How to find the perfect USA golf course home for your family
Today’s golf course homes are more than just a home with a view. They are an active and connected community, with membership perks that include access to golf courses and other amenities as part of the homeowners association (HOA). These types of communities have existed for years in other parts of the country, but have only recently taken hold as a housing trend in the Southeastern United States. Perhaps you know someone who lives near a golf course or another type of natural setting and thinks “that would be nice to live beside…” You may also be considering downsizing, moving closer to family or preparing for retirement. A USA golf course home might be the right choice for your family at this stage in life.
What to look for in a USA golf course home
Before starting your search for a golf course home, make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. You’ll want to decide on the type of property, features like a fireplace or deck and the general location of the home. For example, you might be looking for a condo or townhome instead of a single-family home because it’s easier to maintain when you’re not living alone. You may want to make sure the property is in a gated community for added security. You’ll also want to consider the cost of living in the area compared to other nearby cities or towns. Be sure to also look at the school system in the area, including test scores and graduation rates. Another thing to consider is whether the nearby golf course(s) offer membership to homeowners. That could give you and your family more access to the amenities and offer a lot of value to the home. Depending on the course, you may even be able to play rounds on the weekends.
The benefits of living beside a golf course
Before diving into the cons, take a moment to appreciate the many benefits of living near a golf course. First and foremost, you’ll have access to the golf course and its amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts and more. The golf course often has a clubhouse, too, with a restaurant, lounge and even a fitness center. If you choose to become a member, you’ll gain access to these areas and more benefits that may include reduced golfing green fees, season passes to area attractions, travel opportunities and more. Beyond enjoying the golf course, you’ll also have easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, biking and more. And if you’re a nature lover, you’ll have your backyard. Many golf course communities are adjacent to natural areas and parks, like lakes, wildlife refuges, forests and more. You’re also likely to experience less noise and fewer interruptions than if you lived in a city.
Golf course home amenities
Depending on the golf course community where you choose to live, you may have access to many different amenities. Some examples include fitness classes, kids clubs, swimming pools, tennis courts, hiking trails, playgrounds, golf courses and more. Whether you choose to live in a single-family home or a condo, you’ll likely have access to the golf course’s amenities. Even if you don’t live adjacent to the golf course, you may still be able to take advantage of these benefits. Some amenities, like access to the golf course, might come with a membership fee, while others might be included in the HOA fee. The HOA fee may include landscaping, water, maintenance and other expenses related to the upkeep of the community.
Pros and cons of living by a golf course
Like any place, there are pros and cons to living near a golf course. There are also specific advantages and disadvantages to living in a golf course community. We’ve listed some of the most common below. – Golf course communities are accessible: You and your family are likely to get around via car, public transportation or walking. And you’ll most likely be close to shopping, medical offices, restaurants and more. – Golf course communities can be affordable: You may be able to get into a golf course community for less than a home in a city or town. – Golf course communities can be close to natural areas: You may be near lakes, rivers, forests, wildlife refuges and other natural areas. You’ll likely have easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and biking. You may also have a backyard filled with nature. – Golf course communities may have affordable home maintenance: While you’ll likely have to pay an HOA fee, it may be less than what you’d spend on a lawn in a single-family home. – Golf course communities may have more noise and interruptions: Although you’ll likely have less traffic noise, you may have more noise from the golf course itself and nearby neighbors may be more active.
Before you buy: Check your HOA by-laws
If you’re ready to start looking at golf course homes, you’ll first want to check the HOA by-laws to make sure they’re right for you. Some things you’ll want to check for include: – What types of homes can be built in the community. – Whether there are any specific architectural guidelines you must follow when building or renovating your home. – Whether there are any covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) that must be followed. – How much the HOA fee is and what it covers. – Whether there is an HOA homeowners association and how to join. – Whether there are any special assessments in the community and how often they occur. – Whether you can rent out your home and if there are any restrictions. – Whether pets are allowed and what type of pets.
Tips for finding the right golf course home
There are many ways to find the right golf course home. You can start by going online to real estate websites and searching golf course communities in your area. You can also look into golf courses in your area and see if they have golf course communities. Depending on your situation, you may want to consider buying a home that’s already in a golf course community. Alternatively, you may want to build a new home on a golf course lot. Whatever you choose, make sure you get a mortgage pre-approval before you start your search.
Conclusion
The Southeastern United States is growing quickly, and with that growth comes the need for new housing options. Traditionally, coastal cities like New Orleans, Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL were hubs for retirees, but now inland cities are seeing this growth too. USA golf course communities are popping up in many of these cities, offering new housing options. Golf course communities offer more than just a view. They provide easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, biking and more. They also offer easy access to shops, restaurants and more. And they offer easy maintenance with less noise and fewer interruptions. If you’re ready to buy a home, consider a golf course community. They offer many benefits and amenities that will make your life easier. You’ll likely have access to a golf course and its amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts and more.
