The Pros and Cons of Golf Course Living

Real Estate

The Pros and Cons of Golf Course Living

There’s no shortage of beautiful golf courses in the country, especially those surrounded by neighborhoods with gorgeous homes overlooking the links. Living on a golf course used to imply a certain level of luxury and prestige. These days, neighborhoods around golf courses offer homes of varying sizes, styles, and price ranges, opening the door to homeowners of all types and financial statuses. While there are great advantages to living on a golf course, there are also plenty of disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of life on the fairways and greens.

Views

A prime reason for wanting to live on a golf course is the pristine landscaping with gorgeous views, especially on Colorado’s incredible mountain courses. Most courses offer views of rolling greens, mature trees, ponds, fountains, and even wildlife. However, close proximity to a tee or a fairway means a golf ball could fly into your yard or right through your window at any moment. Additionally, golf courses include regular usage of pesticides and fertilizers, which could harm pets and children.

Privacy

Overlooking a golf course means you’re not peeking into a neighbor’s backyard, and they’re not peeking into yours. Instead of staring at someone else’s overgrown lawn and mildewy siding, you get a view of manicured fairways and greens. On the other hand, privacy isn’t always guaranteed. Depending on how close you are to the fairway, you could have golfers and errant balls invading your space all day long, even hitting off your patio or deck. If a golf course has a large tournament, the galleries could be annoying.

Noise

Golf is a daytime game, meaning that once the sun goes down, you’re free to enjoy your privacy, peace, and quiet all evening long. Golf is usually a pretty quiet sport, which is a major pro. However, if you’re not a morning person, you might not enjoy living in a home on a golf course. Maintenance crews often start mowing and repairing sprinklers very early in the morning, so if noise is an issue, ensure your home isn’t close to a tee or cart path.

Amenities

If you’re a golfer, living on a golf course could be a dream come true. You can wake up, have a cup of coffee while admiring the rough or fairway outside your home, and then take your very own golf cart to meet your buddies for an early tee time. Golf communities also usually include tennis courts, swimming pools, clubhouses, restaurants, and other great amenities. However, many courses have restrictions on where you can walk or hike, especially regarding cart paths and official landscaping. Since the community is centered around golf, that is the primary concern for those in charge. Additionally, those extra amenities can come at a premium. Even though homeowners are sometimes offered discounts on club memberships and greens fees, dues and fees could be pretty steep depending on the community.

HOA Restrictions

Golf course communities often have notoriously strict covenants, conditions, and restrictions. Living under a homeowners association (HOA) comes with its own long list of pros and cons. The number one advantage to a strict HOA is beautifully maintained houses and landscaping. However, HOAs can sometimes put a damper on your desire to put a personal touch on your home. The number of home improvement projects you can complete without prior approval is usually very limited. Some HOAs even have restrictions on allowable types of holiday decorations, vehicles in driveways, visible sports equipment, and more. HOA dues can also be pricey in golf course communities.

Conclusion

Living on a golf course offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and community amenities. However, it's essential to weigh the potential downsides such as privacy concerns, noise, and strict HOA regulations. By carefully considering these factors, you can determine whether life on the fairways and greens is the right fit for you.