For the avid golfer, the ideal community may rest not only in traditional housing units, but also within the comfortable confines of a private country club. These privately owned country club communities are growing in popularity across the United States, and Europe, for a number of reasons. Once only a dream of the working class populace and the resting place of an elite few, contemporary country clubs are now accessible to a wide host of users who can afford and are attracted to the lifestyle.



Modern day country club communities provide the illusion of exclusivity, but are in fact open to anyone who can afford the housing costs and maintenance of the luxurious lifestyle. Like gated housing areas, country club communities offer increased safety and security. In most instances, country club housing units are segregated from other properties by a physical gate, or attractive shrubbery that encases the estate.

Each country club community has its own 'feel' or 'tone.' This means that country club communities can, and often do vary their internal social environments from community to community. This is true of country clubs that exist in close physical proximity to other country clubs.

As aforementioned, country clubs have continued their legacy of being private clubs. New members may need to be invited and approved by current club members. Furthermore, the country club may require that residents live close to the area, or on the actual property. Country club members may also require homeowners (and renters) to pay membership dues on a monthly or annual basis.

It is possible that community members will be strongly encouraged to participate in activities that promote a sense of unity among residents. Management of these housing developments may also think of other creative ways to encourage the bonds that culled these groups of people together in a particular country club community.

Country club communities are rapidly growing because they have expanded their offerings to appeal to masses of people and their as equally diverse preferences. Although some country clubs do promote certain themes or lifestyles, other clubs simply operate to meet the needs of residents wanting access to a variety of luxury amenities. Given that, today's country clubs, particularly those that service year-round residents, provide lush greenery. The acreage is ideal not only for golf, but for nature enthusiasts seeking pristine areas to walk or run.

Country club communities are more than places to golf and enjoy the expansive grassy knolls. Many country clubs have expanded their offerings to the inclusion of indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and badminton courts, and polo areas as well. Country club communities may also feature state-of-the-art fitness rooms. Communities located on vast expanses of land may also provide horseback riding opportunities. Clearly, the level of amenities is nearly limitless. Do remember that not all clubs are the same, and each clubs offerings will of course be limited to property acreage and climatic conditions. It is also possible that additional membership fees will be required in order to utilize some, but not all, of the property's offerings.

In addition to athletic options, management will usually provide built in spaces for social interaction. This can include, but is not limited to, a variety of formal dining areas, casual seating, public park benches, and elegant lobby areas that foster casual conversation and mingling among residents. It is clear that these communities have drawn people to the property because of the high-end living arrangements and the plethora of engaging activities. It is understandable then, for these communities to offer social events that will continue to enhance cooperative spirit, character, and social context of that luxurious housing development.

Examples of these semi-exclusive housing areas can be found throughout the world. In the United States of America, interested parties will easily find appropriate country club communities in nearly every city of every state. Florida, for example, is home to many classic establishments such as The Oaks Club, Frenchman's Creek, and the Neighborhoods of World Golf Village. In the state of Georgia, the Sugarloaf Country Club and the River Club are premier club communities. Both are exclusive properties, and both vary in the type of amenities offered and the overall character of the neighborhood.

As an additional bonus, in Palm Beach, Florida, and other cities located near to bodies of water, the country clubs may offer the distinct advantage of beachfront, or beach accessible, views. Communities like the Heritage Palms Country Club and Sandoval Cape Coral, both in Florida, allow residents to rent properties. This means that the users may experience the country club community in season for a few weeks out of the year, or even during brief vacation stays.

With approved membership applications and relatively nominal housing fees, any interested party may be able to participate and enjoy the luxury of country club communities. It is likely that they will find that contemporary country clubs cater to a host of needs and desires, meaning that there is plenty of fun for everyone.