Equestrian Communities for Retirement
Equestrian communities for retirees and active adults of all ages offer horse lovers complete facilities for riding, racing, stabling and showing their prized thoroughbreds in a variety of rural settings.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect retirement community in the mountains or closer to the coast, you’ll discover ideal homes for horses and their owners throughout the South. In fact, the farmlands and pastures in the midlands areas of those states are where you’ll find some of the nation’s finest equestrian breeding and training facilities.
On-Site Horse Stables
If you already have a horse or horses of your own, you know the quality and convenience of the community stables are of primary importance. In retirement communities that feature the equestrian lifestyle, those facilities are often located on-site or on an adjoining property. That proximity makes it easy to include horseback riding in your fitness routine on any day of the week. Other retirement communities appealing to horse owners have arrangements with nearby equestrian facilities that are just a short drive down the road. And if you don’t own a horse, most of these fine equestrian communities have several in their stables available for activities like trail riding.
Equestrian Services
The best equestrian-oriented retirement communities feature stable facilities that offer complete horse-care services. These include comfortable barns and stables, daily feeding and grooming, and regular exercise regimes. Most have secure fields or enclosed pastures where horses can run, graze and socialize. Training programs for horses and riders are also available from experienced staff members, as well as on-call veterinary services from professionals who know how to provide both routine and emergency care.
Trail Riding
For many horse owners, trail riding through the countryside on their mounts is a favorite fresh-air activity. Equestrian communities often have a miles-long trail network located on their property or offer convenient access to bridle paths that meander through nearby state parks, national forests and wildlife preserves. So, when the grandkids come to visit, you can take them along for the ride on a naturally fun recreation no theme park can match.
Horse Races and Shows
Retirement communities for horse lovers are frequently located in areas with horse-racing tracks and horse-show arenas. Many of these competitive events are part of annual festivals celebrating the equestrian lifestyle, while other facilities feature a weekly schedule of activities during the spring, summer and fall months. And don’t forget the polo matches and steeplechase events that are often highlights of the local social calendar in the South. In Western states, rodeo events are popular gatherings for horse lovers and other competition spectators.
Equestrian Lifestyle
Finding new like-minded friends who share a love of the lifestyle is among the best reasons for choosing an equestrian community for retirement. Each has a riding club so that residents can enjoy the trails in groups and organize outings to regional equestrian events. Many have social activities that can include dining and dancing, while an increasing number host community-outreach activities that bring people and horses together for equestrian education, therapy and fun.
Research and Explore Equestrian Communities Around The U.S.
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Click to explore the following equestrian communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Rarity Bay
The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region.
At Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake, you’ll find a variety of real estate options, including homes, rentals, condos, and sites ready for development. The turnkey single-family homes are large, with sweeping views and plenty of space to spread out when guests inevitably come to visit. Pools, courtyards, patios and firepits make the outdoors an extension of your space. For those that make boating an everyday element of life, there are plenty of waterfront lots waiting for your custom-built dream home.
Water skiing, recreational boating, fishing and kayaking are all popular pastimes on Tellico Lake, and Rarity Bay offers over 10 miles of shoreline and a number of community docks for easy access. Golfers will delight in the par-72, 18-hole golf course, designed by DJ DeVictor and Peter Langham. The professionally maintained stables make it easy for equestrians to board their horses and offers lessons for the casual rider looking to take advantage of the 125 miles of riding (and hiking) trails.
Renovated in 2020, the 11,000 square foot Country Club is a social hub with a bistro and full-service bar. Just outside, you’ll find lighted tennis courts, pickleball facilities, and a swimming pool.
Tennessee’s low cost of living, 0.64% effective property tax, and lack of tax on salaries as well as income made on dividends are added bonuses to life in the Volunteer State. The real draw is what’s beyond your front door. So come to Rarity Bay and make the majestic Smoky Mountains and clear waters of Tellico Lake the backdrop for your vacation getaway, second residence or forever home.
Request more information about Rarity Bay.
Woodside
Woodside is a master planned, lifestyle community located in Aiken, South Carolina, which was recently named Southern Living Magazine’s “2018 Best Small Town”, and received three other awards including “The South’s Friendliest Town”, “Second Best Food Town” and “Second Best Hotel”, which was awarded to the Willcox.
Aiken’s natural beauty, mild climate that attracts people from across the nation, strong connections to the outdoors through attractions like the 2,100 acre urban forest, Hitchcock Woods, and the cultural hub of the city, downtown Aiken all contributed to these awards. Our area is also home to six major medical providers, a college town setting that earned it Ideal-Living Magazine’s “Best College Town” in 2017, and a surprisingly low cost of living!
Woodside, Aiken’s only master-planned community, has received recognition from Southern Living Magazine as well: it is now one of only 12 Southern Living Inspired Communities! Amenities include more than 15 miles of hiking and nature trails, 3 onsite medical providers, 2 clubhouses, 4 golf courses, more than 60 member-led social groups and clubs, an abundance of landscaped parks and green space, and much more. Our dedicated team of professionals is on standby to answer your Woodside questions, or help you plan your Woodside Dream Visit to experience Woodside and Aiken for yourself.
Live Sarasota
With over 30 years of combined experience, Irv and Leslie Rothschild of LiveSarasota are the experts on finding real estate that fits your needs and price range in the Sarasota area.
Fantastic weather year-round, thriving culture, and beautiful beaches all make the Sarasota area one of the hottest real estate markets in the country with homebuyers of all ages.
Lakewood Ranch, a sprawling master-planned community just outside of Sarasota proper, is the selling community in the country. It truly offers everything you could possibly need, from schools and medical centers to multiple country clubs and a busy Main Street district.
The LiveSarasota team can show you different homes and builders in Lakewood Ranch, or even expand your horizons elsewhere across the greater Sarasota area.
As far as things to do, the city itself has something for everyone. Art lovers will fall for the beautiful Ringling Museum of Art, with Rubens, Velazquez, Bernini, and more pieces. Both the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium fill science enthusiasts with wonder. Theater and music are alive at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Players Centre, and the near dozen other venues and theaters across the city. Innumerable culinary experiences will start your night on the town right or end your day at the beach on a high note.
It’s clear why Sarasota continues to draw new residents every year. As buyer’s agents, Irv and Leslie Rothschild and the team at LiveSarasota aim to make finding your dream home an easy and enjoyable process.
Sign up below to learn more about LiveSarasota and how you can get started on your life in paradise.
Retire 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 ReidsvilleLIVE SIMPLY, THINK BIG isn’t just our tagline, it’s our way of life. We aren’t limited by |
 Johnston CountyJohnston County has become the first county in North Carolina to be designated a Retire NC destination. Johnston County’s top retirement destination, Clayton, is located at the crossroads of I-95 and I-40. Experience rural small-town living, just 15 minutes from Downtown Raleigh. Retirees will find rural farmland and small town charm in and around the Research Triangle Park region. Find out more about the 55+ communities located in the Clayton area and visit us for a weekend to see what awaits you in retirement — local festivals, unique boutique shops, a little nightlife, good people, even better BBQ and quality built homes. |
 Rumbling Bald on Lake LureIf 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. |
Arenal Hills
Arenal Hills is Costa Rica’s finest luxury community for those seeking a truly unique international location for their retirement or vacation home.
Set in a 123-acre valley surrounded by mountains, rivers, and rainforests, the Arenal Hills residences feature panoramic views. The one- and two-story villa homes offer a choice of five floor plans with up to 3,600 square feet of total indoor/outdoor living space. Interiors feature native laurel, teak and bamboo milled on-site and furniture built by Costa Rican craftsmen. Accents include granite countertops and Peruvian marble flooring, plus large balconies with waterfall pools and Jacuzzi tubs. Every home comes with a four-seat golf cart for getting around in the community and hi-speed Internet service to stay connected with family and friends.
Arenal Hills homeowners enjoy complimentary shuttle service and VIP access to the nearby Springs Resort & Spa. This renowned vacation destination includes four fine-dining restaurants, 28 artisan hot springs, and hiking, biking, horseback riding, and kayaking in the surrounding wildlife sanctuary. Among the on-site amenities taking shape at Arenal Hills are Club Vida with pools, a fitness center, and pickleball courts, as well as the lakeside Club Lago for casual gatherings and a full-service equestrian center.
Request more information below to get started on the adventure of a lifetime in Costa Rica and the luxury community of Arenal Hills.
Seabrook Island
A private, welcoming oceanfront community just miles from historic Charleston, SC, Seabrook Island offers a vibrant lifestyle with endless amenities among the 2,200 acres of natural environment, including four miles of unspoiled beaches. Designated a Certified Sustainable Community by Audubon Intnl. 36 holes of championship golf on two Audubon-certified courses, ranked among “Best You Can Play” in SC, offer uncrowded playing conditions. Crooked Oaks (by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.) winds through marsh and century-old live oaks. Ocean Winds (by Willard Byrd, renovated by Rees Jones, Inc) takes you to the Atlantic Ocean.
The 2021 PGA Championship was held on nearby Kiawah Island. The renovated Beach Club boasts a cafe, beach store, pools, and oceanfront dining. A full-service, 22-acre Equestrian Center features trail and beach rides. The Racquet Club sports 15 Har-Tru tennis courts, 2 pickleball courts, and pro shop. The Lakehouse has indoor/outdoor pools, fitness and more. The Clubhouse with ocean/golf views has renovated dining spaces and new golf veranda with fire pits. Idyllic settings for special events and weddings. Nearby marina and shopping center.
Red Ledges
Red Ledges – Utah’s Premier Four-Season Community Minutes from Park City
Minutes from everything but miles from the grind, our 2,000 acres were designed from the ground up for better living. Amid a setting of snow-capped mountains and resplendent red rocks, you’ll find inspiration, relaxation, and a community you can hold close.
Red Ledges’ homes balance luxury and comfort to blend seamlessly into spectacular surroundings, and our award-winning amenities double as gathering spaces for friends and neighbors – here, those two are one and the same. Together, you can experience everything from world-class skiing to world-class dining to the simple opulence of a starry night.
Between our close-knit community of more than 300 homes and our two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, Cliff Drysdale Tennis School, easy access to skiing at Deer Valley®, and a vibrant community club with thoughtfully curated activities, there’s no shortage of places to go, people to meet, and things to do. Even better, our home sites and custom residences come in a range of specs and prices and are all perfectly located just minutes from Park City, Utah.
Amenities and Activities include:
- The Village Center resort style pool
- Poolside dining at the Village Center
- The Red Ledges Clubhouse
- Fine dining at the Juniper Grill
- Two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses
- Jim McLean Golf School
- Cliff Drysdale Tennis Programs
- Red Ledges Equestrian Center
- Fitness Center and classes
- Member activities led by Red Ledges Activities Director
- Limited access to the Deer Crest Club and Stag Lodge at Deer Valley Resort®
Jasper Highlands
Jasper Highlands is the ultimate Tennessee mountain community for retirees and remote workers who want to live above the clouds, but just 25 minutes from downtown Chattanooga.
The uniquely beautiful homesites at Jasper Highlands range from half an acre to more than four acres in size, with a few select sites for estates of 40+ acres. Sweeping views include hillside forests, mountain peaks, and the Tennessee River Valley. Once you’ve found your perfect location within the private community’s gates, the team at Jasper Highlands Homes gets to work, bringing together just the right mix of professional architectural, design, and construction services. The result is a luxurious dream home even better than the one you had imagined, in an area with property-tax rates lower than what you’re paying now.
Jasper Highlands Village is a natural gathering place for community residents and their guests. The Top of the Rock Restaurant & Brewery features a chef-inspired menu and craft beers, while the same kitchen also serves more casual meals at the Fiery Gizzard Pizzeria. Right next door in the Village is the community’s Wellness Center, where you’ll find state-of-the-art exercise equipment, space for yoga and fitness classes, and private massage suites. Additional amenities include Inspiration Park with its pools, tennis/pickleball courts, playgrounds, and Gazebodacious pavilion, plus Pat’s Summit, an open-air venue for live music, and other special community events. For more natural adventures in Tennessee, there are miles of quiet hiking trails with waterfalls along the way.
Request more information below about the unrivaled mountain homes, homesites, and lifestyle at Jasper Highlands.
Hit the Trail
Start your equestrian adventure by visiting the websites of these featured retirement communities to check out their horse facilities and services. Once you’re ready to get out and hit the trail this year, make an in-person visit to see one or more of these great equestrian communities for yourself.