If you picture your days starting on pine-lined fairways and ending on a quiet, secure street, Moore County delivers. You have options that range from private, member-owned clubs to resort-affiliated neighborhoods and lake or equestrian settings. In this guide, you will learn how the area’s golf and gated communities differ, what memberships really mean, and how to compare them with confidence around 28327 and the greater Pinehurst market. Let’s dive in.
Why Moore County stands out for golf
Moore County is known as the “Home of American Golf,” with roughly 40 courses in a tight radius and a strong golf-travel economy that supports year-round activity and amenities. The county highlights this concentration and its broader recreation infrastructure as a quality-of-life driver for residents. You can explore that context on the county’s Golf & Recreation page, which outlines how golf shapes the local lifestyle and economy through the Moore County Economic Development Partnership.
For buyers focused on ZIP 28327 and nearby, a recent market snapshot shows the median home price in the mid 400s. That is a helpful benchmark, but community prices vary widely, from modest cottages and villas to multi-million-dollar estates in premier clubs. Always compare within the neighborhood using up-to-date MLS data.
Top golf and gated communities to compare
Pinehurst Resort and Village-area neighborhoods
The Pinehurst Resort anchors the region’s identity and offers multiple championship courses, racquets, dining and a full calendar of member events. Memberships are administered by the resort with tiered categories, and several adjacent neighborhoods have gated enclaves or direct club connections. If you want a blend of private play, hospitality and a village setting, this model is appealing. Review amenities and membership options on the resort’s official pages for member activities and amenities and how to become a member.
Homes near the Village range from charming cottages to custom golf-front estates in enclaves like Fairwoods on 7 and Pinehurst No. 9. Expect pricing to trend above the county median, especially for golf-front or newer construction.
Country Club of North Carolina (CCNC) – Pinehurst
CCNC is a longstanding private, member-owned club set within a large, gated residential community. With two renowned courses, Dogwood and Cardinal, plus classic country-club amenities, it attracts buyers who value exclusivity and a refined club culture. Membership is typically by invitation. Listings within CCNC often note that club membership may be required or that specific transfer steps are part of the purchase process. You can confirm current membership information on the CCNC membership page.
Homes inside CCNC are custom, with larger lots, lakeside addresses and many golf-front estates. Inventory varies, but seven-figure properties are common.
Pinewild Country Club – Pinehurst
Pinewild is a gated, private community with multiple courses, including Holly and Magnolia, plus a short course and a full slate of club amenities. The club offers several membership categories, so you can tailor access to how much you play and participate. Explore current options on Pinewild’s membership page.
Real estate covers a spectrum of custom homes and golf-front properties. You will see both established homes and newer builds, with pricing driven by lot size, course frontage and recent updates.
Forest Creek Golf Club – Pinehurst
Forest Creek brings a high-end, residential-club experience centered on two Tom Fazio designs, North and South. The community is gated, the facilities are top tier, and the on-site lifestyle is designed for devoted golfers who also want privacy. Learn more about amenities and the real estate offering at Forest Creek Golf Club.
Estate homes on generous lots define the neighborhood character. Many properties trade in the seven-figure range, reflecting exclusivity and construction quality.
Mid South Club and Talamore – Southern Pines area
Mid South Club and Talamore sit side by side and are often discussed together. Mid South features an Arnold Palmer course and gated subdivisions. Talamore offers a Rees Jones design and a complementary membership structure, with some neighborhoods providing access to one or both clubs. For an overview of the relationship and residential options, start with Talamore’s real estate page for Palmer’s Preserve.
Housing here ranges from villas and cottages with lower-maintenance lifestyles to larger custom homes. Prices vary by size, finish level and course proximity, which makes side-by-side MLS comparison especially useful.
Dormie Club – West End/Pinehurst area
Dormie Club is a private, destination-style club designed by Coore & Crenshaw. Its model emphasizes an immersive golf experience with on-site lodging and a limited membership, appealing to buyers who want club-first living with hospitality built in. The club’s recent expansion and approach are outlined in this Dormie Club announcement.
Real estate options are fewer and often tied to the club’s cottage concept. If your priority is world-class architecture and a curated member environment, put Dormie on your list.
Longleaf Golf & Family Club – Southern Pines/Carthage area
Longleaf is known for accessible, family-focused golf. It hosts notable junior programming and offers a semi-private structure, which can be ideal if you want instruction and play options for multiple ages. For a lifestyle snapshot, view an overview of the club’s family-friendly focus through this Longleaf summary.
Homes include golf-front cottages and single-family properties. Price points are often more moderate compared to the most exclusive gated clubs, which makes Longleaf attractive for families looking for value and programming.
Foxfire Village and Grande Pines – Foxfire/Jackson Springs area
Foxfire offers a semi-rural setting anchored by two Gene Hamm courses, along with larger lots and an emphasis on space and privacy. Within Foxfire, Grande Pines features gated estate tracts and equestrian-friendly covenants. This area suits you if you want room to spread out and a quieter, countryside feel. Club play is available, and select tracts can support equestrian uses. Confirm specific covenants and gate details with the HOA and seller documents.
Seven Lakes – West End
Seven Lakes is a large, gated lake community with three sections, West, North and South. It offers a marina, beaches and community recreation, plus golf through a country club. If you want water activities in addition to golf, this is a strong contender. Review governance and amenities through Seven Lakes West’s association site.
Homes include waterfront, golf-front and interior options. Prices depend heavily on lake frontage, views and condition.
How membership and amenities differ
When you compare homes across multiple clubs, use these lenses to match lifestyle and costs.
Private, member-owned clubs. Communities such as CCNC, Pinewild and Forest Creek are purpose-built for exclusivity, privacy and a classic country-club experience. Board approvals, defined categories, transfer rules and higher ongoing dues are common. Always verify whether a listing requires membership and how transfers work. You can see how a fully private model is structured on CCNC’s membership page.
Resort-owned or resort-affiliated neighborhoods. Pinehurst Resort’s membership provides access to multiple courses and hospitality-driven amenities with tiers that range from social to full golf. If you enjoy events, dining and village convenience, this model fits well. Explore categories on Pinehurst’s membership overview.
Semi-private and family-first clubs. Longleaf and several area courses offer approachable play, instruction and junior programming. This is a good path if you want flexibility for family or guests along with value.
Gated versus open neighborhoods. Gated communities such as Pinewild, Forest Creek, CCNC, Mid South’s gated sections and Seven Lakes prioritize controlled access and security, which can come with higher HOA costs. Non-gated resort neighborhoods near the Village trade privacy for village connectivity. Always confirm gate operations in HOA documents.
Amenity emphasis. Some clubs focus on pure golf and refined facilities. Others layer in pools, racquets, kids’ programming, lakes or equestrian features. Use the mix that best matches your daily routine. For a sense of a robust amenity calendar, scan Pinehurst’s member activities.
Buyer checklist: what to request and verify
Use this quick checklist to make clean comparisons and avoid surprises.
- Gating and access
- Is the community gated, and who controls the gate, the HOA or the club? Are there staffed hours? Verify with the HOA and seller disclosures.
- Membership requirement and transfer
- Is a club membership mandatory for the property, or optional? If a seller plans to transfer a membership, confirm whether the transfer is automatic or application-based and ask for the process in writing with timelines and fees.
- Fee schedule and assessments
- Request the current fee schedule for initiation, monthly or annual dues, food and beverage minimums and any capital assessments. Ask for at least three years of dues history and whether assessments are planned.
- HOA or POA documents
- Review the budget, reserve study, insurance coverage, recent meeting minutes, road ownership and any upcoming projects. Strong reserves and clear maintenance plans support long-term value.
- Rental and usage rules
- If you plan to rent short term or long term, confirm CC&Rs and club policies. Many clubs restrict short-term rentals to protect member experience.
- Home type and lot size
- Decide between estates, single-family homes on interior lots, golf-front homes, or lower-maintenance villas. Compare apples to apples with recent MLS comps inside the same community.
- Golf access and tee-time priority
- Ask about tee-time policies for resident members, any reciprocity with nearby clubs and cart rules. Some neighborhoods advertise golf-cart connectivity to village areas, but rules vary by HOA and club.
- Lifestyle and non-golf programming
- Evaluate pools, racquets or pickleball, junior programs, social calendars and proximity to medical care such as FirstHealth Moore Regional. Review the club’s activity calendar before you commit.
- Resale implications
- Gated, membership-required communities can command premiums, but the buyer pool can be narrower. Check days on market and turnover inside each community to set expectations.
- Lender and title implications
- If a membership is mandatory or deeded, share documents with your lender and closing attorney early. Build any required membership approvals or transfers into your contract timeline.
Smart contract terms for club properties
When you write an offer, consider language that aligns closing with club requirements.
Membership acceptance contingency. Make closing contingent on acceptance into your selected membership category, or on the successful transfer of the seller’s membership by a defined date.
Initiation-fee credit or escrow. If a transfer is not available, negotiate a seller credit or an escrow holdback to offset your initiation cost.
HOA and club document review period. Allow time in the contract to review HOA and club financials, CC&Rs and meeting minutes, with a right to terminate if you discover material issues.
Your agent can align these protections with local norms so you stay competitive while managing risk.
Next steps
If you are torn between two or three communities, schedule a same-day tour of each. Walk the clubhouse, drive the streets, and stand on a tee box at peak hours to feel pace and privacy. Ask each membership office for the latest fee schedule and transfer policy, and collect HOA budgets and minutes. With that in hand, you can make a confident decision that fits your lifestyle and budget.
When you are ready, I will help you compare memberships, HOA structures and resale trends, then negotiate the details that keep your closing smooth. Let’s map out your short list and timeline. Connect with Kelly Ward KW Realty to get started.
FAQs
What separates Pinehurst Resort neighborhoods from private clubs like CCNC?
- Pinehurst Resort offers multi-course access, hospitality and village convenience with tiered memberships, while CCNC is a private, member-owned environment with two premier courses and a gated residential footprint that emphasizes exclusivity.
Is a club membership always required when you buy in a gated Moore County community?
- Not always. Some properties require membership, others make it optional. Confirm the requirement and any transfer process in writing with the club and review it with your agent before you write an offer.
How do initiation fees and dues work at Pinehurst-area clubs?
- Fees and categories change regularly by club and membership class. Request the current brochure directly from each club and review options on resources such as Pinehurst membership and CCNC membership.
Which communities near 28327 offer lakes or equestrian options in addition to golf?
- Seven Lakes provides gated lake living with beaches and a marina, along with access to golf through a country club. Foxfire and Grande Pines offer larger, semi-rural tracts with equestrian-friendly covenants. Review Seven Lakes details on the association site and confirm covenants with each HOA.
How competitive is the 28327 market for golf and gated homes?
- A recent snapshot places ZIP 28327’s median around the mid 400s, but club and lake properties vary widely by location and amenities. Use community-specific MLS comps and days-on-market trends to guide pricing and offer strategy.
Can you use a golf cart to reach the Village of Pinehurst from certain neighborhoods?
- Some Pinehurst-area neighborhoods advertise cart connectivity to village areas, but rules vary. Confirm golf-cart access, path rules and road permissions with the HOA and the club before you buy.
