Discover the Nation’s Best Coastal Communities
The sound of waves lulling you to sleep doesn’t have to be an experience reserved for vacation—for those living in coastal communities, it’s a way of life. If a walk on the beach, fishing, or a scenic boat ride sound like your ideal activity, buying a home in a coastal community could be the right choice for you.
Why choose a coastal community?
A relaxed pace of life combined with plenty of options for activity gives the coast a unique offering: you can always find the right pace for you. Paddle past an egret in the morning, catch a fish in the afternoon, or take a walk on the sand collecting seashells at dusk. There’s always something to do, but no pressure when you want to take it easy.
What are the benefits of living in a coastal community?
- Mild climate: The moderating effect of the ocean means that life by the coast is usually a little cooler in the summer and a little warmer in the winter, creating the ideal setting for those who love to spend their days outdoors.
- Outdoor activities: Sitting on the back deck looking out over the ocean or taking an evening walk on the sand are just a few of the activities you can choose from in a coastal community. From boating, to fishing, to kayaking and more, there’s always something to do when you’re by the coast.
- Active and healthy lifestyle: Few things feel more calming than a deep breath of salt air. Those living in coastal communities find it’s easy to have an active and healthy life because there’s plenty to do outside.
- Water views: Home values remain high where there are water views—and what’s more relaxing than waking up to a picturesque landscape out your back door?
- Wildlife watching: From pelicans to dolphins, turtles to crabs, it’s hard to go a day without witnessing wildlife when you’re living by the coast. For those who enjoy birdwatching or just casually encountering nature while going about daily activities, the coast can deliver constant excitement.
- Relaxing pace: There’s no rush on the coast. While you might not be on full island time, living by the sea often comes with a slower pace that lets residents live in the moment and truly take in their surroundings.
Ready to live by the seashore?
Below you’ll find coastal communities to discover and explore. Whether you’re a beach lover or seeking something slightly inland, these communities let you enjoy the best the coast has to offer while living a comfortable and active life.
When you find coastal communities you’re interested in, use the information request form to contact a local expert from the area. Through that form you can ask questions, find information on the destination, and get a feel for the lifestyle. The sky's the limit—you can even inquire about specifics like HOA fees, details about the amenities, or the prices of homes in the area.
If you’re looking for a certain location in particular, just use the filtering options on the left to narrow down your options and find the seaside spot that’s calling your name.
Research and Explore Coastal Communities
Search Filters:
Click to explore the following coastal communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
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.
Terrapin
Terrapin is a one-of-a-kind new home community that captures the relaxed spirit of coastal Carolina living. Thoughtfully designed to blend nature, comfort, and connection, Terrapin offers a sense of place that feels both welcoming and refined. Winding streets, mature trees, and scenic open spaces encourage walkability and outdoor enjoyment, while pocket parks and trails create opportunities to slow down and savor the moment. Every home is crafted by a hand-selected team of local builders known for their quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to lasting value. Their diverse floor plans and timeless architecture allow residents to personalize their space while enjoying the benefits of a cohesive community design. At Terrapin, resort-style amenities bring neighbors together, from peaceful walking paths to planned gathering spaces that make every day feel like a retreat. Located in Leland, North Carolina, just minutes from downtown Wilmington and the Cape Fear beaches, Terrapin offers the perfect balance of small-town charm and modern convenience. Here, life moves at your pace—rooted in authenticity, surrounded by natural beauty, and inspired by a true sense of belonging.
Riverlights
Nestled along the Cape Fear River in the coastal town of Wilmington, NC, Riverlights is a vibrant, master-planned community full of small-town charm. The perfect location makes all the difference – along the Cape Fear River and just five miles from historic Wilmington, rated the most charming beach town on the East Coast with award-winning restaurants and shops. When you live in Riverlights, your days radiate with the positive energy that happens when you live on the water in the Carolina sunshine.
There are plenty of opportunities to walk, run, or ride bikes along miles of trails, kayak in the 38-acre freshwater lake, or roam free in any one of the community’s many parks. Whether enjoying a riverfront walk along the boardwalk and dock, gathering with neighbors for an oyster roast, or watching the sunset on the waterfront, exploration happens here daily. Our Lakehouse clubhouse includes a zero-entry pool with lap lanes, a fitness center, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, including a firepit overlooking the lake. Coming soon in 2026, our brand-new Riverhouse clubhouse will feature another pool and fitness center, plus gathering spaces with a scenic backdrop.
Riverlights has home options suited to any stage of life – from new families to active adults easing into retirement – from nine quality homebuilders. The coastal North Carolina community offers 10+ beautifully decorated model homes open daily for walk-ins allowing home shoppers to get a feel for the lifestyle that awaits in Riverlights.
Sea Island Collective
Sea Island Collective: Single-Family New Construction Homes for Sale in Beaufort, SC
Find your dream new-construction home at in the charming seaside town of Beaufort, SC. Unlike traditional new home communities, Sea Island Collective features new homes for sale in established communities where you’ll feel right at home. Choose between 3 floorplans of up to 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 2,968 sq. ft., each finished in one of our designer-curated Looks: Loft, Farmhouse, Classic, or Elements. Enjoy breathtaking Lowcountry scenery and easy access to Bluffton and Savannah.
Explore available homesites in Camellia Banks and Overlook at Battery Creek, and discover a variety of thoughtfully designed new homes featuring high-end finishes, open floorplans, and an abundance of natural light.
Eastman Community Association
Eastman Community Association – Four Seasons Paradise
The Eastman Community Association in Grantham, NH is an ideal active-adult and retirement destination. It’s also the perfect place to raise a family. Eastman is a sustainable, intergenerational community in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire.
Ultimately, Eastman is a nature-lover’s haven. Tucked away in the pristine woodlands of New Hampshire’s Upper Connecticut River Valley, the Eastman Community Association encourages an active and connected lifestyle. Residents move to the rhythm of four distinct seasons. And, outdoor adventure is a central theme.
Eastman is centrally located, but just remote enough. It’s conveniently two hours north of Boston and three hours from Hartford. And, Lake Sunapee, New London, and Lebanon are just minutes away. As a result, residents have ample access to urban amenities. Cultural venues, medical facilities, as well as educational opportunities are all within reach.
New Hampshire’s Grantham Mountain offers a picturesque backdrop to Eastman’s 345-acre lake, and ample hiking trails. So, be sure to pack your boots!
Looking for more? Try 37 miles of cross country trails starting at the Eastman Cross Country Center. In summer, head to one of six beaches, kayak and canoe launches, or to the pool and fitness center year round. Eastman also boasts an 18-hole golf course, har-tru tennis courts and an award-winning restaurant as well.
All properties in Eastman are privately owned and include condos, single-family homes and undeveloped lots.
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.
Marriott Residences – Belize
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.
St. James Properties
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.
Delamar
Welcome to Delamar, Hampstead’s newest premier waterfront community, where timeless coastal charm meets modern resort-style living. Perfectly positioned between the quiet serenity of Hampstead and the vibrant energy of nearby Wilmington, Delamar is designed for those who dream of building not just a home, but a lifestyle. Here, every detail has been carefully planned to capture the essence of North Carolina’s coast—wide stretches of Intracoastal views, luxury amenities that feel like a year-round retreat, and a sense of community that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and truly live where others vacation.
From the moment you arrive, Delamar makes an impression. A private gated entrance ensures peace of mind, while the community’s waterfront setting provides the perfect backdrop for adventure and relaxation alike. Delamar is uniquely designed for those who feel most at home by the water. Beyond the shoreline, thoughtfully planned amenities create the feeling of a resort right outside your front door. A luxury amenity center with a fitness facility, resort-style pool, and club house is at the heart of the neighborhood. Residents can also enjoy tennis and pickleball courts, outdoor fire pits and grilling stations, golf cart paths, and tranquil spaces designed to bring neighbors together and families closer.
Delamar is also defined by its unbeatable location. Just minutes from public beach access and surrounded by direct Intracoastal access, it offers the ultimate in coastal convenience. Local dining, shopping, and entertainment are close at hand, and Downtown Wilmington is only a 30-minute drive away, placing you near the region’s cultural hub while allowing you to retreat to the tranquility of Hampstead whenever you choose.
Now is your opportunity to be among the first to call Delamar home. Homesites will be released in phases, with the first round available exclusively to reservation holders. To learn more about how to secure your reservation, visit DelamarNC.com. Delamar proudly partners with Bluecrest Homes the community’s exclusive builder, known for their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and deep understanding of coastal living. From spacious family retreats to elegant coastal escapes, these homes are built to enhance the natural surroundings. You can browse available floorplans and learn more about the building process at DelamarNC.com.
The Isles of Collier Preserve
Hurry for Special Pricing on Final Phase, and for a limited time, receive $100,000 in free home options! Limited opportunities remain to buy a new home at The Isles.
Nestled within a pristine natural setting just minutes from Downtown Naples, Florida’s preeminent new home builder is creating a colorful update of classic coastal living. Inspired by the timeless architecture and traditions of Old Naples, elegant new Minto homes overlook miles of scenic kayak and hiking trails. With over half of the 2,400 acres dedicated to lakes, nature preserves, and natural habitat, combined with outdoor-inspired amenities, The Isles of Collier Preserve is an extraordinary new active adult gated community where the magic of Old Naples and unspoiled nature still coexist.
Enjoy all aspects of an active lifestyle influenced by wellness at The Isles Club, featuring resort-style amenities such as a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a yoga lawn. After a scenic day exploring this beautiful community, sip on cocktails and savor coastal Florida flavors with family and neighbors at the resident-exclusive Overlook Bar & Grill, overlooking the Cypress Waterway.
The Isles is a master-planned community boasting 1,600 unique coastal-themed new construction residences for sale from the $500s, many with stunning water and nature views.
Hagood Homes Inc.
Hagood Homes’ focus is to create with care & integrity a superior living environment for our customers. We call it Live Better Design. Whether it be a custom design or a neighborhood plan, we design our homes in-house so that Hagood Homes is a part of the process from the start. Homeowners benefit from our constant attention to details, energy efficiency and personalized design services.
As one of the leading home builders in the coastal Carolinas, we know what today’s buyers want, and we can help bring your vision to life. We’ve been building custom homes throughout the Carolinas for more than 20 years. Our proven process and numerous customer testimonials are testaments to what buyers can expect in a custom Hagood home. If you’d like to learn more about our custom home building services or discuss modifying an existing plan, we’d love to connect!
Albemarle Plantation
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
Occano
Life is better on the Sound.
Paradise awaits on the Inner Banks of North Carolina within the gates of Occano. This fully amenitized resort-style community on the Albemarle Sound boasts over 800 acres of residential waterfront and vast opportunities to connect with water, nature, and those you love most.
See the beauty in every swing.
Occano is home to an award-winning Arnold Palmer Signature golf course that covers 7,262 yards with 5 sets of tees-perfect for any skill level. Although Occano is a private community, it offers public play. Come experience a round and take in the impressive water views throughout the course.
Play on the Sound.
As Occano grows, so will the amenities designed specifically for an easy-flowing life near the water. Highlights include a clubhouse and pool, bar and restaurant, tennis courts, boat launch, day dock, and more. With luxury amenities set against the stunning Albemarle Sound, Occano has something for everyone.
Plan a visit today and discover why life is better on the Sound.
Hampton Hall Club
Imagine for a minute you’re visiting the private club community of Hampton Hall in Bluffton, SC. You’ve gotten over the awe of the dramatic and picturesque Lowcountry landscape, and you’re starting to take in your surroundings. The first thing you’re probably going to hear is laughter. Depending on where you’re standing, it could be coming from the lakeside resort pool, or the Pete Dye golf course, or maybe one of the various dining venues. For while everything here is beautiful to look at and expertly maintained and cared for, the key component is fun and enjoyment.
We thought you should be prepared for that because, sure enough, the tennis pro will coax you on to the courts, or the threesome about to tee off will enlist you into completing their group. You see, the minute you pass through the gates at Hampton Hall, something changes. You are at once connected with this club and community. A place you may have never known existed, right up until the moment you fall in love with it.
We invite you inside the gates to tour Hampton Hall. Come see if you feel a connection with this Lowcountry private club community. Come see if Hampton Hall feels like home.
Cap Cana – Dominican Republic
Cap Cana is located in the east of the Dominican Republic, encompassed by a natural environment and the warm turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. A destination city conceptualized in a master plan of 30,000 acres, more than 120 million square meters, which has a solid infrastructure, world-class amenities, and where a wide variety of services for daily life are offered.
Cap Cana has managed to boost real estate tourism in the Dominican Republic with the help of its international allies, including Nicklaus Design, PGA, Grupo Playa, Hyatt, Weitz Golf International, GVA Arquitectos, Troon Golf, Trump Organization, Grupo NH, EDSA, Stewart Title, Eden Roc, Margaritaville, St. Regis, Marriott International group, and many others.
In the destination city of Cap Cana you’ll find the award-winning golf course Punta Espada,
a spectacular marina recognized for its sport fishing, the most complete equestrian center in the region, the Scape Park eco-adventure park and the El Dorado water park, the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara hotels, St Regis Cap Cana, Secrets, Cap Cana, Eden Roc Cap Cana, Sanctuary by Marriott Luxury, TRS Palladium, Margaritaville Island Reserve, and the Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina & Villas.
All these amenities along with its white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters make Cap Cana one of the most desired destinations for investors, developers, and elite travelers.
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.
Legacy Homes by Bill Clark
Legacy Homes by Bill Clark is the crown jewel in a long line of North Carolina home building history. As one of the Nation’s “Top 100 Builders” for over a decade, the Legacy Homes division is a trusted partner in the Wilmington, NC region that spans four counties, and is a featured builder in many of the South’s premier planned communities, such as Brunswick Forest, Bluffs on the Cape Fear, Compass Pointe, River Bluffs, Riverlights, St. James, Summerhouse, with more to come. The Legacy Homes’ mission is to walk alongside each client as the dream of their new home becomes a reality… Best known for thoughtful floor plans, maximized living spaces, attention to detail, and custom trim work, any Legacy Home is destined to be a showstopper.
The goal at Legacy Homes is to make the homebuilding process as seamless for each client as possible. Whether choosing from one of the professionally designed available model homes or building from the ground up, a Legacy team member will be with you each step of the way. As a semi-custom builder, you will have the opportunity to create the dream home that fits perfectly with your lifestyle.
Plan your visit
Imagining the sand between your toes? Below you’ll find coastal communities from Virginia to Florida and everywhere in between. After you’ve selected a few that catch your eye, plan your visit to get a real taste of the sea life. You’ll find many of these communities offer discovery tours so you can see the best of the area, meet some neighbors and understand the sunny coastal life that awaits.

















