Finding the perfect retirement community can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when you want to stay close to your favorite pastime. Golf enthusiasts who are ready to hang up their work boots but not their golf clubs have some fantastic options across the country.
Here is a list of 18 retirement communities that put you just steps away from pristine fairways and well-maintained greens.
The Villages, Florida
This massive retirement community spans three counties and features more than 50 golf courses within its boundaries. The Villages operate like a small city with over 130,000 residents, complete with shopping centers, restaurants, and endless activities.
You can golf-cart from your front door to the first tee in most neighborhoods.
Sun City, Arizona
Arizona’s pioneer retirement community sits on 9,600 acres of desert landscape with seven championship golf courses. The weather here means you can play virtually year-round, with over 300 days of sunshine annually.
Sun City has been perfecting the active adult lifestyle since 1960, making it one of the most established communities of its kind.
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PebbleCreek, Arizona
Located about 45 minutes northwest of Phoenix, PebbleCreek offers two 18-hole championship courses designed by renowned architects. The community maintains a more intimate feel with around 5,000 homes compared to larger developments.
The Sonoran Desert setting provides dramatic backdrops for your morning round.
Del Webb Las Vegas, Nevada
This master-planned community in Summerlin features the TPC Las Vegas golf course right next door. The desert landscape creates unique playing conditions with elevated tees and stunning mountain views.
Las Vegas also means world-class entertainment and dining are just a short drive away.
Trilogy at Vistancia, Arizona
Situated in Peoria, this community boasts a championship golf course designed by Gary Panks. The course winds through dramatic elevation changes and desert washes that challenge players of all skill levels.
Trilogy communities are known for their resort-style amenities and club atmosphere.
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Robson Ranch, Texas
Located in Denton, about 45 minutes north of Dallas, Robson Ranch features two distinct 18-hole courses. The community emphasizes an active lifestyle with a massive clubhouse and fitness center.
Texas weather allows for golf most of the year, with just occasional winter breaks.
Four Seasons at Hendersonville, North Carolina
This mountain community offers a private 18-hole course with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views. The elevation here means cooler summers and mild winters, perfect for year-round outdoor activities.
The course design capitalizes on the natural terrain, featuring rolling hills and mature trees that add both beauty and challenge.
Heritage Shores, Delaware
Situated along the Nanticoke River, this community features an Arthur Hills-designed championship course. Delaware’s location provides easy access to major East Coast cities while maintaining a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
The course incorporates water features and wetlands that create both beauty and challenge.
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Solivita, Florida
Located in Kissimmee, Solivita offers two distinct golf experiences with its two 18-hole courses. The community sits just 20 miles from Disney World, making it perfect for entertaining visiting grandchildren.
Florida’s year-round golf season means you’ll never have to put your clubs in storage.
Anthem, Arizona
Located north of Phoenix, Anthem features the Anthem Country Club with its championship course. The community sits at a higher elevation than Phoenix, providing slightly cooler temperatures and stunning desert mountain views.
The course challenges players with strategic water features and desert landscaping.
Trilogy at Monarch Dunes, California
This Central Coast community in Nipomo offers ocean breezes and year-round mild weather for golf. The championship course provides views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains.
California’s coastal climate means you’ll rarely face extreme weather conditions that could cancel your tee time.
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Estrella, Arizona
Located in Goodyear, Estrella features two championship golf courses with different personalities and challenges. The community emphasizes outdoor living with extensive trail systems and mountain access.
The desert courses offer wide fairways perfect for players looking to improve their game without penalty-heavy layouts.
Active Adult at Brambleton, Virginia
This Washington D.C. area community provides easy access to the nation’s capital while maintaining a suburban feel. The golf course weaves through the planned community with holes that challenge without overwhelming recreational players.
Virginia’s four seasons provide variety in playing conditions throughout the year.
Cresswind Charlotte, North Carolina
This community offers golf course living with a championship course that winds through the neighborhood. North Carolina’s mild climate allows for comfortable golf much of the year, with beautiful fall foliage as a bonus.
The course design emphasizes playability while still providing a challenge for accomplished players.
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Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach, Florida
This Jimmy Buffett-inspired community places you within easy reach of several Daytona Beach-area golf courses, combining laid-back living with plenty of nearby fairways.
Florida’s flat terrain creates courses that are walkable and enjoyable for all fitness levels.
SaddleBrooke, Arizona
Located north of Tucson, this community offers two championship courses with dramatic Sonoran Desert scenery. The elevation provides slightly cooler temperatures than those of lower desert communities, while maintaining year-round playability.
Both courses challenge players with strategic design rather than punishing difficulty.
Quail Creek, Arizona
Situated in Green Valley south of Tucson, Quail Creek features two distinct golf courses with mountain and desert views. The community has been operating since 1978, creating a mature atmosphere with established landscaping and amenities.
Arizona’s winter weather attracts seasonal residents who escape harsh northern climates.
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Tradition Golf Club, North Carolina
Located in Charlotte, this community is built around a championship golf course and offers convenience to a major metropolitan area. The course design capitalizes on Carolina’s natural terrain, featuring mature trees and gentle elevation changes.
North Carolina’s mild climate extends the golf season compared to northern locations while avoiding extreme southern heat.
From Country Clubs to Communities
The concept of retirement communities centered around golf courses has evolved dramatically since the first developments appeared in the 1960s. What started as simple housing near existing courses has transformed into comprehensive lifestyle destinations that build entire communities around the game.
Today’s golf-focused retirement communities offer everything from beginner-friendly courses to championship-level challenges, ensuring that your golden years can be spent perfecting your swing. These communities prove that retirement doesn’t mean slowing down—it means having more time to pursue what you love most.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a daily player, there’s a community out there where the 19th hole becomes your new neighborhood gathering spot.
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