Ideal Living Logo Dark

Receive your complimentary relocation guide

Guide to Resort Communities in North Carolina



Yes! Please send me The Digital "Choose Your Ideal Place" Guide
Yes! I want to receive ideal-LIVING Magazine
Ideal Living Relocation Guide Package Reflection

Guide to Resort Communities in North Carolina

Resort communities offer the comfort of home with the luxury amenities of a vacation destination. Features such as on-site restaurants, pools, tennis courts, and pickleball courts are available for residents. Clubhouses are always busy with scheduled events and activities for residents and their guests. Neighbors become friends through interest clubs and socials hosted throughout the year.

There are a variety of resort communities to choose from. For example, those who love to hit the links may find their perfect home in a golf community, while those who prefer the sand and sea can find their haven in a coastal community.

Aside from amenities and lifestyle offerings, important considerations when selecting a new home destination include factors such as preferred climate, cost of living, and tax considerations.

Social activities

Being part of an exclusive community means that neighbors get to know each other well. Onsite amenities, such as clubhouses and pools, foster these close relationships. Staff members also organize themed dinners, holiday events, and special interest groups.

Top-Notch Amenities

Resort communities offer updated facilities. Pools, fitness rooms, and tennis courts are generally found onsite. Those who have particular interests such as golf or sailing can find resort communities that cater specifically to those activities.

 

Family-Friendly Environment

Resort communities are diverse. They may also be gated communities, active adult communities and/or coastal communities. They can be a sanctuary to young families and empty-nesters alike. From playgrounds to lounges, these communities offer amenities to entertain residents of any age. 

Further, these amenities add value to the neighborhood, which benefit homeowners in these communities.

Sample Communities to Discover

North Carolina Coastal Communities | Compass Point Lanai Night Pool Fountain
FEATURED

Compass Pointe

Leland, NC
Homesites from $200K. Homes from $500K.

Located on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, only 10 minutes from Wilmington, Compass Pointe is a gated, private community that offers an unmatched resort lifestyle. Every day feels like a vacation where you can relax by our award-winning pool, float along the lazy river, join one of 100+ community clubs, or get some exercise at our fitness center, indoor pool, or golf club. Come see for yourself why Compass Pointe was honored with the 2020 Best Health & Fitness Community and America’s Best Places to Live 2021.

Amenities:

  • Private, Gated Entrance
  • The Grand Lanai
  • Resort Oasis Pool
  • Compass Pointe Golf Club
  • Clubhouse (under construcion) & Pro Shop
  • The Pointe Wellness Center & Spa
  • Indoor Pool
  • Lazy River
  • Tennis & Pickleball Courts
  • Recreation Lawn
  • Putting Greens
  • Latitudes Restaurant and Bar
  • Dog Park
  • Cardinal Lake with Canoe & Kayak Launch
  • Outdoor Amphitheater
  • Sidewalks Throughout for Walking and Biking
  • Golf Cart Paths Throughout

Future Amenities:

  • Club Member Pool & Bar
  • Club Member Fitness Center
  • Club Member Golf Simulator

Read More...

River Dunes

Oriental, NC
Homes: $225K - $1.1M Lots: $90K - $585K

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.

Read More...

Carolina Riverside by Del Webb

Belmont, NC
Ranch homes from the low $400ks

Ideally situated near historic downtown Belmont and bordered by the South Fork of the Catawba River, you’ll find Carolina Riverside, a vibrant 55+ community of new homes designed by nationally recognized Del Webb home builders. Active lifestyles begin here, with a future recreation hub featuring an exclusive 19,000 square-foot clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, an onsite lifestyle director who will plan regular events and activities, pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, and more. Carolina Riverside will offer 11 flexible, open-concept ranch-style floorplans designed with the buyer in mind. Residents will have easy access to the Catawba River, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and more. Carolina Riverside is located minutes from downtown Belmont with great local restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. If you’re interested in a bustling scene, residents have easy access to Uptown Charlotte’s sporting events, shows, and entertainment.

Read More...

Get Started

Finding and choosing the right resort community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation guide, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the best resort communities in North Carolina, as well as what you can do to get started. Sign up for this free package to take the first step in your exciting journey. Free Package includes:

 

  • ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide
    The ultimate guide to find your ideal destination, life and home. This annual guide contains more than 15 state maps, a location-based cost of living and climate comparison chart and discovery travel packages.
  • ideal-LIVING Magazine
    Quarterly print magazine features the best places to retire and/or purchase your ideal second home.
  • ideal-LIVING E-Newsletter
    Receive our digital newsletter, two to three times a month, highlighting communities around the country and abroad.
  • Tickets to ideal-LIVING Live Events
    The ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Show has helped retirees and second-home buyers find their ideal community and home for more than 30 years.

© 2025 ideal-LIVING Magazine • 265 Racine Dr #201 • Wilmington, NC 28403 • 910.763.2100