Lakefront Master-Planned and Gated Communities
Can you imagine never having to make a trip to spend the day at the lake because you live near one? It’s a dream that is easily attainable with lake communities.
Why Lake Living?
Offering both the tranquility and the adventure of being by the water, it’s easy to see the appeal of lakeside living. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking access to year-round water activities, acres of natural beauty brimming with wildlife, and a tight-knit community where neighbors instantly become friends.
Finding the Best Lake Community
Truth be told, there are plenty of great lake destinations all over the country. It’s up to you to decide which one is perfect for your plans. But before you run off to the nearest lake, pause and consider exactly where it is you want your new lake life to be. Think about your needs and priorities. Do you want to be near the city, or do you envision a more remote setting? Do you see yourself nestled in the mountains with access to a lake? Or in a lakefront retirement community at a lower altitude? These questions can help you narrow down your ideal location and guide you to the best lakes to live on.
If you’re a sun-seeker, lake communities in the south would be ideal for you. Obvious hot spots like Florida already draw people in with sunshine and warm temperatures year-round, and their impeccably designed lake communities make the Sunshine State even more desirable for retirement or relocation. Other southern states like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia offer up idyllic lake settings, some mixed with the serenity and remoteness of the mountains. Tennessee and Arkansas can also be deemed as some of the best places to retire on the lake. Looking for something further west? Venture to Washington, Colorado, or California. Wherever you land, boating, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities will always be waiting right outside your front door.
Venture Out
With so many options around the country, finding a lake community can be overwhelming. But if you can pinpoint your major must-haves, compiling a list of potential lake destinations will be easy. Aside from lakeside activities, consider other amenities you may want. Avid golfers may want their lake community to also be a golf community, with an award-winning course amid gorgeous views. Other amenities may include tax-friendliness, proximity to cities for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Or you may be searching for a 55+ community with lakeside benefits.
Research and Explore Lake Communities Around The U.S.
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Click to explore the following lake communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks
Welcome to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks, a new 55+ active adult community nestled in a tranquil, wooded area of the scenic Lowcountry in Bluffton, South Carolina. Perfectly situated between the beaches of Hilton Head Island and historic Savannah, Georgia, this gated, picturesque community offers an exceptional resort lifestyle filled with natural beauty and an abundance of amenities and activities.
Fifteen stunning single-family home designs feature thoughtfully designed floorplans, luxurious finishes and gorgeous spaces to relax and entertain. Ranging from 2 beds, 2 baths and 1,324 sq. ft. to 3 beds, 3.5 baths and 3,209 sq. ft., you can choose a home that’s perfect for you—whether you’re looking to spread out or downsize.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks offers endless recreation and a full calendar of activities. The expansive clubhouse serves as the hub of the community, where residents enjoy yoga and Zumba at the fitness center, discover new talents in the arts & crafts room, play billiards with neighbors and perfect their dancing skills in the ballroom.
Outside, residents can take in the breathtaking scenery as they explore walking and biking paths, play tennis, pickleball and bocce, gather at the fire pit, pavilion, screened verandas or grilling areas and lounge or swim laps at the sparkling pool.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks is within 20 miles of pristine Hilton Head Island beaches, championship golf courses, scenic nature preserves, marinas and the historic, vibrant cities of Bluffton and Savannah, Georgia.
Clarendon County SC
Clarendon County is the hidden gem of the Palmetto State! Ripe with nature and full of possibilities, you’re sure to fall in love with our area. Home to Lake Marion, the largest lake in South Carolina, we are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination. Fishing, boating, hunting and golf are just a few favorite pastimes found in our county. We are centrally located, just a quick drive to Columbia, the state capital, historic Charleston and pristine beaches from the Lowcountry to the Grand Strand. Historic 301 makes its way through our county, and we are conveniently located on the I-95 corridor.
Our area is home to several active lifestyle communities that display the best parts of “Lake Life Living.” Examples include: Wyboo Plantation, a gated community home to the signature Player’s Course at Wyboo with your choice of houses along the course or on the shores of Lake Marion. Or, Hunter Quinn Homes’ Gregory Pointe, a new community with single-levels homes that bring a modern, Charleston design to the heart of South Carolina’s lowcountry. Please take time to explore our county and be prepared to be impressed with what you discover! Community Product and Pricing
Logan Homes
Coastal Living at Its Finest
Logan Homes mission is to build homes and develop communities where value, location and lifestyle come together. No matter what season of life you’re in, there’s a Logan Homes community and floor plan to fit every one of your needs. Based on your budget, personal style, desired amenities and preferred locations, the Logan Homes team is there to be your guide through it all, ensuring your experience is easy, simple and fun.
Logan Homes builds within a host of premier communities in the Southeastern parts of both North Carolina and South Carolina and Northeastern Georgia. Enjoy thoughtful plans and design features, curated by their professional in-house design team. In addition to a streamlined process, you will enjoy extra peace of mind with the Warranty Program, knowing the Logan Homes team will be there for you every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Explore communities and available homes on the Logan Homes website and contact Logan Homes today to get started on your new home journey!
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!
Amblebrook at Gettysburg
Amblebrook at Gettysburg is an amenity-filled master-planned community for 55+ active adults that embraces the rich history and abundance of its beautiful Southern Pennsylvania setting. Built from the ground up to foster more everyday joy, Amblebrook is designed to nurture deeper connections to friends, family and the great outdoors. The stunning Rock Creek Clubhouse and Fitness Center serve up near endless opportunities to explore untapped interests and well-honed skills. And a vast array of social clubs and activities mean the sky is the limit when it comes to pursuing passions and personal exploration. Award-winning homebuilders Caruso Homes, DRB-Elevate Homes, DR Horton, Ward Homes and Lennar offer a wide variety of two- and three-bedroom layouts to suit your lifestyle, starting from the mid $300,000’s
Lake Tansi Village Resort
Lake Tansi Village is located just south of the city of Crossville, Tennessee, on the beautiful Cumberland Plateau. This community has so much to offer.
18 Hole Championship Golf Course – Voted #1 course on the Plateau
2 Swimming Pools (Includes 1 indoor pool)
Lakefront Beach and Boardwalk
Fishing Pier
Full-Service Seasonal Marina
Bike & Walking Trail
Recreation Center
Dances – Game Room – Ping-Pong – Miniature Golf – Tennis – Basketball – Horseshoes – Volleyball – Shuffleboard
Country Club Restaurant and Lounge
19th Hole Snack Bar
Arts & Crafts Department
Various Clubs
Three additional excellent fishing lakes
Lake Tansi Village is home to around 4,000 residents. Lake Tansi is the largest man-made lake on the beautiful Cumberland Plateau and residents enjoy fishing, swimming, waterskiing, plus the 18-hole championship golf course that is rated in the top 10 courses in Tennessee by Golf Advisor.
TNVacation.com/Retire TN calls Lake Tansi Village “one of the most affordable community villages in the country” and with its many activities, long list of amenities and low annual home owners fees it’s also one of the most enjoyable places to live.
Schell Brothers – Delaware Premier Home Builder
At Schell Brothers, our mission is to bring happiness to ourselves and our homeowners by not only creating exceptional homes and communities, but also by providing an extraordinary home buying experience.
Located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, we pride ourselves on building homes that provide a healthier and more comfortable living environment for our homeowners. As a leading builder on the coast of Delaware, we specialize in new homes that offer a variety of architectural styles, innovative floorplans and extensive personalization in highly desirable communities in Sussex and New Castle Counties.
Award-Winning Homes. Our innovative floorplan designs are based on local experience, industry knowledge, and customer input. Your new home will include personalized features and specially crafted details, meticulously designed for comfort, aesthetics, and livability.
Extensive Personalization. Our design process provides you with all the tools and resources necessary to make choosing beautiful finishes fun and easy. In addition to spending a full day with one of our experienced design consultants in our award winning design center, you can also browse our Online Design Center to view inspiration photos and create collages of your favorite selections.
Energy Efficiency. We pride ourselves on building homes that that provide a healthier and more comfortable living environment for our homeowners. That is why we developed Schellter™ an advanced building science technology that delivers high performance and healthy living, and is included in our all of our homes. You will love the comfort, durability and, best of all, the savings our energy efficient homes provide.
Low Tax Living. Leave the taxing life behind! When you own a home in Delaware, you will pay no tax on social security benefits, personal property or sales tax. You’ll love the tax-free shopping and, the best of all, you’ll financially benefit from living in a state with one of the lowest property taxes in the nation.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SCHELL BROTHERS AND DELAWARE COMMUNITIES
Let us know if you’re interested! We are ready to help you with your new home search. To learn more about us and our award-winning homes and communities in Delaware.
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.
Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure
Nestled amid dramatic bluffs and lush forests, the picturesque Lake Lure is a jewel in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Here, you’ll find Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, a premier golf community at heart offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, luxury living, and serene relaxation for all ages. Now, with high-speed fiber internet connectivity, you can enjoy all the comforts of modern living while surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Though just an hour from Asheville, NC, and Greenville, SC, Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure spans over 3,000 acres of pristine wilderness, making it easy to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available. The area features abundant hiking and biking trails, and the iconic Chimney Rock is just beyond the community. Enjoy exploring the 720-acre Lake Lure by kayak, canoe, SUP board, or your own boat. For golf enthusiasts, there are two uniquely different championship golf courses, Bald Mountain and Apple Valley, to challenge all skill levels. Families can also enjoy the community pool with a lazy river or relax on the private white sand beach complete with a children’s play area.
Indulge in relaxation at The Spa & Salon at Rumbling Bald, which offers a comprehensive spa menu alongside amenities like a dry sauna, steam room, indoor pool, and whirlpool. Also, enjoy our well-appointed Wellness Center, including Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, featuring weekly classes and four lit racket courts for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. As evening falls, savor unique dining options overlooking Lake Lure or the golf courses, or enjoy a Starbucks coffee at The Bear’s Cup Café Bar.
Rumbling Bald offers a diverse range of real estate options to match your lifestyle. Choose from charming mountain homes, spacious two-to-four-bedroom condos, cozy two-bedroom villas, or intimate studios perfect for couples. Seasonal “Stay & Play” golf packages allow you to experience the community firsthand before making a purchase. Additionally, a selection of undeveloped properties, including larger estate lots are available for sale.
The surrounding area of Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure is North Carolina’s take on a high Alpine lake village, complete with enchanting amenities, local attractions, and close proximity to surrounding entertainment and shopping.
To discover more about life at Rumbling Bald, sign up for their e-newsletter for the latest updates and information.
Via Montejo – Indico
Welcome to Indico Apartments, where modern living meets the charm of historic Merida. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant city, our apartments offer a perfect blend of contemporary design and convenience. Located in a prime area, Indico Apartments provide easy access to Merida’s cultural treasures, bustling markets, and trendy cafes.
Indulge in a lifestyle of comfort with our thoughtfully designed living spaces that feature sleek finishes and ample natural light. Whether you’re seeking a cozy one-bedroom or a spacious two-bedroom residence, each apartment at Indico is crafted with attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Our residents enjoy a host of amenities that enhance daily life. Relax by the sparkling pool or unwind in the beautifully landscaped courtyard.
Convenience is key at Indico Apartments. With on-site parking, a dedicated management team, and 24/7 maintenance services, we ensure a hassle-free living experience. Embrace the urban lifestyle without compromising on tranquility.
Discover the allure of Merida from the comfort of Indico Apartments. Your new home awaits, where modern living and historical charm come together seamlessly. Welcome to a life of style and sophistication in the heart of Merida.
Brightmore at Wellen Park
Seven decorated models are open daily! Brightmore brings Mattamy Homes’ thoughtful brand of active and spirited 55+ living to the top master-planned community of Wellen Park. This fresh, new 55+ community in Venice, Florida, offers a unique lifestyle that is rooted in well-being, fun, and a sense of adventure.
Stylish paired villas and single-family homes in this low-maintenance, gated setting are complemented by an 11-acre resort-style amenity campus for you to stay and play all day. These vibrant, vacation-style amenities are under construction and will include a clubhouse with a fitness center, resort-style pool, lap pool, café and bar, 9 pickleball courts including a stadium competition court, paw parks, and more. Brightmore’s premier location is just around the corner from popular Downtown Wellen with waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment and a short drive from world-class beaches, golf courses, parks, recreation, trails, and endless experiences.
River Dunes
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.
Hot Springs Village
Hot Springs Village spans 26,000 acres of the Ouachita Mountain foothills. The largest private, gated community in North America boasts amenities for both adventure and leisure including pickle ball courts, tennis center, and 9 year-round, championship golf courses. Lake-life is also delightful with 11 lakes and 2 beaches for swimming, boating, skiing, kayaking, and relaxing! The Coronado Fitness Center, spa, indoor pool, and 30 miles of scenic hiking and biking nature trails are other HSV “hot” spots. Multiple dining, churches, and over 200 active organizations are perfect for social opportunities. The HSV Police, Fire, and EMT Departments along with two manned security gates provide residents peace of mind! HSV is centrally located and only a 20 minute drive to historic Hot Springs, an hour to Little Rock, and a day trip to many surrounding parks and attractions! Hot Springs Village offers a large variety of home styles. New construction and custom designed home packages are also available– all including your choice of lake or golf front, mountain view, or just nestled in the woods. Come enjoy the affordable HSV good life; the longer you stay, the more you’re going to love us! Photos by Zac Franklin.
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.
WindRiver
WindRiver is a stunning, lakefront and golf community located minutes outside Knoxville, Tennessee on Tellico Lake. Inside our gates, you will find world-class amenities surrounded by sparkling, fresh-water lakes and dramatic mountain views. This unique combination is what makes WindRiver the ideal place to call home and create a lakefront lifestyle you and your family will cherish.
You will sense it when you look towards the welcoming shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will feel it standing on the gentle slope of five miles of shoreline along beautiful Lake Tellico, named one of the top inland boating destinations in the nation.
Members enjoy a collection of world-class club amenities which include: a full-service marina, a championship 18-hole golf course, Golf Club and Grill, the Sports Complex with a resort-style swimming pool, sports courts, and a state-of-the-art exercise facility at Overlook Manor, the elegant Lakeside Inn, and Citico’s Restaurant, a signature Member dining experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, WindRiver has access to over 30 miles of walking and hiking trails and a peaceful, lakefront retreat, Brightwater Park.
In addition to WindRiver’s amenities, innate beauty, and temperate climate, an equally important factor is that the state of Tennessee is extremely tax-friendly: NO State Income Taxes, NO State Inheritance Taxes, NO Personal Property Taxes, and low property taxes.
This is Life As It Should Be – this is WindRiver.
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 (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. |
 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. |
 Person CountyNestled 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. |
Plan your visit to a lakefront community
Finding the perfect place to call home has never been more important, and we’re here to help. Take a look at the lake communities below and note the ones that stand out to you. Once you’ve chosen a few, make plans to book a discovery tour to take a closer look at those areas. It’s the best way to really know if a community is the perfect fit for you. After that, your only other step is to soak up the luxury of living by the lake.