When it comes to purchasing a home, you can't be too picky. After all, most first and even second homes cost a good chunk of change. If you enjoy golf and are interested in a golf course community, you've probably noticed lists of the top golf course communities in America circling around the Internet and in trade magazines. But what makes these homes so special? Why, exactly, are they a step above the rest? Are they worth the extra money? Lake Arrowhead definitely makes the cut when describing top communities on golf courses - but why?



First a foremost, the real estate market for golf course communities is booming. As Tiger Woods breathed new life into the sport in the 1990s, younger generations began to invest more time into their new favorite hobby-golf, of course! This surge of players increased the demand for homes along golf course, with an estimated three out of every five course now built in conjunction with community developers. Some of these golf course communities are great, and some...well...some leave a bit to be desired.

That's the first mark of top golf course communities in America-the homes are new. Because there was not much of a demand for golf course communities in the past, the first communities were little more than your typical housing development, which just happened to be on a golf course. Today's developments are built with the classy consumer in mind and these really are the top homes for sale in America. At Lake Arrowhead, new homes are being built as you read this-they'll be available in late 2007.

However the newness of a golf course community isn't the only aspect that contributes to the neighborhood's top spot. One must also consider the perks that come with living in a golf course community. While most include membership at some level for the golf course, those that call themselves the top golf course communities in America. These amenities can make or break a golf course community site.

Every location is different in what they offer. At Lake Arrowhead, for example, you'll find the lake with a marina, a swimming pool, tennis courts, nature trails, an outfitters center, and a fine dining restaurant. In the future, other amenities will also be added. These extra special touches can elevate a golf course community's desirability immensely.

Course design is crucial as well. The best courses are challenging, but also appropriate for all skill levels, as many different people will be interested in living in the community. Innovation is key. This golf course is where thousands of people will be playing most often, so it has to be interesting and include new and different design elements. Find out who has designed the course if you're interested in the top golf course communities in America. Where have they designed in the past? Have they worked with PGA professionals? Who consulted with the course design? If possible, play the course once or twice before you make a choice about moving into any course community.

Don't forget that the houses are important too! The top golf course communities in America have not only amazing courses and features like restaurants, but they also have amazing homes-the top homes for sale in America, in fact. If you can build your own home, that's even better. Some communities are so populated that you can only buy homes-there's no land for building new ones.

Homes that are larger and include things like private pools, home spas, and marble countertops can raise the value of the entire community. The neighborhoods that have houses built with care and value in mind are those that are seen as the top communities. One of the best features about Lake Arrowhead is the homes and the ability to design a new home if you want to build instead of buy.

In the end, the best golf course communities aren't built in a day. Lake Arrowhead and others like it are exclusive places because of the shear time that goes into planning them. If you're interested in finding a premiere golf course neighborhood, look for the age of the community itself, the amenities, the gold course design, and the housing. Above all else, these qualities will clue you in as to the lifestyle you can expect if you move into the community you're researching.