10 Most Walkable Cities in the South - Embrace the Charm of Walkable Towns
Authored by Emily Colin, our insightful list of the top 10 walkable southern towns takes you through the allure of pedestrian-friendly communities.
What Does 'Walkable' Truly Mean?
What does it mean for a town or city to be 'walkable?' Clearly, pedestrians need to be able to walk from one place to the next-there needs to be sidewalks and crosswalks, stoplights and signs. But walkability is about much more than infrastructure. It's about creating a sense of community-the idea that there is someplace worth walking to, and people that you'd like to see when you get there. In a truly walkable town or city, you can satisfy a wide variety of needs within 15 minutes on foot. You can buy food, take in a play or a show, shop, and enjoy a green space such as a public park or trail. And while you're doing all of this, you can connect with others who share your interests, even if it's as simple as waving or saying 'hello.'
From Millennials to retirees, we're experiencing a tremendous uptick in the number of folks who place a high value on living in walkable communities. In part, this is because of the many health benefits that walking has to offer; in part, it's because of the expense and inconvenience inherent in traveling by car. Beyond these tangible benefits, though, walkable communities have a sense of vibrancy, life, and charisma that is tremendously appealing. Traveling on foot, you notice things you might not have otherwise-an architectural detail here, a hidden alleyway, a used bookstore or a cozy coffee shop there. You take your time, appreciating what's around you rather than rushing from one activity to the next, living in the moment.
Top 10 Walkable Towns
Explore our top 10 walkable Southern towns and cities. Each with its unique personality, these cities promise an immersive, walkable experience that you'll cherish. Take your time, soak in the surroundings, and live in the moment. Let's set off on a walk to remember.
Charleston, SC
Travel + Leisure magazine just named Charleston the top city to visit in the world-and why not? Between its Southern charm, meticulously-preserved historic homes, beautiful harbor, thriving arts community, and burgeoning foodie scene, Charleston is a place that honors its past while embracing the future.
The walkable downtown is a pedestrian's paradise, from shopping on King Street-home to the Design, Fashion and Antique Districts-to strolling along Museum Mile. Architectural enthusiasts will find much to appreciate on The Battery and East Bay Street, Rainbow Row, and the French Quarter. Relax at scenic Waterfront Park, with its iconic pineapple fountain, stroll through historic City Market, and then grab a bite at one of the many restaurants-you really can't go wrong. Slightly North of Broad, FIG, and Husk are some of the best, and Kaminsky's desserts are to die for. Cap off the night with a show at Dock Street Theatre.
Asheville, NC
If healthy living, arts and culture, locally sourced food, and a little bit of quirkiness set your heart a-flutter, Asheville is the place for you. Located in western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville's nod to a history museum is their Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile, 30-station scavenger hunt that gives visitors a glimpse into the city's past.
Be sure to browse Malaprop's Bookstore, or, if you prefer a glass of fine wine with your second hand paperbacks, check out Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar. Culture buffs will appreciate Asheville Community Theatre, the Asheville Art Museum, and Colburn Earth Science Museum. A short drive away, you'll find all the adventure you could ask for-zip lining, white water rafting, hiking, mountain climbing, and more. Shop at the Grove Arcade, or eat your heart out at the Over Easy Cafe, Bouchon, Farm Burger Asheville, or the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. These attractions and more make Asheville one of the region’s most walkable cities.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington was voted Best American Riverfront in USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers' Choice Contest and small wonder. Front Street, downtown's main thoroughfare, is jam-packed with restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and entertainment venues. Within a few blocks you'll find historic Thalian Hall, a beautifully-renovated venue that hosts musicals, plays, and films year-round; City Stage, an assortment of comedy clubs and music venues; and the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College, home to touring Broadway shows.
History buffs will find plenty to satisfy, from the Bellamy Mansion and Burgwin-Wright House to the restored homes and cottages that line the shaded streets. Start your day with breakfast at the Dixie Grill, eat light with tapas at Circa 1922, stroll along the riverwalk, and wind down at Le Catalan French Café and Wine Bar, where you can savor chocolate mousse and a bottle of wine while watching ships pass down the Cape Fear River.
St. Augustine, FL
Ponce de Leon made St. Augustine famous, and it claims the distinction of "the oldest city in the U.S." Located on northeast Florida's First Coast, St. Augustine has a thriving historic district, complete with cobblestone streets, bed and breakfasts, pubs, eateries, and plenty of places to shop. In About.com's AboutTravel named it Florida's most walkable city.
Bustling St. George Street, located in the center of the historic district, is for pedestrians only-no cars allowed. In search of something more low-key? Try historic Saint Aviles Street. Downtown hosts the Castillo de San Marcos, a walk-in park and fortress that's stood since 1672. Occupying two acres in the heart of the historic district, The Colonial Quarter brings days gone by to life. Other attractions include Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the Limelight Theatre, and the delectable food at The Floridian and the Spanish Bakery and Café.
Greenville, SC
There's a reason that National Geographic named Greenville as one of its top 20 "Must See" places and it's probably the same reason that the New York Times called it "a national model for a pedestrian-friendly city center." Just an hour's drive from Asheville, NC, Greenville's walkable downtown area is an alluring blend of public art, delectable food-don't miss The Trappe Door and the Tupelo Honey Café-unique shops, and green space.
Just a few short blocks from Main Street, you'll find Falls Park, home to a waterfall that's nearly 40 feet tall, the pedestrian-only Liberty Bridge, and the Reedy River. Along the river runs Swamp Rabbit Trail, an old railroad bed transformed into a 21-mile greenway for pedestrians and cyclists. Downtown is also home to the Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Little Theatre, the Carolina Ballet Theatre, and the Peace Center for the Performing Arts.
Savannah, GA
With the country's largest Historic Landmark District, Savannah has earned its badge as a pedestrian-friendly city. It's organized around 22 squares, where passersby can sit a spell in the shade of giant, moss-hung oaks-but when you're ready to get up, there's no shortage of things to do. Home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), downtown has over 18 historic house museums that are open to the public, including Flannery O'Connor's childhood home.
River Street, which meanders along the Savannah River, features former cotton warehouses that house a plethora of places to eat, shop, and browse. You'll find boutiques, galleries, the treasure-filled Paris Market and Brocante, and The Lucas Theatre on Broughton Street-as well as Leopold's Ice Cream, known for its marble soda fountain. Don't-miss eateries include Ms. Wilkes' Dining Room and The Olde Pink House, both Zagat-rated as Savannah's Best Southern Restaurants.
Fernandina Beach, FL
Located on Amelia Island, a barrier island off northeast Florida's Atlantic Coast, Fernandina Beach's National Register Historic District spans over 50 blocks and boasts over 400 buildings. It's home to The Florida House Inn-the oldest hotel in the state of Florida-as well as the Palace Saloon, the state's oldest continually operating drinking establishment.
The main drag, Centre Street, features two pocket parks where you can take in the sounds of local musicians after you've gotten your fill of browsing the historic district's many antique shops, boutiques, and galleries. Storytelling aficionados will get a kick out of the Amelia Island Museum of History, the first spoken history museum in the state of Florida. Dining hot spots include the Crab Trap, David's Restaurant and Lounge, The Happy Tomato Courtyard Café and BBQ, and Le Clos, a 1906 cottage where you can savor French cuisine by candlelight.
Sarasota, FL
TopRetirements.com rated Sarasota the country's ultimate city for retirees, booting Asheville out of the top spot for the first time since 2007. John Ringling of Ringling Bros' fame played a key role in developing the city, and his family mansion, Cà d'Zan, still stands today. The heart of downtown Sarasota is Five Points, where Main Street, Pineapple Avenue, and Central Avenue come together.
Nearby Palm Avenue is home to a variety of art galleries and antique stores, and there's great shopping to be had on Main Street, 1st Street, and Palm. Get your fill of drama and song at The Florida Studio Theatre and the Sarasota Opera House. Just a short drive away, you'll find The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Sample Peruvian food at Selva, taste fresh-caught seafood at Owen's Fish Camp, or go local at MADE restaurant, winner of several "best of" awards.
Athens, GA
Athens is widely known for its incredible music scene-it was the birthplace of the band REM, hosts several annual festivals, and offers a self-guided, 28-stop music walking tour. But this is not all it has to offer.
Forbes highlighted Athens in its "Best Places to Retire", and Money Magazine has also recognized it as a "Best Place to Retire." With its restaurants, shops, boutiques, and galleries, downtown Athens is very pedestrian-friendly. Culture buffs will flock to the Georgia Theatre, located in the heart of downtown, and Morton Theatre, a performance arts space that began its life as one of America's first African-American-built, owned, and operated vaudeville theaters. Don't miss The Tree that Owns Itself, an oak that can lay legal claim to the ground on which it stands. Foodies surrender to temptation at Creature Comforts Brewing Company, Big City Bread Café, Last Resort Grill, Clocked, and Weaver D's.
Beaufort, SC
Charming Beaufort, SC, pronounced 'Bu-fort', is home to a thriving historic downtown district and a beautiful waterfront. Southern Living named Beaufort a "small town we love," Coastal Living Magazine ranked it as #1 among America's Happiest Seaside Towns. It's not hard to see why-Beaufort embodies the relaxed spirit, coastal vibe, and Southern hospitality that defines the Lowcountry.
Wander along the downtown waterfront, shop for antiques at Lagniappe Lowcountry, browse at McIntosh Book Shop, or find the perfect piece of art at Salt Gallery. In the mood for adventure? Take a walking history tour, rent a kayak, or check out the dolphins and the salt marsh with one of Captain Dick's River Tours. Once you're back on land, grab a bite at Magnolia Bakery Café, Panini's on the Waterfront, Q on the Bay, or Saltus River Grill, a contemporary seafood restaurant with a stunning view of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Explore the Most Walkable Cities in the US
We invite you to explore these enticing walkable cities, perfect for a vibrant, health-focused retirement lifestyle. Choose from the communities below and receive detailed information to aid your next big decision. It’s time to make your dream of ideal living a reality.
Click to explore the following hiking and walking communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Baymont Farms
Located in Middletown, Delaware, K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Baymont Farms is a resort-style 55+
active lifestyle community featuring low-maintenance single-family homes. With endless amenities just
outside your front door and an ideal location offering plenty of shopping and dining to explore nearby,
you won’t need to go far to find your next adventure.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Baymont Farms features a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse. It’s where you’ll
gather around the grand fireplace of the social lounge and bar area, or enjoy recreation of your choice in
the fitness center, game room, billiard room, card room or aerobics studio. The opportunities to relax,
socialize, and exercise continue outside, where you’ll find an outdoor pool and bar, pickleball courts and
walking trails.
K. Hovnanian Homes has decades of expertise curating exceptional active lifestyles for those 55 and
older. Their other active lifestyle communities in Delaware include K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at
Hatteras Hills in Magnolia, K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Scenic Harbor in Lewes, K. Hovnanian’s Four
Seasons at Silver Maple—which was Delaware’s best-selling 55+ community from 2014 until its
completion in 2016.
Contact a Community Specialist to learn more about this amenity-filled community or schedule a tour of
one of the stunning model homes!
Black Creek Chattanooga
Black Creek – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Where Living Comes Naturally.
Tucked into the scenic foothills just 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Black Creek isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle rooted in nature, community, and connection. For more than 25 years, this master-planned community has brought together people who want more from where they live: more natural beauty, deeper connections, and the kind of everyday convenience that makes life feel effortless.
Now entering its most exciting chapter yet, Black Creek is expanding with new homes, enhanced amenities, a future mountaintop village, and a nine-acre lake. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat or easy access to a thriving city, Black Creek offers the best of both worlds.
With hundreds of acres of protected land, miles of private hiking and mountain biking trails, and scenic mountain views, outdoor adventure is woven into daily life. At the heart of it all is Black Creek Club, where optional memberships include access to golf, racquet courts, fitness, chef-led dining, and a year-round calendar of social events.
Chattanooga’s mild four-season climate, no state income tax, and easy airport access make living here not only enriching, but practical. From active retirees to second-home seekers to families planning their forever home, people come to Black Creek for the views—and stay for the lifestyle.
Anderson Farms
Augmented by our hometown’s mild climate, advantageous tax haven status, and stunning natural
beauty, this private woodland agrihood offers a variety of 2+ acre homesteads located at the
intersection of pastoral charm and urban convenience.
Located just 11 minutes outside of Aiken, SC, a familiar name on Southern Living Magazine’s list of
“South’s Best Small Towns,” amenities at Anderson Farms include a barn-style community center with a
shared chicken coop, produce garden, and equestrian training arena. On top of Aiken’s thriving
downtown avenues filled with eclectic restaurants, art galleries, designer boutiques, and antique shops, Anderson Farms also enjoys close proximity to a variety of breathtaking local scenery and nature
preserves, including Hitchcock Woods, Aiken State Park, and our neighboring Hollow Creek Land
Preserve, a 110-acre nature sanctuary filled with scenic nature trails plus dock access for fishing,
kayaking, and canoeing.
Social butterflies can even take advantage of an optional membership to The Reserve Club at Woodside
for tiered membership access to 2 championship golf courses, a racquet pavilion, resort-style pool,
country club dining, over 60 member-led social groups, and more.
Crossings at Sweetbriar
Retirees and other active adults who want a relaxing lifestyle in a perfect location are discovering Pennsylvania’s Crossings at Sweetbriar.
Developed by Landmark Homes, the regional leader in creating upscale age-55+ communities like The Crossings at Sweetbriar, residents have a choice of both one- and two-story designs with open floor plans. Customizable options and special features make each residence unique, and the area’s low cost of living and property taxes add to the value of every home.
The Crossings at Sweetbriar residents have their own private community clubhouse for meetings and special events, plus walking and biking trails through more than 20 acres of preserved open space. But Sweetbriar’s most desirable amenity maybe its tranquil location in the rolling farmlands of central Pennsylvania. Historic sites and seasonal farmer’s market make every day trip an adventure. The nearby town of Lebanon features fine and casual dining restaurants, retail stores, antique shops, and cultural centers like the Gretna Theatre. The Iron Valley Golf Course tops the list of local outdoor-recreation venues, while the Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital and the Lebanon VA Medical Center offer top-rated health care services. Just a short drive to the southwest is the state capital of Harrisburg, the regional center of commerce and culture.
Request more information below to get all the details. The active-adult lifestyle at a great location offered by The Crossings at Sweetbriar may be just what you’re looking for.
River Bluffs
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.
Port Ludlow
For retirees, active adults, and remote workers, Port Ludlow is an inviting resort-style community on the shores of Puget Sound in the state of Washington.
Westharbor Homes is building new Port Ludlow residences to the highest environmental standards with energy-saving appliances. In the Ludlow Cove Cottages and Olympic Terrace II neighborhoods, you’ll find a delightful variety of floor plans, including beachfront single-family homes, waterfront condominiums, and spacious villas with fairway views.
The amenities and activities at Port Ludlow start with play on the community’s 18-hole golf course, a scenic layout along the water and through the maritime forest. The 300-slip marina offers complete boating services and launches for kayaks and paddleboards. In addition, there are two community clubhouses with fitness centers, swimming pools, and tennis/pickleball courts. You can also enjoy 30+ miles of walking trails, more than 100 community social clubs, and genuine farm-to-table dining with fresh seafood always on the menu at the Fireside Restaurant.
The nearby towns of Chimacum and Port Townsend feature cafes, bakeries, artisan shops, and grocery markets, plus convenient health care services that include specialty practices. And just a 30-minute ferry ride away is the dynamic city of Seattle, home to some of the nation’s leading hi-tech companies, a thriving cultural arts scene, and major professional sports teams.
When you request more information below, you’ll be on your way to discovering the waterfront lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest at Port Ludlow.
Check out our 360 degree view of Port Ludow by clicking here!
Lucero Golf & Country Club – Panama
Lucero is a luxury retirement and residential community located in the beautiful highlands along Panama’s Pacific coast. If you’re seeking a more natural lifestyle in a tropical setting with premier amenities, Lucero could be your destination of choice.
The private Lucero Golf & Country Club features the region’s only championship golf course, a spectacular layout by designer Michael Poellot with ocean and mountain views from the bent grass fairways and greens. Additional Lucero clubhouse amenities include fine dining at the Seasons Restaurant, an outdoor deck with lounge surrounding the infinity pool, and a tennis center with clay courts.
Lucero homesites with sweeping views range from half an acre up to 2.4 acres in size. Single-family homes, duplex villas and spacious condominiums are also available. If you want to explore the Lucero lifestyle first, new riverside and fairway villas, as well as unique luxury treehouses, are now offered as rentals with upscale conveniences like high-speed Internet connections.
Best of all for those who want a greener lifestyle, the entire Lucero community has been designed to the highest environmental standards. Minimal tree removal, rainwater collection for irrigation and rooftop solar panels are all part of Lucero’s natural plan. The surrounding countryside is home to traditional farms that produce fruits, vegetables and the area’s signature coffee beans, while the adjacent Amistad National Park is a 500,000-acre protected tropical wilderness with hot springs and world-class hiking trails.
Request more information below and you’ll be taking your first steps on an adventure of a lifetime at Lucero.
Albemarle Plantation
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
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
Callawassie Island
Callawassie Island, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a private, gated island community offering world-class Tom Fazio golf and a full complement of amenities including a tennis center, clubhouse, pools, fitness center, and River Club. Secluded from the noise and congestion of the highway, Callawassie lies miles from Hilton Head and is also convenient to Beaufort and Bluffton (15 minutes away); historic Savannah, GA (a 30-minute drive); and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (40 minutes away). A half-mile causeway provides a relaxing, slow-paced approach to the island, where peace and quiet are as plentiful as vibrant activity.
The community hosts numerous social events, activities and clubs connecting members by their passions for nature, art and giving back locally. Members take full advantage of the island parks, historical sites and recreation areas for enjoying remarkable views of undisturbed nature. Island dwellers have access to four community docks providing leased slips, kayak launches and excellent opportunities for fishing, crabbing and shrimping. The River Club, overlooking the Colleton River, is a warm gathering center with a library and fireplace, family swimming pool, and offers seasonal dining.
For those seeking a golfing experience like no other, the 27-hole, Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course is truly spectacular. Voted one of South Carolina’s top 50 courses, Callawassie recently enhanced the design with a four-million-dollar renovation in 2014. This renovation resulted in a brand-new pro shop with three Class A PGA Golf Professionals. The courses meander intimately along the waterways and salt marshes in a way that environmental regulations have made difficult for newer courses; visual interest is natural not manmade.
Callawassie Island is the first South Carolina gated community to have been designated a “Community Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation. This coexistence brings a true community balance with nature. The island is covered with live oaks and palmettos, egrets and herons, and encompasses a thriving salt marsh ecosystem.
Today, Callawassie is one of only four South Carolina communities holding this distinguished designation. The homes and homesites, including waterfront property, are among the best values in the area.
On Top of the World Communities
Renowned for beautiful homes and unrivaled active and social amenities, On Top of the World in Ocala, FL, is truly a leader in creating quality lifestyles.
A world of opportunities to relax and enjoy life-while staying active with both body and mind-is waiting for you at On Top of the World.
Repeatedly named one of the best places in the country to live by Where to Retire magazine, this 13,000 acre master-planned community appeals to active adults looking for a fabulous lifestyle and well-designed, beautifully appointed homes. Surrounded by central Florida’s celebrated horse country and crystal clear springs, On Top of the World is close to everything, yet far from the ordinary.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find at On Top of the World:
• Concrete-block, energy-efficient home designs
• Several different communities and neighborhoods available featuring single family, maintenance-free and luxury estate homes, many with golf or preserve homesites
• Three, par-72 golf courses with PGA and LPGA professionals on staff
• Over 250,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities
• Community Town Square with indoor entertainment venue, fitness center and lifelong learning programming at Master the Possibilities Education Center.
• And much more!
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.
Aquamar Vilamoura – Portugal
Living and enjoying life in the Southern Region of Portugal – Algarve is a delightful experience that combines the best of both worlds: a relaxed, sun-kissed lifestyle and a vibrant, culturally rich environment. Here’s a description of what it’s like for people who call the Algarve their home:
Nestled along the southern coast of Portugal, the Algarve is a haven for those seeking a life of tranquility and beauty. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of palm trees and the scent of saltwater in the air. The region’s Mediterranean climate ensures that sunny days are the norm, allowing you to embrace outdoor living throughout the year.
Your days in the Algarve are filled with endless possibilities. You can start by savoring a leisurely breakfast at a seaside café, where the freshly baked pastries are as warm as the smiles from the friendly locals. As the day unfolds, you might choose to explore the stunning coastline, where golden beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a serene backdrop for swimming, surfing, or simply basking in the sun.
For those with a penchant for culture, the Algarve offers a treasure trove of historic towns, each with its own unique charm. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings, discover ancient castles perched on hilltops, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of traditional Portuguese festivals and fado music that resonates with the soul.
Food lovers will find themselves in culinary paradise, with fresh seafood served at quaint beachside shacks and Michelin-starred restaurants alike. The Algarve’s cuisine is a tantalizing blend of flavors, where grilled sardines, succulent octopus, and aromatic cataplana dishes take center stage. And don’t forget to pair your meals with a glass of locally produced wine or a refreshing sip of medronho, the region’s famous firewater.
The Algarve isn’t just about leisure; it’s also about well-being. Spend your afternoons exploring nature reserves, hiking along rugged cliffs, or teeing off on world-class golf courses. The Ria Formosa Natural Park, with its intricate lagoons and birdlife, provides a peaceful escape for those who appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
PGA Village Verano
PGA Village Verano is a gated, new home community in Port St. Lucie, FL. This neighborhood features nineteen unique floorplans ranging from 2- to 4-Bedrooms and a wide range of personalization options.
PGA Village Verano’s clubhouse, Club Talavera, is the centerpiece of the community. Residents enjoy access to resort-style amenities that include South Florida’s largest, private Pickleball Center featuring 27 courts. The Talavera Fitness Center includes an indoor pool with lap lanes & apa; locker rooms with saunas; cardio studio; full strength training & cardio center; tennis, bocce and basketball courts; and a resort-style outdoor pool with cabanas and sundeck. As the only master-planned, new home community affiliated with the PGA Golf Club, our residents enjoy golf cart access and special privileges to our award-winning neighbor. The Talavera Social Club is the perfect place to gather, and features billiards & card rooms, lounge, library, demonstration kitchen, arts & crafts studio and ballroom with catering kitchen. A full-time Lifestyle Director keeps the social calendar full of activities and events.
Verano’s new SmartFIT Training Center also offers PGA Village Verano residents a cutting-edge, easy-to-use circuit training system as part of Kolter’s exclusive partnership with global fitness leader EGYM.
Cresswind Charleston
Cresswind Charleston brings the award-winning Cresswind active adult lifestyle to the Charleston area. This gated community is integrated within the thriving community of The Ponds while maintaining its own privacy. Cresswind features a full list of resort-style amenities, all located within a natural, Lowcountry setting.
Residents can take a short walk to the 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, enjoy pickleball and tennis or participate in activities at the event lawn and amphitheater. Additionally, homeowners have the opportunity to enrich their lives with cooking and yoga classes or bocce ball. Residents also can nurture their talent in the art room, play pool, swim in the resort-style pool, fish or kayak – and stay fit and healthy at a well-equipped fitness center.
Cresswind Charleston offers spacious homes featuring a wide range of personalization opportunities, designer choices, uniquely designed with careful attention to details. Single-family, ranch-style homes will include designer features, energy efficiency and designs complementary to active living. Tour nine designer-decorated model homes, open daily.
Lakewood Ranch
Live the Florida lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of—with 30+ villages, each featuring distinctive homes, amenities, and features, Lakewood Ranch is designed to support every aspect of your life. New homes include townhomes, condos, attached villas, single-family homes and estates, with prices from the $300s to over $1 million.
We set out to build a community that is more than just the homes it’s made up of. Here, you’ll find all the shopping, dining, entertainment, education, healthcare, nature, and recreational options you could want to make the most out of every day. And the best part is that it’s all already here. You don’t have to envision it—you can simply start living it.
Our 48% open space plan and mixed-use component work together to provide each village on The Ranch with easy access to parks, trails, and recreational opportunities like three town centers, a sports campus featuring pickleball, Sarasota Polo Club, and The Farmers’ Market.
Just beyond our backyard you can enjoy Sarasota’s white sand beaches and arts scene, Tampa’s sports teams, and quick access to four airports.
ideal-LIVING has named Lakewood Ranch Best Health and Fitness Community and Best Golf Community. Lakewood Ranch has also earned the spot as the #1 multi-generational best-selling master-planned community since 2018.
Come explore Florida’s favorite place to call home. LakewoodRanch.com
What to expect at The Ranch:
• 30+ villages, 2 are 55+
• 3 town centers & 8 neighborhood shopping plazas with Publix Grocery stores
• 150 miles of multi-surface trails
• 10,000+ acres of lakes, parks, and preserves
• 60+ clubs and groups
• Over 200 shops and eateries
• 13 community parks
• 192 holes of golf
• 32 courts for racquet sports
• A-rated schools & higher education campuses
• Sarasota Polo Club
• Farmers’ Market voted #1 in Florida
• Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club
• 22 fields at Premier Sports Campus
• Sights and Sounds Performing and Fine Arts Series
Ready to discover it? Great. Request more information below to receive discovery tour packages
and specials. You won’t know until you go!
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Victory at Verrado
High above the desert floor, overlooking Phoenix, sits K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Victory at Verrado. This luxury 55+ active adult community is fortuitously surrounded by the White Tank Mountains and Skyline Regional Park, allowing residents to be immersed in the raw splendor of the American southwest while living in comfort and style.
Each of the five floor plans offered by K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Victory have a natural flow from indoor to outdoor gathering areas, in addition to high-end finishes and materials used throughout. These spacious layouts include up to three bedrooms and approximately 1,924 to 2,288 square feet of living space.
The community amenities of Victory at Verrado are equally impressive as the homes found within. Luxe pools flanked by lounges and palm trees overlook craggy mountains. All your workout needs are seen to at the 7,000 square foot, state-of-the-art fitness center, and you can recover at the full-service spa. Two Championship golf courses designed by Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman will provide hours of enjoyment. And for those oenophiles, the Victory Vineyard hosts wine tastings, guest vintner dinners, wine making classes, and an annual Crush party.
With its stunning scenery and endless amenities, Victory at Verrado is the ultimate in refined, active adult living. K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons matches that standard with beautiful, thoughtfully designed houses, ready to become homes.
Sign up today to receive more information on the new offerings with K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Victory at Verrado, and begin your journey to a better way of life.
The Isles of Collier Preserve
Hurry for Special Pricing on Final Phase, and for a limited time, receive $100,000 in free home options! Limited opportunities remain to buy a new home at The Isles.
Nestled within a pristine natural setting just minutes from Downtown Naples, Florida’s preeminent new home builder is creating a colorful update of classic coastal living. Inspired by the timeless architecture and traditions of Old Naples, elegant new Minto homes overlook miles of scenic kayak and hiking trails. With over half of the 2,400 acres dedicated to lakes, nature preserves, and natural habitat, combined with outdoor-inspired amenities, The Isles of Collier Preserve is an extraordinary new active adult gated community where the magic of Old Naples and unspoiled nature still coexist.
Enjoy all aspects of an active lifestyle influenced by wellness at The Isles Club, featuring resort-style amenities such as a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a yoga lawn. After a scenic day exploring this beautiful community, sip on cocktails and savor coastal Florida flavors with family and neighbors at the resident-exclusive Overlook Bar & Grill, overlooking the Cypress Waterway.
The Isles is a master-planned community boasting 1,600 unique coastal-themed new construction residences for sale from the $500s, many with stunning water and nature views.
Waterways
One of the best places to live in Georgia.
Nestled amid ancient moss-draped oak hammocks, winding freshwater lagoons and the salt marshes of coastal Georgia’s low country, Waterways is a private gated community with distinctive homes and modern amenities, just 30 minutes south of historic Savannah in Richmond Hill, Georgia. This surprising low country community offers luxury homes surrounded by a protected natural landscape.
Each Waterways neighborhood is designed with its own unique character and charm. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of interconnected neighborhoods, convenient access to community amenities, and homesites with lagoon, park, and wooded views. Homesites start in the 90s, townhomes from the 300’s and homes from the 400’s.
This is ideal living.
Just outside of Savannah, on the Georgia coast, there’s a master planned community that’s rooted in nature and built with modern amenities. Here, water’s influence is the center of the lifestyle, and health and wellness are valued along with days of adventure and exploration.Here, your family can escape from the noise of the world in a place where spontaneous get-togethers, outdoor activities, and the influence of water create a new rhythm of life.
The Waterways Marina Is Now Open….
Located along Redbird Waterway, the Marina features direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Ogeechee River, and the Atlantic Ocean. Featuring dry slip storage, a ship store, and fueling and launching facilities, Waterways residents will have all they need for endless adventure. The center of our waterfront lifestyle is found at the Marina Village, with stunning views of golden marshes, dry slip storage spaces, along with fresh water boat slips for residents. Green spaces and events lawns will complement a curated collection of quaint retail shops and casual dining. Accessible from every corner of the community via Harbor View Drive, a road with spectacular views of glistening waters, Marina Village is sure to become the heartbeat of Waterways. Choosing the perfect place for your next adventure is about so much more than finding a home. Get a feel for the Waterways lifestyle with a Discover Waterways Visit, an immersive three day, two-night getaway. Schedule Your Visit Today!
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.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Wylder
Welcome to K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Wylder, a new active adult 55+ community in Port St. Lucie, Florida offering 9 unique ranch-style home designs and 1 villa design. Enjoy an all-inclusive, resort-at-home lifestyle with access to countless amenities and activities. Each home is offered in one of our new interior design Looks: Loft, Farmhouse, Classic or Elements for on-trend style in your new home.
Residents can take advantage of the community’s clubhouse, which features a state-of-the-art fitness center, game room, a catering kitchen and a bustling calendar of classes, clubs, and activities. All of these mere steps from your front door.
Located in sunny Port St. Lucie, Florida, residents can also enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Take a dip in the tropical beach-entry pool or enjoy the poolside cabana. Get a great session of exercise on one of the pickleball courts. Plus, there are always social events and outings so you can get to know your neighbors and enjoy the fun together. Experience the best of active adult 55+ living together with South Florida’s natural beauty.
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.
Cresswind Charlotte
Encompassing 370 woodland acres, Cresswind Charlotte is a 55+ community in Charlotte, North Carolina. This active adult community is situated away from the congestion of the city but within a 25-minute drive of Uptown Charlotte.
New homes at Cresswind Charlotte are specifically designed for active adults with design with flexible floorplans and hundreds of design and structural personalization options available. Miles of walking trails meander throughout the community, and the 17,000-square-foot clubhouse features a fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, pickleball and bocce courts. A full-time Lifestyle Director organizes a full event calendar including fitness programs and clubs for every hobby.
Homebuyers can choose from a collection of 7 floorplans, ranging from 2- up to 4- 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.
Charlotte is home to NASCAR, Carowinds Amusement Park and U.S. National Whitewater Center. The Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National Forest and ski resorts at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain are close enough for day trips and weekend getaways. Nine designer-decorated model homes open daily.
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
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.
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.
South Harbor Towns
Welcome to South Harbor Towns by Ryan Homes – Our newest 55+ community in the Isle of Wight, from the low $300s. We are now scheduling private model tours; visit our website to schedule yours today! Join the VIP list to schedule yours today!
Ideal for the active adult lifestyle, South Harbor Towns is loaded with amenities. Here's just a handful of amenities that are coming to the community:
- Clubhouse with Indoor & Outdoor Entertaining Areas & Fireplace
- Resort-style Heated Lap Pool with Waterfall & Fire Features
- Water Aerobics & Water Volleyball Areas
- Outdoor Hot Tub & Resort-like Cabanas
- Miles of Nature Trails & Sidewalks
- Two Lighted Pickleball Courts, Bocce Ball, Putting Green & Shuffleboard
- Grandkid's Playground & Dog Park
- Year-Round Activities & Events
- Golf Cart Friendly with Reserved Golf Cart Parking at the Clubhouse
The homes will feature first-floor owner's suites, chef-inspired kitchens, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2-car garages, optional covered porches, and flex space options. Plus, one of the best features…it's a maintenance-provided community, meaning we'll handle all the lawn maintenance, landscaping, and upkeep so you don't have to!
This community is located near the historic town of Smithfield, with local shopping, restaurants, military bases, and more! We can’t wait to share more with you! Our team is here to help make this big step an easy one. Visit our website to schedule a private model tour and learn more.







































