Active adults looking to settle down in a golfer’s paradise — where they can play golf for eight months of the year or more — have many options for golf retirement communities in the United States. We’ve done the research and came up with the top golf communities in the U.S., from the East Coast to the West Coast and a few spots in between. With this list, you can explore a variety of communities, costs, attractions, and, of course, golf courses that quench your thirst for adventure. Take a look at the 10 best golf retirement communities in the U.S. to help you decide where to settle down and hit the links.
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Whether you’re looking to play golf in the dry, desert climate of Arizona, the humid coastal islands of the southeast, or the cooler mountain regions of North Carolina or Oregon, we’ve got you covered. Many of these areas have a variety of great senior living options, from independent living for the more active seniors to assisted living for those who might need a little more help.
Golf greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods lived in Naples, Florida, which is home to over 90 golf courses and the most golf holes per capita than any other golf community in the U.S.
The quality of life is spectacular in Naples communities: There are miles of pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches, highly rated restaurants, and world-class shopping to keep residents entertained. A variety of communities offer independent living in Naples, Florida. They boast proximity to golf courses and other engaging amenities, such as the Naples Botanical Gardens, Naples Pier, beaches, restaurants, food trucks, and more. There are also plenty of senior apartments in Naples, Florida.
Another top retirement community for golfers is Punta Gorda, which is located just an hour south of Naples. Retirement communities in Punta Gorda, Florida, abound in quality senior living with activities, events, wellness programs, and more.
According to A Place for Mom’s 2023 proprietary data, the median monthly cost of Florida independent living communities is $3,067.[01]
Searching for retirement golf communities in Arizona? Scottsdale, Arizona, is home to about 200 golf courses and consistently great weather from October to April, which makes it a wonderful place to settle down for retirement. Scottsdale is such a golfer’s city that there’s a saying that the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) Tour pros who don’t live in Florida live in Scottsdale.
Independent living in Scottsdale offers many options that will satisfy you in mind, body, and spirit. Scottsdale offers attractions including Camelback Mountain, historical sites, OdySea Aquarium, Vegas-style casinos, and world-class dining, shopping, and spas.
Senior living in Scottsdale is a suburban paradise, sitting right next to the city of Phoenix. Scottsdale’s population of 250,000 makes it larger than some of the other golf retirement communities on this list.
Our 2023 proprietary data indicates that the median monthly cost of Arizona independent living communities is $2,738.[01]
Hilton Head, a South Carolina barrier island 12 miles long and five miles wide, is known for its stunning golf retirement communities. It’s home to world-class golf courses, over 300 tennis courts, some of the country’s most spectacular beaches, and more than 250 restaurants.
There are 21 golf courses on the island itself. However, the entire Lowcountry area — including nearby Bluffton and Daufuskie Island — features a total of 33 courses, some of which were designed by famed course architects Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Jack Nicklaus. Plus, there are PGA tour events and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Heritage tournaments for spectators, which makes these some of the best golf retirement communities in South Carolina.
Hilton Head independent living communities are a great option, with the South Carolina independent living median monthly cost of $2,919, according to our 2023 proprietary data.[01]
As we searched North Carolina for golf retirement communities, Pinehurst’s charming, small-town feel, blooming azaleas, and temperate weather put the city near the top of our list. Pinehurst senior living communities are located in the “Sandhills” of south-central North Carolina, an area classified by hilly topography and legendary golf courses.
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Golfers have been teeing off in this small town of around 17,000 people since the 1890s, helping the city earn the title “Home of American Golf.”[02] There are 40 golf courses in the area, including the famous Donald Ross-designed Pinehurst No. 2, which is a resident favorite.[03]
According to A Place for Mom’s 2023 proprietary data, the median monthly cost of North Carolina independent living communities is $3,281.[01]
Another best golf retirement option is Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. The Hot Springs Village retirement community is a senior haven, although it’s open to all ages.
Hot Springs Village is a safe and efficient community with its own ZIP code, its own fire and police departments, and its own paramedics. There are 11 recreational lakes, 13 tennis courts, a performing arts center, 20 miles of nature trails, and nine championship golf courses.
Independent living in Hot Springs Village is abundant, with a variety of communities to choose from that are nestled near the courses. In Arkansas, the median monthly cost of independent living is $2,529, according to our 2023 proprietary data.[01]
It’s hard to choose just one when looking at the best golf retirement communities in Florida. On the southeast coast of Florida, Jupiter offers beautiful beaches, specialty shops, nature trails, and an abundance of Jupiter’s independent living communities. All of this and more makes community an easygoing place to retire.
Enjoy Jupiter’s vibrant golf scene, where you can experience more than 15 public and private golf courses with unique features and amenities, picturesque views, and weather that will make you never want to leave.
The median cost of Florida independent living communities is $3,067 per month.[01]
Bend, Oregon, is consistently ranked as one of the top 50 golf destinations in the world, while also boasting great independent living communities. There’s an abundance of senior living in Bend that can suit your needs while providing activities and proximity to golf courses.
The Bend area’s 25+ golf courses range in price and experience level. Pronghorn Golf Club is the most famous, largely for its water features and stunning views of the Cascade Range.[04]
Bend is known as a playground for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can engage in activities such as cycling, hiking, rafting, and rock climbing. Although Oregon is typically known for its rainy climate, Bend’s location near the center of the state yields more than 300 sunny days per year.
Bend retirement communities offer a variety of options to choose from. The median monthly cost for Oregon independent living communities is $2,995, according to A Place for Mom’s 2023 proprietary data.[01]
Read more:10 Surprising Facts About Senior Living
St. Simons Island, Georgia, is simply stunning. Similar to nearby Savannah with laurel, magnolia trees, and majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, St. Simons Island is a top retirement spot.
The city’s golf scene doesn’t disappoint either, with eight public and semi-public courses and several country clubs. There are several 55 and over communities to choose from, with the median cost of independent living in Georgia at $2,995 per month.[01]
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Kiawah Island, located just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, is one of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets. It has earned its spot as one of the best golf retirement communities in the Southeast, and it’s the second golf retirement community from South Carolina on the list. This state knows retirement.
Kiawah island has more than 10 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches, a stunning maritime forest, 30 miles of paved bike trails, and most importantly, five golf courses[05] — all for its 2,013 residents.[06] Enjoy live music and a summer breeze at the Porch Bar, a local favorite that offers cocktails and jazz music.
Our 2023 proprietary data shows that the median monthly cost of South Carolina independent living communities is $2,919.[01]
If you’re looking for the best golf retirement communities in Tennessee, you need to visit Fairfield Glade. It’s known for its five golf courses that offer a combined total of 90 holes and provide a course to challenge every player. There’s an abundance of Fairfield Glade retirement communities throughout the area, giving you plenty of options for senior living.
In addition to enjoying a game of golf, Fairfield Glade residents can experience nearby attractions such as shops, restaurants, and national parks. Take a day trip to St. George Marina, where you can rent a boat, kayak, or canoe on the St. George Lake.
The median cost of senior communities in Tennessee is $2,679 per month.[01]
It’s important to retire in an environment that provides quality amenities, activites, and, for golfers, golf-course accessibility. Choosing your new home can be difficult, but local senior living experts at A Place for Mom are here to assist you in finding senior living that suits your needs, hobbies, and budget — all at no cost to your family.
[1] A Place for Mom, Inc. (2023). Cost of long-term care and senior living.
[2] United States Census Bureau. (2021). Pinehurst village, North Carolina profile.
[3] Pinehurst Southern Pines Aberdeen Area: Home of American Golf. (2023). Area golf courses.
[4] Visit Bend. Golf in Bend.
[5] Town of Kiawah Island. Recreational activities.
[6] United States Census Bureau. (2021). Kiawah Island town, South Carolina profile.
[7] Fairfield Glade. (2021). Five spectacular golf courses.
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