“One word says it all: convenience! Now the next question: how much do you want to pay for it? Do you want to have all the restrictions that may or may not be an advantage to you? Do you want to live in the boondocks where going to grocery store means packing a lunch to get there, or may just be as simple as jumping over you back fence? You decide. Sometime ‘convenience’ can also be known as ‘restricted.’ I personally would like to live as close as I possible could to all golf courses and play as often as possible. So meanwhile I will continue to live in Mandarin in a condo that has several restrictions with nearby golf courses everywhere.”
— Todd Arnold, Kent and Associates Realty Services
“One of the best things about living in a golf community is you don’t have to drive far to play. Another is that you can control who plays on the course. One negative is the high cost of being a member.”
— Randy Beck,
Compass Bank
“I have lived in Marsh Landing since before there was a golf course here. The convenience of the club is undeniable, but as a non-golfer, what I appreciate most is the openness it creates in the community. Instead of house after house, you have a few houses, then a golf hole or two, then more houses. You get the idea.”
— Clare Berry,
Berry & Co. Real Estate
“Many home buyers purchase in a golf course community because of the amenities. Activities for children of all ages, golf for mom and dad, a neighborhood likely to have other families with similar interests are only a few of the reasons why people buy in golf club communities. The minuses are the cost of the homes and additional club fees.”
— Julie Humphress, D.R.Horton
“My husband and I live at Jacksonville Golf and Country Club and find there are many pluses. One is that it provides quick access to a golf course that is always in impeccable condition. For people who have moved here from other parts of the country, it is a great way to make friends through the various activities and sporting events. Jacksonville Golf is an equity club and as residents we have a say in how the club is run through a board of governors that is elected by the members. Club dining is convenient and is another way to interact with your neighbors. Children also have access to so many activities right on the property. Gated entry is a plus, too. A minus could be that country club living can be expensive with club dues and gate fees. My Coldwell Banker office is located on the Jacksonville Golf and Country Club property and I love to show buyers my community because it is so special.”
— Pat Braden, Coldwell Banker Walter Williams
“In my opinion, the pluses are that there is more of a sense of community, there is always activity going on within the community. The homes usually hold their value a lot better than in communities without any sort of deed restrictions. Most of the homes have a picturesque view of the course. And, if you are an avid golfer, having a course ‘in your backyard’ is a nice thing to have. The minuses include deed restrictions. Usually you have to be a member of the club, separate from your community dues, which usually go to keep up the image of a golf course community. There are always people driving through your community checking out the course or in your backyard looking for their ball. I guess you could say that each issue has a positive side and a negative side, it just depends on the buyers opinion of that sort of community.”
— Jason Hoffman, Coldwell Banker Palazzo Realty, Inc.
“Living in a golf course community usually means a resort lifestyle that’s not just for golfers. I am currently selling in World Golf Village and was surprised to find that golf wasn’t the main attraction. It was really much more than that. Only 40 percent of my buyers have ever even played golf. It’s the lifestyle they’re looking for. I have heard buyers say such things as ‘I don’t play golf, but when I come home from work I want to think I’m on vacation!’ or ‘I don’t play golf, I may try to learn, but I just want to live in a nice community.’ In my opinion, living in a golf course community offers all plusses!”
— Karen Palmer, Prudential Network Realty The Legends
at Saint Johns
“A great deal of our business takes place within golf course communities, therefore, we like to believe that there are far more advantages than disadvantages to living within a golf course community. These communities generally offer controlled access, as well as tight control with regard to covenants and restrictions. This translates into well manicured common areas and individual properties, as well. Property values have historically benefited from this type of overall quality control.
Newer golf course communities typically offer reduced membership fees to individuals buying homes. This is a great opportunity for people able to get in on the ground floor. The only real ‘con’ we have encountered is any community where the purchase of a membership is mandatory upon resale... Depending on the cost of this membership, this requirement can become a deal breaker.”
— Sue Ann Ogden,
Suncastle Properties, Inc.