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The most curious fact about people who live in golf course communities
is that most of them don't even play golf. At one prestigious course,
the manager estimated that only 20% of the people who lived along
the fairways were active golfers. While many people find golf relaxing,
others find the challenge of putting a little ball in small hole
hundreds of yards a way is simply too frustrating, and not their
idea of a good time. They believe along with Mark Twain, that golf
is "A good walk spoiled." So why would someone be willing
to pay a substantial premium for the privilege of golf course living
- and not take advantage of it?
First of all, living in a golf course community gives buyers the
best of both worlds - lovely green vistas… and, someone else
takes care of the lawn. They can enjoy the sense of openness and
space not typically found in most neighborhoods, but without the
hassles and maintenance. To purchase a home with an equal sense
of spaciousness, people would either have to purchase a large estate
lot that was more isolated, or find a house that backs up on a wooded
park. And there's not many of those lots around. Besides, who has
time these days to maintain a large estate. And finding good landscapers
and gardeners these days is difficult.
They also enjoy the country club amenities often found with golf
courses - the club membership, tennis, swimming and other recreation.
People are really social animals - and want a sense of community.
They know that golfers often enjoy a social and business advantage
by having a place where they can entertain clients and business
associates. They may want the prestige that comes with a large estate
on an isolated piece of land, but need and want the interaction
that an activity oriented community provides.
Another reason is that people like to live in a neighborhood with
other people who share similar values and lifestyles. Golf course
communities are filled with relatively affluent people who enjoy
a comfortable lifestyle. They are typically professional people,
often with older children or even empty nesters. They have the resources
to buy nice homes, and to enjoy their leisure. For these people,
the cost premium of living in a golf course community isn't a disincentive
- it's an insurance policy that their home will continue to maintain
its value into the future.
Who wouldn't want to live surrounded by green and lovely views,
in a neighborhood where values should appreciate for years to come,
amid nice neighbors who share your values and concerns? Who wouldn't
be willing to pay a few extra dollars for the enjoyment of those
amenities without the hassle of maintaining them? And if you play
golf - well, that's nice too.
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