There are many highly reviewed private and public golf courses near Washington D.C., as well as some outstanding 55+ communities that have courses on-site. Residents who live in golf course communities can enjoy all the amenities that come with a link-focused lifestyle, like upscale clubhouses, fitness centers, pickleball courts, tennis, swimming pools, group events, and restaurants. Many of the year-round community activities also cater to those who don’t golf, so partners and guests can find plenty of other fun things to enjoy.
It can be easier to get tee times when you live in a golf course community. The clubhouse might even be within walking distance! Also, resident members usually get preferred tee times, and meeting new golf friends is a lot easier. Most of these neighborhoods have golf leagues you can join too.
Of course, you’ll have to pay fees just like at other golf courses, but these might be reduced. Private courses have membership fees, and public ones have pay-to-play options. Every golf club has their own rules that apply, so you can compare to see which one best fits your needs.
Here are seven active adult neighborhoods with golf courses near Washington D.C., with some in the Maryland/Baltimore-D.C. Metro area and others are in the Virginia/Washington-D.C. Metro area.
Leisure World of Maryland – Silver Spring, MD
Below $100k – Low $800s
Starting in Maryland, Leisure World of Maryland is spread out over 650 acres and has 5,600 resale condo, attached, and single-family homes. There are 29 subdivisions, so you won’t have a problem finding the right sized home for your needs.
The community’s Desmond Muirhead-designed, 18-hole championship golf course is only open to residents and their guests. It’s par 66 with 5,142 yards of golf (from the longest tees), and a 101 slope rating on Bermuda grass. The course also features a driving range, a putting green, golf cart rentals, a pro shop, and indoor lockers.
Leisure World of Maryland also has two clubhouses, with amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, restaurants, and ceramics and woodworking shops. There’s also a movie theater, an auditorium, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, plus gardens, trails, and parks on the grounds.
The lifestyle groups here include ballroom dancing, the African American Association, a hiking club, Hadassah, and of course, golf tournaments, lessons, and mixer events. This stellar community even has its own medical center, post office, pharmacy, and bank on the property.
Leisure World of Maryland has 25 condo, eight attached, and two patio home models, with the condos located in low- and high-rise buildings. These units range from 705 to 1,790 square feet and offer one to three bedrooms, one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half baths, and assigned parking spots.
The attached homes are sized from 650 to 1,450 square feet, with one to three bedrooms, one to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and parking spots or garages. Some of these attached homes offer a second level. The patio homes range from 870 to 1,200 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, one to two baths, and attached two-car garages.
This gated 55+ community is an exceptional choice for golf in Washington D.C., and it’s about a 45-minute drive north of the city.
The Courtyards at Waverly Woods – Marriottsville, MD
Mid $300s – Low $1Ms
Built from 2012 to 2018 by NV Homes and Ryan Homes, The Courtyards at Waverly Woods is an age-restricted community with 462 resale condo, attached, and single-family homes. The community has one of the nicest golf courses near Washington, D.C., and it’s located within the adjacent community of Waverly Woods East. Waverly Woods Golf Club is a public, 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Arthur Hills, and it’s 7,024 yards with a slope of 135. The course also has a lovely clubhouse with an outdoor pool and spa, tennis courts, and a restaurant. Additional amenities at The Courtyards include another clubhouse, a catering kitchen, an exercise room, and an aerobics studio.
The condo units at The Courtyards at Waverly Woods were built by Ryan Homes and feature parking lots and elevator access. Each unit has 1,489 square feet, two bedrooms, roomy master suites, two bathrooms, and balconies or patios.
The Ryan Homes townhomes are about 2,100 square feet with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, private patio areas, and attached two-car garages. There are three single-family floor plans ranging from 2,068 to 2,432 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two or three baths, full basements, ten-foot ceilings, and attached two-car garages.
You’ll want to consider this property if you’re interested in active adult neighborhoods with golf courses in Washington, D.C.
JerMae Estates – Thurmont, MD
Low $300s – Mid $400s
Golf enthusiasts are also drawn to JerMae Estates, a smaller 55+ community that offers easy access to golf in Washington, D.C. Completed in 2008, it has 108 resale attached and single-family homes on a property that’s about an hour away from The Capitol.
Homeowners spend quality time at the 18-hole, Russell Moser-designed Maple Run Golf Course, which is right next to the community. It’s a par-72, 6,553-yard course with stunning scenery, and you can either pay to play or get a membership. It also has a snack bar and pro shop.
This 55+ community is on a scenic property that backs up to Maple Run. It also has lakeside biking and walking trails. The majority of the homes here are single-families, and many have incredible views of the Catoctin Mountains. These residences range from 1,369 to 3,200 square feet, with three to four bedrooms, two or four baths, and one- or two-car garages. Options may include spacious master suites with sitting rooms, stainless steel appliances, and lofts.
Another great thing about this smaller neighborhood is its proximity to grocery stores like Weis Markets, Food Lion, and other conveniences like pharmacies, restaurants, fitness centers, and hair salons. The town of Thurmont is quite lovely, and it’s home to Camp David, the retreat for U.S. Presidents. The area also abounds with outdoor recreational opportunities at Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. Thurmont is in Frederick County, which is known for its picturesque, covered bridges and wineries, and it’s only about 50 miles away from BWI Airport.
Heritage Harbour – Annapolis, MD
Mid $300s – Low $800s
If you’re still looking for golf courses in Washington, D.C., you might want to consider the city of Annapolis and prestigious Heritage Harbour. It’s less than 10 miles from the Chesapeake Bay and 30 miles east of Downtown D.C. This active adult neighborhood was completed in 2008, with 1,683 condo, attached, and single-family homes.
The community’s main highlight is the on-site, 9-hole executive golf course. This was designed by Edmund B. Ault and features a par-27, 1,100-yard course to play on. It’s limited to residents and their guests, and it also has a dining room, a pro shop, and competitive golf leagues.
You’ll also be impressed with the other amenities here, like the large auditorium; tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball courts; indoor and outdoor pools and spas; craft studios; outdoor grill area; boutique; and cozy bistro. Water lovers will also appreciate the access to South River Pier and its 30-foot boat slips. There’s also a community transit bus to take you on errands and trips. If all that wasn’t enough, the long list of lifestyle activities includes everything from special bus trips to Pilates to concerts.
The homes at Heritage Harbour range from 800 to 3,000+ square feet, with different condo, townhome, duplex, attached home, and single-family floor plans. The largest models have as many as four bedrooms and five bathrooms.
Annapolis is a vibrant area to retire in, with attractions like the Annapolis Summer Garden Theater, a very walkable downtown area, great seafood, water sports, and an arts district. It is also home to the U.S. Naval Academy, and it has its own airport. Golf in Washington D.C. and living close to the water—what else could you want?
Regency at Dominion Valley – Haymarket, VA
High $300s – Low $1Ms
Heading towards Virginia, we find Regency at Dominion Valley, a gated community with 855 resale condo, attached, and single-family residences. Its private, 4,100-yard Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay-designed 18-hole course is par 62. The course is part of the well-appointed, 30,000-square-foot clubhouse. Here, you’ll also find indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center with exercise studios, lighted tennis and pickleball courts, and a good-sized outdoor amphitheater.
Additional perks include walking and biking trails, community parks, and an arts and crafts studio. There’s also a multipurpose room and a ballroom, so the clubhouse provides meeting areas for clubs and activities like exercise classes, themed parties, happy hours, and couples bunco.
There are five condo models in total built into four-story buildings. The smallest condo model at Regency at Dominion Valley is 1,478 square feet, with two bedrooms and bathrooms.
The carriage-style, one-story attached homes come in three thoughtfully designed floor plans, and the single-families have up to four bedrooms. You can also expect to find appealing upgrades like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, ceramic backsplashes, dens, lofts, and newer outdoor living spaces in these elegant homes.
This luxurious 55+ community is approximately 35 miles west of D.C.
Heritage Hunt – Gainesville, VA
Mid $400s – High $600s
Built by Patriot Homes and Lennar Homes from 1998 to 2009, Heritage Hunt is about an hour’s drive west of D.C. and is our final choice in this list of communities and golf courses near Washington D.C. This award-winning active adult neighborhood offers 1,863 resale condo, attached, and single-family homes.
The semi-private Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club is the 18-hole championship course on-site. It’s par 72, 7,033 yards, offers a 142 slope, and was designed by Arthur Hills. Inside the clubhouse, you’ll find a pro shop, meeting and activity rooms, and a grand ballroom. Also, there are lighted tennis courts and bocce ball outside.
Heritage Hunt also has a fitness/aquatic center with indoor and outdoor pools, exercise areas, and putting and chipping greens. The third center is The Marsh Mansion, which has another ballroom, meeting rooms, and a restaurant. Well-attended groups, activities, and events include the golf club, men’s chorus, the Wine Society, a writing group, the Little Theater, and many others.
Heritage Hunt was built with 154 condo units in four buildings that have covered garage parking and elevators. These comfortable homes have two to three bedrooms, two or two-and-a-half baths, gourmet kitchens, dens, living rooms, dining rooms, and generously sized master suites.
There are nine attached models ranging from 1,204 to 1,876 square feet. These all come with attached garages. The detached single-family open floor plans range from 1,695 to 3,217 square feet and feature desirable options like porches, sunrooms, basements, large master suites, and gas fireplaces.
About Golf in the Washington, D.C. Area
Active adult neighborhoods usually have a homeowners’ associations (HOA) that charges a reasonable fee to cover things like exterior maintenance, lawn mowing, trash pickup, and snow removal. The fees and services vary depending on the community, but they allow residents to better enjoy low-maintenance living—and spend more time at the links, of course!
Keep in mind that private golf clubs charge memberships fees, even to homeowners. So if you just like to play once in a while, you can book tee times at public courses instead—the rates are usually lower during the week and later in the day. It’s also good to know that these seven courses are just a small snapshot of all the wonderful public and private courses in the Washington, D.C. area.
Here are a few more that are worth looking into:
Silver Spring, MD area: Northwest Golf Course, public, 27 holes
Marriottsville, MD area: Hobbit’s Glen Golf Course, private, 18 holes
Thurmont, MD area: Glade Valley Golf Club, public, 18 holes
Annapolis, MD area: The Naval Academy Golf Club, private, 18 holes
Haymarket, VA area: Piedmont Golf Club, private, 18 holes
Gainesville VA area: Stonewall Golf Club, public,18 holes
Now that you have all of this helpful information, it’s time to further compare and contrast 55+ communities with golf courses near Washington D.C. Contact 55places.com to find your perfect community in the D.C. area today!
