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.
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.
The Bluffs on the Cape Fear
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
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!
Arden
With a Palm Beach County location and a unique collection of lifestyle extras, retirees and families are finding a premier Florida residential destination at Arden.
Arden’s lakeside clubhouse is home to a state-of-the-art fitness center, meeting spaces for community clubs, a tea and coffee bar, and a multi-tier pool complex with fountains and a splash pad. Nearby is the community dock with ramps for launching kayaks, canoes, and electric-powered fishing boats. Tennis and pickleball courts, playing fields, an event lawn, and 20+ miles of walking and biking trails are among the outdoor recreation offerings. But Arden’s signature amenity is its unique “Agrihood,” a five-acre community garden for growing organic fruits and vegetables, plus a big red barn for community events and family gatherings.
Arden features customizable single-family homes and villas by leading Florida builders like GL Homes, Lennar, and Ryan Homes. All of the Arden neighborhoods have been planned to make a natural connection to healthy living, with contoured green spaces to enhance privacy and a wildlife refuge directly across the boulevard.
Just outside Arden’s gates are convenient grocery markets, retail stores, and restaurants. Resort golf courses and white-sand Atlantic beaches are also nearby, along with all of the first-class medical centers, schools, and cultural amenities that you’d expect in the heart of Palm Beach County.
Request more information about Arden and discover why this one-of-a-kind Florida community may be the perfect fit for your Sunshine State lifestyle.
Aquamar Vilamoura – Portugal
Living and enjoying life in the Southern Region of Portugal – Algarve is a delightful experience that combines the best of both worlds: a relaxed, sun-kissed lifestyle and a vibrant, culturally rich environment. Here’s a description of what it’s like for people who call the Algarve their home:
Nestled along the southern coast of Portugal, the Algarve is a haven for those seeking a life of tranquility and beauty. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of palm trees and the scent of saltwater in the air. The region’s Mediterranean climate ensures that sunny days are the norm, allowing you to embrace outdoor living throughout the year.
Your days in the Algarve are filled with endless possibilities. You can start by savoring a leisurely breakfast at a seaside café, where the freshly baked pastries are as warm as the smiles from the friendly locals. As the day unfolds, you might choose to explore the stunning coastline, where golden beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a serene backdrop for swimming, surfing, or simply basking in the sun.
For those with a penchant for culture, the Algarve offers a treasure trove of historic towns, each with its own unique charm. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings, discover ancient castles perched on hilltops, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of traditional Portuguese festivals and fado music that resonates with the soul.
Food lovers will find themselves in culinary paradise, with fresh seafood served at quaint beachside shacks and Michelin-starred restaurants alike. The Algarve’s cuisine is a tantalizing blend of flavors, where grilled sardines, succulent octopus, and aromatic cataplana dishes take center stage. And don’t forget to pair your meals with a glass of locally produced wine or a refreshing sip of medronho, the region’s famous firewater.
The Algarve isn’t just about leisure; it’s also about well-being. Spend your afternoons exploring nature reserves, hiking along rugged cliffs, or teeing off on world-class golf courses. The Ria Formosa Natural Park, with its intricate lagoons and birdlife, provides a peaceful escape for those who appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head
**Turn the Key to Paradise, Make the Move Today! Why delay the fun? Limited time offers make it easy to start now!**
Your Latitude! You’ve earned a life where every day feels like an escape. Find your paradise at Latitude Margaritaville, the 55-and-better lifestyle where fun and relaxation meet.
Inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett, this is where life rolls easy, neighbors are friends and the party never ends. Awesome recreation, FINtastic dining and entertainment will make the town center the place to be and just a golf cart ride away. Masterfully crafted new Latitude homes let you hang your hat where your heart is.
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is located on Highway 278, 2.5 miles east of I-95 in the city of Hardeeville, South Carolina – the scenic gateway to world-famous Hilton Head Island. The area is steeped in natural beauty, with an abundance of golf courses, pristine beaches and waterways for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Nearby are the historic cities of Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC filled with museums, cultural arts, shopping and dining.
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 $125 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.
The Governors Land at Two Rivers
Beautifully built on 1,400+ acres nestled between the majestic James and Chickahominy Rivers, The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers is a private, member-owned country club community of distinction where new neighbors become family and peace of mind is a priority. Discover an immediate sense of serenity in our pleasantly spacious, hidden gem of a neighborhood that embodies the charm of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Enjoy membership at Two Rivers Country Club, home to our top-rated Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, first-class dining, a full calendar of social events and our deepwater, protected Marina.
The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers is a natural haven where our diverse community of families and retirees have discovered an undeniable allure and wish to preserve our place of beauty and tranquility. Easily access the Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown and the College of William & Mary.
Schedule your Discovery Visit and experience our lively, welcoming, one-of-a-kind community in Williamsburg Virginia, consistently awarded as one of the best places to live by USA Today, Southern Living, Travel & Leisure and more!
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.
Del Webb Savannah at Heartwood
Del Webb Savannah at Heartwood is an exclusive 55+ active adult community located in Richmond Hill, GA, near the charming city of Savannah, GA. This community is perfect for retirees and active adults seeking a vibrant, resort-style lifestyle in a serene coastal setting. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Jerico River and marshlands, residents of Del Webb Savannah at Heartwood are minutes from its historic district with antebellum mansions and beautiful squares—the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The gated community boasts a luxurious clubhouse featuring a resort-style pool with a baja deck, cabanas, and serene pond views, making it the ideal spot for relaxation. For those who enjoy staying active, the state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, and tennis and pickleball courts offer year-round opportunities for exercise and social interaction. Unique amenities like “The Fish Camp,” with its dock, kayak launch, and scenic firepit, enhance the outdoor living experience, while the full-time Lifestyle Director ensures a packed social calendar filled with activities, events, and clubs.
The premium Georgia real estate in the age-restricted community is thoughtfully designed for the modern active adult, featuring single-story homes with optional lofts. These homes are crafted with flexible spaces, allowing for personalization and entertaining, and are available with desirable marsh views of the Jerico River. Request More Information now!
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.