Discovery Package Options in the Carolinas: Stay and Play in These 55+ Communities

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55+ active adults enjoying a discovery package at Brunswick Forest in Leland, North Carolina.

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    What You’ll Gain From Reading This Article: This article provides information about various world-class, active adult communities in North and South Carolina. It also introduces the “discovery packages” that these communities offer, allowing potential residents to experience the lifestyle firsthand through exclusive tours, accommodation, and access to amenities.


    There are plenty of world-class, active adult communities to choose from in North and South Carolina. But, how will you know which community is the perfect fit for you? If you want to experience a community up close and personal, then be sure to take advantage of a discovery package!

    Many communities offer excellent packages that allow you to spend a few days living as a resident. You can also meet potential neighbors and get better acquainted with everything these communities have to offer. When you’re ready to narrow down your search, these North and South Carolina communities offer ‘stay and play’ packages.

    North Carolina

    Brunswick Forest – Leland, NC

    High $300ks – Low $1Ms

    An outdoor pool at Brunswick Forest, a 55+ community with a discovery package in Leland, North Carolina.

    About the Community

    Brunswick Forest is a vibrant coastal community that will have 8,000 homes spread over 4,500 acres. Homebuyers can choose from upscale townhomes and single-family homes across twelve neighborhoods.

    Residents can enjoy diverse amenities, including the renowned Cape Fear National Golf Course, The River Club for water activities, as well as over 40 miles of walking and biking trails. Residents also enjoy an active lifestyle with resident clubs, fitness classes, and regular gatherings at the Community Commons. The prime location in Leland provides easy access to grocery stores, pharmacies, health care facilities, and dining options.

    Discovery Package

    Embark on an exclusive journey to fully grasp the lifestyle opportunities at Brunswick Forest. The Coastal Discover Tour offers three days and two nights of accommodations for two. You can explore new property releases, tour the latest model homes, as well as immerse yourself in the amenity centers. It also provides a VIP community and model homes tour, an owner-for-the-day pass, a scenic cruise on the Cape Fear, and time to explore the local area, all for just $299.

    Ocean Ridge Plantation – Ocean Isle Beach, NC

    Low $400ks – Mid $1Ms

    Aerial view of a coastal boardwalk at Ocean Ridge Plantation, a 55+ community with a discovery package in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.

    About the Community

    Ocean Ridge Plantation is close to historic sites, marinas, and Myrtle Beach, providing residents with diverse entertainment options. Encompassing 3,000 acres, this gated community will feature approximately 3,000 single-family homes upon completion.

    Residents also enjoy exclusive amenities, including The Plantation Club with indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, and a private fishing lake. The Ocean Ridge Beach Club provides a beachside retreat with clubhouse amenities. Additionally, golf enthusiasts appreciate the nationally recognized Big Cats golf courses—Tiger’s Eye, Panther’s Run, Lion’s Paw, and Leopard’s Chase.

    Discovery Package

    Explore Ocean Ridge Plantation as well as the Sunset Beach area with an exclusive Stay with Us Package. Choose a two-, three-, or four-night stay in an Ocean Ridge townhome. Immerse yourself in the community firsthand, and rest assured, your guided tour will answer all your questions.

    St. James Plantation – Southport, NC

    Mid $200ks – High $1Ms

    The outdoor bar at St. James Plantation in Southport, North Carolina.

    About the Community

    St. James Plantation offers resort-style living with southern charm. Established in 1991, it features 1,800 homes with plans for a total of 5,000 upon completion. Additionally, the community boasts four clubhouses, each offering unique amenities such as award-winning golf courses, tennis courts, fitness facilities, and dining options. With its private beach, marina, and outdoor activities, St. James Plantation takes advantage of its coastal location.

    Homebuyers can choose from various neighborhoods like Woodlands Park, SeaSide, HarborWalk, and Regency Lakes, offering different home styles and sizes. The community promotes an active lifestyle with over 30 clubs, fitness opportunities, and a vibrant events program. Located in Southport, residents have easy access to daily conveniences, health care providers, entertainment options, and outdoor activities.

    Discovery Package

    Discover the coastal lifestyle at St. James Plantation with a community tour as well as VIP access to top-notch amenities. Engage in tennis matches, unwind by the pool, explore the marina, and delve into the latest real estate opportunities. Starting at just $99 per couple for a three-day/two-night stay, you can have firsthand experience of St. James Plantation.

    South Carolina

    Savannah Lakes Village – McCormick, SC

    High $200ks – Low $1Ms

    Aerial view of the forest and golf course surrounding Savannah Lakes Village in McCormick, South Carolina.

    About the Community

    Savannah Lakes Village is a resort-style community with new and resale homes for sale. The community will eventually feature 4,800 homes. Currently, the attached homes range from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet, while the single-family homes range from 1,500 to over 3,000 square feet.

    Homeownership in this community includes access to community-owned golf clubs, amenity centers, as well as outdoor facilities. The 23,000-square-foot recreation center features a ballroom, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a sauna. Additionally, outdoor options include golf courses, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, and a pool, all near the recreation center. Residents also enjoy 25 miles of Lake Thurmond shoreline for fishing, boating, and more. With quick access to shopping, medical facilities, and dining, Savannah Lakes Village provides an enriching living experience to active retirees.

    Discovery Package

    Spend some time in a fully furnished condo in Savannah Lakes Village with an exclusive Stay and Play package. During your stay, you can enjoy two rounds of golf as well as full access to the recreation center. Explore the swimming pools, fitness room, pool tables, bowling alley, tennis courts, and pickleball courts. You will also get a private real estate tour. Choose a 2-night stay for $199 or extend to a 3-night retreat for $275.

    Del Webb Charleston at Nexton – Summerville, SC

    High $300ks – Low $900ks

    Exterior view of the clubhouse at Del Webb Charleston at Nexton in Summerville, South Carolina.

    About the Community

    Del Webb Charleston at Nexton offers low-maintenance single-family homes within the master-planned community of Nexton. This community features a 26,000-square-foot clubhouse equipped with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a gathering room, and an indoor heated pool. Outdoors, residents can also enjoy a resort-style heated pool, tennis and bocce ball courts, and 50 miles of walking and biking trails. Additionally, residents can participate in various clubs, events, and activities within the community.

    Del Webb Charleston at Nexton offers homes ranging from 1,250 to 3,500 square feet. Available floor plans feature two to four bedrooms, two to five-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two- or three-car garage. Located just under 40 minutes from Charleston, residents also have easy access to daily necessities and local attractions.

    Discovery Package

    Several Del Webb communities nationwide provide day and overnight passes, allowing you to experience life as a Del Webb resident. With an overnight pass, you can stay in a fully furnished home, explore the community using a golf cart, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. The day pass offers the opportunity to dine with a resident and participate in classes to engage with current homeowners.

    Del Webb at Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach, SC

    High $300ks – Low $1Ms

    An outdoor pool at Del Webb at Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach, a 55+ community with a discovery package in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

    About the Community

    Del Webb at Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach is situated within the Grande Dunes master-planned community and will feature 524 single-family and attached homes. Homes in this community offer various features, including spacious kitchens, gathering rooms, flexible spaces, owner’s suites, as well as attached garages.

    The community boasts a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, offering a range of amenities such as a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, an arts and crafts studio, a card room, and outdoor sports facilities. Residents also have access to the Grande Dunes Ocean Club, a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse with a resort-style pool, a private beach, and golf courses. Additionally, Charleston and Columbia are within a few hours’ drive. This offers residents diverse day-trip options, while Myrtle Beach International Airport is just nine miles away.

    Discovery Package

    Being a Del Webb community, Del Webb at Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach also offers day and overnight passes. With an overnight pass, enjoy accommodations in a fully furnished home and explore the community using a golf cart. The day pass allows you to share a meal with a resident and join classes to connect with current residents.

    Sun City Hilton Head – Bluffton, SC

    Mid $300ks – Mid $1Ms

    Chairs surrounding an outdoor fire pit on the grounds of Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, South Carolina.

    About the Community

    Sun City Hilton Head, the largest age-restricted community in South Carolina, offers over 8,000 homes, world-class amenities, and 54 holes of golf. The 45-acre Village Center showcases a clock tower, a social hall, a fitness center, a crafts center, as well as a performing arts center. Residents also enjoy access to the Grande Dunes Ocean Club, 14 Har-Tru tennis courts, golf courses, and various outdoor spaces like Lake Somerset.

    Sun City Hilton Head plans to offer 9,000 homes upon completion, from 1,000-square-foot villa townhomes to 4,000-square-foot custom single-family homes. Additionally, Sun City Hilton Head provides proximity to daily necessities, health care facilities, dining options, and outdoor attractions.

    Discovery Package

    Sun City Hilton Head also provides the opportunity to book a day or overnight pass. Stay in a fully furnished home overnight and explore the community using a golf cart. Or, just share a meal with a current resident and participate in a class to get a feel for the community.

    55places Can Help You Discover More

    Looking for other ‘stay and play’ options at retirement communities in the Carolinas? 55places can connect you with a local real estate agent who will direct you to every community with a discovery package. Be sure to take full advantage of these programs to help you find your dream home and have fun while doing it! Contact 55places today to get started.

    Discover what’s next.

    To learn more information or connect with a real estate expert, contact us today.

    Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

    Financing is the difference!

    Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

    55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
    Details here.

    We're here to help! (800) 928-2055

    Call us to speak with a customer service representative.

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter

    Get Weekly Updates

    I agree that 55places and its affiliates, partner providers or agents may call, text, or email me about my inquiry, which may be made with automated means. I understand that my consent is not a prerequisite for buying a property. I may revoke my consent at any time by contacting optout@55places.com. Message/data rates may apply. I also agree to 55places.com’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

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