Explore the Nation’s Best Boating Communities
What can beat the feeling of the wind blowing past you as you’re out on the water? The crisp, cool air and that feeling of serenity are hard to surpass. That’s why boaters can hardly be kept out of their boats for long. Read on for more on boat communities, why people love them, and the benefits they see in living in a boating community.
Why choose a boating community?
Beautiful views and plenty of activity are a major draw for those living in boating communities. If you’re a boater, though, you know there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to boating benefits.
- Beautiful views: Peer out the kitchen window and see the sparkling glassy water out waiting for you? That can be your everyday view when you’re in a boating community.
- High home value: When you’re near a marina or dock, it’s hard for your home to lose value, many residents in boating communities love this aspect of home buying.
- Amenities: That’s right...you can have a boat without having to maintain a boat or dock. In a boating community, that’s half the draw. But if you do have your own and want to keep it that way, there are plenty of options for you too.
- Fishing: If you’re in a boating community, it’s common to go fishing whenever you please, and you’ll always have a friend to accompany you.
- Active and healthy lifestyle: If you’re out on the water, many love to canoe or kayak or paddleboard. Because you’re near the coast, many live an active and healthy lifestyle.
What are the benefits of living in a boating community?
If you’re an avid boater, you know why you love life on the water: the fresh air, the fishing, the coastal breeze... what’s not to love? If you’re newer to the boating life, here are several reasons boaters stay on the water for life.
Ready to take the boat out for a spin?
Sailing or fishing, speed boating or canoeing, there are so many water-friendly communities to explore across the U.S. Check out the many options below to get a feel for the best of what’s out there. With rivers, lakes, and oceanfront boating communities, all you need to do is choose the option that’s right for you.
If you see a few boating communities that interest you, use the information request form to contact a local expert in each community. You can inquire for more information, find details on the destination, and get a feel for the unique boating lifestyle there. You can even inquire about specifics like HOA fees, the neighborhood social scene, or the home prices in the area.
If you’re seeking a certain boating location, try using the filtering options on the left to narrow down your options and find the destination with the water access you’re craving.
Research and Explore the Best Boating Communities
Search Filters:
Click to explore the following boating communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Mirum Elounda Villas – Greece
Mirum Elounda Villas is an exclusive seafront complex of Mediterranean-style ultra-luxury villas set in a stunning boutique development facing the historical Spinalonga Island.
The villas feature open terraces, panoramic windows, landscaped gardens, and private heated swimming pools. Each villa is designed to take maximum advantage of panoramic sea views. The generously proportioned villas (5-6 bedrooms) sit on large plots of at least 4,000 sq m. All come with generous indoor-outdoor spaces that have a contemporary feel and inviting private pools. Each villa also has a gourmet kitchen, but you can request private chef dinners. Furthermore, the complex has direct access to a private beach and jetty.
Sample the Mediterranean lifestyle by renting one of Mirum Elonda Villas. With a seafront location, exclusive access to amenities and service from 5* Hotel, these rental villas provide you with the luxury vacation of a lifetime.
Fairfield Glade & Fairfield North
Fairfield Glade is perched high atop the Cumberland Plateau, and offers serene mountain beauty as it sits on the highest point between the Rocky and Smoky Mountains. One of the favorite features of this area is the moderate year round temperatures. The pleasant summer days and the cool summer nights can be attributed to the Cumberland Plateau’s 2,000-foot-elevation, allowing for more comfortable temperatures and much lower humidity than most areas of the south.
What to do with all the fabulous weather and beautiful scenery? Golfing, boating, fishing, hiking, walking, swimming, tennis/pickleball-the list of fun activities available is simply endless! Plus, an outdoor amphitheater and biergarten just opened to host live music, movies, food and community events – it’s a great gathering place for neighbors to come together.
The community offers multiple subdivisions with a wide range of home sizes, price ranges, and views that include mountain, lake, golf and protected woodlands. Another attribute is the incredible cost of living in Fairfield Glade – no state income tax on wages, very reasonable home prices, and extremely low property taxes and club dues.
Fairfield Glade is just 6 miles from the city limits of Crossville, a small town, but bustling with activities. Crossville’s central location on Interstate 40 has made it a hub for many outlying areas and has given rise to a booming retail environment, offering shopping, dining and entertainment choices. The community is also located right off I-40, less than an hour from Knoxville, and an hour and a half from either Nashville or Chattanooga.
Testimonial
“The biggest deciding factor for choosing Fairfield Glade was the people, both in the Glade and in the town. When we came to visit the first time, we had no appointment and no agenda – we just popped in and wandered around. Folks stopped us everywhere we went – Food City, the Wellness Center, Villa Pizza – and just chatted. No one was in a hurry, everyone was interested in our story, everyone had some tidbit to share. The same thing happened on our second visit, and then on every visit we made once construction started. We felt like we had become part of the community before we were actually part of the community.” Michelle and James Bayless
Fairfield Glade has 11 lakes and two marinas.
Tellico Village
Tellico Village is Eastern Tennessee’s premier active-adult community for retirees and remote workers of any age who want to enjoy the region’s finest collection of resort-style amenities.
Set on 4,800 acres around Tellico Lake in the Great Smoky Mountain foothills, Tellico Village is an outdoor recreation paradise. Three lakeside golf courses host a year-round schedule of league events, plus pro and amateur championships. The Tellico Village Yacht Club, one of three community marinas, offers complete boating services and lakefront dining. Fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis/pickleball courts, and 50+ miles of local hiking trails give residents a choice of healthy activities every day of the week. The 200+ Tellico Village social clubs and volunteer organizations make it easy for neighbors to become friends. At the same time, the on-site Summit Medical Center offers convenient primary care and physical-therapy services.
More than 2,300 buildable lots and waterfront homesites are available at Tellico Village. An impressive roster of 15 local builders offers a fantastic variety of floor plans with customizable options to create the new home of your dreams. There are also a number of existing homes on the market at any given time, plus rentals available for a week to a year while you check out all of the choices.
Located just 31 miles from Knoxville, Tellico Village residents are just a short drive away from the region’s finest night-life venues, cultural events, shopping centers, and top-rated health care facilities.
Request more information below, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying the good life at Tellico Village.
River Dunes
River Dunes is an award-winning coastal retreat on the coast of North Carolina. You’ll find big water, big views, and big adventure here. River Dunes offers the best in coastal living and year-round boating, set in an unparalleled location with fourteen miles of shoreline on the big waters of the Pamlico Sound, Intracoastal Waterway and Neuse River. The award-winning master plan embraces gathering spaces, spectacular water views, and outdoor living. Traditional coastal architecture and a bustling Harbor Village draw upon the rich heritage of life on the coast. River Dunes is a place for enjoying the back porch with neighbors, the peace of an early-morning kayaking trip and fellowship on the docks in the afternoon. Enjoy luxurious guest accommodations, live music at the Pavilion and dining with friends.
The 400 slip Marina features floating docks, fuel, dockage and deep water access for boats up to 150′. The Harbor Village in the heart of the community offers dining, shopping, provisions, fitness, tennis courts, a day spa, accommodations, bikes, kayaks, trails and the new Design Center. The Harbor Club has a spectacular clubhouse with waterfront dining, pool, and hot tubs.
Lakewood Ranch
Live the Florida lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of—with 30+ villages, each featuring distinctive homes, amenities, and features, Lakewood Ranch is designed to support every aspect of your life. New homes include townhomes, condos, attached villas, single-family homes and estates, with prices from the $300s to over $1 million.
We set out to build a community that is more than just the homes it’s made up of. Here, you’ll find all the shopping, dining, entertainment, education, healthcare, nature, and recreational options you could want to make the most out of every day. And the best part is that it’s all already here. You don’t have to envision it—you can simply start living it.
Our 48% open space plan and mixed-use component work together to provide each village on The Ranch with easy access to parks, trails, and recreational opportunities like three town centers, a sports campus featuring pickleball, Sarasota Polo Club, and The Farmers’ Market.
Just beyond our backyard you can enjoy Sarasota’s white sand beaches and arts scene, Tampa’s sports teams, and quick access to four airports.
ideal-LIVING has named Lakewood Ranch Best Health and Fitness Community and Best Golf Community. Lakewood Ranch has also earned the spot as the #1 multi-generational best-selling master-planned community since 2018.
Come explore Florida’s favorite place to call home. LakewoodRanch.com
What to expect at The Ranch:
• 30+ villages, 2 are 55+
• 3 town centers & 8 neighborhood shopping plazas with Publix Grocery stores
• 150 miles of multi-surface trails
• 10,000+ acres of lakes, parks, and preserves
• 60+ clubs and groups
• Over 200 shops and eateries
• 13 community parks
• 192 holes of golf
• 32 courts for racquet sports
• A-rated schools & higher education campuses
• Sarasota Polo Club
• Farmers’ Market voted #1 in Florida
• Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club
• 22 fields at Premier Sports Campus
• Sights and Sounds Performing and Fine Arts Series
Ready to discover it? Great. Request more information below to receive discovery tour packages
and specials. You won’t know until you go!
Dataw Island
There is a place off the South Carolina coast, near the charming town of Beaufort, where nature and luxury share center stage. Shaped by the Intracoastal Waterway and a rich Southern history, the SC gated golf community of Dataw Island is a pristine parcel of 870 acres waiting to be discovered.
The Dataw Island Club is the perfect choice for you. Golf and Social memberships are available for island residents. If you live in the area and are interested in joining the club. For membership information, call (843) 838-3838.
- “Top 100 Amenity Communities” – ideal-LIVING Magazine
- “Best in Value Golf Community” – Links Magazine
- “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” – The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses
Their two championship golf courses, by Tom Fazio and Arthur Hills, wind their way through stunning Lowcountry landscape, complete with historic ruins, moss-draped oaks, and tidal marsh. Complemented by an array of sports amenities (Tennis, Pickleball, Croquet, Bocce) and social clubs too numerous to mention (arts clubs, yoga and fitness, special interest groups), members of Dataw Island find their days full of friendship, philanthropy, and fun!
Dataw Island is a luxurious and private residential golf community nestled in an unrivaled South Carolina landscape. Within the gates, there is 24-hour security. There’s vibrancy there, a constant bustle of activity that reflects the area’s rich wildlife and Dataw’s collaborative culture. Residents can walk, bike or travel by golf cart to social gatherings, functions and meetings.
From deepwater slips that lead to blue waters to the manicured golf courses named for legends; from an indoor lap pool to a whirlpool spa; from tennis lessons to Spanish lessons, Dataw Island is humming with leisure. Start the day sunny side up in your Lowcountry residence. Uncover cozy, shaded nooks perfect for soaking in the coastal breeze. Join neighbors for a Yacht Club meeting or challenge friends to a game of croquet on the lawn. From a calendar of social events to thoughtful gathering spots woven throughout, Dataw Island’s connected community is inspired by you.
Fawn Lake
Fawn Lake – Best Places to Live in Virginia
There are places to live in Virginia, and then there are the best places to live in Virginia. Fawn Lake is the latter. An idyllic lakeside living development nine miles west of historic Fredericksburg, VA, Fawn Lake spans 2,350 acres of lush, rolling hills. It features an Audubon Certified wildlife Sanctuary. And, Fawn Lake’s deepwater marina is available to all residents.
Best Lake Living Community in Virginia
In addition to the laid-back, nature-based lake lifestyle, Fawn Lake provides the security offered in a gated community. An Arnold Palmer designed golf course and a private country club are also perks. Fawn Lake is 288 acres deep with over seven miles of shoreline that runs alongside much of the course. Fawn Lake’s lush canopy of trees complement the distinctive homes and home sites within the gates. Lakefront retreats, golf cottages and wooded estate home sites alike add architectural diversity. There’s a uniqueness here that is unparalleled in surrounding Virgina communities. Fawn Lake’s proximity to culture and excitement found in large cities and small towns also adds substantial value.
More to Love at Fawn Lake
Boating, water-skiing, and fishing are among favorite pastimes in this ideal Virginia community. And, nature-lovers have found a piece of heaven here with more than ten miles of hiking and walking trails. Residents have been known to take a midsummer dip after a long hike at the lake beach. The community pool is also a great choice. Clubs, leagues and groups are abundant at Fawn Lake. So, if you’re the social type, you’re in luck. Additionally, schools, top area hospitals and shopping are all easily accessible. A fitness club is on site, and tennis, boating, kayaking, sailing, and a community clubhouse are available to all residents. Fawn Lake offers a wide variety of custom builders to suit your needs. Home prices range from the high $600s to $4 million.
It’s not hard to find the best fit at Fawn Lake.
Cumberland Harbour
Located on a peninsula bounded by rivers and ocean we are Georgia’s Premier Coastal Community directly across from Cumberland Island National Seashore! Enjoy world-class amenities with pools, tennis, fitness center, parks and community docks. All protected by manned/gated 24/7 security for peace of mind. Located at the Southeastern-most point of Georgia we enjoy the mildest climate in the state. The metro area of Jacksonville, FL offers the finest in shopping, cultural activities, sporting events and health care that includes the Mayo Clinic. Jacksonville International Airport is 30 minutes from our frontgate.
The architecture in Cumberland Harbour is classic Low-Country Southern vernacular with wide porches, metal roofs, shiplap and vintage heart pine floors. Work with the region’s finest builders to create that one of a kind Dream Home. Choose from home sites with a wide variety of locations and price points. Our waterfront sites offer true deepwater access with the ability to put in your own private dock. Marshfront sites offer endless vistas and sunsets over the salt marshes. Our nature sites offer a live oak canopy perfect for relaxation on those Summer days. Play, Relax, Explore… Life lived better, Cumberland Harbour.
Retire Arkansas
Arkansas is home to diverse cities and communities, each with something unique to discover – from metropolitan areas to rural settings and adventure sports to relaxing retreats.
Nicknamed the Natural State, Arkansas’s dense forests, winding rivers, and dramatic mountain landscapes provide endless exploration opportunities. Kayak on the Buffalo National River, dig for jewels in Crater of Diamonds State Park, or take in the sweeping views at Hawksbill Crag or Whitaker Point.
Tucked in the state’s northwest corner, Fayetteville and Bentonville are home to several annual food, film, and music festivals, plenty of museums, and diverse culinary offerings. Historic sites abound in the state capital of Little Rock, the largest city in the state. Live music is a way of life in Arkansas and can be heard in both Little Rock and the Lower Delta region, especially in Helena-West Helena.
It’s clear to see why Arkansas is an attractive option for those looking to relocate or retire. In addition to its rich culture and picturesque surroundings, Arkansas has the third-lowest cost of living in the United States, but the seventh-highest quality of life. State income tax is 60% lower than the national average, and property taxes are around 0.60%. Additionally, military retirement pay is exempt from state income tax.
Although it’s not always easy figuring out how to move to another state, we can help.
Request your free Arkansas Relocation Guide. This handy guide contains a wealth of information for people considering relocating to or retiring in Arkansas. No matter where you choose to visit or relocate, you’ll find friendly and helpful people everywhere you go.
Alliance Home & Land Group
Keller Williams Premiere
Nestled along Georgia’s Lake Country shores are a wide array of communities to call home for even the most discerning of those looking to retire or relocate. There is no shortage of the finest golf courses, pickleball is all the rage, and a Ritz Carlton is in our backyard. Perfectly situated East of Atlanta for the convenience of a major airport and yet far enough removed to "get away from it all". Other notable spots: Athens, GA home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, Madison, GA winner of “Best Small Town in America” and Augusta, GA home to The Masters Tournament – just to name a few.
Georgia’s Lake Country isn’t just a place, it’s a lifestyle! There is truly something for everyone and at every price point.
From land to lake homes…love where YOU live!
Reynolds Lake Oconee • Great Waters • Cuscowilla • Harbor Club • Del Webb on Lake Oconee • Lake Oconee to Lake Sinclair • Athens to Macon • Madison to Milledgeville and everywhere in between.
Estrella
Surrounded by majestic mountains and wide-open desert vistas, life in Estrella is a masterpiece of harmonious balance. Dynamic, yet serene, Estrella offers young couples, families, and retirees a resort-inspired lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities.
Estrella features the Presidio and Starpointe Residents’ Clubs, the Casa Lucero Welcome Center, fitness centers, resort-style pools, a waterpark, a splash pad, lap pools, more than 65+ miles of trails, and over 50+ community parks. With sports courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball, over 72 acres of lakes with complimentary usage of kayaks, paddle boats, and sail boats, award-winning Nicklaus Design champion golf course, restaurants, dining, shopping, great schools, on-site and nearby medical facilities all nestled among the Sierra Estrella Mountains, Estrella offers an unmatched lifestyle all for a low $121 base HOA fee.
Active adults can find refuge in their own gated community, CantaMia 55+ with the fully amenitized CantaMia Village Center, including its own resort-style pool, indoor lap pool, demo kitchen, art studio, cafe, dog park, pickleball courts, and event-scheduling.
Amblebrook at Gettysburg
Amblebrook at Gettysburg is an amenity-filled master-planned community for 55+ active adults that embraces the rich history and abundance of its beautiful Southern Pennsylvania setting. Built from the ground up to foster more everyday joy, Amblebrook is designed to nurture deeper connections to friends, family and the great outdoors. The stunning Rock Creek Clubhouse and Fitness Center serve up near endless opportunities to explore untapped interests and well-honed skills. And a vast array of social clubs and activities mean the sky is the limit when it comes to pursuing passions and personal exploration. Award-winning homebuilders Caruso Homes, DRB-Elevate Homes, DR Horton, Ward Homes and Lennar offer a wide variety of two- and three-bedroom layouts to suit your lifestyle, starting from the mid $300,000’s
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!
Retire Tennessee Program Communities
Whether you’re ready for full-time retirement or want to relocate to a better place, Tennessee is a state that deserves your attention.
Consider these facts before deciding on another location: Tennessee collects no state tax on income or other retirement-plan benefits and no sales tax on prescription drugs. Property taxes in Tennessee are very reasonable, especially with available exemptions for retirees and age 65+ residents, resulting in the second-lowest overall state and local tax burden per capita in the nation. And Tennessee offers the eighth-lowest cost of living in the U.S.—more than 10% below the national average.
The Retire Tennessee program is a state government initiative designed to spread the word about all of the great reasons for retiring or relocating to the Volunteer State. From the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the banks of the Mississippi River in the west, a total of 19 urban and rural counties in the program highlight the unique natural attractions and cultural amenities that each has to offer.
Tennessee has more than 60 state and national parks with some of America’s finest freshwater fishing lakes and hiking destinations that range from the 210-mile Cumberland Trail to Chattanooga’s 16-mile Riverwalk. The delightful four-season climate means that you can enjoy a round of golf or a kayak excursion any week of the year. And the world-famous Tennessee music scene includes Beale Street blues in Memphis, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and bluegrass festivals in charming mountain towns like Kingsport and Cookeville.
Request more information below and let the Retire Tennessee program introduce you to the next great adventure in your life.
Tucan Country Club & Resort – Panama
Nestled in the heart of Cocoli, Tucán Residential Development is a testament to luxury living harmonized with nature’s tranquility. Spanning a lavish 74 hectares, this development is not just a residence but a lifestyle choice for those who seek the finest in living standards.
At Tucán, we offer a variety of living options, each tailored to meet the unique tastes of our discerning residents. From the majestic Palash Tower, the scenic views Forest Towers, the picturesque Splendor Village, to the charming Tucan Village, and a selection of residential land plots, we cater to your dream of building a personalized haven.
The complex, securely enclosed and monitored, stands as a sanctuary of peace and safety. It lies adjacent to a significant forest reserve in the canal area, immersing residents in a world where nature’s beauty is a daily background. Since its inception in 2004, Tucán has captivated attention with its elegant Mediterranean architectural style. This aesthetic charm is a blend of diverse cultural elements, including Spanish, French, Moroccan, Turkish, and Greek influences, creating an environment that is both opulent and welcoming.
Our commitment to maintaining a balance with nature is reflected in our design, preserving 80% of the space for medium-sized villas amidst lush greenery, ensuring each resident feels connected to the earth’s natural splendor.
The site’s historical significance as the former Horoko Golf Course adds to its allure. Transformed into an 18-hole golf course by Jeffrey Mayers in 2003, it stands today as one of the most exclusive and unique real estate developments, not just in Panama but globally.
The Tucan Country Club and Resort Real Estate development, situated near the iconic Panama Canal, adheres to the highest quality standards, coexisting with a rich natural environment. Here, centuries-old trees, rivers, lakes, and a diverse array of flora and fauna create a living painting that changes with the seasons.
Despite its proximity to Panama City, Tucán remains a paradise for exotic wildlife, offering majestic views and proximity to ecological trails, such as the 7 km TITI trail and the extensive Metropolitan Natural Park where you will fully enjoy nature
very close to cultural and leisure activities just one step away. The historic Casco Viejo, Panama City, with schools, hospitals, and more!
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.
Plan your visit
Grab your hat and sandals—the boat’s ready to hit the water! Search and learn more about boating communities to live in below. When you’ve selected some areas that look appealing, plan your visit. It’ll help you narrow down your search to get out on the docks and feel the breeze out on the water of your potential new home.