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.

Albemarle Plantation

Hertford, NC
Homes from the $400,000 & Homesites from $30,000

Albemarle Plantation

On North Carolina’s Inner Banks

 

In the private, gated sound front community of Albemarle Plantation, the waterfront lifestyle abounds. Set on the pristine waters of North Carolina’s sparkling Inner Banks, Albemarle Plantation is the perfect blend of nature, big water, resort amenities, and beautiful homes.

The community is known for its vast waters, 166-slip Private Marina, acclaimed golf, and nature-centric lifestyle. Walking and biking trails ribbon past nature sanctuaries and waterways. Raised boardwalks wind along, perfect for a stroll to the marina. On the waterfront, Marina Park with its great views and manicured lawn is the ideal gathering place for friends and is home to many a community event. The grand, waterfront Clubhouse offers indoor and outdoor dining with incredible water and fairway views. Near the marina, Dockside Café offers outdoor dining and is home to the Albemarle Wine Shop.

Residents also enjoy daily amenities like a fully outfitted fitness center, resort-style Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, bocce courts, gathering and activity spaces and even community garden plots. Winding through the community is the award-winning Dan Maples-designed golf course. Widely acclaimed, it offers world-class play for golfers of all levels and provides breathtaking views. Here, you can enjoy every amenity you would expect from a private waterfront community—plus, all amenities are complete and owned debt free by the Property Owner’s Association.

With a focus on nature’s beauty, Albemarle Plantation is a scenic and welcoming place to build the home of your dreams, too. With a large selection of home plans and a trusted group of preferred builders, creating your retreat at Albemarle can be easy and exciting. Living here offers a perfect balance: residents are wonderfully tucked away from the hustle and bustle of metro areas yet have easy access to Tidewater Virginia and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. At Albemarle, you can savor the small-town waterfront charm of Edenton and Hertford, and quickly access big city luxuries with Virginia Beach and Norfolk only about an hour north.

Whether setting out by boat to explore the Sound and nearby small towns, kayaking, going fishing with friends on the protected waters of the Sound or in the Intracoastal Waterway, jet skiing, sailboat racing, or just watching the sun go down over the water…living at Albemarle Plantation is a soul-stirring experience.

Homes from the $400,000.

Homesites from $30,000

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WaterSong at RiverTown

St. Johns, FL
New homes from $350K

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.

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Retire NC

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina has always been recognized for its natural diversity and gracious hospitality, which now has made it into an extremely popular retirement destination. Choices abound for a healthy, happy retirement setting, whether you want to relax on the beach or enjoy the great outdoors in our mountains or stay busy in a bustling city. The North Carolina Certified Retirement Community designation means a city has completed a comprehensive evaluation process with requirements outlined by the North Carolina General Assembly. These Certified Retirement Communities are recognized for providing the amenities, services and opportunities retirees need to enjoy active and productive lives.

City of Reidsville

City of Reidsville

LIVE SIMPLY, THINK BIG isn’t just our tagline, it’s our way of life. We aren’t limited by
our size and neither are our dreams. Whether you want to spend your retirement volunteering,
spending time with friends or finally opening that small business you always dreamed of, you
can "Do What You Love in Reidsville"; Being "retired" doesn’t mean you can’t live out your
dreams, it means you now have the freedom to do it!
https://www.riseupreidsville.com/retire

Johnston County

Johnston County

Johnston County (JoCo) offers you more than you expect in retirement! Discover a blend of history, entertainment, dining, lodging, and outlet shopping, along with a generous helping of true southern hospitality. With a growing culinary and craft beverage scene, as well as revitalized downtowns, you don’t have to travel far from home to find what you are looking for. The unique communities that make up JoCo have one thing in common–a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people.
https://www.johnstoncountync.org/retire-joco/

Rumbling Bald

Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

If you are looking to build or purchase in an exceptional mountain golf community, it’s time to look closer at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure. You will find a few choice, undeveloped properties within our community at pleasantly affordable prices along with several spectacular homes in a variety of settings. You can come today; enjoy our lake and golf, and choose the opportunity to live in a remarkable community.
https://rumblingbald.com/living-here

Person County

Person County

Nestled in the northern piedmont of North Carolina, a short commute from the Triangle and southern Virgina, Person County is home to rolling hills, farmers markets, lakes, and trails. With two beautiful wineries, live music venues, historic general stores, and Uptown Roxboro, Person County values its history and community while embracing the new. No matter what you choose, life in Person County is homegrown, just for you.
https://itsbetterinperson.com/

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Latitude Margaritaville Watersound

Panama City Beach, FL
Homes starting at the $300s.

**Turn the Key to Paradise, Make the Move Today! Why delay the fun? Limited-time offers make it easy to start now!**

Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is located on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola and Panama City. It is just off of the Scenic Highway 30A corridor that runs along 20 miles of coastline with views of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Latitude Margaritaville Watersound offers a unique living environment with access to the Intracoastal Waterway. This area, with its many small coastal towns, is the embodiment of the relaxed, beachy vibe that is at the heart of the Latitude Margaritaville lifestyle. There also are many outdoor recreational activities, ranging from boating and deep-sea fishing to hiking, biking, golfing and more. A full range of lifestyle components is nearby, including an enticing array of dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities as well as service businesses, medical offices, hospitals and more. The community’s initial phase is anticipated to include approximately 3,500 homes. The master-planned community, inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, features four distinct home collections – the Conch Cottage Collection, Caribbean Villas Collection, and the Beach and Island Collections of single-family homes.

Floor plans range from 1,210 to 2,568 square feet under air.The casual-luxe Vista Collection was recently added to the single family collection. These homes feature two floors and are exclusively situated on the Intracoastal Waterway. Floor plans range from 3,095 to 4,048 square feet under air.

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Welcome Home Mississippi

Welcome Home Mississippi

Jackson, MS

Wide open spaces, lush greenery and sandy white beaches – what better place to retire than in Mississippi? Mississippi also is the most affordable state for retirement, with a cost of living 14% lower than the national average and total retirement spending the lowest in the nation.

With 13 certified retirement communities, each one a vibrant and hospitable area, the options are plentiful, and each one offers a quality of living unmatched anywhere else in the U.S. Whether you dream of living in the same city as the King of Rock ‘n Roll, or enjoy outdoor activities like golfing or festivals, retiring in the Magnolia State is full of options for every lifestyle.

We look forward to welcoming you home!


Aberdeen

ABERDEEN
Located on the banks of the Tombigbee River, Aberdeen is famous for its magnolia-lined streets, historic homes and unique cultural attractions, including annual pilgrimages where locals and visitors can tour the town’s antebellum homes.

BRANDON

BRANDON
Just six miles east of the state’s capitol and a stone’s throw from Jackson Medger-Evers International Airport, Brandon offers a small-town atmosphere while boasting an amphitheater hosting world-class musicians and waterfront living and activities.

CLEVELAND

CLEVELAND
A charming college town situated in the Mississippi Delta, Cleveland is known for its high quality of life. Stroll down brick streets lined with great shopping and restaurants or take in a class or performance at Delta State University – Cleveland has a little bit of everything.

PICAYUNE

PICAYUNE
Home to the nationally recognized Crosby Arboretum, Picayune is a thriving city of approximately 11,000 inhabitants and is known for its well-maintained streets, good schools, abundance of churches, stores and restaurants.

HATTIESBURG

HATTIESBURG
A rare example of a booming metropolitan that has retained its small-town charm and atmosphere, this beautiful college town always has something going on – from festivals and events to educational programs and bike rides along the 41-mile Longleaf Trace.

Madison

MADISON
Leading the state with the highest per capita income, highest median home value and highest educational levels – the city boasts exquisite subdivision, expansive country lots and numerous fine dining, retail and arts opportunities.

Clinton

CLINTON
Located in the Jackson metro area, Clinton is known for its thriving downtown area with tree-lined brick streets, its award winning parks, walking trails and many academic, athletic and cultural opportunities hosted at its own Mississippi College.

Oxford

OXFORD
Oxford is a vibrant university town heralded for its unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and bars, historic landmarks and comfortable inns, as well as the country’s number one bookstore and top tailgating experience.

Tupelo

TUPELO
Music fans around the globe know Tupelo as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but that’s just the beginning. Tupelo residents benefit from excellent medical facilities, educational programs, theatre, ballet, a symphony orchestra and galleries.

Aberdeen

SOUTHAVEN
Just a few miles south of the Tennessee border near Memphis, Southaven is known for its outdoor recreation where enthusiasts enjoy fishing, hunting and camping along the Arkabutla Lake, ranked as one of the Top 5 Crappie Fishing Lakes in America.

Starkville

STARKVILLE
If you’re looking for just the right place to enjoy your retirement years, it might be difficult to find anywhere as pleasant and affordable as Starkville. As the home of Mississippi State University, Starkville offers advantages that are rare in many other communities of the same size.

Natchez

NATCHEZ
Founded in 1716, Natchez is bustling with history, majestic views of the Mississippi River and is home to 500 antebellum buildings, many of which are open for tours, dining and events. And don’t miss out on the numerous cultural activities held throughout the year.

New Albany

NEW ALBANY
Voted one of America’s Best Southern Small Towns by USA Today, nestled in the heart of the Mississippi hills and located on the banks of the scenic Tallahatchie River, New Albany offers the ideal setting for family and community living.

Vicksburg

VICKSBURG
Home to the largest collection of public art in the state, the historic city of Vicksburg has a commanding view of the Mississippi River alongside art galleries, a thriving Theatre Guild and the Vicksburg National Military Park.

 

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Gated Community near Wilmington NC | The Bluffs on the Cape Fear

The Bluffs on the Cape Fear

Leland, NC

Gated Riverfront Living, Boundless Joy in Nature

The Bluffs on the Cape Fear is a vibrant, master-planned community perched on a pristine stretch of the Cape Fear River. Just 15 minutes from the classic waterfront hometown of historic Wilmington, NC, The Bluffs is a private, coastal haven for the families who call it home.

The unique vision of The Bluffs is realized every day: natural woodlands and the unspoiled riverfront landscape are preserved and celebrated. Classically-styled coastal homes exist in harmony with lush woodlands, and the riverfront.
Our visionary developers created The Bluffs with access and abundance in mind. Accordingly, residents here enjoy a close-knit, active lifestyle with total access to the riverfront and an impressive collection of amenities. We invite you to experience the joy of our authentic riverfront community, The Bluffs on the Cape Fear, with our 3 day-2 night Discovery Package.

Amenity List:
– 50-Slip Marina with Scenic Boardwalk
– 2-Acre Riverfront Park with Boat & Kayak Launch
– Lakefront Clubhouse with Resort-Style Salt Water Pool
– Private Beach Club on Oak Island – with Full Ocean Access
– Winding Walking & Biking Trails
– Golf Cart Friendly Community
– Tennis & Pickleball Courts
– Fully-Stocked Lake
– Community Boat & RV Storage
– And soon, a New State-of-the-Art Fitness & Wellness Center

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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.

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St. James Properties

Southport, NC
Townhomes and Condos: $350K+, Homes: $600K+, and Homesites: $200K+

St. James Plantation, located along Southeastern North Carolina’s Intracoastal Waterway near the charming towns of Southport and historic Wilmington, remains one of the most desirable communities in the region. The community boasts over $100 million in top-tier amenities, including a private oceanfront beach club, a 475-slip marina with dry stack options, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, including the Signature Wellness Center, four welcoming clubhouses, and 81 holes of championship golf. Residents can also enjoy 36+ miles of biking and walking routes, five dining options, Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball, parks, community gardens, and over 100 social clubs.

With a mild Carolina climate offering four distinct seasons, the area is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring nearby antique shops, boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and historical landmarks dating back to the 1700s. Additionally, the region is home to well-equipped adult educational institutions and first-class medical centers. Real estate options in St. James include spacious custom homes, new cottage homes, and condominiums, with single-family homes ranging from the $600,000s to over $1 million, and homesites starting in the $200,000s.

Plan your visit right now! Call 800-245-3871 or visit our website: www.StJames-Properties.com.

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K. Hov Four Seasons Lakes of Cane Bay | Gated Community near Charleston SC

K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay

Summerville, SC
pricing starting at lower $400s

Step into a lifestyle like no other at K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay, a new 55+ community in Summerville, South Carolina, offering exciting, amenity-rich Lowcountry living at its finest.

Enjoy the ease and relaxation of an active adult community while surrounded by a picturesque, 300-acre lake. Spend your days at the community’s 24,000-square-foot clubhouse with luxurious pools and lighted courts for tennis, pickleball and bocce. The on-site, full-time lifestyle director maintains a full schedule of activities including Zumba classes, yoga sessions, billiards, and more — you’ll never run out of fun things to do.

Our single-family homes offer exceptional comfort and style and feature spacious layouts perfect for entertaining and additional storage, well-appointed kitchens, private offices and covered patios on select floorplans. With up to 3 beds, 3.5 baths and 3,345 sq. ft., you’re sure to find your perfect fit.

K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay is perfectly located near downtown Charleston, so a quick drive will take you right to its historic streets, excellent shopping, and thriving restaurant scene. Or, take a quick day trip to one of the area’s five distinct beaches for a relaxing getaway. The community is also located within the award-winning Cane Bay Plantation, which offers shopping, dining, and retail options just a few miles away.

The mild weather of coastal South Carolina, a slower pace of life, lakefront living, nearby soft sandy beaches, friendly people and endless activities at your fingertips make the Charleston area one of the hottest retirement destinations in the United States. Plan your visit to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay today and discover a diverse selection of beautiful brand-new homes, unbeatable community amenities and a vacation atmosphere that’s second to none.

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Tucan Country Club & Resort – Panama

Cocolí, Panama
Apartments from 230k to 800k and houses from 990k in advance, lots from 300k

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!

 

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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.

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