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Communities come in all shapes and sizes in the US. Each type of community has something different to offer. This can be more than a little confusing. Below are some guidelines as to what these community names and designations mean. Just remember to check out the HOA docs before you buy a new home.

Resort Communities

Resort Communities in Florida are predominantly found in Central Florida around Orlando and Disney areas. Under normal circumstances a resort community will allow your property to be rented out to tourists as they are located in short term rental zones. This is not a hard and fast rule and you should check it prior to purchase. If you are looking to generate rental income from the vacation market, purchasing in a Resort Community is a must.

Take a look at some of the resort communities near to Disney in Orlando

Master Planned Communities

Master planned communities are large scale developments which feature key elements or attractions which you may be looking for. These master planned communities are often sub-divided by the developer. These sections are then sold off to preferred builders, who will construct and market their own neighborhoods. The neighborhoods are often gated and with their own amenities and clubhouse. The owners of properties within these communities will normally be granted access to the amenities of the master planned community. This could be free of charge or through an annual fee or membership.

Master Planned Equity Golf Communities

The difference between a Master Planned Golf Community and a Bundled Golf community is that owners of property within the golf course community are NOT required to pay membership dues to the golf course. Owners in a master-planned community will take advantage of multiple resort facilities through the HOA fees but not the golf course. Optional golf course memberships are normally available to owners within the community and also those who do not own a property in the community. Master planned communities are often built by a number of construction companies under general guidelines of the master developer. You will be able to choose from a number of building styles and categories in various price groups.

Master Planned Communities Without Golf

Master Planned Golf Communities without golf courses often feature other ’in demand’ amenities. This could be a town center, onsite schools or medical facilities and a vast array of sporting and leisure activities.

Master Planned Communities with Equity Marinas

Master Planned Communities with Equity Marinas are for obvious reasons mostly found on the coast or by large bodies of water which connect to rivers or the ocean. Ownership may include slips, moorings, dry-dock facilities and other nautical necessities such as water, electric and internet connection.

Bundled Golf Communities

A bundled golf community is defined as a home purchase which includes an equity share in all of the amenities, common areas and including membership to the golf club. Property owners of bundled golf real estate will pay an annual ‘Master Association Fee’ which includes the golf fee. As all property owners are also members there is a mutual bond or communal interest in keeping the community in excellent condition.  These annual fees also allow the community to be well funded.

Gated Communities

Gated communities are exactly what the name suggests. They could be fenced, walled or otherwise bounded with a main gate at the entrance.

Retirement Community / +55 Residential

Retirement communities and +55 communities are specifically designed for people who are retired or semi-retired. The primary criteria of the community being that ‘at least one’ of the owners is 55 years or older. Some retirement communities will allow family members and/or guests to live in the community whilst other may only allow brief stays.

Some +55 communities may provide ‘activities’ to keep residents and their guests busy/occupied, others may provide onsite stores and services.

Residential Neighborhoods

Residential neighborhoods are a generalisation for any home in a town, urban or suburban location where homes are not part of an official community where monthly, quarterly or annual fees are applied. Many builders and independent contractors offer their services to build on your lot. This could be on a traditional street of single family homes or a waterfront location which demands a luxury homes built by a custom builder.

Rural Neighborhoods

Rural neighbourhoods are normally in the countryside or on the outskirts of towns but they could also be miles from anywhere. They could be farms, ranches or custom built properties on acres of land.