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.
Estrella
Surrounded by majestic mountains and wide-open desert vistas, life in Estrella is a masterpiece of harmonious balance. Dynamic, yet serene, Estrella offers young couples, families, and retirees a resort-inspired lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities.
Estrella features the Presidio and Starpointe Residents’ Clubs, the Casa Lucero Welcome Center, fitness centers, resort-style pools, a waterpark, a splash pad, lap pools, more than 65+ miles of trails, and over 50+ community parks. With sports courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball, over 72 acres of lakes with complimentary usage of kayaks, paddle boats, and sail boats, award-winning Nicklaus Design champion golf course, restaurants, dining, shopping, great schools, on-site and nearby medical facilities all nestled among the Sierra Estrella Mountains, Estrella offers an unmatched lifestyle all for a low $125 base HOA fee.
Active adults can find refuge in their own gated community, CantaMia 55+ with the fully amenitized CantaMia Village Center, including its own resort-style pool, indoor lap pool, demo kitchen, art studio, cafe, dog park, pickleball courts, and event-scheduling.
The Uplands 55+ Active Adult Community in Suncadia
Announcing a new way to live at Suncadia: The Uplands 55+. Exclusive to residents 55 and older, this new, private gated neighborhood will nestle high on a forested ridge overlooking the Cle Elum River valley. Creating the tight-knit feel of a private retreat — but with access to Suncadia’s resort amenities too.
The Uplands 55+ will be an intimate neighborhood of only 60 homes gathered around a private clubhouse, trails and a three-acre woodland meadow.
The community clubhouse will include indoor and outdoor gathering spaces including a pool, pickleball court and more. A large, protected meadow will provide another connection point for social events, nature walks and impromptu gatherings.
Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes
Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes is a gated 55+ community in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. Conveniently located in the master-planned community of Twin Lakes, the naturally scenic location truly is a gateway to all that north Georgia offers. The Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lanier and Athens are less than an hour drive from the community. With a focus on fitness, relationships, education and entertainment, Cresswind communities feature resort-style amenities and homes designed with active adults in mind.
Homebuyers can choose from four collections of 15 floorplans, ranging from 2- up to 5- Bedrooms and designed for optimal flexibility to create a home Built Around You. Kolter Homes offers a minimum of 25 structural options per plan so you can have the ability to add bedrooms, expand garages, second floor bonus rooms, daylight basements and more. Plus, choose from hundreds of design personalization opportunities.
Residents have exclusive access to the new Club Cresswind, which features a SmartFit Training Center with cardio, weights and EGYM Smart Circuit Training, indoor pool with lap lanes, art studio, warming kitchen and more. A full-time Lifestyle Director plans a full calendar of clubs, activities, concerts and events. Cresswind is home to the largest private pickleball facility in Georgia and one of the largest in the Southeast. In addition, residents can enjoy an abundance of outdoor recreation, with miles of walking trails and two lakes for fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
KOLTERHOMES created the Go Guide to Active Adult Living and Homebuying to help put buyers in control of the homebuying experience. After gathering suggestions from homebuyers, and with guidance from industry experts, KOLTERHOMES developed this comprehensive online guide with the best active adult locations, insider tips, insights, and driving tours. View the FREE guide at www.cresswind.com
Estates at Rancho Mirage
Welcome to Estates at Rancho Mirage, a community of new homes for sale where quality craftsmanship meets the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure in Maricopa, AZ. Indulge in the finest living with our single-story, new-construction home designs featuring up to 4 beds, 3.5 baths, and up to 5-car garages, with gourmet kitchens included. Select plans also offer Extra Suite Plus options, ideal for multi-generational living or accommodating extended guests.
Embrace a sense of community and adventure at Estates at Rancho Mirage. Take the first step towards your dream lifestyle in Maricopa, AZ. Contact us today to explore your new home in this thriving community.
Cresswind DeLand
Cresswind DeLand by Kolter Homes is a resort-style, 55+ community in DeLand, Florida. This Central Florida new-home community offers convenient access to beaches, shopping and dining, golf, and healthcare with short drives to Orlando, New Smyrna Beach, and Daytona. New homes are designed for active adults featuring a collection of flexible floorplans with hundreds of design and structural personalization options.
Cresswind DeLand overlooks scenic Lake Winnemisett and gives residents access to a variety of water activities and recreational opportunities. The resident-exclusive clubhouse – opening Fall 2025 – will feature a state-of-the-art Cresswind SmartFIT Training Center equipped with EGYM technology, art studio, event area and several indoor and outdoor gathering spots. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool with sundeck, tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails, dog park and community garden. Homebuyers can choose from various floorplans designed for optimal flexibility to create a home Built Around You. Cresswind DeLand features three collections of 13 floorplans, ranging from 2- to 5 Bedrooms. Kolter Homes offers a minimum of 25 structural options per plan, so you can have the ability to add bedrooms, expand garages, fitness or study spaces and more. Plus, choose from hundreds of personalization opportunities in the on-site Design Studio.
KOLTERHOMES created the Go Guide to Active Adult Living and Homebuying to help put buyers in control of the homebuying experience. After gathering suggestions from homebuyers, and with guidance from industry experts, KOLTERHOMES developed this comprehensive online guide with the best active adult locations, insider tips, insights, and driving tours. View the FREE guide at www.cresswind.com
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
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.
Carolina Overlook by Del Webb
Carolina Overlook is Clayton’s 55-plus active adult community by Del Webb in Johnston County. Featuring 10 ranch floorplan designs with options you’ll love, like 3-car garages, flex space, gourmet kitchens, and roomy lofts. We have 7 model homes open daily for touring. There are quick move-in homes available or you can build your dream home and visit the on-site design center to personalize. Resort-style amenities are under construction now – state-of-the-art clubhouse overlooking the onsite lake, pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, lifestyle director, clubs/classes, varsity room, aerobics room, dog park, community garden, walking trails, greenway trail access, and a temporary amenity before the main one opens. We can’t wait to meet you!
Check out our 2-Day Stay and Play Package as well as our Fly, Buy, & Save:
Flowers Plantation
Located just minutes from Raleigh yet tucked away from the hustle of the city, Flowers Plantation continues to thrive as Johnston County’s premier master-planned community. Bordered by US Hwy 42, Buffalo Road, and the Neuse River in Clayton, this award-winning development was the first of its kind in the region and earned back-to-back honors as North Carolina’s Community of the Year by the North Carolina Home Builders Association in 2013 and 2014.
Today, Flowers Plantation is home to more than 40 unique neighborhoods, two on-site elementary schools, and a private Thales Academy, along with over 10 miles of scenic walking trails and 50 acres of peaceful lakes. The community blends residential charm with everyday convenience thanks to two commercial districts: Flowers Crossroads, featuring a Harris Teeter, medical offices, dining, and boutique retail; and Flowers Marketplace, the newest retail hub anchored by Publix.
The community also offers luxury apartment living, townhomes, and newly built single-family homesites, providing flexible options for residents at every stage of life. With homes available for immediate move-in or purchase, there’s something for everyone. At full buildout, Flowers Plantation will include nearly 7,800 homes, with pricing ranging from the mid-$200s to over $700K.
Residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle enriched by exceptional amenities. The clubhouse, fitness center, and resort-style pool—operated by the East Triangle YMCA—serve as a central hub for recreation, wellness, and community programs, right within the neighborhood.
Exciting new growth is on the horizon with the addition of The Waterfront District, a dynamic mixed-use area that will offer walkable access to dining, retail, recreation, and potential future residential opportunities—all centered around a scenic waterfront setting.
“You don’t need a car here. The streets are all golf-cart friendly,” says Reid Stephenson, Flowers Plantation’s Chief Executive. “You can get your kids to school, come home from work, enjoy our parks and recreation, and make convenient runs to the grocery store—all without ever leaving the community.”
Whether you’re raising a family, enjoying retirement, or somewhere in between, Flowers Plantation offers a connected, comfortable lifestyle with something for everyone to call home.
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.
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
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Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is located on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola and Panama City. It is just off of the Scenic Highway 30A corridor that runs along 20 miles of coastline with views of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound offers a unique living environment with access to the Intracoastal Waterway. This area, with its many small coastal towns, is the embodiment of the relaxed, beachy vibe that is at the heart of the Latitude Margaritaville lifestyle. There also are many outdoor recreational activities, ranging from boating and deep-sea fishing to hiking, biking, golfing and more. A full range of lifestyle components is nearby, including an enticing array of dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities as well as service businesses, medical offices, hospitals and more. The community’s initial phase is anticipated to include approximately 3,500 homes. The master-planned community, inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, features four distinct home collections – the Conch Cottage Collection, Caribbean Villas Collection, and the Beach and Island Collections of single-family homes.
Floor plans range from 1,210 to 2,568 square feet under air.The casual-luxe Vista Collection was recently added to the single family collection. These homes feature two floors and are exclusively situated on the Intracoastal Waterway. Floor plans range from 3,095 to 4,048 square feet under air.
Fairfield Glade & Fairfield North
Fairfield Glade is perched high atop the Cumberland Plateau, and offers serene mountain beauty as it sits on the highest point between the Rocky and Smoky Mountains. One of the favorite features of this area is the moderate year round temperatures. The pleasant summer days and the cool summer nights can be attributed to the Cumberland Plateau’s 2,000-foot-elevation, allowing for more comfortable temperatures and much lower humidity than most areas of the south.
What to do with all the fabulous weather and beautiful scenery? Golfing, boating, fishing, hiking, walking, swimming, tennis/pickleball-the list of fun activities available is simply endless! Plus, an outdoor amphitheater and biergarten just opened to host live music, movies, food and community events – it’s a great gathering place for neighbors to come together.
The community offers multiple subdivisions with a wide range of home sizes, price ranges, and views that include mountain, lake, golf and protected woodlands. Another attribute is the incredible cost of living in Fairfield Glade – no state income tax on wages, very reasonable home prices, and extremely low property taxes and club dues.
Fairfield Glade is just 6 miles from the city limits of Crossville, a small town, but bustling with activities. Crossville’s central location on Interstate 40 has made it a hub for many outlying areas and has given rise to a booming retail environment, offering shopping, dining and entertainment choices. The community is also located right off I-40, less than an hour from Knoxville, and an hour and a half from either Nashville or Chattanooga.
Testimonial
“The biggest deciding factor for choosing Fairfield Glade was the people, both in the Glade and in the town. When we came to visit the first time, we had no appointment and no agenda – we just popped in and wandered around. Folks stopped us everywhere we went – Food City, the Wellness Center, Villa Pizza – and just chatted. No one was in a hurry, everyone was interested in our story, everyone had some tidbit to share. The same thing happened on our second visit, and then on every visit we made once construction started. We felt like we had become part of the community before we were actually part of the community.” Michelle and James Bayless
Fairfield Glade has 11 lakes and two marinas.
Wellen Park
Imagine more fun times at Wellen Park. From boutique shops to live music, all-day eateries to stunning sunsets, there are hundreds of ways to brighten your days. With beautiful residences and awesome amenities – not to mention amazing residents – each neighborhood is crafted so that the well life reigns supreme. Wellen Park is a vibrant community where everyday fun flourishes and the spirit of wellness thrives. That’s why living at Wellen Park truly feels like your best day ever, every day.
We invite you to stop by the Wellen Park Welcome Center to learn more about the community. One of our brand ambassadors will meet with you to answer questions and guide you through interactive touchscreen kiosks that display neighborhood amenities, home plans, Downtown Wellen shopping and dining, and regional attractions.
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.
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.
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
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.