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Interest in master-planned golf and water view community homes from retirees and second-home buyers made a comeback in 2017. A focus  that was once mainly centered on the coast has now moved inland to include communities on lakes and other regions.

“A rising economy, healthy primary real estate markets and a booming stock market’s wealth effect all contributed to a resurgence of interest,” says David Lott, founder and publisher of the Golf Course Home Network and GolfCourseHome.com. The GCH Network features more than 100 country club communities.

“A large percentage of our visitors are people on the cusp of retiring, and this coveted demographic flocked to communities that cater to retirees while offering a variety of popular amenities,” says Lott.

“The varied amenity menu is a key to the resurgence. It’s not just about golf anymore.“

Communities Adjust to Market Forces

The Great Recession and the slowdown of golf’s growth in the past 15 years contributed to a downturn in interest in golf communities.

“But communities have adjusted to the market,” says Lott. “Now you have nature centers, yoga and pilates classes. Passion-powered interests ranging from pottery, wine and education to hiking, kayaking, sailing and fishing have inspired communities to branch out and develop opportunities for passions to be followed.

“In some extreme instances, golf courses have been ripped out to make way for these interests. Family centered activities are big as well with the creation of village hubs and outdoor performance centers where families can gather, engage and be entertained. Family and generational interaction has become integral to community life and a key element for success.”

A Whole-Family Event: The Komen Run for the Cure on Daniel Island.

Traffic and Inquiries Surge

The result of this renewed interest was a surge in visitor traffic and sales inquiries for Golf Course Home’s Featured Communities.

Visitor traffic to GolfCourseHome.com jumped more than 20 percent in 2017 which sparked a significant surge in inquiries which were up 43 percent over 2016. That trend has continued in 2018.

Most Popular Amenities for Retirees & Buyers

Retirement communities were the most popular type of community. Amenities at the top of visitor must-have lists were marinas, 24-hour security and lake access, in that order.

Oceanfront and island communities were another important must-have.

Community of the Year

The 2017 Golf Course Home Community of the Year, Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club in Palm City, FL, fulfilled nearly all of these needs, earning it top community honors for the third year in a row.

Harbour Ridge features a marina on the St. Lucie River, giving boaters easy access to the Atlantic. The community also offers two championship golf courses, tennis, fitness, swimming, and a deluxe clubhouse, enabling it to hit nearly every checkbox for buyers looking for their ideal community.

GolfCourseHome.com and WaterViewHome.net are the core websites of the Golf Course Home® Network which features more than 100 master-planned golf and water view club communities in the U.S. and Mexico.

To request information about advertising on the Golf Course Home® Network, contact David Lott, Founder and Publisher,  at 203-270-9357.

Press Release, Published January 31, 2018, Marketwired