Master-Planned and Gated Communities by the Beach
If you’re a lover of the sun, sand, and surf, a city near the beach may be the perfect place for you to retire. A beach-side lifestyle can be very enticing for those who enjoy the low-key, mellow atmosphere often found in these towns and cities. It’s hard to resist the temptation of retiring to a place where you can spend your days with your feet in the sand and the wind in your hair—so why fight it? Start looking now for the perfect coastal community that fits your personality and interests.
Which Beach Community Is Best For You?
Believe it or not, luxury communities by the beach are not all the same. Beach life varies depending on where you settle, so it’s important to think about the kind of lifestyle you want by the ocean. The East Coast already has a well-known and beloved reputation for seaside residences, but states like North Carolina or Virginia are going to have different atmospheres than communities in Florida. Retirement communities in North Carolina, like ones you’ll find in Wilmington, combine the beach lifestyle with a charming historic feel. Retiring in Savannah, Georgia, is much the same, where you’ll typically be only a few short miles from the beach or the city and its historic sites. If this is the kind of mixture you think about when you consider living at the beach, communities in these areas might be the perfect fit for you.
Further down the East Coast, retirement communities in Florida have a different beach vibe—and even access to different bodies of water, depending on if you choose to settle along the Gulf coast or the Atlantic coast. Some beach towns offer up more than just coastline when it comes to retirement communities near water. Orlando, Florida, for example, has inland lakes to take advantage of. Attractions like amusement parks also make it a prime location for visiting grandkids.
Keep in mind that seaside locations aren’t limited just to the south. Beach towns in northern states like Delaware provide different experiences, varying from beach to beach. Outside the US, beach communities in places like Playa del Carmen lend an exotic flair. So, while beach retirement may circle around one collective idea, it actually has many different facets, allowing you to live by the coast the way you want to.
It’s Not All About the Water
As with all retirement plans, other factors should be considered alongside the destination. Does the community offer other amenities you want and need to live comfortably when you’re not on the beach? If you’re looking to lead an active lifestyle, make sure you select a community that’s centered around active adult living. If you love to golf, communities with courses will keep your game at its best. A top priority of many retirees is being near exceptional healthcare facilities, if only for peace of mind. Cost of living and tax benefits also matter. You want your hard-earned money to go a long way, and some states are more forgiving in these areas than others. Weather, proximity to travel, and big city offerings are other things to include on your list.
Research and Explore Beach Communities
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Click to explore the following beach communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Waterways
One of the best places to live in Georgia.
Nestled amid ancient moss-draped oak hammocks, winding freshwater lagoons and the salt marshes of coastal Georgia’s low country, Waterways is a private gated community with distinctive homes and modern amenities, just 30 minutes south of historic Savannah in Richmond Hill, Georgia. This surprising low country community offers luxury homes surrounded by a protected natural landscape.
Each Waterways neighborhood is designed with its own unique character and charm. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of interconnected neighborhoods, convenient access to community amenities, and homesites with lagoon, park, and wooded views. Homesites start in the 90s, townhomes from the 300’s and homes from the 400’s.
This is ideal living.
Just outside of Savannah, on the Georgia coast, there’s a master planned community that’s rooted in nature and built with modern amenities. Here, water’s influence is the center of the lifestyle, and health and wellness are valued along with days of adventure and exploration.Here, your family can escape from the noise of the world in a place where spontaneous get-togethers, outdoor activities, and the influence of water create a new rhythm of life.
The Waterways Marina Is Now Open….
Located along Redbird Waterway, the Marina features direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Ogeechee River, and the Atlantic Ocean. Featuring dry slip storage, a ship store, and fueling and launching facilities, Waterways residents will have all they need for endless adventure. The center of our waterfront lifestyle is found at the Marina Village, with stunning views of golden marshes, dry slip storage spaces, along with fresh water boat slips for residents. Green spaces and events lawns will complement a curated collection of quaint retail shops and casual dining. Accessible from every corner of the community via Harbor View Drive, a road with spectacular views of glistening waters, Marina Village is sure to become the heartbeat of Waterways. Choosing the perfect place for your next adventure is about so much more than finding a home. Get a feel for the Waterways lifestyle with a Discover Waterways Visit, an immersive three day, two-night getaway. Schedule Your Visit Today!
Wellen Park
Imagine more fun times at Wellen Park. From boutique shops to live music, all-day eateries to stunning sunsets, there are hundreds of ways to brighten your days. With beautiful residences and awesome amenities – not to mention amazing residents – each neighborhood is crafted so that the well life reigns supreme. Wellen Park is a vibrant community where everyday fun flourishes and the spirit of wellness thrives. That’s why living at Wellen Park truly feels like your best day ever, every day.
We invite you to stop by the Wellen Park Welcome Center to learn more about the community. One of our brand ambassadors will meet with you to answer questions and guide you through interactive touchscreen kiosks that display neighborhood amenities, home plans, Downtown Wellen shopping and dining, and regional attractions.
Brunswick Forest
Brunswick Forest, the Coastal South’s fastest growing community, is located on North Carolina’s Cape Fear coast, just minutes from historic Wilmington. This 4,500-acre retreat features a wide features a wide array of
neighborhoods, architecture, and price points.
World-class amenities include:
• 18 holes of golf at Cape Fear National
• Clubhouse, Restaurant & Pro-shop
• Fitness & Wellness Center with Indoor & Outdoor Pools
• Hammock Lake Park, Pool, and Fitness Center
• Reflections Fitness Center & Pool
• Town Creek River Launch
• Nearly 100 Miles of Walking, Biking & Nature Trails
• Tennis & Pickleball Courts
• Community Town Center with Shopping, Medical & Restaurants
If you would like to learn more about this vibrant, coastal community in North Carolina, you can request more information and compare this community with many others to find your ideal lifestyle, all you have to do is request more information. Discovery packages are available.
Logan Homes
Coastal Living at Its Finest
Logan Homes mission is to build homes and develop communities where value, location and lifestyle come together. No matter what season of life you’re in, there’s a Logan Homes community and floor plan to fit every one of your needs. Based on your budget, personal style, desired amenities and preferred locations, the Logan Homes team is there to be your guide through it all, ensuring your experience is easy, simple and fun.
Logan Homes builds within a host of premier communities in the Southeastern parts of both North Carolina and South Carolina and Northeastern Georgia. Enjoy thoughtful plans and design features, curated by their professional in-house design team. In addition to a streamlined process, you will enjoy extra peace of mind with the Warranty Program, knowing the Logan Homes team will be there for you every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Explore communities and available homes on the Logan Homes website and contact Logan Homes today to get started on your new home journey!
Port Ludlow
For retirees, active adults, and remote workers, Port Ludlow is an inviting resort-style community on the shores of Puget Sound in the state of Washington.
Westharbor Homes is building new Port Ludlow residences to the highest environmental standards with energy-saving appliances. In the Ludlow Cove Cottages and Olympic Terrace II neighborhoods, you’ll find a delightful variety of floor plans, including beachfront single-family homes, waterfront condominiums, and spacious villas with fairway views.
The amenities and activities at Port Ludlow start with play on the community’s 18-hole golf course, a scenic layout along the water and through the maritime forest. The 300-slip marina offers complete boating services and launches for kayaks and paddleboards. In addition, there are two community clubhouses with fitness centers, swimming pools, and tennis/pickleball courts. You can also enjoy 30+ miles of walking trails, more than 100 community social clubs, and genuine farm-to-table dining with fresh seafood always on the menu at the Fireside Restaurant.
The nearby towns of Chimacum and Port Townsend feature cafes, bakeries, artisan shops, and grocery markets, plus convenient health care services that include specialty practices. And just a 30-minute ferry ride away is the dynamic city of Seattle, home to some of the nation’s leading hi-tech companies, a thriving cultural arts scene, and major professional sports teams.
When you request more information below, you’ll be on your way to discovering the waterfront lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest at Port Ludlow.
Check out our 360 degree view of Port Ludow by clicking here!
Callawassie Island
Callawassie Island, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a private, gated island community offering world-class Tom Fazio golf and a full complement of amenities including a tennis center, clubhouse, pools, fitness center, and River Club. Secluded from the noise and congestion of the highway, Callawassie lies miles from Hilton Head and is also convenient to Beaufort and Bluffton (15 minutes away); historic Savannah, GA (a 30-minute drive); and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (40 minutes away). A half-mile causeway provides a relaxing, slow-paced approach to the island, where peace and quiet are as plentiful as vibrant activity.
The community hosts numerous social events, activities and clubs connecting members by their passions for nature, art and giving back locally. Members take full advantage of the island parks, historical sites and recreation areas for enjoying remarkable views of undisturbed nature. Island dwellers have access to four community docks providing leased slips, kayak launches and excellent opportunities for fishing, crabbing and shrimping. The River Club, overlooking the Colleton River, is a warm gathering center with a library and fireplace, family swimming pool, and offers seasonal dining.
For those seeking a golfing experience like no other, the 27-hole, Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course is truly spectacular. Voted one of South Carolina’s top 50 courses, Callawassie recently enhanced the design with a four-million-dollar renovation in 2014. This renovation resulted in a brand-new pro shop with three Class A PGA Golf Professionals. The courses meander intimately along the waterways and salt marshes in a way that environmental regulations have made difficult for newer courses; visual interest is natural not manmade.
Callawassie Island is the first South Carolina gated community to have been designated a “Community Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation. This coexistence brings a true community balance with nature. The island is covered with live oaks and palmettos, egrets and herons, and encompasses a thriving salt marsh ecosystem.
Today, Callawassie is one of only four South Carolina communities holding this distinguished designation. The homes and homesites, including waterfront property, are among the best values in the area.
Savannah Quarters
Savannah Quarters is just minutes from historic Savannah—where beautiful homes and outstanding amenities blend with a vibrant club experience to create a lifestyle unlike any other. Graceful, well-groomed landscaping in a stunning Lowcountry setting provides the perfect backdrop for residents to build their dream home. Choose from a thoughtfully curated selection of single-family homes and paired villas, designed to suit a variety of lifestyles and preferences.
The Savannah Quarters Country Club, managed by Heritage Golf Group, offers an 18-hole Greg Norman Signature Golf Course, a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, fine dining, and warm Southern hospitality. Even more excitement is on the horizon, with upcoming renovations set to expand the racquet sports experience—including the addition of two new Har-Tru tennis courts for a total of six, and four brand-new pickleball courts.
The Village at Savannah Quarters adds even more convenience with upscale shopping, local dining, and a Publix right at your doorstep. Best of all, you’re just a short drive from the culture, history, and charm of downtown Savannah, plus the beaches of Tybee Island and Hilton Head. With easy access to a major airport, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and hotels, Savannah Quarters is a community thoughtfully designed for today’s modern, active lifestyle.
Kingbird
Introducing Kingbird, a groundbreaking community nestled in Rocky Point, NC. This first-of-its-kind gated community offers a lifestyle unlike any other on the East Coast. Own 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50+ acres to craft your legacy on private, expansive parcels of land. Kingbird invites visionary individuals and families to embrace a lifestyle defined by freedom, solitude, and limitless potential, all within minutes of Wilmington’s vibrant culture and the serene Carolina coast.
Kingbird redefines the essence of large acre living by blending autonomy, community, and prime location. Here, you can shape your future—whether it’s a family estate, an outdoor sanctuary, or a corporate retreat facility. At Kingbird, owning land is more than just owning property; it’s about investing in a community that celebrates individuality and builds foundations for generations to come.
“Kingbird is more than just a place to live; it’s the ability to have your land, your way,large-acre as the backdrop for a lifestyle based on autonomy and freedom. It’s a sanctuary where residents can build, create, and thrive on their own terms,” said Kevin Smith, Kingbird Developer. “Our vision is to foster a community where neighbors and privacy coexist seamlessly, offering an unmatched living experience in an unbeatable location.”
Features of Kingbird Include:
- Expansive, Customizable Parcels: From 10 acres to 100+ acres, your land becomes a canvas for your vision.
- Prime Location: Close to Wilmington’s beaches, attractions, and international travel hubs.
- A Unique Lifestyle: Build a life of freedom, privacy, and connection, underpinned by the values of the Kingbird Creed.
Kingbird invites you to take the first step toward a life that embodies true freedom and individuality. Stake your claim in a community that believes in living boldly and building legacies that endure. Visit https://livekingbirdnc.com to learn more, request more information, and start turning your vision into reality.
The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach
The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach, located in the southernmost area of Coastal North Carolina, is the epitome of beach living with the added convenience and low maintenance of a planned community. Located steps away from local shops and restaurants, you can enjoy the laid-back coastal lifestyle Sunset Beach is known for. The resort-inspired amenities will make a weekend at home feel like a vacation getaway. Amenities within the community will include a resort-style pool with tanning ledge and lap lanes, coastal clubhouse, fitness center, open air cabana, outdoor fireplace, grilling stations, outdoor lounge area, golf cart parking, and miles of sidewalks & walking paths. The Sanctuary is only minutes from the beach (1.5 miles) and the intracoastal waterway, in close proximity to a variety of restaurants, beach shops, boutiques, the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, bars & pubs, concerts at The Village Park COA Gazebo, golf courses, The Ingram Planetarium, local markets, and public parks. Well-appointed single family home and land package, both pre-designed and build to suit, are offered from the mid $400’s to $800’s. As one of the area’s premier new home communities with a color palette inspired by the sand, sun, salt, and sea, let The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach be your oasis at home!
Visit www.billclarkhomes.com to explore your new home options today!
WaterSong at RiverTown
WaterSong offers a truly unique take on active 55+ living. As a charmingly styled and self-contained neighborhood, WaterSong is designed in harmony with the rest of master-planned RiverTown. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind setting on the banks of the St. Johns River, with gently lapping waves and ancient oaks beckoning you for a kayak ride, pier fishing session or amphitheater concert.
Two separate amenity complexes — RiverHouse and RiverClub — offer fitness, dining, social and recreational options, with pools, playgrounds, parks and trails galore. WaterSong also has its own exclusive, resort-style amenity center featuring a fitness center, social room, pool, hot tub, fire put, pickleball court, events lawn and more — plus a full-time activities director to lead the fun.
Within this gated, low-maintenance community, you can choose from thoughtfully designed villas or single-family homes. Our splendid variety of exterior styles and convenient features make everyday living more spacious, stylish and fun.
Belize Marriott Residences
A Luxurious Sanctuary in a Tropical Paradise
Discover the ultimate blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation at the Belize Marriott Residences, located on the stunning island of Ambergris Caye. Set within the natural beauty of Belize’s most popular destination, the residences offer a unique opportunity to own a home in a world-renowned location, where the Caribbean Sea meets the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Whether you’re looking for a permanent residence or a vacation home, the Belize Marriott Residences promise an unparalleled lifestyle in a tropical paradise.
World-Class Amenities and Services
As a resident, you’ll enjoy access to an array of exclusive Marriott amenities, designed to enhance your lifestyle and ensure your comfort. The community features two pools, a luxury spa, on-site restaurants celebrating local and international cuisine, a spacious conference center, a rooftop sunset lounge, a kids’ club, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Indulge in the exceptional dining options on-site, relax at the full-service spa, or enjoy a cocktail at the beachfront bar. For those who want to stay connected, high-speed internet is available
Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, the Belize Marriott Residences offer an ideal setting for you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Ambergris Caye, enjoy the world-class amenities, and become part of a vibrant, welcoming community that celebrates the natural wonders of Belize. This is more than just a home—it’s a gateway to a life of unparalleled luxury and opportunity.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Kent Island
K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Kent Island is a resort-style active adult 55+ community offering waterfront, Chesapeake Bay living with new single-family homes and luxury elevator condominiums. After decades of anticipation, this community is finally open—and homes are selling fast.
Ten versatile single-family home designs offer from 2 beds, 2 baths, 1,693 square feet and a 2-car garage to 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 3,601 square feet and a 3-car garage, so you can find your perfect fit, whether you’re looking to downsize or keep plenty of space for family and friends to visit. Each of our single- family homes are finished in one of our designer-curated interior Looks, so your home is cohesive, stylish and fits your taste: Loft, Farmhouse, Classic or Elements. Three luxury condo designs offer elegance, spaciousness and a low-maintenance lifestyle with up to 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,602 square feet and a 1-car garage.
Set along the banks of Maryland’s Chester River and Macum Creek, K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Kent Island offers stunning views and a wealth of outdoor recreation, including a canoe and kayak launch, a 450-foot in-community pier overlooking the Chester River and an in-community trail system, connected to the popular Cross Island Trail. From the game room and grand ballroom to the fitness center, yoga studio and sports courts to the resort-inspired indoor and outdoor pools, fire pit and waterside bar, you’ll find endless opportunities to socialize, exercise and relax at the 24,000 square foot Chester House clubhouse.
There’s even more shopping, dining and recreation to explore in nearby Washington DC, Baltimore and Annapolis—all just a short drive (or sail) away. Or, boat over to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to explore picturesque towns like Saint Michaels. With proximity to Route 50, excursions and commutes are a breeze!
ACCOLADE of Topsail Island, NC
Nestled along North Carolina’s intracostal waterway, ACCOLADE is the highly sought-after, ALH’s signature master-planned coastal community, occupying a prime coastal Topsail Island location. Mature live oaks with Spanish moss tower throughout the sensitively developed resort-style community unmatched on the island. Dockable soundfront lots and ocean view lots along the expansive Topsail Sound make ACCOLADE quite simply the coastal south’s location and lifestyle you’ve been looking for. On Saturday, April 6th (rain or shine), motivated buyers will have the opportunity to purchase their dream intracoastal waterway (ICW) dockable soundfront or ocean view lot.
Top-notch island amenities will feature private outdoor living nooks throughout the coastal Carolina community, including a resort-style pool featuring a beach entry, waterfall, tanning ledge, and in-water seating. The open-air covered pool cabana includes full amenity conveniences, including restrooms and a full outdoor grilling kitchen with refrigerator and ice machine. The double-sided fireplace will feature cozy and comfortable pool seating on the interior and exterior of the cabana for quality time spent with friends and family.
- Dockable Soundfront Lots with Expansive ICW Views
- Ocean View Lots
- Convenient Beach Access
- Resort-Style Pool featuring Beach Entry, Waterfall, Tanning Ledge & In-Water Seating
- Open-Air Covered Pool Cabana with Full Amenity Conveniences, including Double-Sided Fireplace, Restrooms, and a Full Outdoor Grilling Kitchen with Refrigerator & Ice Machine
Conveniently located equidistant between Topsail Beach and Surf City, ACCOLADE is also perfectly situated within walking distance of two beach access locations. Living on Topsail Island offers a rural beach feel while still offering a variety of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, microbreweries, and bars. It’s the ideal spot to make the move to island life with the local community infrastructure that will suit you and your family’s lifestyle. Mouthwatering local seafood, full beach activities, a mild climate, and overall quality of living that’s second to none – ACCOLADE is a must see for beach lovers. With a limited number of prime dockable soundfront and ocean view lots available in the high demand Topsail beachfront market, we recommend booking your priority reservation for the April 6th Lot Sale (rain or shine).
Bay Creek
Located along the sparkling waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Bay Creek is a community where coastal living is defined by a deep appreciation of family, nature, and authentic shore experiences. Set upon 1,720 lush acres along the Chesapeake Bay, our community is a natural wonderland, enhanced with exceptional amenities and rich experiences. Distinctly designed homes and neighborhoods are set among hundreds of acres of lush nature preserves, waterways, and interconnected trails—the welcoming backdrop for your family’s next great adventure.
Bay Creek is the first golf resort in the country to feature Signature courses from two of the top names in golf: Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Both of these award-winning courses enhance the natural beauty of the land, employing acres of dunes, mature trees, and well-protected greens to create a challenging course for all skill levels. And with holes on the Chesapeake Bay and along Old Plantation Creek, it’s no wonder The Wall Street Journal ranks them among the “Top 100 Residential Golf Courses in the United States.”
This is coastal living at its most satisfying. A lifetime of memories will begin the moment you make this place home. ‘Home’ at Bay Creek is both varied and distinct. Ten exceptional neighborhoods each with unique character, offer homesites of varying views and sizes, elegant single-family homes, colorful cottages, townhomes, and large, scenic estates. So no matter what your perfect fit is, it’s easy to find yourself completely at home at Bay Creek. The best way to discover this incredible lifestyle, the charm of Cape Charles, and the magic of living on Virginia’s Cape is to experience it for yourself. Contact us to schedule your own Personal Real Estate Discovery Visit with a three-day, two-night getaway to Bay Creek.
Plan your visit
At the end of the day, you don’t just want to live at the beach. You want to live at the beach with everything that makes living there ideal for you. Take the time to browse some of the best beach communities below, and then make your move.