Homes of the Week: $175 per square foot and under

: Nov 22

Eighteen years ago, when I first started assisting clients in finding their dream golf home, the sweet spot for prices was about $125 per square foot. Ten years ago, it had risen to $150 per square foot. Thanks to the pandemic, the current low inventory of homes for sale in many high-quality golf communities, and the continuing high costs of lumber and labor, you can count on $200 or more in most cases. But not in all cases. I went bargain hunting the other day and found a few choice homes for sale at under $175 per square foot. Here they are.

River Landing, Wallace, NC
Golf communities within minutes of a Walmart store provide some security to those looking for a home in an otherwise remote area. At least you know that when many of the necessities of life are on your list, relief will not be far away. At Wallace, NC’s River Landing, less than two miles from the local Walmart -- a "Supercenter" no less -- you won’t be far away from one medium-sized historic city, Wilmington, and less than 75 miles from one of the largest airport hubs in the nation, in Raleigh. Interstate 40, about a drive and seven iron away from the community’s front gate, will get you to both cities quickly. River Landing features two Clyde Johnston golf courses that always rank highly in the golf rich state of North Carolina. Real estate is almost exclusively of the single-family variety and, given the perception of Wallace’s remote location, more reasonably priced than other two-golf-course communities. This home for sale in River Landing is priced at $139 per square foot. Click here.

Pebble Creek par 4

Pebble Creek, Taylor, SC
Pebble Creek's 27 holes of golf can be played as a member or as a walk-in. Given the bargain prices for membership, the break-even point is about two rounds per week. The club’s owner, a veteran who learned how to manage golf clubs in the golf crazy Myrtle Beach, tends to his golf course and members with enthusiasm and care. Homes adjacent to the course are mature, some in need of a bit of updating, which is why prices tend to be more modest than other golf communities just 10 minutes from a popular city, in this case Greenville. This listing is priced at just $146 per square foot. Click here.

Carolina Colours clubhouse

Carolina Colours, New Bern, NC
If there was an award for “Friendliest Golf Community,” Carolina Colours would make the list. Residents act as if they have known each other forever. They volunteer together for local charities and get together for regular Friday buffet night dinners in the clubhouse. Club costs are “friendly” as well, reasonably priced both for those who wish to become members and those who want to pay as they go (green fees). New Bern is an historic town, the original capital city of North Carolina, and the former governor’s mansion, Tryon Palace, is a favorite tourist attraction. Homes and tall pine trees ring the Bill Love designed golf course. Here is an expensive home but a bargain on a square foot basis. Click here.