly fitness classes and 21 miles of walking and hiking trails.
In addition, there are multiple state-of-the-art fitness centers, four full-service marinas, an award-winning tennis and pickleball facility and the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds.
Reynolds is also home to The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee–one of the country’s most stunning lake resorts. Send me more about this home in Reynolds Lake Oconee!
Racquets Pro Shop Updated at Moss Creek SC, Colleton River SC Assists Nonprofit
in Newsletter, Things To DoGCH Network e-News
Communities On the Water & the Golf Course
January 5, 2024 – January 7, 2024
TODAY’S HEADLINES
> What’s Going On At… Updated Racquets Pro Shop at Moss Creek, SC
> Community News and Updates – Colleton River Club, SC Assists Nonprofit
NEW GCH COMMUNITIES!
> Winding River Plantation, Bolivia, NC – Luxury, coastal golf community Brunswick County
> Tofttrees Golf Resort, State College, PA – Hometown of Penn State, fitness center, farm-to-table dining
HOMES FOR SALE THIS WEEK ON GCH
> Winding River Plantation, NC 3BR $560,000
> The Club at Ibis, FL Updated 3BR $565,000
> St. James Plantation, NC Quiet 4BR $605,000
COMMUNITY NEWS
> New! 2023 GCH Annual Index
> Lake Arrowhead, GA Announces Fun & Full Holiday Calendar
> Monarch Butterflies at Woodside, SC
> New Highpoint Neighborhood at Woodside, SC
> Fundraising Ceremony at Colleton River, SC
> Lifelong Learning at Colleton River Club, SC
> Dog Adoption Day at Sea Pines, SC
Golf Retirement Planner
> Retire Lake Arrowhead, GA – Top 10 Reasons
> Retire Savannah: Top 10 Reasons to Retire to The Landings
> Retire to Harbour Ridge, FL – Top 10 Reasons
> Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Savannah Lakes Village, SC
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WHAT’S GOING ON AT….
Updated Racquets Pro Shop at Moss Creek, SC
Moss Creek, SC: New options for racquet sports lovers.
> Moss Creek, Hilton Head Island SC has just unveiled revitalized a newly-constructed and outfitted Racquets Pro Shop. The community’s talented Facilities Maintenance department created the new space by repurposing an underused 300-square-foot area adjacent to the Racquets Center reception desk. The new retail space features high–end flooring, lighting and display fixtures.
For member convenience the shop stocks apparel and equipment for tennis and pickleball, plus casual Moss Creek-logo. The new shop has full-length windows that overlook the courts. Send me more information about Moss Creek!
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COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES
Colleton River Club, SC Assists Nonprofit
Colleton River Club, SC: Assists local nonprofit.
> Colleton River Club, Bluffton SC and the member-operated Colleton River Charitable Fund recently made a $9,000 grant to an area non-profit, Family Promise of Beaufort County.
This community-support organization works to equip parents of the homeless families in a regional Shelter Program with the life skills and resources needed to achieve independence. This most recent grant funds the Stay on Track Program, which provides support once families move into their permanent homes. Send me more information about Colleton River!
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1768 Candle Ridge Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422 – Winding River Plantation
in Golf Homes, Real Estate for Sale, Retirement Communities1768 Candle Ridge Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422
Asking Price: $560,000 Beds/Baths: 3 BRs/4 BAs
This classic brick home at 1768 Candle Ridge Lane in Winding River Plantation is located on a cul-de-sac amid scenic surroundings.
Its stylish interior includes a foyer entry and a great room with a coffered ceiling and gas fireplace.
The kitchen has an abundance of cabinets, granite countertops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.
The home’s primary suite takes up the entire right wing of the upstairs, with two oversized walk-in closets and a spa-like ensuite. Send me more information about Winding River Plantation!
KEY FEATURES: 1768 Candle Ridge Lane. NC
The island kitchen has granite counters, stainless appliances.
> More Community Information: Winding River Plantation, Bolivia NC
About Winding River Plantation, NC
Winding River Plantation offers 27 holes of championship golf.
Winding River Plantation is a luxury, coastal golf community set within North Carolina’s Brunswick County. It is ideally located near the picturesque beaches of Oak Island, the charming port town of Southport and historic Wilmington. Send me more information about Winding River Plantation!
Top Resort Amenities
The community’s River Club clubhouse.
Residents enjoy a wide-range of resort-like amenities, including 27 holes of award-winning golf and oceanfront beach club with pool, tennis courts, social clubs and much more.
Water opportunities abound with a riverfront clubhouse, boating day dock, boat/RV storage and canoe and kayak launch. There are boat day slips on the Intracoastal Waterway . Send me more information about Winding River Plantation!
Real Estate
Winding River Plantation has been welcoming residents to its beautiful gated community for 21 years, and has grown substantially over that time.
With more than 1,000 acres set along the coast consisting of 1,134 properties, and an additional 39 home sites in Winding River Seaside Community in Holden Beach, Winding River can accommodate most any prospective buyers’ needs. Send me more information about Winding River Plantation!
8496 Quail Meadow Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33412 – Club at Ibis
in Golf Homes, Real Estate for Sale, Retirement Communities8496 Quail Meadow Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33412
Asking Price: $565,000 Beds/Baths: 3 BRs/2 BAs
This 1,551-sf home at 8496 Quail Meadow Way in The Club at Ibis, FL has been renovated top to bottom with many sophisticated upgrades.
Key improvements include brand-new impact glass windows in 2023, a new roof in 2021 and new A/C in 2020.
The kitchen has new features designer cabinetry and hardware and is freshly painted, with new appliances and new granite countertops.
The home’s fully renovated primary and guest baths are luxurious and spa-like. Send me more about this home in The Club at Ibis!
KEY FEATURES: 8496 Quail Meadow Way, FL
The home offers an updated kitchen with designer accents.
> More Community Information: The Club at Ibis, West Palm Beach FL
About The Club at Ibis, FL
Ibis features three golf courses, including one by Jack Nicklaus.
The Club at Ibis offers all the benefits and conveniences of living in Palm Beach County, while still remaining an oasis of tranquility, bordered by natural beauty.
The community showcases three Nicklaus family-designed championship golf courses, including the acclaimed Legend course, originally developed and newly renovated in 2017 by golfing great Jack Nicklaus.
While the superb quality of the golf initially draws many to Ibis, it is the extraordinary quality of life (what they refer to as the Ibis ExperienceTM) that makes this membership well satisfied. Send me more about this home in The Club at Ibis!
The Club at Ibis Clubhouse
The new clubhouse has enhanced banquet facilities and more.
The clubhouse recently underwent a major enhancement and expansion to include banquet accommodations for up to 450. A new sports village, The CORE, includes an innovative fitness center, an aquatics center, a 4,300 square foot spa, and a yoga wall.
The 16-court Tennis Center holds friendly tournaments and weekly group play. Adult and junior tennis instruction is led by the former head of US men’s tennis and Olympic coach, Jay Berger.
On the greens and fairways, top golf instruction is headed by Martin Hall, ranked by Golf Digest as one of the game’s Top 50 instructors, and host of Golf Channel’s popular weekly show, School of Golf. Send me more about this home in The Club at Ibis!
Real Estate
Homes are stylish with real estate beginning at $150,000.
The much awarded gated community has 33 diverse neighborhoods, with architecturally beautiful homes, set in a lush, manicured setting.
The property borders the Grassy Waters Nature Preserve, with quiet streets, ample green space, lakes and nature trails. Members enjoy an active club lifestyle consisting of sports programs, multiple options, upscale amenities and a variety of social activities. Send me more about this home in The Club at Ibis!
3785 Club Cottage Drive Southport, NC 28461 – St. James Plantation
in Golf Homes, Real Estate for Sale, Retirement Communities3785 Club Cottage Drive, Southport, NC 28461
Asking Price: $605,000 Beds/Baths: 4 BRs /3 BAs
This attractive and fully furnished brick home at 3785 Club Cottage Drive is on a quiet street in the Fairway Village neighborhood of St. James Plantation.
The home’s main living area is accented by a wall of built-in cabinetry and a gas fireplace.
The kitchen features classic white cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless appliances and a unique backsplash.
Exterior features include courtyard parking and a side-entry double garage, plus a covered, rocking-chair front porch.
A backyard patio offers an open entertainment area centered around a stone fire pit. Send me more about this home in St. James Plantation!
KEY FEATURES: 3785 Club Cottage Drive, NC
The home offers a patio with fire pit and more.
> More Community Information: St. James Plantation, Southport NC
About St. James Plantation, NC
St. James Plantation offers golf and a complete marina.
St. James Plantation is a private, gated golf and marina community ideally located along the North Carolina coast.
Covering a vast area of 6,000 acres, this family focused community offers a wide selection of prime real estate, championship golf, private beach club and full-service marina.
The golfer is well served at St. James Plantation with 81 holes of championship golf designed by some of the biggest names in the game. Send me more about this home in St. James Plantation!
Waterfront Lifestyle
Sailors find a safe harbor at St. James Plantation.
The community’s 475 slip marina offers a safer harbor for both sail and power boat enthusiasts and is surrounded by natural salt marshes and bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway.
The marina is a hub for boating enthusiasts looking for a serene stopover or a permanent berth in a community dedicated to a premium maritime experience. Send me more about this home in St. James Plantation!
St. James Plantation Real Estate
St. James Plantation offers a broad selection of real estate options appealing to diverse needs.
Real estate choices include: building lots, single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes. Send me more about this home in St. James Plantation!
2023 GCH Annual Index – The Year’s Top 10 Communities – Favorite Amenities & Homes
in Awards & Honors, Buyer Resources, Community of the Year, Editorial Features, GCH Annual Index, Retirement Planner~ 2023 GCH Annual Index ~
Year-End Double Issue
> The Most-Visited Communities – Where Buyers Want to Live
> The 2023 GCH Community of the Year
> 2023’s Most-Wanted Amenities – The Top 10
> The Most Popular Community Types, Lifestyle
> 2023 Top Search Categories
> The Most Search-For States
> The Golf Retirement Planner
> New Communities & Coming Soon in 2024
> The Most Popular Homes of 2023
Happy New Year! Welcome to the 2023 GCH Annual Index–an in-depth look at all the year’s activity on the Golf Course Home Network.
This year’s Index is the 12th consecutive edition, featuring the year’s new communities, most-visited communities, retirement advice, top amenities, most popular homes and more.
The real estate year has been challenging, especially if you had wanted to buy using a mortgage. And cash buyers, like all buyers, have faced stubbornly high prices while searching through low home inventories.
Next year appears it will be better with mortgage rates finally beginning to fall. If inventories start to grow, it could be a banner year for real estate. (Lead photo: Callawassie Island, SC)
Golf Grows Again
Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA: Six world-class golf courses, 117 golf holes.
The National Golf Foundation reported that 41.1M Americans (age 6+) played golf both on-course and off-course in 2022 (the most recent statisical year), up nearly 10 percent from the previous year’s strong number.
In addition, 3.3M people played golf for the first time in 2022, the third year in a row that figure topped 3 million–yet more signs that golf is continuing to grow.
Prior to the pandemic-boosted totals of recent years, the previous recorded-high of 2.4 million new players was set in 2000, when Tiger Woods was at the height of his popularity.
That rising participation in the sport helped Golf Course Home surpass last year’s visitor total. Use the links below to see a review of all the activity GCH enjoyed in 2023 and use it to help plan your searches in 2024.
New Communities & Retirement Focus
Trilogy at Rio Verde, AZ: Gated, 55-plus community near Scottsdale.
Concurrent with the rising number of new golfers and increased play is the sustained interest in purchasing in a golf community.
Our 2023 stats show that the continuing No. 1 reason someone visits GolfCourseHome.com is to find a home for their retirement.
To help you in that search, see below for links to the GCH Golf Retirement Planner, as well as links and summaries of the year’s activity.
And finally, thank you, our subscribers and visitors, for continuing to make Golf Course Home–now entering its 29th year since its founding in 1995 and its 25th year online–a part of your journey to a new home and a new chapter in your lives. It continues to be our privilege to serve you. Stay safe and healthy in 2024!–David Lott, Founder & Publisher
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2023 GCH Annual Index
The Year’s Most-Visited Communities
Savannah Lakes Village, SC: 2023’s 2nd most visited.
The Top 10 Most Visited Communities for the year earned their spots by consistently ranking high all year long. The list features two new entries–Moss Creek, SC, and Grand Haven, FL–and two that made significant moves upward.
In all, 22 different communities enjoyed at least one stint ranked amongst a month’s elite 10, and four different communities topped at least one month as the most visited community.
Savannah Lakes Village, SC, new to the ranking list last year, made a good run at the top spot with two wins as the monthly No. 1.
Florida the Top State
The state of Florida placed four communities in the Top 10 list of most-visited communities, further confirming its corollary position as the most-searched-for state. South Carolina followed with three communities, Georgia with two and Arizona with one.
The Field Club/Boathouse in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, MA, again ruled the summer months, grabbing the No. 1 spot in both July and August.
A Consistent Favorite
Harbour Ridge, FL: Golf, yacht club, marina & fine homes.
Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Palm, City, FL, was once again the most-visited community for the year, claiming the top position in seven months out of 12 and was a Top 5 member or better throughout the year.
Savannah Lakes Village made its first full year on GCH a good one with a strong second-place showing.
Other communities that claimed a monthly first-place ranking were The Field Club/Boathouse, MA, and Winding River Plantation, NC. See the full ranking list below.
2023 GCH Annual Index
The List – Most-Visited Communities
Moss Creek, SC: Lowcountry living with golf, equestrian & more.
1. Harbour Ridge Yacht & CC, Stuart, FL
2. Savannah Lakes Village, McCormick, SC – Up from No. 9
3. The Club at Quail Ridge, Boynton Beach, FL
4. The Club at Ibis, West Palm Beach, FL – Up from No. 8
5. Sun City Riverbend, Bluffton, SC
6. Osprey Cove, St. Marys, GA
7. Reynolds Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA
8. Trilogy, Rio Verde, AZ
9. Moss Creek, Hilton Head Island, SC – New to Top 10
10. Grand Haven, Palm Coast, FL – New to Top 10
Honorable Mentions: These communities were also strong performers, landing just outside the Top 10, earning a well-deserved Honorable Mention: The Landings, Savannah, GA; Lake Arrowhead, Waleska, GA; The Field Club/Boathouse, Edgartown, MA.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
Harbour Ridge, FL: Riverside & golf course living equal No. 1.
Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Palm City, FL, is the most-visited community for 2023, a designation it earns for a record seventh time.
Longevity and familiarity must have something to do with it as the community has now been featured on GolfCourseHome.com for 23 consecutive years.
The community has made numerous investments in its amenities, headed by its magnificent clubhouse.
Thirty-six championship golf holes bring in the golfer and a beautiful racket sports layout that includes tennis and pickleball, a relaxing spa and a marina on the St. Lucie River complete the picture.
Having a marina and water access rate high on GCH visitors’ list of desired amenities–another reason the south Florida community engenders so much attention.
Add in still affordable prices for real estate options and the result is a winning combination.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
Most-Wanted AMENITIES
In the past 24 months, most all communities added pickleball.
Retirement communities and guarded gates were the top two priorities for buyers searching for a community in 2023.
A desire to be near water, lakes especially, along with access to a marina remained a Top 5 desire as in past years. A pet friendly community was close behind.
The most noted change in the Top 10 Most Wanted Amenities was the jump 24-hour security made from No. 10 to No. 7.
New to the Top 10 was Olympic-size pool which returns after a hiatus of one year. Walking and biking trails, fitness centers and children’s camps/activities all hovered just outside the first 10.
A special mention goes to pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the U.S., for which a majority of GCH communities, in an attempt to meet demand, have added the sport in the past 24 months.
See the complete Top 10 below, with links connecting to a list featuring all communities with the stated amenity.
2023 Top 10 Amenities
1. Retirement Communities
2. Gated Communities
3. Marina
4. Pet Friendly
5. Lake
6. Rentals – Up 3 spots
7. 24-Hour Security – Up 3 spots
8. Equestrian
9. Olympic-size Pool – New
10. Boating
Special Mention: Communities with Pickleball.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
Top 5 Lifestyle Locations
Hammock Dunes, FL: Oceanfront living is the No. 1 choice.
Options for living on the water made two of the top three choices for lifestyle locations for GCH visitors. Heading the chart was oceanfront living with lakeside living coming in at No. 3.
Military communities, such as Indian River Colony Club in Melbourne, FL, was the second-ranked choice.
Top 5 Locations/Lifestyle
Links go to a list of all communities featuring the stated location/lifestyle:
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2023 GCH Annual Index
The Most Searched-for States
Woodside, Aiken, SC: Helped South Carolina jump to No. 4.
Florida continues to be the No. 1 most-searched-for state for Golf Course Home visitors with Georgia second, moving up from third last year. South Carolina jumped two places to No. 4. See complete list below.
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2023 GCH Index
The Golf Retirement Planner
Lake Arrowhead, GA: Its No. 1 reason: top-notch quality of life.
The Golf Retirement Planner features a number of guides that give top 10 reasons for retiring to a specific community or location. See a sampling of the guides, below. Go to Golf Retirement Planner for the full list of articles.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
Top Search Categories
The Landings, GA: Dock your boat here and catch the breeze.
Here are some of 2023’s most-searched-for categories featuring all the posts related to the search phrase.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
New Communities
St. James Plantation, NC: Newest member w/ golf & a marina.
Golf Course Home welcomed new member communities from North Carolina and Virginia in 2023 and will welcome additional members from South Carolina and Virginia in January 2024. See a brief description and links to the communities below.
New Communities
St. James Plantation, NC – Private, gated golf and marina community set on the North Carolina coast. Covering 6,000 acres, this family focused community offers a wide selection of prime real estate, championship golf, private beach club and full-service marina. READ MORE
Winding River Plantation, NC – A luxury, coastal golf community set in Brunswick County near Oak Island, the port town of Southport and historic Wilmington. Resort-like amenities include 27 holes of golf, oceanfront beach club with pool, tennis courts, social clubs and much more. READ MORE
Ford’s Colony, VA – Located just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, Ford’s Colony is a 3,000-acre, private, gated community featuring 54 holes of championship golf, fine dining and world-class amenities. READ MORE
Kingsmill, Williamsburg, VA – A private, gated, golf and waterfront resort community set on the James River near historic Williamsburg, VA. Covering 2,900+ acres, Kingsmill offers three championship golf courses, tennis, indoor & outdoor swimming pools, riverfront marina, tennis/pickleball/racquetball courts, spa, four restaurants and more. READ MORE
Coming January 2024
Colonial Heritage, Williamsburg, VA – A gated golf community for adults 55 and up with clubhouse, fitness center, tennis, swimming and more.
Governors Land, Williamsburg, VA – A private golf and waterfront community with Harbor & Marina Village, tennis, fitness, swimming and much more.
Riverton Pointe, SC – Is a new, master-planned community in Hardeeville, SC, featuring a Nicklaus Design golf course, pool, clubhouse, tennis, pickleball, fitness center and new construction homes.
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2023 GCH Annual Index
The Most Popular Homes
Grand Haven, FL: This month’s most viewed home.
For the third year in a row, the Editors have identified the Most Popular Golf and Water View Homes featured on Golf Course Home during the year.
Each week–Monday through Thursday–we post new homes and condominiums for sale on the GCH homepage and feature them in our e-newsletter which goes out three times a week.
Thus, each home enjoys up to 10 days in the spotlight on the homepage and in the newsletter.
See below, in order of the most number of views received, our most popular homes.
2023 GCH Annual Index
The Most Popular Homes
Dataw Island, SC: A villa with a water view is the most viewed.
1. Dataw Island, SC – Villa, 3 BR/2 BA – $425,000 – READ MORE
2. Harbour Ridge Y & CC, FL – 3 BR/2 BA – $285,000 – READ MORE
3. Sea Trail Plantation, NC – 3 BRs/2.5 BA – $575,000 – READ MORE
4. Grand Haven, FL – 3 BR/3 BA – $565,000 – READ MORE
5. Sea Trail Plantation, NC – 3 BR/2.5 BA – $415,000 – READ MORE
6. Lake Arrowhead, GA – 4 BR/2 BA – $439,900 – READ MORE
7. Harbour Ridge, FL – 3 BR/2 BA – $325,000 – READ MORE
8. Savannah Lakes Village, SC – 3 BR/2 BA – $285,000 – READ MORE
9. Woodside, SC – 3 BR/3 BA – $524,990 – READ MORE
10. Grand Haven, FL – 3 BR/2 BA – $458,500 – READ MORE
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The GCH Annual Index through the years, every edition from 2011 to 2023, click here.
Wine Dinner at Sea Pines Resort SC, Honor for Club at Ibis FL, More
in Discovery Package, Newsletter, Things To DoGCH Network e-News
Communities On the Water & the Golf Course
December 22, 2023 – December 24, 2023
TODAY’S HEADLINES
> Getaways & Stay ‘n’ Plays – Club at Ibis, FL Stay & Play
> What’s Going On At… Sea Pines, SC Hosts Wine Dinner
> Community News and Updates – Boardroom Honors Club at Ibis, FL
NEW GCH COMMUNITIES!
> Winding River Plantation, Bolivia, NC – Luxury, coastal golf community Brunswick County
> Tofttrees Golf Resort, State College, PA – Hometown of Penn State, fitness center, farm-to-table dining
HOMES FOR SALE THIS WEEK ON GCH
> Woodside, SC New Construction 3BR $524,900
> Hammock Dunes, FL Fairway View 3BR Penthouse $799,000
> Harbour Ridge, FL 3BR 1st Floor Condo $285,000
> Osprey Cove, GA Pond View 3BR $629,700
COMMUNITY NEWS
> New! Lake Arrowhead, GA Announces Fun & Full Holiday Calendar
> Monarch Butterflies at Woodside, SC
> New Highpoint Neighborhood at Woodside, SC
> Fundraising Ceremony at Colleton River, SC
> Lifelong Learning at Colleton River Club, SC
> Dog Adoption Day at Sea Pines, SC
Golf Retirement Planner
> Retire Lake Arrowhead, GA – Top 10 Reasons
> Retire Savannah: Top 10 Reasons to Retire to The Landings
> Retire to Harbour Ridge, FL – Top 10 Reasons
> Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Savannah Lakes Village, SC
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GETAWAYS and STAY ‘n’ PLAYS
Club at Quail Ridge, FL Stay & Play
The Club at Quail Ridge, FL: Stay, play as members do.
> The Club at Quail Ridge, Boynton Beach FL extends a warm invitation to Stay & Play, enjoying club activities and amenities just as members do. The complete package is $399 per couple, $299 for a single. A community tour and preview of available homes will be scheduled.
This package includes, for each person, two nights lodging in a spacious condominium, two rounds of golf, $50 in food-beverage credits and use of the Fitness and Tennis centers and swimming pool. No extra charges for gratuities and taxes. Send me more information about Quail Ridge!
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WHAT’S GOING ON AT….
Wine Dinner at Sea Pines Resort, SC
Sea Pines, SC: Hosts Wine Dinner Jan. 19.
> Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island SC has a special event upcoming as part of its winter-long Wine Dinners series. On Fri., Jan. 19 in the Heritage Room at the Harbour Town Clubhouse. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., it’s the Iron Chef Cook-Off Featuring Master Sommelier Larry O’Brien.
You can be part of it as the four talented chefs from the Sea Pines culinary staff compete in this annual competition. Help host the evening’s wine dinner festivities will be wine expert O’Brien, who will describe all the action and do his part by pairing wines with each of the chefs’ dishes. Tickets are $150 per person. Send me more information about Sea Pines!
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COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES
Boardroom Honors Club at Ibis, FL
The Club at Ibis, FL: Receives honor from Boardroom.
> The Club at Ibis, West Palm Beach FL has retained its place of honor on the Boardroom Magazine Official List of Distinguished Clubs. The current list of Distinguished Clubs, following tradition, was determined by a thorough vetting and awarding process conducted by BoardRoom magazine’s team of industry specialists, which uses a club-specific rating system that recognizes the club, its management, and its staff.
Boardroom is the official publication of the Association of Private Club Directors. Send me more information about The Club at Ibis!
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323 True Cedar Way, Aiken, SC 29804 – Woodside
in Golf Homes, Real Estate for Sale, Retirement Communities323 True Cedar Way, Aiken, SC 29804
Asking Price: $524,990 Beds/Baths: 3 BRs/3 BAs
This 2,520-sf home is a new-construction opportunity at 323 True Cedar Way in Woodside, SC.
Featuring 3BRs/3BAs, this Avery floor-plan residence is by the accomplished builder Eastwood Homes and employs sustainable construction practices, is HERS rated, and follows NAHB Green building guidelines which translate into everyday utility savings.
The home’s main level has a formal dining room and study.
The level also features an open kitchen with designer cabinetry, breakfast nook with access to the outdoor living space and great room with a gas-log fireplace.
The owner’s suite is spacious, full of natural light and private.
The second level features a bedroom and large loft space. Send me more about this home in Woodside!
KEY FEATURES: 323 True Cedar Way, SC
> More Community Information: Woodside, Aiken SC
About Woodside, SC
Woodside, SC: Private community in “South’s Best Small Town.”
Woodside is a private, masterfully crafted lifestyle community located in Aiken, South Carolina, a Southern Living Magazine’s “South’s Best Small Town.”
With a year-round mild climate and a selection of amenities and real estate options to match every taste, Woodside continues to set the standard for luxury living in the South.
This gated community is known for a seamless blend of warm sense of community with an active lifestyle. Whether it’s walking or biking, golf or racquet sports, croquet or cornhole, birds or butterflies, arts & crafts or cards, come find your passion at Woodside! Send me more about this home in Woodside!
Real Estate
Enjoy luxuries at home such as this outdoor living space.
Woodside is distinguished by a vast collection of unique neighborhoods and a variety of lifestyle options, lushly landscaped and thoughtfully planned all throughout.
Woodside’s newest neighborhood, Bristlecone, features sublime views of Woodside’s newest addition to its collection of parks and greenspaces, The Butterfly Park, with direct access to scenic walking trails. Send me more about this home in Woodside!
140 Avenue De La Mer Unit 1206, Palm Coast, FL 32137 – Hammock Dunes
in Golf Homes, Real Estate for Sale, Retirement Communities140 Avenue De La Mer Unit 1206, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Asking Price: $799,000 Beds/Baths: 3 BRs/2.5 BAs
This wonderfully private Casa Bella Penthouse at 140 Avenue De La Mer Unit 1206 is spacious and comfortable with excellent fairway views.
The top floor offers volume ceilings throughout and there are two oversized veranda areas swept by ocean breezes.
The home’s island kitchen is appointed with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry.
The bath in the owner’s suite features dual vanities, a soaker tub and a separate shower. Send me more about this home in Hammock Dunes!
KEY FEATURES: 140 Avenue De La Mer Unit 1206, FL
Relax in the private penthouse, inside or out.
> More Community Information: Hammock Dunes Club and Links Golf Course, Palm Coast FL
About Hammock Dunes, FL
The heated pool, spa & more will have you relaxing in no time.
Hammock Dunes is a private, gated oceanfront community located halfway between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, just east of the charming Florida town of Palm Coast.
Spread across 690 serene acres, this sophisticated community of 1,220 residential properties offers 2.5 miles of oceanfront and five miles of Intracoastal Waterway frontage.
Property and residence options include single-family homes, condominiums and villas. Send me more about this home in Hammock Dunes!
Golf by Jones & Fazio
The Fazio course features memorable oceanside holes.
A pair of renowned golf courses at Hammock Dunes will take your game to new levels of enjoyment and skill. The lush, tropical Links course, designed by Tom Fazio, is a seaside masterpiece with five sets of tees to accommodate any golfer.
The Rees Jones-designed Creek Course highlights spectacular marsh and creek views, plenty of wildlife, native oaks and palms, and is set on 690 acres of an undisturbed conservation area.
The Creek Course annually hosts a U.S. Open qualifier and with seven sets of tees, provides each golfer a challenge every time out. Send me more about this home in Hammock Dunes!