Receive your complimentary relocation guide
Guide to Gated Communities in North Carolina
Guide to Gated Communities in North Carolina
When it comes to privacy, security, and a close-knit neighborhood, gated communities are unmatched. With over 25,000 gated communities in the United States alone, there’s a perfect location for everyone.
Privacy and Security
Peace of mind is the top priority of these communities. Gated entrances, private roads, and security systems keep neighborhoods safe year-round. Many places even have security personnel that patrols the streets.
Social activities
Being part of an exclusive community means that neighbors get to know each other well. Onsite amenities, such as clubhouses and pools, foster these close relationships. Staff members also organize themed dinners, holiday events, and special interest groups.
Top-Notch Amenities
Gated communities offer updated facilities. Pools, fitness rooms, and tennis courts are generally found onsite. Those who have particular interests such as golf or sailing can find gated communities that cater specifically to those activities.
Family-Friendly Environment
Gated communities are diverse—they are a sanctuary to young families and empty-nesters alike. From playgrounds to lounges, these communities offer amenities to entertain residents of any age.
Further, these amenities add value to the neighborhood, which benefit homeowners in these communities.
Sample Communities to Discover
The Bluffs on the Cape Fear
Gated Riverfront Living, Boundless Joy in Nature
The Bluffs on the Cape Fear is a vibrant, master-planned community perched on a pristine stretch of the Cape Fear River. Just 15 minutes from the classic waterfront hometown of historic Wilmington, NC, The Bluffs is a private, coastal haven for the families who call it home.
The unique vision of The Bluffs is realized every day: natural woodlands and the unspoiled riverfront landscape are preserved and celebrated. Classically-styled coastal homes exist in harmony with lush woodlands, and the riverfront.
Our visionary developers created The Bluffs with access and abundance in mind. Accordingly, residents here enjoy a close-knit, active lifestyle with total access to the riverfront and an impressive collection of amenities. We invite you to experience the joy of our authentic riverfront community, The Bluffs on the Cape Fear, with our 3 day-2 night Discovery Package.
Amenity List:
– 50-Slip Marina with Scenic Boardwalk
– 2-Acre Riverfront Park with Boat & Kayak Launch
– Lakefront Clubhouse with Resort-Style Salt Water Pool
– Private Beach Club on Oak Island – with Full Ocean Access
– Winding Walking & Biking Trails
– Golf Cart Friendly Community
– Tennis & Pickleball Courts
– Fully-Stocked Lake
– Community Boat & RV Storage
– And soon, a New State-of-the-Art Fitness & Wellness Center
St. James Properties
St. James Plantation, located along Southeastern North Carolina’s Intracoastal Waterway near the charming towns of Southport and historic Wilmington, remains one of the most desirable communities in the region. The community boasts over $100 million in top-tier amenities, including a private oceanfront beach club, a 475-slip marina with dry stack options, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, including the Signature Wellness Center, four welcoming clubhouses, and 81 holes of championship golf. Residents can also enjoy 36+ miles of biking and walking routes, five dining options, Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball, parks, community gardens, and over 100 social clubs.
With a mild Carolina climate offering four distinct seasons, the area is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring nearby antique shops, boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and historical landmarks dating back to the 1700s. Additionally, the region is home to well-equipped adult educational institutions and first-class medical centers. Real estate options in St. James include spacious custom homes, new cottage homes, and condominiums, with single-family homes ranging from the $600,000s to over $1 million, and homesites starting in the $200,000s.
Plan your visit right now! Call 800-245-3871 or visit our website: www.StJames-Properties.com.
Cresswind Wesley Chapel
Cresswind Wesley Chapel is a next-generation, 55+ community with new homes designed specifically for active adults. Roughly 40 minutes from Charlotte City Center, this 55+ gated community offers an ideal location, new homes and an award-winning lifestyle in one of the top-rated suburbs in the Greater Charlotte area.
Homebuyers can choose from a collection of 9 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 and more. Plus, choose from hundreds of design personalization opportunities.
Club Cresswind, the resident-exclusive clubhouse, features a state-of-the-art Cresswind SmartFIT Training Center powered by EGYM, art studio, event area, and several indoor and outdoor gathering spots. Additional amenities include a resort-style pool, tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails and more. A full-time Lifestyle Director organizes a full event calendar including fitness programs and clubs for every hobby.
From Cresswind, residents have easy access to the Village of Wesley Chapel, Weddington, Waxhaw, SouthPark, Charlotte International Airport, Uptown, and the many attractions that consistently rank the Queen City region among the nation’s top retirement destinations.
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
Get Started
Finding and choosing the right gated community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation package, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the top gated communities in North Carolina, as well as what you can do to get started. Sign up for this free package to take the first step in your exciting journey.
Free Package includes:
- ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide
The ultimate guide to find your ideal destination, life and home. This annual guide contains more than 15 state maps, a location-based cost of living and climate comparison chart and discovery travel packages.
- ideal-LIVING Magazine
Quarterly print magazine features the best places to retire and/or purchase your ideal second home.
- ideal-LIVING E-Newsletter
Receive our digital newsletter, two to three times a month, highlighting communities around the country and abroad.
- Tickets to ideal-LIVING Live Events
The ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Show has helped retirees and second-home buyers find their ideal community and home for more than 30 years.
© 2025 ideal-LIVING Magazine • 265 Racine Dr #201 • Wilmington, NC 28403 • 910.763.2100