Using what is called a ‘double green’ approach in the landscape and design of the neighborhood, The Ridge at Chukker Creek has caused many ecologically aware individuals to take notice. The community boasts a fully operational home utilizing hydrogen fuel cell technology, causing many sources to consider it “the greenest neighborhood in the country”. Homes start in the 190s, with a variety of floor plans and amenities available, and custom building is offered for those considering using plans of their own.

Shopping in Aiken is conveniently located throughout the town, and the Aiken Mall offers a wide variety of department and specialty shops. The downtown area features several designer boutiques and dining options. Dining choices in Aiken include foods of many ethnicities and are close by for resident’s enjoyment.

The Ridge at Chukker Creek is an equestrian lover’s paradise and the neighborhood features accommodations for horses and allows residents to build their own stalls if desired. Nearby, Hitchcock Woods offers more than two thousand acres for horse enthusiasts and hikers to enjoy.

Golfers will enjoy the close proximity to several local courses including The Augusta National Golf Course, which is home to Master’s Tournament and the Palmetto Golf Club, one of the oldest golfing clubs in the United States.

The neighborhood features hiking/equestrian trails, a planned community garden, a fishing dock, and a private athletic center and workout room. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Aiken’s year round mild climate, which allows residents to enjoy a vast range of fitness activities such as polo, tennis, biking, hiking, and swimming.

For anyone seeking to spend their golden years in a community that is safe, ecologically conscious, and full of activities, consider choosing The Ridge at Chukker Creek.

The Three Runs Plantation is a 2400 acre private community located in Aiken, SC. The community is perfect for anyone who owns horses or even loves being around them. The equestrian based complex has more amenities than any other in the area. The equestrian center has competition level dressage and jump arenas as well as a grassed training area w/cross-country jumps. There are over 30 miles of trails with gallop areas, cross country jumps and picnic shelters along the creek side trails. Another equestrian training area is under construction. It will include an arena for flat work and stadium jumps.

While the community is ideal for equestrians, there are plenty of amenities beyond the equestrian kind. The equestrian center also includes a beautifully appointed clubhouse overlooking the riding arenas, an outdoor pavilion area which is perfect for hosting parties, a pool and cabana. Future plans include a recreation center with lap pool, tennis courts and a fitness center.

One of the biggest drawing points to the community is the temperate weather. Aiken, SC has reasonably warm winters and cool summers, which makes being active and outside ideal all year round. The city of Aiken also has plenty of shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities which can be enjoyed by residents. The city is also located within a short drive of other major cities including Augusta, GA, Atlanta, GA, and Columbia, SC.

Those who are looking for an area that features a moderate balance of these features might want to consider the community of Heritage Preserve. This collection of homes is located in scenic Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Many retirees have moved to Heritage Preserve due to its access to many different leisure time activities.

Heritage Preserve itself possesses an overall aura of natural, green beauty. The area is dominated by tall oaks and is dotted with innumerable bodies of water. Many residents appreciate the areas quietness and reigning serenity, and Heritage Preserve is noted for its tranquil, unhurried way of life. However, when residents are looking for a change of pace, the busy town of Conway and the crowded shores of Myrtle Beach are only a few minutes’ drive away. It can be very difficult to find such a unique combination of starkly contrasting lifestyles, all available to residents of a single area. Residents of Heritage Preserve partake regularly in activities as diverse as late-night city adventures and relaxing swims at the local pool, which is kept in spotless condition for the benefit of all community residents.

Heritage Preserve is also noted for its remarkably reasonable housing prices. You can purchase a fairly large home for a relative steal in this neighborhood. Home sizes average at three to four bedrooms and two to three baths with about 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Property lots in Heritage Preserve are quite spacious, although they are not so big as to be a burden in terms of maintenance and upkeep. The cost of most Heritage Preserve properties falls in the $200,000 to $300,000 price range.

Heritage Preserve homes are also outfitted with a slew of amenities that are normally encountered only in more expensive housing developments. Special features include gourmet kitchens, hardwood flooring, and modern bathrooms. In terms of monetary value, Heritage Preserve is virtually unrivaled by other retirement communities.

Callwassie Island is part of Beaufort County, which is noted throughout the state of South Carolina for its lush foliage and spectacular year-round views. A causeway connects the island to South Carolina’s mainland, giving residents easy access to abundant shopping centers and dining options. However, some home owners rarely even leave the island because plenty of amenities are offered right on Callawassie’s shores. Two luxury pools and several different beaches offer swimming opportunities. Residents can partake in fishing, boating, and fitness clubs. A number of different restaurants are available for the benefit of home owners, and a health care center ensures that all island dwellers are kept safe and healthy at all times.

Callawassie Island’s most famous amenity would be its 27-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio. Three nines of varying difficulties are available for golfers of all experience levels, all of which are bordered by abundant South Carolinan scenery. The Fazio Golf Course attracts many sportsmen to the island throughout the entire year.

Prices range from the $200,000 realm up to just under a million depending on the home’s lot size, location, and age. Most homes are situated on large lots and possess at least 1500 square feet, but larger residencies can be found with 4000 to 5000 square feet. Some houses offer special access to the island’s golf course, beaches, or shopping area. Potential buyers also have the option of building their new home from scratch. Callawassie Island usually has a large selection of empty lots to choose from, allowing buyers to choose their perfect location and construct their homes according to their personal tastes and needs.

Wallace prides itself on its small-town charms – the restored train depot that houses its Chamber of Commerce; friendly residents that own and operate antique shops, boutiques and eateries; summer concerts at the outdoor Wanoca Theater; and its farmers market featuring local produce, herbs and flowers. Golf is a big draw, and for enthusiasts, there’s a 36-hole championship course within Wallace’s 1,700-acre, private, gated community of River Landing, on the banks of the northeast Cape Fear River.

The Vineyards is the newest neighborhood in River Landing, and boomers who are ready to enjoy the ease and amenities of a private community can choose one of four model home styles – the building sites of which are centered around River Landing’s vineyard.

River Landing boasts more than just golf, although the golf course is attraction enough! Members can enjoy the state-of-the-art sports and fitness center, three subterranean irrigated Har-Tru tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, access to miles of trails and a River Lodge where you can launch a canoe or kayak. The River Landing Clubhouse serves lunch and dinner daily, and can accommodate events and weddings. Guest suites are also on premises, and members are encouraged to stay there as their home is being completed.

The Vineyards homes all boast large windows, screened porches and patios to enjoy Wallace’s climate. Then from there you can choose the floor plan and price point that fits your lifestyle. The homes range in size from 1,800 to 2,700 square feet, are designed for one-story living and include a spacious master suite. The four home styles include the Bianco (starting at $334,900), Rosa (starting at $348,900), Verona (starting at $373,900) and the Siena (starting at $418,900).

The City of Morganton was elected by Readers Digest as one of the top ten places, in the United States, to raise a family and has been ranked by Retirement Lifestyles Magazine in the top five popular locations for retirement. Morganton features a number of city attractions including the Morganton Farmers Market, Morganton Station, the Community House, Catawba Meadows Park, the Catawba River Greenway, and festivals such as the Morganton Historic Festival and the ACC Chili Cook-off. Downtown Morganton is filled with restaurants, galleries, shops, parks, and a movie theater. The Historic Courthouse Square hosts free Friday night concerts during the Spring and the Summer.

The River Club is beautiful and peaceful master-planned community that includes 35 homes placed on spacious lots. The community totals 180 acres situated near a natural bend in the Catawba River. These stunning residences will be priced from $125,000 to $300,000. These awe-inspiring properties offer panoramic views of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Catawba River, or both. This unique community features a plethora of outdoor and recreational activities.

The River Club houses a premier equestrian center featuring a 16 stall stable with both outdoor and indoor rings, 15 acre pasture and paddocks, and miles of trails for riding, hiking, and walking. An enclosed and screened in pavilion, with facilities for cooking and planned gatherings, is currently being planned. It will overlook a stunning and lush three acre stocked pond. Residents can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming in the Catawba River.

This community offers 10 different models are reasonably and affordably priced from $134,490 to $178,000. Rivermist also features a premier club for its residents and includes a pool and picnic area. This is a perfect place for get-togethers with family and friends.

The Rivermist-Harbor Collection features everything you’ve ever wanted in a home. These modern, lavish homes with open floor plans boasting beautiful and spacious living areas, great rooms, formal dining rooms, gourmet kitchens, breakfast nooks lofts, relaxing master suites, private baths, huge walk-in closets. The residences also have optional sunrooms and screened porches.

There are 10 different models to choose from, and the homes range from 1590 sq ft. to 2700 sq.ft. Homes start with two bedrooms, two bathrooms up to three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Each of the homes in this collection have two car garages.

The Rivermist-Harbor Collection is conveniently located in Southport, North Carolina. It lies just south of Wilmington and 45 minutes away from the South Carolina state line, at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The Intracoastal Waterway intersects Cape Fear River. Southport has a population 2,600 and features Victorian-style homes, antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Southport city attractions include the Waterfront Park and City Pier, the nearby islands accessible by ferry, historic city sites, miles of sandy beaches, and fishing. Wilmington offers tours of historical sites, live theaters, college campuses, Orton Plantation. Myrtle Beach features shopping, entertainment and golf courses.

Walking trails and nature preserves wind throughout the community of Woodside Plantation. Ponds where residents can fish and the community garden offers fishing and gardening activities. The Fitness Center and the new Health and Wellness Center in the Village at Woodside help support a healthy lifestyle.

Four renown golf courses reside inside the community, to satisfy any avid golfer. Nicklaus designed The Reserve course. Rees Jones designed the second golf course, called The Wisteria. Bob Cupp designed the third golf couse, called The Plantation. Fuzzy Zoeller, a Masters champion, designed the fourth golf course, called Hollow Creek. A nine-hole par three course, two driving ranges, and practice greens round out the golf facilities. A pro shop and a teaching facility provide equipment and expertise.

Two clubhouses, The Reserve Club and Woodside Country Club, are also located within the community. The Reserve Club offers private membership for property owners in The Reserve at Woodside, with optional membership for the rest of Woodside Plantation. Amenities of The Reserve Club include golf privileges, tennis and swimming facilities.

With 12 neighborhoods located within Woodside Plantation, an abundant variety of homes are available. Homesites may contain a wooded, natural setting, or a golf or lake view. Patio, standard, estate, town and carriage homes offer 25 different home model plans. One bedroom townhomes are available starting in the high $200,000s. Single family homes range from the Carolina Collection at $250,000 for three bedroom homes 2,000-2,300 sq. ft. to homes in The Highlands starting at $489,000. The Highlands offer spacious home model plans that can exceed 4,200 sq. ft.

Home plans can also be customized to meet your individual desires and needs.

There are only 13 home sites in Marshes Light in the single family category. Each home site has enough space for an 1800 to 2700 square foot house, parking, and extra amenities such as guest suites or garages. The single family homes also feature granite countertops, gas fireplaces, hardwood floors, carpets in the bedrooms and tile in the bathrooms. Although home prices vary, homes packages are around $450,000.

The Marina Villa Homes are made up of two buildings with ten homes in each building. Amenities include storage units, tilt-wash windows, granite and corian countertops, stainless steel appliances and covered parking. Home prices range from $400,000 to $500,000 and are maintenance free. They dazzle with views of Roanoke Sound and Shallowbag Bay.

The Marshes Light Marina is a full service marina equipped with a Dockmaster and slips up to 60 feet in length. It has deepwater facilities, shower and laundry facilities available, ice free winter storage and offshore fishing. It’s great for water play, sailing, swimming and kayaking.

Marshes Light has already made plans for future home and business developments. Because of the popularity of the villas, three additional Marina Villas will be constructed. Flats situated above retail spaces will be an option. Two 30 room inns are also planned.

This community is a great place for lifestyle changers and filled with many year round activities. It is certainly in great company with the streets of Manteo displaying Colonial, Craftsman and Victorian style homes. Ideal Living Magazine considers it “one of the top three best coastal retirement destinations in America”. For the distinguished home buyer, I think this picturesque community is certainly worthy of consideration.

Amenities include golf, tennis, pools, boating, a boat launch and dry dock, dining, a spa, fitness center, and a plethora of activities for grandchildren. Residents will fish in the lake stocked witgh large mouth bass, bluegill sunfish, and golden shiners among other species. The property boasts outdoor areas for walking biking and picnicing, if and when, one becomes tired of lolling at the pool or the lakeshore. There is also a full range of planned acdtivities where new neighbors get together and become fast friends.

Villas, attached single family homes, free-standing single family homes, and vacation homes are among the options in this southern paradise. Buyers can select an existing property or custom build. Most include a boat slip. Residents enjoy a carefree lifestyle, knowing their gated community has 24/7 security.

Best of all, Hampton Lake properties are priced competitively with other retirement communities and offer so much more. Buidling sites start at $95,000, with homes beginning in the mid $200,000 range. Taxes run a little over $2,000 annually for permanent residents, and in the $5,000 range for vacation properties.

Near Hampton Lake are restaurants featuring the finest in lowcountry cuisine, shops, galleries, live theater, antiques, and local events. Hilton Head’s storied golf courses are nearby, as are sandy Atlantic Ocean beaches. It’s only a short drive to Svannah or Charleston. All this and more adds up to the perfect choice for anyone in search of retirement bliss.