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.
Savannah Lakes Village
Discover Affordable Luxury at Savannah Lakes Village on Lake Thurmond
Welcome to Savannah Lakes Village, the premier active retirement community in McCormick, South Carolina. Nestled along the stunning 71,000-acre Lake Thurmond and its 1,200 miles of pristine shoreline, our community offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and modern convenience.
Every homesite features ultra-fast, fiber-optic Internet, ensuring you stay connected while enjoying your lakeside escape.
Resort-Style Amenities & Active Adult Lifestyle
Savannah Lakes Village is designed for those who want to stay moving, connect with neighbors, and enjoy world-class facilities.
Championship Golf & Dining
- Two Championship Golf Courses: Spectacular lakefront views, fully-stocked pro shops, and on-site restaurants.
The 23,000-Square-Foot Recreation Center
- Racquet Sports: 6 lighted tennis courts (4 HarTru clay, 2 hard surface) plus dedicated pickleball courts.
- Fitness & Wellness: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness room, yoga studio, and relaxing sauna.
- Social & Hobbies: A bowling alley, private card rooms, a community library, and a vibrant Rod & Gun Club.
- 50+ Social Clubs: Easily find your community and pursue your passions with like-minded residents.
A Prime Location Surrounded by Nature
Whether you are hitting the trails or heading into the city, Savannah Lakes Village puts you at the center of it all. The community directly abuts three South Carolina state parks and boasts over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails.
| Destination | Travel Time |
| Augusta, GA | 45-Minute Drive |
| Atlanta, GA | 2-Hour Drive |
Unmatched Value: Affordable Luxury Living
An exceptional lifestyle shouldn’t come with an outrageous price tag. Savannah Lakes Village offers a highly competitive cost of living for retirees:
- No initiation fees
- No monthly minimums
- No special assessments Low South Carolina property taxes
Custom Homes Tailored to You
Our network of preferred builders offers a wide variety of custom home plans and lot-home packages. No matter your desired price point, architectural style, or product type, we can build your dream retirement home.
🌟 Plan Your Visit: The Stay & Play Package
Experience the Savannah Lakes Village lifestyle firsthand. Book a 3-day/2-night Stay & Play preview tour for just $199.
- Website: SavannahLakesVillage.com
- Phone: 864-391-5253
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.
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.
Hampton Hall Club
There is something special about Hampton Hall that goes beyond its beautiful Lowcountry setting. The scenery may be what first catches your attention, but it is the sense of community that makes Hampton Hall feel like home.
Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, Hampton Hall is a private club community where neighbors become friends and there is always something to look forward to. Days can begin with a round on the Pete Dye Signature golf course, a morning on the tennis or pickleball courts, a workout or swim, and end over dinner or drinks with friends. An active calendar of social events, clubs and activities offers even more ways to connect.
At the heart of it all are the people. Hampton Hall is a community that makes it easy to get involved, meet others and enjoy the best of Lowcountry living—whether your interests take you to the golf course, the courts, the pool, the fitness center or simply around the table with friends.
Why Hampton Hall?
Hampton Hall combines the privacy of a gated residential community with an active private club experience. Its 18-hole Pete Dye Signature golf course is complemented by practice facilities and an engaged golf community. Beyond golf, members enjoy tennis, six lighted pickleball courts, fitness and wellness, indoor and outdoor swimming, bocce, walking and biking trails, dining, and a full calendar of recreational and social activities.
Hampton Hall is proud to be recognized as a Distinguished Club with Exceptional status, a designation awarded to an elite group of private clubs that demonstrate excellence in member experience, service, facilities, governance and overall club operations. The recognition reflects the Club’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience for its members.
Just as important is the opportunity to connect. Clubs, events, activities and shared interests make it easy to meet people, build friendships and become part of the community. Hampton Hall also puts the best of the Lowcountry within easy reach. The shops, restaurants and character of Old Town Bluffton are nearby, while Hilton Head Island and historic Savannah offer even more to explore.
The best way to understand Hampton Hall is to experience it for yourself. We invite you inside the gates to explore the Club, discover the community and see whether Hampton Hall feels like 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.
Tellico Village
Tellico Village is Eastern Tennessee’s premier active-adult community for retirees and remote workers of any age who want to enjoy the region’s finest collection of resort-style amenities.
Set on 4,800 acres around Tellico Lake in the Great Smoky Mountain foothills, Tellico Village is an outdoor recreation paradise. Three lakeside golf courses host a year-round schedule of league events, plus pro and amateur championships. The Tellico Village Yacht Club, one of three community marinas, offers complete boating services and lakefront dining. Fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis/pickleball courts, and 50+ miles of local hiking trails give residents a choice of healthy activities every day of the week. The 200+ Tellico Village social clubs and volunteer organizations make it easy for neighbors to become friends. At the same time, the on-site Summit Medical Center offers convenient primary care and physical-therapy services.
More than 2,300 buildable lots and waterfront homesites are available at Tellico Village. An impressive roster of 15 local builders offers a fantastic variety of floor plans with customizable options to create the new home of your dreams. There are also a number of existing homes on the market at any given time, plus rentals available for a week to a year while you check out all of the choices.
Located just 31 miles from Knoxville, Tellico Village residents are just a short drive away from the region’s finest night-life venues, cultural events, shopping centers, and top-rated health care facilities.
Request more information below, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying the good life at Tellico Village.
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.
Fawn Lake
Fawn Lake – Best Places to Live in Virginia
There are places to live in Virginia, and then there are the best places to live in Virginia. Fawn Lake is the latter. An idyllic lakeside living development nine miles west of historic Fredericksburg, VA, Fawn Lake spans 2,350 acres of lush, rolling hills. It features an Audubon Certified wildlife Sanctuary. And, Fawn Lake’s deepwater marina is available to all residents.
Best Lake Living Community in Virginia
In addition to the laid-back, nature-based lake lifestyle, Fawn Lake provides the security offered in a gated community. An Arnold Palmer designed golf course and a private country club are also perks. Fawn Lake is 288 acres deep with over seven miles of shoreline that runs alongside much of the course. Fawn Lake’s lush canopy of trees complement the distinctive homes and home sites within the gates. Lakefront retreats, golf cottages and wooded estate home sites alike add architectural diversity. There’s a uniqueness here that is unparalleled in surrounding Virgina communities. Fawn Lake’s proximity to culture and excitement found in large cities and small towns also adds substantial value.
More to Love at Fawn Lake
Boating, water-skiing, and fishing are among favorite pastimes in this ideal Virginia community. And, nature-lovers have found a piece of heaven here with more than ten miles of hiking and walking trails. Residents have been known to take a midsummer dip after a long hike at the lake beach. The community pool is also a great choice. Clubs, leagues and groups are abundant at Fawn Lake. So, if you’re the social type, you’re in luck. Additionally, schools, top area hospitals and shopping are all easily accessible. A fitness club is on site, and tennis, boating, kayaking, sailing, and a community clubhouse are available to all residents. Fawn Lake offers a wide variety of custom builders to suit your needs. Home prices range from the high $600s to $4 million.
It’s not hard to find the best fit at Fawn Lake.
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.
Larimar City and Resort – Dominican Republic
Nestled atop the breathtaking Cliff overlooking Bavaro and Punta Cana, Larimar City & Resort redefines luxury living in Punta Cana with its elevated position, offering sweeping views of its surroundings and an exclusive coastal ambiance. Designed as a self-sustaining “Smart City,” Larimar seamlessly integrates advanced technology, sustainability, and world-class amenities. Residents will enjoy not only a prime retirement destination but also an active lifestyle rooted in nature and comfort.
This resort-style community combines the best of paradise and modern convenience. The centerpiece is a Mediterranean-inspired boulevard, running over three kilometers along the cliff edge, adorned with boutique shops, pools, and dining options. A network of artificial beaches and lagoons complements the natural landscape, inviting residents to embrace the idyllic Punta Cana lifestyle. At Larimar, residents find more than just a home; they gain access to a diverse array of recreational activities, wellness facilities, and social spaces. With an 18-hole golf course designed for all skill levels and a premium Country Club, Larimar ensures that outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers feel right at home.
Larimar City & Resort prioritizes sustainability, utilizing renewable energy sources, waste recycling, and water-saving systems. Its commitment to eco-consciousness offers a unique appeal for retirees seeking a responsible, nature-oriented lifestyle. The master-planned community includes healthcare facilities, a shopping mall, and educational institutions, creating a well-rounded living environment. This sanctuary is set to be fully operational by 2026, with phased development through 2035, ensuring immediate access to essential services.
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.
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.
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.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay
Step into a lifestyle like no other at K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay, a new 55+ community in Summerville, South Carolina, offering exciting, amenity-rich Lowcountry living at its finest.
Enjoy the ease and relaxation of an active adult community while surrounded by a picturesque, 300-acre lake. Spend your days at the community’s 24,000-square-foot clubhouse with luxurious pools and lighted courts for tennis, pickleball and bocce. The on-site, full-time lifestyle director maintains a full schedule of activities including Zumba classes, yoga sessions, billiards, and more — you’ll never run out of fun things to do.
Our single-family homes offer exceptional comfort and style and feature spacious layouts perfect for entertaining and additional storage, well-appointed kitchens, private offices and covered patios on select floorplans. With up to 3 beds, 3.5 baths and 3,345 sq. ft., you’re sure to find your perfect fit.
K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay is perfectly located near downtown Charleston, so a quick drive will take you right to its historic streets, excellent shopping, and thriving restaurant scene. Or, take a quick day trip to one of the area’s five distinct beaches for a relaxing getaway. The community is also located within the award-winning Cane Bay Plantation, which offers shopping, dining, and retail options just a few miles away.
The mild weather of coastal South Carolina, a slower pace of life, lakefront living, nearby soft sandy beaches, friendly people and endless activities at your fingertips make the Charleston area one of the hottest retirement destinations in the United States. Plan your visit to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay today and discover a diverse selection of beautiful brand-new homes, unbeatable community amenities and a vacation atmosphere that’s second to none.
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.
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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.