While many people aspire to live in a golf community, they're not always sure how to find the right community for them. Relying on the recommendations of friends isn't always the best way to find a place that's right for you, so how do you find your ideal private community? Here are five things to think about as you begin your search.
LOCATION
The old adage about real estate holds true: it is all about location. If there's an area you gravitate toward because you always wanted to live there, or if you'd like to stay close to the grandchildren, you'll be able to narrow down your location pretty quickly.
If you're still not sure where to search for a golf community, think about weather, amenities, and setting. Many people often want to stay somewhere where it's warm year round, so places like Hilton Head or Florida rise to the top of the list, but golf communities are everywhere. If you'd like to stay near a city for the cultural events, you can find communities adjacent to urban areas.
If you enjoy hiking in the mountains, walking the beach, or fly fishing the big rivers, you'll be able to find golf course communities in your preferred setting.
BUDGET
Budget should be one of the first things you consider. Otherwise, you risk falling in love with a gated community you can't afford. Consider working with a financial professional to better understand your budget for buying into a golf community. Then, when you're checking out communities, ask about fees or dues you'll be accountable for on top of the home price.
At Long Cove Club, it's easy to explore our membership fees and amenities, so there are no surprises when you join our community.
If any community does make it difficult for you to gauge the price of membership, it's a red flag.
AMMENTIES
Golf is the prime motivation for some people interested in golf communities, while others favor tennis or swimming over the links.
Consider what activities you want to do and your ideal preference in terms of scheduling. Do you like to play with your spouse or do you want to find a weekly game with the ladies or men’s group. Take the time to dive in and see what each club offers in terms of weekly groups, handicap varieties, etc. so you can take full advantage of the golf membership.
If it's more important that the community have a big pool for your grandchildren, or that there's a marina where you can store your boat, then golf becomes secondary and you can screen communities based on water amenities.
We've got a broad list of amenities, including a golf course designed by Pete Dye, a Sports Center featuring Tennis, Pickleball and Bocce Ball, a basketball court, junior Olympic size pool, a clubhouse, a deep water marina, and a dog park.
SOCIALIZATION
When your friends live all around you, you're able to create a rich life that truly makes the most of your retirement. No wonder socialization is so important as you consider which golf community best meets your needs.
Since many people make friends by taking part in a shared activity, make sure there are recreational activities you enjoy offered within the community. If you enjoy gardening, for instance, a golf community that offers garden plots or a gardening club could be a great fit.
When you're narrowing down your options to a handful of private communities, see whether you can speak with residents about what they like best. Not only can this help you feel more welcome if you do decide to move in, it'll give you a sense for whether the residents are people you enjoy.
This is one of the most important things to think about when selecting a golf community, yet it's often an afterthought.
RULES
Every community has its own set of rules. It's smart to understand the rules beforehand, so if there are any deal breakers–for instance, if pets aren't allowed–you know to look elsewhere.
Now that you understand how to find the right golf community, explore whether Long Cove Club is right for you. Take our virtual tour today, or call to inquire about joining our community.