by Robert Borges on November 4, 2022
4-minute read
Jump to:
Nashville, TN
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL
Raleigh/Durham, NC
Phoenix, AZ
Charlotte, NC
What you'll get from this article: Explore some of the best lifestyle communities in or near the Sun Belt region in popular cities that have been identified as "top markets to watch." You'll learn more about each area as well as real estate, amenities, and social opportunities offered within nearby communities.
Recently, Urban Land Institute and PwC released their Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2023 report which gathers insights from over 2,000 leading real estate industry experts. Among the findings, the report revealed the top 10 markets to watch in 2023.
Not surprisingly, the “magnet” markets still dominate in a post-pandemic environment, as 9 of the top 10 markets to watch are in the Sun Belt region.
“Beyond affordability, lifestyle considerations play a big role in where people want to live,” says Ben Keal, Director of Sales & Operations at Private Communities Registry. “This is backed up by the Emerging Trends in Real Estate report citing 9 of the top 10 markets to watch in 2023 are in the Sun Belt. Buyers will always be attracted to these markets for their warmer climates and abundance of year-round outdoor activities.”
PrivateCommunities.com features a variety of communities in many of these top markets like Nashville, Atlanta, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Phoenix, Charlotte, and Raleigh. Here, we’ll spotlight trending lifestyle communities in or near these Sun Belt cities that have been named 2023’s top housing markets to watch.
Nashville, TN
Durham Farms is an active community for all ages located Hendersonville, TN, just 18 miles from downtown Nashville. Situated in what’s been voted one of America’s best small cities, this Middle Tennessee community offers residents a true sense of neighborly camaraderie and small-town charm—all surrounded by acres of parks, open spaces, top-performing schools, shopping, and more. The Nashville-area community features an expansive fitness center, swimming pool, paved pedestrian paths, dog park, wide-open spaces, and quaint neighborhood parks. Explore more communities near Nashville
Atlanta, GA
Just 45 minutes from downtown Atlanta, Soleil Belmont Park is an active adult 55+ community with spacious home designs on large 1/3 acre plus homesites and an array of resort-style amenities. Located in Cherokee County, Canton is a thriving Atlanta suburb with plenty of nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as a world-class medical center and nearby golf courses. Amenities include a clubhouse with coffee and cocktail bar, gourmet catering kitchen, arts and crafts studio, and club and card room. A resort-style swimming pool and health and fitness center provide even more recreational options, along with tennis, pickleball, bocce courts, walking trails, and community garden. Explore more communities near Atlanta
Austin, TX
Located 25 minutes from Austin, Headwaters is a master-planned community with panoramic Texas Hill Country views as well as plentiful parks and trails, blending homesites with natural surroundings. At the heart of the community is a recreational complex featuring a fitness center, split-level swimming pool, event pavilion, Wi-Fi café, and year-round events organized by the full-time lifestyle director. Residents also enjoy multiple parks and an extensive trail system with views of Barton Creek. Austin’s live music venues, diverse food scene, and outdoor recreational offerings are only minutes away. Explore more communities near Austin
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL
Waterset by Newland is a large, established community south of Tampa with easy access to beaches, airports, and highways. It offers a variety of new homes, parks, pools, trails, and even a coming soon 55+ neighborhood. With its amenities and location, Waterset is a great place to consider if you are looking to live in the Tampa Bay area. Explore more communities near Tampa/St. Petersburg
Raleigh/Durham, NC
Seeking an active retirement in a charming Southern town? Look no furhter than Flowers Plantation, a 3,000-acre master-planned community in Clayton, NC, just 30 minutes from the Triangle area. It offers a relaxed lifestyle with diverse amenities, including a 20,000 sq. ft. fitness center, Olympic-size pool, walking and biking trails, and courts for pickleball and tennis. Residents enjoy proximity to shops, restaurants, and healthcare, along with easy access to three golf courses. The community features a variety of homes, from single-family to active adult 55+ options, all connected by paved paths to encourage social connections. Explore more communities near Raleigh/Durham
Phoenix, AZ
Located 17 miles west of Phoenix, Estrella is a mixed-use master-planned community in Goodyear, AZ. Welcoming residents ranging from young couples to families, active adults, and retirees, the Arizona community encompasses 20,000 acres including nearly endless amenities and recreational opportunities. Estrella has multiple clubhouses, swimming pools, lakes, over 50 miles of trails, and more than 50 parks onsite. Just off I-10 and Estrella Parkway, the community offers easy access to the Greater Metro-Phoenix area. Sitting amidst the High Sonoran Desert foothills of the Estrella Mountains, Estrella offers stunning mountain views, sunsets and clean air. Explore more communities near Phoenix
Charlotte, NC
Encompassing 370 woodland acres, Cresswind Charlotte is a 55+ community with resort-style amenities and a variety of activities. The community features a 17,000-square-foot clubhouse features a fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, pickleball, and bocce. A housing market to watch, Charlotte is home to NASCAR, Carowinds Amusement Park, and U.S. National Whitewater Center. The Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and ski resorts at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain are close enough for day trips and weekend getaways. Explore more communities near Charlotte