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.
Search Filters:
Click to explore the following lake communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
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.
Read more about The Uplands 55+ Active Adult Community in Suncadia
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.
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.
Read more about Larimar City and Resort – Dominican Republic
Ave Maria
Ave Maria is an award-winning master-planned community that combines an active lifestyle with the charm and friendliness of a small town in the Gulf Coast region of southwestern Florida. The Collier County community encompasses multiple residential neighborhoods, schools, a town center with shopping and dining, office space, business parks, and recreational amenities located 20 minutes east of Interstate 75 near Naples, Immokalee and Bonita Springs.
One of the best-selling communities in the nation, Ave Maria features a resort-style water park and two expansive community parks with picnic areas, sports fields, playgrounds, tennis, bocce and pickleball courts. Residents also have access to quality K-12 education, 100 miles of nature, hiking and biking paths, a dog park, a fitness center, 2 championship 18-hole golf courses, and much more.
Real estate options within Ave Maria include several family-friendly neighborhoods of homes in a variety of styles- from single-family homes to condominiums, plus the Del Webb Naples 55+ active adult community
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.
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
Read more about K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks
Arden
With a Palm Beach County location and a unique collection of lifestyle extras, retirees and families are finding a premier Florida residential destination at Arden.
Arden’s lakeside clubhouse is home to a state-of-the-art fitness center, meeting spaces for community clubs, a tea and coffee bar, and a multi-tier pool complex with fountains and a splash pad. Nearby is the community dock with ramps for launching kayaks, canoes, and electric-powered fishing boats. Tennis and pickleball courts, playing fields, an event lawn, and 20+ miles of walking and biking trails are among the outdoor recreation offerings. But Arden’s signature amenity is its unique “Agrihood,” a five-acre community garden for growing organic fruits and vegetables, plus a big red barn for community events and family gatherings.
Arden features customizable single-family homes and villas by leading Florida builders like GL Homes, Lennar, and Ryan Homes. All of the Arden neighborhoods have been planned to make a natural connection to healthy living, with contoured green spaces to enhance privacy and a wildlife refuge directly across the boulevard.
Just outside Arden’s gates are convenient grocery markets, retail stores, and restaurants. Resort golf courses and white-sand Atlantic beaches are also nearby, along with all of the first-class medical centers, schools, and cultural amenities that you’d expect in the heart of Palm Beach County.
Request more information about Arden and discover why this one-of-a-kind Florida community may be the perfect fit for your Sunshine State lifestyle.
Babcock Ranch
All towns aren’t created equal. In fact, most towns aren’t created at all. They just happen. The decade of careful planning that preceded the first turn of a shovel at Babcock Ranch is just one of the countless ways Babcock Ranch sets itself apart. With a seamless melding of modern technology and timeless hometown charm – all nestled within expansive natural spaces – America’s first solar-powered town provides a whole new way of life.
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.
Request information for your selected communities.
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.