Golf community real estate prices tend to follow the old saw about location, location, location. Those communities that set out to distinguish themselves in terms of amenities, such as The Cliffs Communities in the nether regions of South Carolina, might defy the conventional wisdom but, generally speaking, golf communities in remote locations do not command anything approaching top prices for homes and land.
One of our favorite "out there" golf communities is Savannah Lakes Village in rural McCormick, SC. The nearest town of consequential size is Greenwood, S.C., about a half hour away; Aiken and Augusta, GA, lie a solid hour to the south. It is about eight minutes from the front entrance of Savannah Lakes -– no guarded gate needed out in these parts –- to the only supermarket in the area, McCormick's Food Lion. But at 4,000 acres, 2,000 residents and with two clubhouses and dozens of activities, the community has plenty to offer without having to stray too far. And prices are about as remote from "expensive" as you can get.
Savannah Lakes features many homes facing the golf course and/or Lake Thurmond, with prices that begin in the $200s.
That includes one of the most reasonable golf memberships anywhere. Every property owner in Savannah Lakes Village becomes a member of the club at no extra initiation fee and can pick and choose which of the communities many amenities they want to use. For example, golfers can either pay to play for modest green fee rates ($36 with cart) or $3,000 for unlimited play throughout the year. If you own your own cart, the combined rate for 18 holes is just $32 if you choose to pay as you go. Homeowner association dues are just $101 per month; if you combine full-membership of $3,000 and HOA fees of $1,200 per year, the total monthly carrying charges are just $350. That leaves plenty of room for those who might want to use Savannah Lakes' Activities Center with its indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, bowling alley ($3 per game) and bocce court. For those who play tennis, that is an extra fee but comparably modest.
