Dataw Island
November 21, 2008
South Carolina Communities > Hilton Head Retirement > Dataw Island
Dataw Island is a private residential community located just six miles east of Beaufort, SC. Surrounded by the ocean, river and tidal marshes, the community has its own marina—just three miles from the Intracoastal Waterway.
Dataw is one of the major islands in the Beaufort area and has a rich history, from being populated by Native Americans to “discovery” by the Spanish and colonization by the English. The island was once a hunting reserve, and also an indigo and cotton plantation. Preserved remains of the 1792 plantation house are just one of the unique features of the area.
Modern-day Dataw is home to a gated, 870-acre community, with more than 1,000 homes in a variety of styles and price ranges. The community has two challenging golf courses, an outdoor pool and the opportunity for other outdoor activities such croquet and kayaking. For the indoor-minded, the community has a fitness and community center, and clubhouse dining.
Single-family homes on Dataw can run from the mid-$400s to more than $3 million, with square footage ranging from just over 2,000 to 7,500 total square feet.
The island also has smaller, two and three-bedroom patio homes and maintenance-free villas. Patio homes range from $300,000 to more than $700,000, with square footage running from 1,600 to 2,600. Villas are also two and three-bedroom and start around $250,000.
If you want to build on Dataw, some lagoon-view and golf course lots are still available. Homesites begin at $75,000 while larger lots start near $150,000.
Since the project is mostly built-out, the on-site sales office has closed. However, many area Realtors specialize in Dataw properties.
Boating and golf are the two pillars of the Dataw lifestyle. There are two golf courses on the island, and a deep-water marina.
The Cotton Dike golf course follows a creek, and was designed around a series of old dikes which created more land for farming. The second course, Morgan River, is narrower and works with the lowcountry landscape of marsh and massive Live Oaks.
The Dataw Island Marina offers deep-water slips, dry storage, a boatyard and a ship’s store. Being 30 minutes from the Atlantic, on the Morgan River, the marina is well-protected and offers good sailing and fishing. [Visit website]
McLendon Hills
November 15, 2008
North Carolina Communities > Raleigh Retirement Communities > McLendon Hills
McLendon Hills is a 600-acre, gated equestrian community in the Sandhill region of central North Carolina. Here, a strip of ancient beach dunes decorates the landscape with rolling sand hills and long-leaf pines. Just west of Pinehurst (site of the 2005 US Open), McLendon Hills is close to golf, shopping and dining.
The community features custom homes, starting at around $275,000, plus cost of the lot. Residents can choose their own builder, but an architectural review committee must approve plans.
Homes can be built on one of three types of lots:
Lake Front Lots: $135,000 - $295,000
Vista Lots: $72,000 - $145,000
Mini Farm: $140,000 - $248,000
Lake Front tracts range in size from 1-2 acres and boast frontage on the 60 foot-deep, 80-acre Lake Troy Douglas. Vista lots are also 1-2 acres, with some having a lake views.
3-Acre Mini Farm
The Mini Farm tracts line the communities 6.5 miles of bridal trials and range in size from 2-5 acres. As well as a home, the mini farms can accommodate a small private stable.
Current McLendon amenities include a sandy beach with a pier and picnic tables, boat dock and volleyball court. As the community grows, more amenities, such a pool, tennis court and community center, are planned. Now, residents can plan golf or tennis at the nearby Seven Lakes Country Club, at a reduced rate.
25-acre state-of-the-art Equestrian Center
Hands-down though, McLendon Hills is an equestrian community, featuring bridal trails and a 25-acre, state-of-the-art equestrian facility. The Hilltop arena has all-weather footing and quality show jumps. There are also run-in sheds, a lighted arena and a round pen. Residents can board their horses at the facility, which is also open for public boarding.
Lots of boomers hope to enjoy the equestrian lifestyle in a North Carolina active community. McLendon Hills just might be the ideal location for just that. [Visit website]
Heritage Wake Forest
November 15, 2008
North Carolina Retirement > Raleigh Retirement Communities > Heritage Wake Forest
If you are looking for a North Carolina retirement community with a lot of variety, Heritage Wake Forest may be an option. Developers have created a community with more than 20 different neighborhoods.
Heritage Wake Forest is designed to appeal to singles, families and retirees, with industry and technology, top-rated schools, outdoor recreation and entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities – some even located within the community.
Developer Andy Ammons, along with his father, planted more than a million trees on the former dairy farm to help augment and restore the natural beauty of the area. Now, as a result, Heritage Wake Forest has more than 120-acreas of open space and greenways. As well as trails and parks with picnic areas, there is a pond, a pier and an observation deck.
Heritage Wake Forest residents can also take advantage of the swim and tennis facilities, a soccer complex and the Factory Sports Complex, featuring an ice rink and fitness center.
Golf, however, may be the top recreational draw. The Heritage Wake Forest golf course, designed by architect Bob Moore of JMP Golf Design Group, has received a four and a half star rating in the 2008-2009 edition of Golf Digest’s Best Places To Play magazine.
Prices in Heritage range from the $150s to more than a $1 million, with many options (single and multi-family) in between.
Major community distinctions are:
• Estate Homes –from $600 and $700K
• Single-family-homes – from $275 (most hover around mid- $300 to mid $400).
• Multi-family - $150 to $440
A Sample a multi-family property is “The Beaufort” in Heritage View Townes.
The home has 2 bedrooms/ 2.5 baths with 1,264 heated sq. feet. Priced near $149,900.
The Grace, by Scott Daves Construction, typifies a mid-range single family home.
It’s a 4-bedroom, 4-bath home with 2,961 heated sq. feet. Priced near $439,900.
The official Heritage Wake Forest web site features a Relocation Guide to help potential residents select the best neighborhood for them. Just keep in mind that the smaller square footages will apply only to multi-family.
More than two dozen builders associated with the community, from Centex (building homes from $199 to $300-thousand) to high-end, custom builders, building homes with a price tag of more than 1 million.
Wake Forest is a suburb of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Research Triangle, in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. The area is halfway between the Smokey Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, roughly three-and-a-half hours from each. The town has roughly 25,000 residents and is home of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Southeastern College at Wake Forest. 2009 will mark the official Centennial of Wake Forest. [Visit website]
Dolphin Shores
November 12, 2008
North Carolina Retirement > Wilmington Retirement Communities > Dolphin Shores
“Discover Your Coastal Retreat” is the motto for the Dolphin Shores gated condominium community in the small town of Holden Beach.
Located in the fast-growing southeastern section of North Carolina, Holden Beach is part of the Brunswick Island chain, and has been touted as one of the top “family Beaches” in the U.S.
The town has its own business community that supports its residents and tourist population, but “big city” life is close at hand, with Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, both, about 40 minutes away.
Dolphin Shores is on the Intracoastal Waterway, on the mainland side of the town. Community developer, Jim Lea, who grew up on the Carolina coast, chose to build in this location because of its beauty.
“The first time I drove over the bridge to Holden Beach, there was no doubt in my mind that it was one of the premier beaches in North Carolina,” said Lea.
Lea has planned approximately 160 condo units for Dolphin Shores. So each resident can experience the natural marsh beauty of the setting, the condos will be arranged in 10 smaller buildings, instead of one high-rise.
Residences will range from 1,728 to 1,736 heated square feet. Pre-construction pricing for the three-bedroom, three-bath condos started just under $400,000.
Homes will feature top-of-the-line details such as stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and hardwood floors. Units will have nine and ten-foot ceilings, large covered porches with views, and will be wired for internet.
Aside from being located in an area known for its beaches and world-class golf, Dolphin Shores plans to provide residents with a community pier on the Intracoastal Waterway, a pool complex, a fitness center and dog park. [Visit website]
Brigadoon Equestrian Community
November 12, 2008
South Carolina Retirement > Columbia Retirement Communities > Brigadoon
Brigadoon is a gated equestrian community in Aiken South Carolina. The Brigadoon website makes one thing clear…this community is about horsing around! In all seriousness though, the community has been designed around the love of horses. If you own horses or wish to realize your dream of owning and riding horses in retirement, Brigadoon would be an ideal choice
Amenities
Amenities at Brigadoon include a clubhouse, nearly 20 miles of horse trails, 500 acres of conservation space, a covered arena, and not one, but two, competition polo fields.
Homes and Home Prices
The Brigadoon website does not have very much information on homes and home prices as of yet. It is still early in development. But it does say that there will be a total of 43 lots for sale in Phase 1 of Brigadoon.
Local Area
The Aiken South Carolina Area has a long history involving horses. Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1977 as a tribute to the famous flat racing and steeplechase Thoroughbred horses that trained at the The Aiken Training Track. In addition to its equine history, the Aiken area is fairly popular among retiring baby boomers. Aiken is only about an hour outside of Columbia. [Visit website]
Cummings Cove
November 12, 2008
North Carolina Communities > Asheville Retirement Communities > Cummings Cove
Cummings Cove Golf and Country Club is located in the mountains of Western North Carolina in Hendersonville. Cummings Cove is a gated community surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. This community is an ideal setting to plot out your North Carolina retirement.
Amenities
Cummings Cove has an 18-hole golf course with clubhouse, restaurant, grill and bar. In addition there is a sports complex complete with fitness center and a Jr. Olympic sized pool. If you need something a little faster paced there are also tennis courts in the community. Current HOA dues are $75 per month but like most communities you can expect that to go up over time.
Homes and Home Prices
Home styles and sizes vary from golf villas up to large custom homes and estate homes. Among the available lots to choose from are mountain view, wooded, and golf course lots, each offering their own bit of beauty and privacy. Prices for lots range from the $70’s to over $300,000. A quick check of available homes in Cummings Cove shows homes available from the $300,000 range to over $700,000.
Local Area
Cummings Cove is surrounded by a couple decent sized cities; Hendersonville, Asheville, and Brevard. Asheville is of course the most popular, and is about 30 minutes away from Cummings Cove. You’ll find plenty to do in the area with a great climate and year round activities. If you hope to make your North Carolina retirement home in the mountains, check out this area and Cummings Cove. [Visit website]
Berkshire Myrtle Beach
November 11, 2008
South Carolina Communities > Myrtle Beach Retirement > Berkshire
Berkshire is a community in Myrtle Beach developed by Centex Homes. You probably don’t need to be told that Myrtle Beach is home to the most golf courses per square mile, and there are about 120 within easy driving distance. If you are looking for a peaceful South Carolina retirement community in a convenient location, read more about Berkshire.
Amenities
While there is not a golf course on the property, Berkshire has a residents club with pool, fitness center, tennis courts and picnic area and a 32 acre lake with sandy beach area and fishing dock. There is also a community director on-site who keeps the activity schedule full for residents. Plus, residents can enjoy an oceanfront beach club and a nearby town center adds to the convenience of Berkshire.
Homes and Home Prices
Berkshire has villas, townhomes, and single family homes. Villas that are 2 and 3 bedroom ranging in size from 1050 square feet to just over 1300 square feet start in the $130,000’s. Two-story townhomes 1588 to 1803 square feet start in the $160,000’s. If a single-family home is more your style, start in the $160’s and go to over $300,000. Homesites in Berkshire are available with lake or preserve type views. You can also to choose to build using your own custom home plan.
Local Area
The Myrtle Beach area has always been popular with tourists and vacationers, but in recent years has gained attention among retiring baby boomers. This should come as no surprise due to all there is to do in the area, from dining, shopping, and entertainment, to the 120 golf courses in the area. If you are considering a South Carolina retirement, give the Myrtle Beach area and Berkshire community a look. [Visit website]
Crow Creek
November 9, 2008
North Carolina Communities > Wilmington Retirement Communities > Crow Creek
Crow Creek is a golf course community located in Calabash North Carolina, conveniently between Wilmington NC and Myrtle Beach SC. Crow Creek is just minutes from the beach and there is quick access to the intracoastal waterway and rivers in the area. If you’re looking for a leisurely community for retirement in North Carolina be sure to check out Crow Creek.
Amenities
Amenities at Crow Creek include amenity centers, swimming pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, exercise facilities, game rooms with pool tables and card tables, and more. This is in addition to the Crow Creek Golf Club, where a brand new clubhouse is scheduled to be completed soon.
Homes and Home Prices
Crow Creek offers single family homes, condos, and attached homes. Some of these are available with golf course or private views. Prices range from the $160,000’s for condos to over $500,000 for custom built single family homes.
Local Area
The Calabash area is becoming more and more popular with retirees because of its great location and proximity to the coast, as well as Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. Crow Creek is close to three airports as well so if you do any traveling, you won’t have to go far to catch your flight. [Visit website]
Grande Dunes
November 9, 2008
South Carolina Communities > Myrtle Beach Retirement > Grande Dunes
Grande Dunes is a resort lifestyle community in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Many boomers are turning to resort lifestyle communities for South Carolina retirement because of the level of amenities these types of communities have to offer.
Amenities
The amenities available at Grande Dunes are top notch. There is a private ocean club with beach and pool services, indoor and outdoor dining, and ample space for meetings and celebrations. Grande Dunes also has a 130 slip marina, a tennis and fitness center, and 2 golf courses, the Resort Club and Members Club. The Members CLub was voted one of the Top 45 Courses in the World to play.
Homes and Home Prices
Grande Dunes offers single family luxury homes, villas, and condos, so no matter your size or space requirements, you’ll find something that fits. You can choose from ocean, intracoastal waterway, and golf course views. Prices start in the $700’s (for condos) and go up well over a million dollars for homes depending on size and features.
Local Area
The Myrtle Beach area is known as the golf capital of the world. If you grow tired of the two courses at Grande Dunes there are plenty of other options in the area. Not to mention the large number of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options in the area. If you want to find retirement in South Carolina that surrounds you with golf, water and plenty of amenities, and you’ve got the 401k to support it, check out Grande Dunes. [Visit website]
Chinquapin
November 9, 2008
North Carolina Communities > Asheville Retirement Communities > Chinquapin
Chinquapin is a North Carolina community located in Cashiers, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Chinquapin is a sister property to, and built by the same development company, as Trillium which we reviewed here before. Either property provides the perfect setting for a North Carolina retirement community lifestyle.
Amenities
The amenities at Chinquapin are in line with what you’d find at other active adult or 55-plus North Carolina communities. You’ve got mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and of course golf.
One feature that is worthy of attention at Chinquapin is the golf course. It is not your typical 18 hole track. Designed by Morris Hatalsky, “Nature Walk” as it is called, is a 9 hole walking course. This is the only course of its kind at this altitude. In addition to this unique golf course there is a golf learning center on site.
Also, as a member of Chinquapin, you also get membership privileges at nearby Trillium which has a long list of amenities.
Homes and Home Prices
Though the Chinquapin property is more than 2,000 acres, there will only 200 home site available. The developers have gone to great lengths to leave the natural beauty of the area undisturbed. You’ll find home design of Appalachian architecture that blend in nicely with the surroundings.
Local Area
Though there is plenty to do in Chinquapin and Trillium, the charming town of Cashiers is just minutes away with shopping and restaurants. If you take the time to explore this area, you’ll easily see why many boomers are making it their destination for North Carolina retirement. [Visit website]
Chincoteague
November 8, 2008
Chincoteague is located in the Northwest corner of North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains bordering Tennessee and Virginia. Once completed this gated community will offer the kind of lifestyle that retiring boomers are looking for in a North Carolina retirement community.
Amenities
Chincoteague is slated to have an Equestrian facility including a horse barn with multiple pastures, box stalls, wash bay, tack room, riding arena and paddock. There will also be a park with a picnic pavilion. The area surrounding Chincoteague is full of rivers and streams, so there’s always lots of fishing to do. There is also white water rafting, hiking, camping, and skiing opportunities nearby.
Homes and Home Prices
Chincoteague is going to be a failry small community with just over 50 homesites. Most have great views and lots of privacy. At the time of this writing there was no information available on home sizes and prices in Chincoteague. However, you should expect the homes that end up in Chincoteague to be on par with other North Carolina active lifestyle communities in the area.
Local Area
Ashe County is a popular place for people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and become one with nature. If the outdoors don’t excite you, you might want to pass on this area. Chincoteague is just 2 and a half hours from Charlotte. The largest lake in the area is Watauga Lake. There are also several parks in the area including Grandfather Mountain, Pisgah National Forest, and Cherokeee National Forest. [Visit website]
Tradition Hilton Head
November 7, 2008
Tradition Hilton Head will be a South Carolina retirement town filled with active adult retirees living in their town, rather than a retirement community. Tradition is located near Hardeeville, South Carolina’s Lowcountry, 20 minutes from Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia. The Lowcountry has been a vacation destination area since the 1950s. Tradition Hilton Head will be sited on approximately 5,300 acres of lakes and woodlands.
Amenities
Tradition Hilton Head will offer all the benefits of other towns. It will be a town in which to live, play, learn and relax. The Tommy Fazio-designed, eco-friendly golf course is up and running with no membership fee for Tradition residents. The Fitness Center & Spa, quaint shops and Village Square are being built. Every homebuyer will receive a free golf cart, in which they can drive around town.
Home Sizes/Prices
Tradition Hilton Head features a range of home sizes, styles and prices. Prices will fit many budgets and lifestyles. Fourteen homes are available for viewing beginning at $250,000. Some homes are 2800 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a bonus room. Estate homes are 3600sq ft. with 3 bedrooms and 4.5 baths and bonus room above the double garage. Tradition was chosen as the site for the HGTV’s first “green home” with a price tag of $850,000.
Information on the Local Area
Hardeeville, South Carolina is a small city with 2,300 residents. The close proximity of Hardeeville and Savannah, Georgia brought them together during the days of the Civil War. Hardeeville is a quaint little town with a relaxed lifestyle, interesting attractions, shops and restaurants. [Visit website]
Mountain Air
November 7, 2008
Mountain Air is situated on Slickrock Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Selected by Barron’s magazine as “one the top twenty places to retire in the world,” Mountain Air epitomizes southern charm as one of the favorite retirement communities in North Carolina. It is also one of just a handful of communities in the country to have its own airstrip.
Amenities
Mountain Air is a gated community and one of the premier retirement communities in North Carolina. Mountain Air offers a variety of amenities and outdoor facilities including golf courses throughout the eight sections of the community. There are walking trails and breathtaking views in every direction. Asheville offers restaurants, theaters, shopping and other attractions.
Home Sizes/Prices
Mountain Air is an active adult community of single-family homes, luxury condominiums, log cabin homes, villas, camps and undeveloped home sites suitable for many budget preferences. Homes include 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms depending upon your choice of floor plan and location. There are a variety of awesome floor plans at various elevations and architectural styles. Prices begin at $189,000 and range up to $2,900,000.
Information on the Local Area
The quaint little town of Burnsville with 1,644 residents is the closest town. It is home to the world renowned Penland School of Crafts and the Toe River Arts Council, both of which offer programs and classes. Asheville is home to “America’s Best Community” and is 35 minutes from Mountain Air, the retirement community with a mountain beneath its feet. Asheville is a charming and delightful southern city. Mountain Air is one of the most elevated retirement communities in the country reaching 4,919 feet into the mountain air. [Visit website]
Charlestowne at Bradford Creek
November 4, 2008
Charlestowne at Bradford Creek is located in the Greenville NC area, also known as the “inner banks” of North Carolina. Charlestowne at Bradford Creek is in a very convenient area and offers an active lifestyle with all the amenities you’d expect in a North Carolina retirement community.
Amenities
Boomers looking for an active retirement lifestyle will find walking trails, a clubhouse with swimming pool and tennis courts, and an 18 hole golf course.
But its not just the amenities in Charlestowne at Bradford Creek should be interested in. There are also a lot of amenities in the surrounding area too.
Homes and Prices
Because the community is early in development, not a lot is known about the homes other than that all homesites are expected to overlook the golf course, lakes, or preserves offering privacy so many boomers are looking for in a North Carolina community.
Local Area
The Greenville area is growing very popular among baby boomers because its such a nice area and has so much to offer its residents. Also, if you’ve always been intrigued by the thought of retiring in a college town, you’ll be pleased to know that Greenville is home to East Carolina University. [Visit website]
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We've taken the time to find and organize the best links for the retirement community destinations you're looking for, so you don't have to. Most websites only mention those communities that have paid money to advertise with them. Our goal is to cover all communities, regardless of whether they advertise with us or not.
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