| For the avid golfer, the ideal community may rest not | | | | indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and |
| only in traditional housing units, but also within the | | | | badminton courts, and polo areas as well. Country club |
| comfortable confines of a private country club. These | | | | communities may also feature state-of-the-art fitness |
| privately owned country club communities are growing | | | | rooms. Communities located on vast expanses of land |
| in popularity across the United States, and Europe, for | | | | may also provide horseback riding opportunities. |
| a number of reasons. Once only a dream of the | | | | Clearly, the level of amenities is nearly limitless. Do |
| working class populace and the resting place of an | | | | remember that not all clubs are the same, and each |
| elite few, contemporary country clubs are now | | | | clubs offerings will of course be limited to property |
| accessible to a wide host of users who can afford | | | | acreage and climatic conditions. It is also possible that |
| and are attracted to the lifestyle. | | | | additional membership fees will be required in order to |
| Modern day country club communities provide the | | | | utilize some, but not all, of the property's offerings. |
| illusion of exclusivity, but are in fact open to anyone | | | | In addition to athletic options, management will usually |
| who can afford the housing costs and maintenance of | | | | provide built in spaces for social interaction. This can |
| the luxurious lifestyle. Like gated housing areas, country | | | | include, but is not limited to, a variety of formal dining |
| club communities offer increased safety and security. | | | | areas, casual seating, public park benches, and elegant |
| In most instances, country club housing units are | | | | lobby areas that foster casual conversation and |
| segregated from other properties by a physical gate, | | | | mingling among residents. It is clear that these |
| or attractive shrubbery that encases the estate. | | | | communities have drawn people to the property |
| Each country club community has its own 'feel' or | | | | because of the high-end living arrangements and the |
| 'tone.' This means that country club communities can, | | | | plethora of engaging activities. It is understandable then, |
| and often do vary their internal social environments | | | | for these communities to offer social events that will |
| from community to community. This is true of country | | | | continue to enhance cooperative spirit, character, and |
| clubs that exist in close physical proximity to other | | | | social context of that luxurious housing development. |
| country clubs. | | | | Examples of these semi-exclusive housing areas can |
| As aforementioned, country clubs have continued their | | | | be found throughout the world. In the United States of |
| legacy of being private clubs. New members may | | | | America, interested parties will easily find appropriate |
| need to be invited and approved by current club | | | | country club communities in nearly every city of every |
| members. Furthermore, the country club may require | | | | state. Florida, for example, is home to many classic |
| that residents live close to the area, or on the actual | | | | establishments such as The Oaks Club, Frenchman's |
| property. Country club members may also require | | | | Creek, and the Neighborhoods of World Golf Village. In |
| homeowners (and renters) to pay membership dues | | | | the state of Georgia, the Sugarloaf Country Club and |
| on a monthly or annual basis. | | | | the River Club are premier club communities. Both are |
| It is possible that community members will be strongly | | | | exclusive properties, and both vary in the type of |
| encouraged to participate in activities that promote a | | | | amenities offered and the overall character of the |
| sense of unity among residents. Management of these | | | | neighborhood. |
| housing developments may also think of other creative | | | | As an additional bonus, in Palm Beach, Florida, and |
| ways to encourage the bonds that culled these groups | | | | other cities located near to bodies of water, the |
| of people together in a particular country club | | | | country clubs may offer the distinct advantage of |
| community. | | | | beachfront, or beach accessible, views. Communities |
| Country club communities are rapidly growing because | | | | like the Heritage Palms Country Club and Sandoval |
| they have expanded their offerings to appeal to | | | | Cape Coral, both in Florida, allow residents to rent |
| masses of people and their as equally diverse | | | | properties. This means that the users may experience |
| preferences. Although some country clubs do promote | | | | the country club community in season for a few |
| certain themes or lifestyles, other clubs simply operate | | | | weeks out of the year, or even during brief vacation |
| to meet the needs of residents wanting access to a | | | | stays. |
| variety of luxury amenities. Given that, today's country | | | | With approved membership applications and relatively |
| clubs, particularly those that service year-round | | | | nominal housing fees, any interested party may be |
| residents, provide lush greenery. The acreage is ideal | | | | able to participate and enjoy the luxury of country club |
| not only for golf, but for nature enthusiasts seeking | | | | communities. It is likely that they will find that |
| pristine areas to walk or run. | | | | contemporary country clubs cater to a host of needs |
| Country club communities are more than places to golf | | | | and desires, meaning that there is plenty of fun for |
| and enjoy the expansive grassy knolls. Many country | | | | everyone. |
| clubs have expanded their offerings to the inclusion of | | | | |