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Guide to Gated Communities in North Carolina



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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

Best Sunsets - River Bluffs Community Wilmington NC

River Bluffs

Castle Hayne, NC
Homes from the high $600s

A Unique Waterfront Community with New Homes from the $500s – $2.5M+ and available homesites starting at $150k.

Located just 10 minutes north of Downtown Wilmington, NC (by boat or car) sits River Bluffs, a gated community that overlooks the Northeast Cape Fear River. River Bluffs offers a wide variety of home plans, including affordable cottage-style homes for a growing family, single-level homes with retirement-smart features, low-maintenance townhomes, and even fully custom homes built by the area’s most prestigious builders. River Bluffs boasts a variety of luxurious amenities such as a 2,700-foot river walk with covered gazebos, 188 slip marina, miles of walking trails and parks, luxury pools, high-end fitness centers, tennis and pickleball courts, over 30+ resident clubs including kayaking, boating, an onsite restaurant, and much more.

Enhance Your Quality of Life by Moving to River Bluffs:

• No city tax and no traffic!
• Low county & state taxes. North Carolina residents enjoy some of the lowest cost of living expenses on the Eastern seaboard!
• Enjoy low HOA dues which include yard maintenance, trash service, recycling, and access to all community amenities.
• 4.75% flat income tax and 0% estate or inheritance tax.

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Albemarle Plantation

Hertford, NC
Homes from the $400,000 & Homesites from $30,000

Albemarle Plantation

On North Carolina’s Inner Banks

 

In the private, gated sound front community of Albemarle Plantation, the waterfront lifestyle abounds. Set on the pristine waters of North Carolina’s sparkling Inner Banks, Albemarle Plantation is the perfect blend of nature, big water, resort amenities, and beautiful homes.

The community is known for its vast waters, 166-slip Private Marina, acclaimed golf, and nature-centric lifestyle. Walking and biking trails ribbon past nature sanctuaries and waterways. Raised boardwalks wind along, perfect for a stroll to the marina. On the waterfront, Marina Park with its great views and manicured lawn is the ideal gathering place for friends and is home to many a community event. The grand, waterfront Clubhouse offers indoor and outdoor dining with incredible water and fairway views. Near the marina, Dockside Café offers outdoor dining and is home to the Albemarle Wine Shop.

Residents also enjoy daily amenities like a fully outfitted fitness center, resort-style Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, bocce courts, gathering and activity spaces and even community garden plots. Winding through the community is the award-winning Dan Maples-designed golf course. Widely acclaimed, it offers world-class play for golfers of all levels and provides breathtaking views. Here, you can enjoy every amenity you would expect from a private waterfront community—plus, all amenities are complete and owned debt free by the Property Owner’s Association.

With a focus on nature’s beauty, Albemarle Plantation is a scenic and welcoming place to build the home of your dreams, too. With a large selection of home plans and a trusted group of preferred builders, creating your retreat at Albemarle can be easy and exciting. Living here offers a perfect balance: residents are wonderfully tucked away from the hustle and bustle of metro areas yet have easy access to Tidewater Virginia and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. At Albemarle, you can savor the small-town waterfront charm of Edenton and Hertford, and quickly access big city luxuries with Virginia Beach and Norfolk only about an hour north.

Whether setting out by boat to explore the Sound and nearby small towns, kayaking, going fishing with friends on the protected waters of the Sound or in the Intracoastal Waterway, jet skiing, sailboat racing, or just watching the sun go down over the water…living at Albemarle Plantation is a soul-stirring experience.

Homes from the $400,000.

Homesites from $30,000

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Sunset Reach

Castle Hayne, NC
Homes $660K - $1.5 M Homesiste $150K - $400K+

Perched majestically atop a picturesque bluff along the east bank of the Northeast Cape Fear River, Sunset Reach stands as an exciting new community just a brief five miles north of the vibrant heart of historic downtown Wilmington, NC. This evolving neighborhood seamlessly blends the dynamic allure of one of North Carolina's fastest-growing cities with the tranquil charm of a "low country" retreat, where the sun gracefully bids adieu over the river. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of the setting sun, a quick 10-minute boat or car ride away from the lively Downtown Wilmington. Wilmington, NC, offers a plethora of fine dining options and local attractions, all conveniently within your grasp. Adding to its magnetic appeal, Sunset Reach is a mere 15-minute drive from Championship Golf Courses and the pristine beaches of North Carolina, such as Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach.

Building your dream home at Sunset Reach means embracing the perfect blend of modern convenience and tranquility. Revel in the exceptional water views from nearly every homesite in this exclusive gated community, featuring distinguished builders such as Hagood Homes, Kent Homes, Kirk Pigford Homes, and Copper Builders. With only 75 single-family homesites and 63 townhomes, Sunset Reach ensures an intimate and personalized community experience.

Indulge in leisure at our Lakeside Pool & Clubhouse, complete with a fitness center, engage in friendly matches at the Pickleball Court, or find moments of peace on the Riverfront Boardwalk and Gazebo. Water enthusiasts can explore our 12-acre lake with opportunities for kayaking and paddle boating. For those seeking the ultimate waterfront experience, boat slips are available for purchase, offering privileged access to the deep waters of the Northeast Cape Fear River, providing access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. At Sunset Reach, we extend a warm invitation for you to explore a residence that transcends the ordinary, where each day is a testament to the seamless blend of natural beauty and modern luxury.

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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.

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