~ 2021 GCH Annual Index ~
Year-End Double Issue
> The Most-Visited Communities – Where Buyers Want to Live
> The 2021 GCH Community of the Year
> 2021’s Most-Wanted Amenities – The Top 10
> The Most Popular Community Types, Lifestyle
> 2021 Top Search Categories
> The Most Search-For States
> The Retirement Planner
> New Communities to GCH in 2021
> The Most Popular Homes of 2021
Happy New Year! Welcome to the 2021 GCH Annual Index–an in-depth look at all the year’s activity on the Golf Course Home Network.
This year’s Index is the 10th consecutive edition, featuring the year’s new communities, most-visited communities, retirement advice, top amenities, most popular homes (new!) and more.
And it has been an active year, indeed. Despite the tragic, successive waves of Covid, interest in golf and golf real estate continued to soar in 2021.
Golf Grows Again
The Club at Ibis, FL: New range helps fuel new & improved players.
The National Golf Foundation reported that 36.9 million Americans (age 6+) played golf both on-course and off-course in 2020, and the stats for 2021 indicate that number grew further in 2021.
That rising participation in the sport translated to yet another year of increased traffic to Golf Course Home, and the fourth year out of the last five that inquiries registered a double-digit jump.
New Communities & Retirement Focus
Trilogy, AZ: New to GCH and popular with visitors.
New communities came to the GCH Network as well, with properties in Arizona, Florida, North and South Carolina and Virginia joining for a total of eight new locations to consider for your retirement, vacation or primary home.
In particular, interest in golf communities for retirement spiked in 2021 as more Americans are weighing early retirement in the face of the relentless pandemic. See below for links to new entries in our Golf Retirement Planner, as well as links and summaries of the year’s activity.
And finally, thank you, our subscribers and visitors, for continuing to make Golf Course Home–now entering its 27th year–a part of your journey as you embark on your plans for a new home for you and your family. It is our privilege to serve you. Stay safe and healthy in 2022!–David Lott, Founder and Publisher
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2021 GCH Annual Index
The Year’s Most-Visited Communities
Hammock Dunes, FL: Seaside golf & oceanfront living.
The fight for the title of Most Visited Community on Golf Course Home encompassed more entries in 2021, but favorites clearly emerged as only six communities were able to claim the No. 1 spot on any one month during the year.
In all, 30 different communities enjoyed at least one month ranked in the Top 10 Most Visited, up from 25 the year before. And seven of the top tenners were new to the list, marking a major reshuffling.
Florida the Top State
Florida continued to rule the roost as the top 4 communities were all from the Sunshine State and a total of seven were in the Top 10.
Martha’s Vineyard communities commanded the summer months as The Field Club/Boathouse was the No. 1 community in July and August.
A New No. 1
And overall, a new No. 1 emerged as The Club at Quail Ridge, Boynton Beach, FL, claimed the No. 1 position in five different months and was in the Top 10 every month of the year.
Quail Ridge displaces perennial champ Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Palm City, FL, which finished the year as the third Most Visited community.
Other communities that claimed a monthly first-place ranking were Desert Mountain, AZ, The Concession, FL, Heritage Shores, DE, and Savannah Lakes Village, SC. See the ranking list below.
Top 10 Most-Visited Communities
1. The Club at Quail Ridge, Boynton Beach, FL – Up from No. 5
2. Lakewood National, Bradenton, FL
3. Harbour Ridge Yacht & CC, Stuart, FL
4. Hammock Dunes, Palm Coast, FL
5. Sun City Riverbend, Bluffton, SC
6. Lake Arrowhead, Waleska, GA
7. Grand Haven, Palm Coast, FL
8. The Field Club/Boathouse, MA
8. Sailfish Point, Stuart, FL
10. Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, DE
10. Piper’s Landing, Palm City, FL
Honorable Mention: Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA, and Trilogy, Rio Verde, AZ
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2021 COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
Quail Ridge, FL: Excellent golf, affordable homes = No. 1.
The Club at Quail Ridge, Boynton Beach, FL, a regular member of the Top 10 over the years, made the ultimate leap in 2021 from its prior position at No. 5 to No. 1.
A private golf and country club community set on 600 acres in Palm Beach County, FL, Quail Ridge is a member-owned community that offers an active lifestyle with close proximity to the culture and amenities of the Palm Beaches.
Its diverse offerings of real estate–from townhomes, condos and villas to single-family homes–create a wide range of pricing to allow it to appeal to a wide audience of potential members.
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2021’s Most Wanted AMENITIES
Hampton Hall, SC: Large swimming pools were a priority.
The Covid pandemic continued to influence social behavior in 2021. As waves of the disease receded, indoor activities, such as those pursued in fitness centers, became more prevelant again.
However, outdoor activities such as swimming, walking, boating, picklelball, and, of course, golf, regained importance as the waves ascended once more.
Thus, the GCH Annual Index shows that outdoor activities were high on the list of must-have amenities. Security was top of mind, too, with community gates and 24-hour security ranking seventh and second, respectively.
No. 1 again was the desire for a retirement community and the warm welcome that friendly neighbors provide. But as seen in years past, this is not your parents’ retirement. It is one full of activity and vigor for as long as possible. See the full Top 10 list below.
2021 GCH ANNUAL INDEX Top 10 Amenities
Ford’s Colony, VA: Elegant mix of modern & classic lifestyle.
Links go to a list featuring all communities with the stated amenity.
- Retirement Communities
- 24-Hour Security
- Olympic Pool – Up from #12
- Walking trails
- Fitness Center – New
- Boating
- Gated Communities
- Marina
- Lake
- Children’s Camps & Activities – New
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2021 Top 5 Lifestyle Locations
Dataw Island, SC: The boating life was popular in 2021.
Waterfront communities, and especially oceanfront, was again the dominant requirement for a community. Whether it was lake, river, waterway or ocean, water views were in high demand.
Thus, communities such as Dataw Island, SC (photo above), Savannah Lakes Village, SC and Sailfish Point, FL, received plenty of views.
Maintaining for another year the No. 2 position achieved in 2020, were military communities such as Indian River Colony Club, Melbourne-Viera, FL, which welcomes both military and non-military alike.
2021 Top 5 Location/Lifestyle
Links go to a list of all communities featuring the stated lifestyle
- Oceanfront Communities
- Military Retirement Communities
- Lake Communities
- Mountain Communities
- Island Communities
- Desert Communities
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2021 The Most Searched-for States
Harbour Ridge, FL: Neatly combines the golf & waterfront lifestyle.
Florida continues to be the No. 1 state for Golf Course Home visitors with Arizona and Texas following up in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions for the second year in a row.
Staying high in the mix was Massachusetts, powered by communities located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard.
- Florida
- Arizona
- Texas
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- Georgia
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
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The Retirement Planner
Savannah Lakes Village, SC: Ideal for an active retirement.
The Retirement Planner added a number of guides in 2021 to its list of articles and posts that answer questions about retirement communities and their locale. See a sampling of the new additions, below.
Go to Retirement Planner for the full list of articles. And look for more to come in 2022.
> Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Savannah Lakes Village SC
> 5 Big Reasons Retire to Woodside, Aiken, SC
> Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Indian River CC, FL
> Retire Savannah: Top 10 Reasons to Retire to The Landings, GA
> Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Delaware (& Heritage Shores)
> Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Treasure Lake PA
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2021 GCH Annual Index
Top Search Categories
Summit Rock, TX: Texas Hill Country offers plenty to do.
Here are some of 2021’s most-searched-for categories featuring all the posts related to the search phrase.
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2021 GCH Annual Index
New Communities
Eight communities joined Golf Course Home in 2021, representing Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. See a brief description and links to the communities below.
ARIZONA
TRILOGY
Trilogy, AZ: The active desert lifestyle.
> Trilogy at Verde River is a prestigious, gated, 55+ and all ages community located just east of North Scottsdale Arizona. A resort community, it offers a spectacular golf course with stunning views of the Tonto National Forest and the iconic Four Peaks. Send me more information about Trilogy at Verde River!
FLORIDA
Hammock Beach, FL: Oceanfront living & great golf.
> Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Palm Coast, FL, is an award-winning golf and oceanfront community located along a sparkling, two-mile stretch of Florida’s famed Palm Coast. Set against the Intercoastal Waterway, it offers two renowned golf courses, world-class amenities and 11 distinct neighborhoods from which to enjoy it all. Send me more information about Hammock Beach!
HAMMOCK DUNES CLUB & LINKS GOLF COURSE
> Hammock Dunes Club & Links Golf Course, Palm Coast, FL is a private, gated oceanfront community located halfway between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, just east of the charming Florida town of Palm Coast. Send me more information about Hammock Dunes!
LAKEWOOD NATIONAL
> Lakewood National, Bradenton, FL, is an exciting, new, gated, bundled golf community being created by Lennar Homes in Brandenton, FL. Key features include Tuscan themed architecture, lakes, lush Florida landscaping and a new golf course by Arnold Palmer Design. Send me more information about Lakewood National!
NORTH CAROLINA
Sea Trail, NC: 20+ years of family fun and activities.
SEA TRAIL
> Sea Trail, Sunset Beach, NC, is ideally located along the pristine coast of Sunset Beach, NC. Long acclaimed for its four seasons of family fun activity, it offers 54 holes of golf, easy beach access and resort amenities. Send me more information about Sea Trail!
OCEAN RIDGE PLANTATION
> Ocean Ridge Plantation, Ocean Isle Beach, NC is universally praised for its elegant country club lifestyle, four golf courses and traditional neighborhoods. It features lush landscapes, woodlands, lakes and miles of scenic trails–all washed by the fresh breezes from the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway. Send me more information about Ocean Ridge Plantation!
SOUTH CAROLINA
Savannah Lakes Village: Endless activities on Lake Thurmond.
SAVANNAH LAKES VILLAGE
> Savannah Lakes Villag, McCormick, SC is a member-owned lakefront sporting community, beautifully situated along 25 miles of shoreline in the Upstate of western South Carolina. Amenities include 36 holes of golf, two clubhouses, an amenity-rich recreation center and easy access to 71,000-acre Lake Thurmond. Send me more information about Savannah Lakes Village!
VIRGINIA
KINGSMILL ON THE JAMES
> Kingsmill on the James, is set on 2,900 acres near historic Williamsburg, VA on the banks of the scenic James River. A gated resort and residential community, it offers a variety of neighborhoods and three golf courses, plus top-drawer amenities that include a marina, spa, sports club and more. Send me more information about Kingsmill!
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The Most Popular Homes of 2021
Reynolds Lake Oconee: Charming cottage on the golf course.
New this year is identifying the Most Popular Golf and Water View Homes featured during the year on Golf Course Home.
Each week–Monday through Thursday–we post new homes for sale on the GCH homepage and feature them in our e-newsletter which goes out three times a week.
Thus, each home enjoys up to 10 days in the spotlight on the homepage and in the newsletter.
A charming cottage overlooking the No. 12 hole of The Landing golf course at Reynolds Lake Oconee, however, was the surprise of the year. It held the top spot for two consecutive months–July and August–far surpassing the more than 200 homes showcased throughout 2021.
See below, in order of the most number of views received, our most popular homes.
The Most Popular Homes
1. 1051 Starboard Dr., Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA
2. 13 Sandpiper Court, Grand Haven, FL
3. 2237 Seagrass Dr., Harbour Ridge FL
4. 11 Warington Place, Hampton Hall, SC
5. 1506 Gleasons Landing Ct., Dataw Island, SC
6. 12352 Harbour Rridge Blvd., Harbour Ridge, FL
7. 29 Claremont Ave., Hampton Hall, SC
8. 754 Island Circle, Dataw Island, SC
9. 13 Harborside Lane, Unit 7170, Palmetto Dunes, SC
10. 160 Crooked Gulley Circle, Sea Trail, NC
11. 10375 Osprey Tr., The Club at Ibis, FL
2021 GCH Annual Index
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The GCH Annual Index through the years, every edition from 2011 to 2021, click here.
5 Hidden Lake Way, Palm Coast, FL 32137 – Grand Haven
in Lakeview homes, Water View HomesAddress: 5 Hidden Lake Way, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Asking Price: $599,965 Beds/Baths: 4 BRs / 2 BAs
This lake view home at 5 Hidden Lake Way in Grand Haven’s desirable southern end offers 2,059 sf of stylish and comfortable living space. Enjoy lake views right from the lanai, easily accessible through sliding glass doors.
Freshly painted inside and out, the home also offers other improvements and updates. These include a new roof, newer water heater, underground utilities and epoxied garage floors. Send me more about this lake view Grand Haven home!
FEATURES: 5 Hidden Lake Way, FL
The one level home offers lake views and more.
> More Community Information: Grand Haven, Palm Coast FL
About Grand Haven, FL
Grand Haven offers easy access to the Intracoastal.
Featuring 1,400 acres of property and 19 villages within its master plan, the community is known for having one of the most breathtaking settings on the Intracoastal Waterway.
A seamless blend of intertwining neighborhoods, natural preserves and inspiring golf vistas make it so.
Natural assets include 4,000 acres of conservation land in two adjacent Flagler County parks. The Atlantic Ocean beaches are just minutes away. Send me more about this lake view Grand Haven home!
The Club at Grand Haven
The Club at Grand Haven is a central focus. Here residents, members and their families can relax, meet new people, enjoy excellent recreational facilities and participate in a variety of programs and activities.
There is also a challenging Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course that is designed around the area’s lush natural wetlands. Three of its holes are set along the Intracoastal Waterway. Send me more about this lake view Grand Haven home!
337 Ridgewood Drive, Waleska, GA 30183 – Lake Arrowhead
in Water View Communities, Water View Homes337 Ridgewood Drive, Waleska, GA 30183
Asking Price: $349,900 Beds/Baths: 2 BRs/2 BAs
This 1,263-sf home at 337 Ridgewood Drive is set in the lakefront community of Lake Arrowhead in Waleska, GA.
This lakeside community features a crystal-clear 540-acre and a range of amenities.
The home is low-maintenance and set on a spacious lot on a quiet road.
The open floor plan features an island kitchen, cathedral ceiling and more. Send me more about this low maintenance home in Lake Arrowhead!
KEY FEATURES: 337 Ridgewood Drive, GA
The home offers an open floor plan, attached garage and more.
> More Community Information: Lake Arrowhead, Waleska, GA
About Lake Arrowhead, GA
Enjoying the water is a way of life here.
The focal point of this lakeside community is a crystal-clear 540-acre lake surrounded by mountains, pristine wilderness and trails.
The community’s array of first-class amenities includes Lake Arrowhead Yacht & Country Club, with its classic 18-hole golf course and extensive boating facilities. Send me more about this low maintenance home in Lake Arrowhead!
Lake Arrowhead Real Estate
Open floor plans feature gourmet kitchens.
Lake Arrowhead offers an array of choices in new home design and features three award-winning builders, Majestic Lifestyle Builders, Rezide Properties, and DR Horton.
The community showcase homes are move-in ready, with closing costs available to qualifying buyers who work with the community Preferred Lenders.
Two professionally furnished model homes, and Information Center located across from the Lake are open daily–Monday through Saturday, 10 to 5, and Sunday from noon to 5, or by appointment.
Johnson Development who has more top-selling communities than any developer in America is at the helm of Lake Arrowhead, with their award-winning Atlanta-based home building company, Majestic Lifestyle Builders. Send me more about this low maintenance home in Lake Arrowhead!
202 Clearwater Lane, McCormick, SC 29835 – Savannah Lakes Village
in Retirement Living, Water View Communities, Water View Homes202 Clearwater Lane, McCormick, SC 29835
Asking Price: $312,900 Beds/Baths: 2 BRs/2 BAs
This new-construction, cottage-style home is located at 202 Clearwater Lane in the lakefront community of Savannah Lakes Village in McCormick, SC.
The new home occupies a wooded, quarter-acre lot and offers 1,459 sf of living space.
A no-step entry and single-level floor plan makes for easy living.
Ten-foot ceilings and a covered screen porch give a spacious feel to the home. Send me more about this new construction cottage in Savannah Lakes Village!
KEY FEATURES: 202 Clearwater Lane, SC
This cottage home is set on one level for convenient living.
About Savannah Lakes Village, SC
Lake Thurmond offers countless water activities.
Savannah Lakes Village is a member-owned lakefront sporting community, beautifully situated along 25 miles of shoreline in the Upstate of western South Carolina.
Its outstanding attributes include two 18-hole golf courses, two clubhouses and golf shops, an amenity-rich recreation center and easy access to 71,000-acre Lake Thurmond. Send me more about this new construction cottage in Savannah Lakes Village!
Property Owners Are Members
Lake Thurmond is your playground.
This 4,000-acre property, called home by some 2,400 residents, enjoys unusual degrees of protection from development. The 1,200-mile forested shoreline of Lake Thurmond has only 150 miles that are zoned for development—Savannah Lakes Village occupies 25 of them.
Attractions such as its world-class kayaking and fishing, plus its 100 miles of hiking and biking trails will be enjoyed in their natural environment into perpetuity.
A special bonus for property owners in Savannah Lakes Village is that Golf Membership is included, as are all other amenities. Send me more about this new construction cottage in Savannah Lakes Village!
79 Off Shore Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 – Palmetto Dunes
in Retirement Communities, Vacation Resort Communities, Water View Communities, Water View Homes79 Off Shore Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Asking Price: $699,000 3 BRs/3 BAs 2,089-sf
This remodeled, 2,089-sf home at 79 Off Shore Drive is a contemporary design located across the street from the No. 4 tee of Palmetto Dunes’ Oceanfront Course.
From its sunlit Carolina Room there’s a view of the community’s 11-mile lagoon system.
The great room has a fireplace, a shiplap accent wall, tray ceiling and wood beams.
Upgrades include a newly rebuilt private dock, new roof, new paint and flooring, plus a new HVAC system. Send me more about this remodeled contemporary in Palmetto Dunes!
KEY FEATURES: 79 Off Shore Drive, SC
An open floor plan makes for a relaxed lifestyle
> More Community Information: Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head Island, SC
About Palmetto Dunes, SC
Spread out over three miles of beach at Palmetto Dunes.
Palmetto Dunes is located along three miles of pristine white sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, it is a combination residential community and world-class vacation resort.
Set within the common areas of Palmetto Dunes are the Marriott and Hilton hotels, villas, shops, restaurants, and golf and tennis facilities. Within the private areas of Palmetto Dunes are the larger homes and additional facilities. Homesites within the community include oceanfront homes, wooded view, golf view, and lagoon view properties. Send me more about this remodeled contemporary in Palmetto Dunes!
Three Top Courses
It’s a short hop from the golf courses to the beach.
Three world-class golf courses showcase the natural beauty throughout the community and provide challenging golf for all levels of play.
The renowned Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course’s par-5 No. 10 hole has a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island.
The Arthur Hills Course is not only picturesque, but challenging. The George Fazio Course was named for its famous designer but built with the help of his nephew, the highly regarded golf architect, Tom Fazio. Send me more about this remodeled contemporary in Palmetto Dunes!
200 Ocean Crest Drive Unit 931, Palm Coast, FL 32137 – Hammock Beach
in Oceanfront homes, Retirement Communities, Retirement Living, Water View Homes200 Ocean Crest Drive Unit 931, Palm Coast, FL
Asking Price: $399,000 Beds/Baths: 1 BR/1 BA
Take in panoramic Atlantic Ocean views from this renovated, ninth-floor condominium at 200 Ocean Crest Drive Unit 931 in Hammock Beach, Palm Coast, FL.
It features a covered balcony, is decorated in classic blue and cream colors and provides access to an expansive pool complex.
Other features include a king bed, sofa sitting area, walk-in shower and granite countertops in the kitchen and bath.
A special bonus is the new air-conditioning system, and, the unit is being sold fully furnished. Send me more about this oceanfront condo in Hammock Beach!
FEATURES: 200 Ocean Crest Drive Unit 931, FL
The ocean view condo also has views of the pool.
> More Community Information: Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Palm Coast FL
About Hammock Beach, FL
Hammock Beach commands two miles of Atlantic coastline.
Hammock Beach is an award-winning golf and oceanfront community located along a sparkling, two-mile stretch of Florida’s Atlantic coastline.
Bordered as well by the Intracoastal Waterway, Hammock Beach is a major reason this area of the Sunshine State’s Palm Coast is known as the Pebble Beach of the East.
The community is just three miles away from Interstate 95, and it provides a luxury resort experience, as well as a family-friendly neighborhood environment, all connected by walking paths and sidewalks. Send me more about this oceanfront condo in Hammock Beach!
World-Class Amenities, Ocean Beauty
The condo enjoys access to a large water park.
At Hammock Beach, a Hydro-grid tennis center overlooks the intercoastal Waterway close by a 91,000-square-foot water park with waterslide and lazy river.
Residents and guests enjoy a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, casual and fine dining restaurants, and a modern marina. Other outdoor possibilities include surf fishing equipment rentals, kayak and bike rentals and day camps for children.
The private, gated Hammock Beach community stretches across 1,000 acres of immaculately maintained grounds, wreathed by some 300 acres of nature preserves.
Prospective homeowners have their choice among 11 distinct neighborhoods offering approximately 800 freestanding homes and 750 condominiums. Send me more about this oceanfront condo in Hammock Beach!
620 Eastwood Park Road Unit 11B, Sunset Beach, NC 28468 – Sea Trail
in NC coastal community, NC new construction, Retirement Communities, Water View Homes620 Eastwood Park Road Unit 11B, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Asking Price: $454,900 4 BRs/4 BAs
This 2,598-sf unit at 620 Eastwood Park Road Unit 11B is located in the elevator-equipped Townhomes on Eastwood Bluff in Sea Trail Plantation. It is new construction and will be ready for occupancy in the fall of 2022.
It features an open-concept great room that opens to a second-story tiled and screened rear porch.
The island kitchen features real wood cabinets, a 60/40 sink, granite/quartz countertops and a 5-burner gas cooktop.
The owner’s suite comes with plush carpet and an intricate, cross-coffered ceiling.
Customize the unit by making your own selections of flooring, paint and cabinet colors. Send me more about this townhome in Sea Trail Plantation!
KEY FEATURES: 620 Eastwood Park Road Unit 11B, NC
The island kitchen features granite/quartz countertops.
> More Community Information: Sea Trail Plantation, Sunset Beach, NC
About Sea Trail, NC
Sea Trail is a resort community located in Sunset Beach, NC
Ideally located along the pristine coast of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, the acclaimed Sea Trail Plantation community has been a four-season fun spot serving families and visitors for 20-plus years.
With a plethora of real estate options and a classic resort setting, the community attracts full-time residents and those in search of a weekend getaway.
It’s an alluring combination of setting, activity and aesthetic character that’s found in few other places. Send me more about this townhome in Sea Trail Plantation!
Golf & the Beach, Too
Play golf any of three courses, then head to the beach.
Many residents are attracted to the community because of its close proximity to Sunset Beach, one of most picturesque and enjoyable barrier beaches in all of North Carolina.
Long, warm days spent enjoying the beach’s white-sugar sands and uncrowded atmosphere create wonderful memories.
Coupled with Sea Trail Plantation’s resort-like amenities, this corner of the world appeals to a broad range of interests. Send me more about this townhome in Sea Trail Plantation!
7 Central Avenue Oak Bluffs MA 02557
in Harbor view homes, Martha's Vineyard Real Estate, Vacation Resort Communities, Water View Communities, Water View Homes7 Central Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Asking: $999,500 4BR/2.5BA 1,454 SF
The “Sea Shrimp” is an iconic Oak Bluffs cottage that has been owned by the same family since 1968. Like many of the homes within the MV Camp Meeting Association community, it has evolved from a simple tent for summer gathering in 1870 to the welcoming wood structure it is today.
Illumination Night–an annual festival of light.
Available for use year-round, this charming home is set on an oversized lot and comes with a beautiful front yard. A large covered porch serves as the gathering spot for ‘porch living’ for which Oak Bluffs is famous. Send me more about this Oak Bluffs cottage!
Close to Shops & Ferry
The home is convenient to the ferry, OB harbor & downtown.
A further benefit is its in-town location so that all of what Oak Bluffs has to offer are just steps away. Oak Bluffs Harbor, Circuit Ave shops and restaurants, movie theater, public beaches and more–it’s all at your fingertips.
Best of all, you can leave your car on the mainland in Woods Hole and walk onto the ferry to Oak Bluffs and land on the Vineyard only five minutes from home. Send me more about this Oak Bluffs cottage!
Year-Round Living
A comfortable living room w/ beadboard ceiling.
It’s not unusual to find homes within the Camp Meeting Association unheated and limited to 3-season use. However, this home is fully heated with forced hot air (FHA). Furthermore, it was renovated in 2020, so it’s move-in ready.
The first floor features a convenient, owner’s en-suite bedroom and a guest bedroom. There is a modest deck in the back with an attached shed that includes an outside shower and lots of room for storage.
The second floor has two more spacious bedrooms as well as a full bath. Each bedroom has access to the second-floor front balcony where you will get your best glimpse of the Oak Bluffs Harbor. Send me more about this Oak Bluffs cottage!
KEY FEATURES: 7 Central Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
About Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Oak Bluffs is home to world-class golf at Farm Neck G.C.
Once a suburb of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs came into its own in the mid-19th century thanks to the establishment of the Methodist Campgrounds. Today, however, Oak Bluffs has become to the place to go for nightlife on the island.
Waterside hot spots such as Nancy’s and The Sand Bar welcome fishermen and yachters from the harbor. Dreamland and The Ritz have live music. And as the primary “wet town,” Oak Bluffs has plenty of bars to accommodate the life of the party. Send me more about this Oak Bluffs cottage!
A Rich History
The foundation of Oak Bluffs is the Methodist Campground. Located in the center of town, it is where people flocked for festivities and eventually started to settle in tents during the religious revival of the 1800s.
As the congregation grew, the tents transitioned to gingerbread cottages, each more colorful and charming than the last.
Today, you can stroll through the delightful cottages, clustered around a large, open-air Tabernacle, where there are events and live music throughout the summer. Send me more about 7 Central Avenue Oak Bluffs!
Special Events
The Lagoon offers waterfront homes & moorings.
Take a walking tour to get an inside scoop on the historic homes such as the Cottager’s House Tour in early July. Or embark on a ghost tour later at night to hear the spooky secrets and age-old legends of the campground.
Come at the end of the summer in mid-August and observe the Illumination Night spectacle. Here the cottages light up the night with exquisite Japanese lanterns that have been in families for generations. Send me more about 7 Central Avenue Oak Bluffs!
2021 GCH Annual Index – The Year’s Best Communities, Homes, Posts & More!
in Buyer Resources, Community of the Year, Editorial Features, GCH Annual Index, Retirement Planner, Top 10 Most Visited Communities~ 2021 GCH Annual Index ~
Year-End Double Issue
> The Most-Visited Communities – Where Buyers Want to Live
> The 2021 GCH Community of the Year
> 2021’s Most-Wanted Amenities – The Top 10
> The Most Popular Community Types, Lifestyle
> 2021 Top Search Categories
> The Most Search-For States
> The Retirement Planner
> New Communities to GCH in 2021
> The Most Popular Homes of 2021
Happy New Year! Welcome to the 2021 GCH Annual Index–an in-depth look at all the year’s activity on the Golf Course Home Network.
This year’s Index is the 10th consecutive edition, featuring the year’s new communities, most-visited communities, retirement advice, top amenities, most popular homes (new!) and more.
And it has been an active year, indeed. Despite the tragic, successive waves of Covid, interest in golf and golf real estate continued to soar in 2021.
Golf Grows Again
The Club at Ibis, FL: New range helps fuel new & improved players.
The National Golf Foundation reported that 36.9 million Americans (age 6+) played golf both on-course and off-course in 2020, and the stats for 2021 indicate that number grew further in 2021.
That rising participation in the sport translated to yet another year of increased traffic to Golf Course Home, and the fourth year out of the last five that inquiries registered a double-digit jump.
New Communities & Retirement Focus
Trilogy, AZ: New to GCH and popular with visitors.
New communities came to the GCH Network as well, with properties in Arizona, Florida, North and South Carolina and Virginia joining for a total of eight new locations to consider for your retirement, vacation or primary home.
In particular, interest in golf communities for retirement spiked in 2021 as more Americans are weighing early retirement in the face of the relentless pandemic. See below for links to new entries in our Golf Retirement Planner, as well as links and summaries of the year’s activity.
And finally, thank you, our subscribers and visitors, for continuing to make Golf Course Home–now entering its 27th year–a part of your journey as you embark on your plans for a new home for you and your family. It is our privilege to serve you. Stay safe and healthy in 2022!–David Lott, Founder and Publisher
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2021 GCH Annual Index
The Year’s Most-Visited Communities
Hammock Dunes, FL: Seaside golf & oceanfront living.
The fight for the title of Most Visited Community on Golf Course Home encompassed more entries in 2021, but favorites clearly emerged as only six communities were able to claim the No. 1 spot on any one month during the year.
In all, 30 different communities enjoyed at least one month ranked in the Top 10 Most Visited, up from 25 the year before. And seven of the top tenners were new to the list, marking a major reshuffling.
Florida the Top State
Florida continued to rule the roost as the top 4 communities were all from the Sunshine State and a total of seven were in the Top 10.
Martha’s Vineyard communities commanded the summer months as The Field Club/Boathouse was the No. 1 community in July and August.
A New No. 1
And overall, a new No. 1 emerged as The Club at Quail Ridge, Boynton Beach, FL, claimed the No. 1 position in five different months and was in the Top 10 every month of the year.
Quail Ridge displaces perennial champ Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Palm City, FL, which finished the year as the third Most Visited community.
Other communities that claimed a monthly first-place ranking were Desert Mountain, AZ, The Concession, FL, Heritage Shores, DE, and Savannah Lakes Village, SC. See the ranking list below.
Top 10 Most-Visited Communities
1. The Club at Quail Ridge, Boynton Beach, FL – Up from No. 5
2. Lakewood National, Bradenton, FL
3. Harbour Ridge Yacht & CC, Stuart, FL
4. Hammock Dunes, Palm Coast, FL
5. Sun City Riverbend, Bluffton, SC
6. Lake Arrowhead, Waleska, GA
7. Grand Haven, Palm Coast, FL
8. The Field Club/Boathouse, MA
8. Sailfish Point, Stuart, FL
10. Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, DE
10. Piper’s Landing, Palm City, FL
Honorable Mention: Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA, and Trilogy, Rio Verde, AZ
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2021 COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
Quail Ridge, FL: Excellent golf, affordable homes = No. 1.
The Club at Quail Ridge, Boynton Beach, FL, a regular member of the Top 10 over the years, made the ultimate leap in 2021 from its prior position at No. 5 to No. 1.
A private golf and country club community set on 600 acres in Palm Beach County, FL, Quail Ridge is a member-owned community that offers an active lifestyle with close proximity to the culture and amenities of the Palm Beaches.
Its diverse offerings of real estate–from townhomes, condos and villas to single-family homes–create a wide range of pricing to allow it to appeal to a wide audience of potential members.
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2021’s Most Wanted AMENITIES
Hampton Hall, SC: Large swimming pools were a priority.
The Covid pandemic continued to influence social behavior in 2021. As waves of the disease receded, indoor activities, such as those pursued in fitness centers, became more prevelant again.
However, outdoor activities such as swimming, walking, boating, picklelball, and, of course, golf, regained importance as the waves ascended once more.
Thus, the GCH Annual Index shows that outdoor activities were high on the list of must-have amenities. Security was top of mind, too, with community gates and 24-hour security ranking seventh and second, respectively.
No. 1 again was the desire for a retirement community and the warm welcome that friendly neighbors provide. But as seen in years past, this is not your parents’ retirement. It is one full of activity and vigor for as long as possible. See the full Top 10 list below.
2021 GCH ANNUAL INDEX Top 10 Amenities
Ford’s Colony, VA: Elegant mix of modern & classic lifestyle.
Links go to a list featuring all communities with the stated amenity.
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2021 Top 5 Lifestyle Locations
Dataw Island, SC: The boating life was popular in 2021.
Waterfront communities, and especially oceanfront, was again the dominant requirement for a community. Whether it was lake, river, waterway or ocean, water views were in high demand.
Thus, communities such as Dataw Island, SC (photo above), Savannah Lakes Village, SC and Sailfish Point, FL, received plenty of views.
Maintaining for another year the No. 2 position achieved in 2020, were military communities such as Indian River Colony Club, Melbourne-Viera, FL, which welcomes both military and non-military alike.
2021 Top 5 Location/Lifestyle
Links go to a list of all communities featuring the stated lifestyle
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2021 The Most Searched-for States
Harbour Ridge, FL: Neatly combines the golf & waterfront lifestyle.
Florida continues to be the No. 1 state for Golf Course Home visitors with Arizona and Texas following up in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions for the second year in a row.
Staying high in the mix was Massachusetts, powered by communities located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard.
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The Retirement Planner
Savannah Lakes Village, SC: Ideal for an active retirement.
The Retirement Planner added a number of guides in 2021 to its list of articles and posts that answer questions about retirement communities and their locale. See a sampling of the new additions, below.
Go to Retirement Planner for the full list of articles. And look for more to come in 2022.
> Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Savannah Lakes Village SC
> 5 Big Reasons Retire to Woodside, Aiken, SC
> Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Indian River CC, FL
> Retire Savannah: Top 10 Reasons to Retire to The Landings, GA
> Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Delaware (& Heritage Shores)
> Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Treasure Lake PA
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2021 GCH Annual Index
Top Search Categories
Summit Rock, TX: Texas Hill Country offers plenty to do.
Here are some of 2021’s most-searched-for categories featuring all the posts related to the search phrase.
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2021 GCH Annual Index
New Communities
Eight communities joined Golf Course Home in 2021, representing Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. See a brief description and links to the communities below.
ARIZONA
TRILOGY
Trilogy, AZ: The active desert lifestyle.
> Trilogy at Verde River is a prestigious, gated, 55+ and all ages community located just east of North Scottsdale Arizona. A resort community, it offers a spectacular golf course with stunning views of the Tonto National Forest and the iconic Four Peaks. Send me more information about Trilogy at Verde River!
FLORIDA
Hammock Beach, FL: Oceanfront living & great golf.
> Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Palm Coast, FL, is an award-winning golf and oceanfront community located along a sparkling, two-mile stretch of Florida’s famed Palm Coast. Set against the Intercoastal Waterway, it offers two renowned golf courses, world-class amenities and 11 distinct neighborhoods from which to enjoy it all. Send me more information about Hammock Beach!
HAMMOCK DUNES CLUB & LINKS GOLF COURSE
> Hammock Dunes Club & Links Golf Course, Palm Coast, FL is a private, gated oceanfront community located halfway between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, just east of the charming Florida town of Palm Coast. Send me more information about Hammock Dunes!
LAKEWOOD NATIONAL
> Lakewood National, Bradenton, FL, is an exciting, new, gated, bundled golf community being created by Lennar Homes in Brandenton, FL. Key features include Tuscan themed architecture, lakes, lush Florida landscaping and a new golf course by Arnold Palmer Design. Send me more information about Lakewood National!
NORTH CAROLINA
Sea Trail, NC: 20+ years of family fun and activities.
SEA TRAIL
> Sea Trail, Sunset Beach, NC, is ideally located along the pristine coast of Sunset Beach, NC. Long acclaimed for its four seasons of family fun activity, it offers 54 holes of golf, easy beach access and resort amenities. Send me more information about Sea Trail!
OCEAN RIDGE PLANTATION
> Ocean Ridge Plantation, Ocean Isle Beach, NC is universally praised for its elegant country club lifestyle, four golf courses and traditional neighborhoods. It features lush landscapes, woodlands, lakes and miles of scenic trails–all washed by the fresh breezes from the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway. Send me more information about Ocean Ridge Plantation!
SOUTH CAROLINA
Savannah Lakes Village: Endless activities on Lake Thurmond.
SAVANNAH LAKES VILLAGE
> Savannah Lakes Villag, McCormick, SC is a member-owned lakefront sporting community, beautifully situated along 25 miles of shoreline in the Upstate of western South Carolina. Amenities include 36 holes of golf, two clubhouses, an amenity-rich recreation center and easy access to 71,000-acre Lake Thurmond. Send me more information about Savannah Lakes Village!
VIRGINIA
KINGSMILL ON THE JAMES
> Kingsmill on the James, is set on 2,900 acres near historic Williamsburg, VA on the banks of the scenic James River. A gated resort and residential community, it offers a variety of neighborhoods and three golf courses, plus top-drawer amenities that include a marina, spa, sports club and more. Send me more information about Kingsmill!
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The Most Popular Homes of 2021
Reynolds Lake Oconee: Charming cottage on the golf course.
New this year is identifying the Most Popular Golf and Water View Homes featured during the year on Golf Course Home.
Each week–Monday through Thursday–we post new homes for sale on the GCH homepage and feature them in our e-newsletter which goes out three times a week.
Thus, each home enjoys up to 10 days in the spotlight on the homepage and in the newsletter.
A charming cottage overlooking the No. 12 hole of The Landing golf course at Reynolds Lake Oconee, however, was the surprise of the year. It held the top spot for two consecutive months–July and August–far surpassing the more than 200 homes showcased throughout 2021.
See below, in order of the most number of views received, our most popular homes.
The Most Popular Homes
1. 1051 Starboard Dr., Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA
2. 13 Sandpiper Court, Grand Haven, FL
3. 2237 Seagrass Dr., Harbour Ridge FL
4. 11 Warington Place, Hampton Hall, SC
5. 1506 Gleasons Landing Ct., Dataw Island, SC
6. 12352 Harbour Rridge Blvd., Harbour Ridge, FL
7. 29 Claremont Ave., Hampton Hall, SC
8. 754 Island Circle, Dataw Island, SC
9. 13 Harborside Lane, Unit 7170, Palmetto Dunes, SC
10. 160 Crooked Gulley Circle, Sea Trail, NC
11. 10375 Osprey Tr., The Club at Ibis, FL
2021 GCH Annual Index
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The GCH Annual Index through the years, every edition from 2011 to 2021, click here.
Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Savannah Lakes Village SC
in Buyer Resources, Editorial Features, Golf Retirement Planner, Retirement Communities, Retirement Living, Retirement PlannerTop 10 Reasons to Retire to
Savannah Lakes Village, SC
Here’s a great idea, retire to Savannah Lakes Village, a member-owned lakefront sporting community that is beautifully situated along 25 miles of shoreline in the Upstate of western South Carolina. Reinforce that thought with these Top 10 Reasons to Retire to Savannah Lakes Village, below.
1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty
Surrounded by 71,000-acre Lake Thurmond, three state parks, and a national forest, Savannah Lakes Village is embraced by nature. The sunrise and sunset views are some of the most beautiful in the country. Send me more information about Savannah Lakes Village!
2. The Friendly People
Savannah Lakes Village is a community connected in camaraderie through a variety of more than 60 social clubs and activity groups.
A naturally strong connection within the community creates lifelong friendships between people who move here from all over the country.
3. Activities for all Seasons
This is the place for outdoor activities year-round.
For outdoor sports, choose from activities such as tennis, pickleball, bocce and golf.
And indoors, try bowling, yoga, fitness classes, massages and relaxing in the whirlpool jacuzzi or sauna, plus indoor and outdoor pools. There is virtually something for everyone, and staying active all year round is easy. Send me more information about Savannah Lakes Village!
4. Tax-Friendly South Carolina
South Carolina is one of most tax-friendly states in the US. According to the SC Department of Revenue, the state does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
The State of South Carolina also provides a $15,000 taxable income deduction for seniors receiving any other type of retirement income. For those over 65, you will also qualify for the South Carolina Homestead Exemption.
5. Value in the Village
You’ll find a home and lot plan for your budget.
Savannah Lakes Village’s Preferred Builders offer many custom floor plans and lot-home packages that offer whatever price point and product type you may desire.
Homesites start in the $20,000s and new homes start in the mid-$200,000s. Send me more information on How to Retire Savannah Lakes Village!
6. No Initiation Fees for Amenities
There are NO initiation fees, NO special assessments and no monthly dining or social minimums.
Amenities are offered a la carte, so you can pick and choose packages that best suit your hobbies and interests, and pay only for what you use.
7. Desirable Weather
Sunshine for 220 days a year creates an outdoor lifestyle.
With an average of 220 days of sunshine per year, short winters and temperatures rarely above 90 degrees in the summer, South Carolina is the perfect place to live if you love being outside. Send me more information about Savannah Lakes Village!
8. Never-Ending Outdoor Adventures
You don’t have to leave the neighborhood to enjoy popular activities such as boating, swimming, water skiing, tubing, or fishing.
Whether it’s a day on the lake with friends or a last-minute sunset cruise, community docks provide quick and easy access to the lake.
If you prefer to stay on land, hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and golf cart trails will keep you busy. Send me more information on How to Retire Savannah Lakes Village!
9. Four Distinct Dining Venues
Savannah Lakes Village’s clubhouse restaurants are ideal places to gather for lunch or participate in special dinners and parties with neighbors throughout the week.
10. Central Location
Enjoy privacy while being close to area destinations.
Savannah Lakes Village is close to many desirable destinations.
Just minutes away is the best shopping, dining and entertainment in the region. In three hours or less, you can be at the beach or in the mountains. Send me more information on How to Retire Savannah Lakes Village!
Retire Savannah Lakes Village
5 Reasons to Retire to Woodside in Aiken SC
in Retirement Communities, Retirement Living, Retirement PlannerRetire to Woodside, SC
If your dream destination is warm and sunny, saves you money, and offers many avenues in which to pursue an active lifestyle, then move to Woodside. Send me more information about Woodside!
Spring All Year Round
Warm weather keeps you active year-round.
With an average temperature of 64°F and 216 sunny days a year, one of the best things about living in South Carolina is the state’s mild climate combined with its untouched natural beauty.
While every season in Aiken has its perks, from sunny summer days to the changing colors of leaves in the fall, spring is a sight to see as nature blooms and decorates the town in leaves and flowers.
Winters in Aiken are mild and cozy, with lows averaging 51°F year-round and a rare snow day . The average high temperature is 77.3°F, with an average annual precipitation of 52.44 inches. With such an even-tempered climate, Aiken residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and recreations all year, including golf, tennis, and pickleball. Send me more information about Woodside!
Aiken, South Carolina
Woodside is close to many area attractions.
Woodside has the privilege and the pleasure to call Aiken in South Carolina our hometown, with stunning Gilded Age mansions and tree-lined streets minutes away from our gates. Often referred to as “where Mayberry meets the Hamptons” by our residents, Aiken is consistently recognized for its charming Southern hospitality, active cultural arts scene, rich history, and vibrant downtown atmosphere thriving with restaurants, bars, and shops.
On top of the abundance of local eateries and boutiques to explore, Aiken stays busy year around with weekly community gatherings and major annual events like the Aiken Steeplechase, Joye in Aiken, and Aiken’s Makin’.
Truly situated “in the middle of everywhere,” Aiken also intersects all of South Carolina’s major attractions and allows our residents prime access to the rest of our beautiful state, with less than a three-hour drive to the beaches of Hilton Head, Charleston, and Savannah, as well as the Appalachian and Smokey Mountains. Send me more information about Woodside!
Low Cost of Living
Enjoy yourself at a reasonable cost.
According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, South Carolina is home to one of the lowest per capita tax rates in the nation, and Kiplinger, a leading financial advice and business forecasting publisher, ranked South Carolina as #6 in the U.S. for “10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirees.”
Steadfast in its dedication to maintaining a competitive, balanced, and alluring tax structure for both individuals and business owners, South Carolina offers many generous tax breaks and financial incentives for prospective homebuyers:
Health and Wellness
Woodside is close to many health-oriented facilities.
One of our community’s keystone features is its convenient access to world-class healthcare. With Aiken Regional Hospital just down the street and the excellent hospitals of Augusta – Piedmont Healthcare System, Augusta University Medical Center, Doctors Hospital, Charlie Norwood VA Hospital, and Fort Gordon’s Eisenhower Army Medical Center – less than half an hour away, residents at Woodside can rest assured knowing that expert medical services are always within convenient distance to both themselves and their loved ones.
Additionally, minutes away is The Village at Woodside, an exceptional neo-traditional community designed to accommodate all of our neighbors’ needs. Along with a variety of dining options, a spa, and a fitness center, The Village also houses some of the area’s leading medical professionals, including general practitioners, orthopedic specialists, an imaging center, and more. Send me more information about Woodside!
For the Amenities
The pool is just one of many amenities.
Woodside’s amenities are the highlight of our community, plentiful in variety to accommodate the interests of all our residents and constantly improving for our members.
Whether your passions lie in exploring the splendid nature surrounding our neighborhoods or in connecting with your peers through shared interests, active adults can pursue a lively lifestyle through all of Woodside’s many expertly designed amenities and more.