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.
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
Welcome Home Mississippi
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 |
BRANDON |
CLEVELAND |
|
PICAYUNE |
HATTIESBURG |
MADISON |
|
CLINTON |
OXFORD |
TUPELO |
|
SOUTHAVEN |
STARKVILLE |
NATCHEZ |
|
NEW ALBANY |
VICKSBURG |
|
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.
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.
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!
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 $200s to over $2 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 46% 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 America’s favorite place to call home. LakewoodRanch.com
What to expect at The Ranch:
• 20+ 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 300 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 the U.S.
• 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!
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.
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.
The Esplanade at St Marys
Looking for your dream home near the Georgia coast? Esplanade at St. Marys is where it all begins. Nestled in one of the most desirable regions in the Southeast and set to open in 2026, this resort-style golf community offers everything you’ve ever wanted—golf, spa, culinary experiences, water access, and more.
Homes will range from the $400s to over $1M, but with demand already building, now is the time to act. Contact Atlantic Salt Realty today to secure your spot on the interest list and be among the first to receive VIP updates, floor plans, and pricing. This is a rare opportunity—don’t let it pass you by!
Esplanade at St. Marys will feature a stunning 18-hole championship golf course designed by C.W. Golf Architecture—blending coastal beauty with thoughtful course design. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or new to the game, this course will challenge and delight. A full-service pro shoppe, aqua driving range, and convenient snack shack add to the resort-level experience.
This isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. Esplanade is built around connection, wellness, and everyday joy. From high-end dining to luxurious spa days, the lifestyle here is truly unmatched.
Planned Amenities Include:
- Resort-style pool & cabanas
- Signature Culinary Center
- Bahama Bar & Fire Pit Lounge
- Wellness Center & Full-Service Spa
- Tennis, Pickleball, & Bocce Courts
- Miles of Walking Trails
- Kayak Launch on the St. Marys RiverBark Park for furry friends
- Clubhouse, fitness center, & more!
With a dedicated lifestyle director, residents can expect curated events, culinary classes, wine tastings, fitness programs, concerts, and unforgettable social gatherings all year long.
Located in St. Marys, Georgia, just minutes from I-95, Esplanade offers quick access to Jacksonville, FL, Brunswick, and the Golden Isles including Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island. Enjoy big-city conveniences—world-class healthcare, airports, professional sports, and dining—without giving up the charm and serenity of small-town coastal living.
Esplanade at St. Marys is unlike anything else on the Georgia coast. It combines the tranquility of nature with the luxury of resort living and the connection of community. But with high demand and limited availability, this opportunity won’t last long.
Contact Atlantic Salt Realty today to learn more about this exceptional new community.
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.
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.




























