The luxury golf community landscape is evolving rapidly, and 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for several standout communities across the country. Whether you are seeking a primary residence, a seasonal retreat, or a long-term investment, these five communities deserve your attention.
1. Desert Mountain — Scottsdale, Arizona
With six Jack Nicklaus-designed courses spread across 8,000 acres in North Scottsdale, Desert Mountain continues to set the standard for desert golf living. Recent investments in clubhouse renovations, a new wellness center, and enhanced trail systems have reinvigorated interest in this iconic community. Property values have seen steady appreciation, and the community’s combination of world-class golf, hiking, and spa amenities makes it one of the most complete lifestyle offerings in the Southwest.
What sets Desert Mountain apart in 2026 is its appeal to a younger demographic of affluent buyers who value both athletic pursuits and social programming. The club has expanded its events calendar and added pickleball and fitness programming that complement its legendary golf experience.
2. Grey Oaks — Naples, Florida
Grey Oaks remains one of Naples’ most coveted addresses, offering 54 holes of championship golf designed by Bob Cupp, Rees Jones, and Clyde Johnston. The community’s central location—minutes from Fifth Avenue South and the Gulf beaches—gives residents the best of Naples’ sophisticated lifestyle without sacrificing privacy or exclusivity.
In 2026, Grey Oaks is benefiting from continued migration of high-net-worth individuals to Florida, drawn by the state’s favorable tax environment and year-round golf season. Membership is by invitation only, and homes on the market command premium prices, with recent sales exceeding $10 million for estate properties with fairway and lake views.
3. Kiawah Island Club — Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Home to five championship courses including the legendary Ocean Course—host of multiple PGA Championships—Kiawah Island offers a rare combination of world-class golf and pristine coastal living. The 10,000-acre barrier island is just 25 miles from historic Charleston, giving residents access to one of America’s most celebrated cities.
Kiawah’s strict environmental stewardship and architectural guidelines have preserved the island’s natural beauty while maintaining strong property values. In 2026, new construction opportunities and a growing interest in Lowcountry living are driving increased demand from buyers seeking an alternative to the more crowded Florida and Arizona markets.
4. Boot Ranch — Fredericksburg, Texas
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Boot Ranch offers 2,000 acres of rolling terrain, a Hal Sutton-designed championship course, and a lifestyle that blends Western heritage with luxury amenities. The community has become a magnet for buyers from Dallas, Houston, and Austin seeking a retreat that feels worlds away from the city.
Texas continues to attract relocating executives and entrepreneurs with its business-friendly environment and no state income tax. Boot Ranch’s proximity to Fredericksburg—a charming wine country town with a thriving culinary scene—adds a cultural dimension that distinguishes it from typical golf communities. Property values here have outpaced the broader Texas luxury market.
5. Clear Creek Tahoe — Carson City, Nevada
For buyers seeking mountain golf with a modern edge, Clear Creek Tahoe delivers. The community features a Coore & Crenshaw-designed course that has quickly earned recognition as one of the best modern layouts in the West. Set at 6,000 feet with views of the Sierra Nevada, Clear Creek offers a four-season lifestyle with skiing at nearby Lake Tahoe resorts in winter and championship golf in the warmer months.
Nevada’s favorable tax structure—no state income tax, no inheritance tax—combined with the community’s proximity to both Reno and Lake Tahoe makes Clear Creek an increasingly popular choice for affluent Californians looking to relocate without sacrificing mountain and golf lifestyle.
The Common Thread
What unites these five communities is a commitment to exceptional golf, thoughtful development, and a lifestyle that extends well beyond the course. In 2026, the most successful golf communities are those that offer holistic living—wellness, culinary experiences, outdoor adventure, and social connection—alongside championship golf. For buyers exploring their next move, these communities represent the best of what luxury golf living has to offer.
