What if your morning walk took you past palm-lined fairways, followed by coffee at a clubhouse pool? If you are drawn to golf, resort amenities and an easy, social lifestyle, Palm Beach Gardens offers neighborhoods that feel like vacation every day. In this guide, you will learn what “resort feel” really means, which communities deliver it, and what to verify before you buy. Let’s dive in.
What “resort feel” means
A true resort-style community gives you on-site recreation and convenience. You will often see private or semi-private golf, a clubhouse with dining and spa services, pools, fitness centers, tennis or pickleball, and a calendar of events. Many neighborhoods are gated and emphasize maintenance of common areas, concierge touches and year-round programming.
You will also find a range of housing options. Single-family estates, villas, townhomes and condos all exist in this segment. Membership rules and costs vary by community, so it is important to confirm what access your home includes and what requires a separate club membership.
Palm Beach Gardens snapshot
Palm Beach Gardens sits in northern Palm Beach County, between West Palm Beach and Jupiter. It is popular with year-round residents and second-home buyers who want warm weather, golf and quick access to beaches and Palm Beach International Airport. Resort-style living has deep roots here, with master-planned and country-club neighborhoods that put amenities at the center of daily life.
Pricing spans from mid-market attached homes to luxury estates, and many private club communities regularly serve the 1 million dollars and up market. Always verify current pricing through the local MLS or community listings, since numbers move with the market.
Community spotlights
PGA National
- Lifestyle highlights: A renowned resort environment with championship golf, a large spa, multiple dining options, pools and organized programming. The residential area includes many gated enclaves around the courses.
- Homes you will find: Condos, townhomes and single-family homes, including golf-front properties.
- Best for: Golfers, active adults and second-home buyers who want resort energy and amenities close to home.
- What to verify: Whether any club or resort privileges convey with a purchase, separate membership options, HOA dues by enclave, rental policies and travel times to the beach and airport.
BallenIsles Country Club
- Lifestyle highlights: A private country-club setting with golf facilities, a clubhouse, dining, tennis or pickleball, fitness and a robust social calendar.
- Homes you will find: Primarily single-family homes on estate lots, plus luxury villas and some attached residences.
- Best for: Buyers seeking a private club lifestyle with strong golf and year-round social programming.
- What to verify: Initiation fees and membership structure, any non-member housing, and resale activity.
Frenchman’s Reserve
- Lifestyle highlights: An upscale, gated golf and country-club community with championship golf, clubhouse dining, pool and active social programming.
- Homes you will find: Large single-family homes and estate properties in gated neighborhoods.
- Best for: Luxury buyers and golf enthusiasts who value privacy and space.
- What to verify: Whether membership is mandatory or optional, dues and golf access rules, HOA coverage and amenity access for non-members.
Mirasol
- Lifestyle highlights: A gated, golf-oriented community with full-suite club amenities, including golf, tennis, fitness, pools, spa and dining. Often marketed for its active social calendar.
- Homes you will find: Single-family homes, villas and attached options across multiple enclaves.
- Best for: Households that want amenities and organized activities, including golfers and residents who value community events.
- What to verify: Club membership structure, HOA dues, rental rules and school zoning for younger families.
Old Palm Golf Club
- Lifestyle highlights: A high-end private golf club community with custom estates, lush landscaping and clubhouse amenities that include dining, fitness, pools and social events. Privacy is a defining feature.
- Homes you will find: Custom estate single-family homes on larger lots.
- Best for: Luxury buyers and avid golfers who want an exclusive environment.
- What to verify: Membership initiation and annual fees, any waiting lists, rental policies, HOA covenants and transfer fees on resale.
How to choose your fit
Start with your daily rhythm. If you want frequent events, fitness classes and easy dining, prioritize communities with a busy social calendar. If golf is central, ask detailed questions about course access, practice facilities and pace of play.
Next, think about home type and maintenance. Villas and condos can offer lock-and-leave convenience, while estates deliver more space and privacy. Finally, weigh commute and beach access. Palm Beach Gardens gives you quick routes to West Palm Beach, Jupiter and coastal parks, so match the location to your weekly routine.
Costs beyond your mortgage
Resort-style living often comes with extra line items. Plan for the following:
- HOA dues and what they cover, such as security, common-area upkeep and reserves.
- Club initiation fees and monthly dues if you join or if membership is required.
- Special assessments, especially if the club or HOA is tackling capital projects.
- Property taxes, utilities and insurance, including wind and flood coverage.
- Any transfer fees at resale that the community may charge.
Ask for a current fee breakdown from the seller, HOA and club before you make an offer. Clarify what is included in dues so you avoid surprises.
Buyer due-diligence checklist
- Membership and access: Is membership mandatory or optional, and are initiation fees due at closing? Review guest policies and any restrictions on facility use.
- Rental rules: Confirm minimum lease periods, leasing caps and any limits on short-term rentals, since these affect second-home and investor plans.
- Insurance and environment: Check FEMA flood zone and elevation, and budget for wind and flood insurance. Ask about impact windows or shutters and any landscape or lake maintenance standards.
- HOA and financials: Review covenants, bylaws, budgets and assessment history. Request an estoppel letter for current fees and outstanding balances.
- Market and resale: Look at recent comparable sales and days on market in the community to gauge liquidity.
- Practical life: Verify school zoning with the district if relevant, and confirm commute routes and access to beaches, shopping and the airport.
Plan your visit
Tour in and out of peak season to see activity levels, event calendars and traffic patterns. Walk the clubhouse areas and fitness facilities, then speak with club staff to understand membership types, availability and guest rules. If possible, chat with residents about their experience of maintenance, management and community culture.
Next steps
If you are weighing PGA National, BallenIsles, Frenchman’s Reserve, Mirasol or Old Palm, we can help you compare membership options, fees and resale trends across neighborhoods. We will organize on-site tours, request the right documents and line up trusted vendors so you can focus on fit and feel. When you are ready, connect with Matt & Kate Shaw for local guidance and a concierge buying experience.
FAQs
Do you automatically get club membership when you buy?
- Not always. Some communities include access with ownership, others require a separate initiation and ongoing dues. Confirm the rules for your specific home and enclave.
What does a resort lifestyle cost beyond the mortgage?
- Plan for HOA dues, potential initiation fees and monthly club dues, insurance for wind and flood, utilities and any special assessments or transfer fees.
Are rentals allowed in these club communities?
- It depends. Many communities limit short-term rentals or set minimum lease periods and leasing caps. Check the governing documents and city or county rules.
Which communities fit golfers, families or second-home buyers?
- Private club settings like Old Palm, BallenIsles and Frenchman’s Reserve often suit avid golfers and luxury buyers. Mirasol and parts of PGA National offer a mix of home types and active programming that can work for families and seasonal owners. Verify amenity access and school proximity.
How should I evaluate flood and hurricane risk?
- Review FEMA flood maps for zone and elevation, discuss wind and flood insurance with your insurer, and ask about impact-rated windows, shutters and community maintenance standards for lakes and drainage.
