Wondering if buying in The National Golf & Country Club is the right move for you? If you are drawn to newer construction, a golf-centered lifestyle, and the convenience of living inside a growing master-planned town, this community can check a lot of boxes. At the same time, there are a few details you will want to verify before you buy, especially around membership, assessments, and amenity timing. Let’s dive in.
Why buyers consider The National
The National Golf & Country Club at Ave Maria is an actively selling Lennar community in Collier County with a mix of residential options. Current offerings include Terrace Condominiums, Coach Homes, and Executive Homes, while Veranda Condominiums are listed as sold out. At the time of the source review, Lennar showed prices ranging from $256,862 to $461,999, with 13 homes available.
For many buyers, the appeal starts with the lifestyle. The community features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gordon Lewis, along with resort-style amenities and access to the larger Ave Maria master-planned community. That broader setting adds another layer of convenience, with town-center amenities, parks, trails, and ongoing development throughout the area.
Golf access is not one-size-fits-all
One of the most important things to understand before buying is that club access may not be identical for every property. Public-facing materials use different membership descriptions, including bundled golf and bundled social membership. Current community materials also state that all homes come with a social membership, while separate club materials list Family and Single Membership options tied to racquet sports and social events.
That means you should not assume every home comes with the same golf or club privileges. Instead, confirm exactly what membership rights transfer with the specific property you are considering, whether it is a new-construction purchase or a resale. This is one of the smartest questions you can ask early in the process.
Questions to ask about membership
- What type of membership is included with this home?
- Does the purchase include golf access, social access, or something more limited?
- Are there additional membership fees for racquet sports or social programming?
- Do resale homes carry the same entitlements as new-construction homes?
- Are there waiting lists, transfer fees, or usage rules that affect access?
Amenities are a major part of the draw
The National already has a substantial amenity base in place. Club facilities include a pro shop, practice facility, short game area, putting green, and driving range. The racquet-sports center lists 8 pickleball courts, 6 tennis courts, and 2 bocce courts with night lighting.
That said, buyers should still confirm what is open today versus what remains in a future phase. Lennar’s Ave Maria page continues to describe some resort-style features as future amenities. If a certain feature is important to your daily routine, verify its status before you move forward.
Lifestyle fit matters here
The National may be a strong match if you want:
- A golf-centered community lifestyle
- Newer construction with current floor plans and finishes
- Resort-style amenities close to home
- A home inside a larger master-planned community
- A neighborhood that is still growing and evolving
Ave Maria materials describe golf-cart use as part of daily life, and community coverage has highlighted poolside gatherings, themed dinners, tennis matches, and wellness sessions. If you want that kind of active, social rhythm, The National may feel like a natural fit.
The buildout phase can work for or against you
The National is still in an active buildout stage rather than a fully mature club community. Some buyers see that as a positive because it can mean newer homes, fresh amenities, and the chance to buy while the community is still taking shape. Others may prefer a neighborhood where every phase is complete and long-term costs and access patterns are more established.
Your timeline and goals matter here. If you plan to enjoy the property for years and like being part of a growing community, the current phase may be appealing. If you are highly focused on short- to mid-term resale strategy, it is wise to compare amenity maturity, dues, and membership structure against your expected holding period.
Do not overlook CDD costs
One of the biggest due diligence items in Ave Maria is the Community Development District, or CDD. The Ave Maria Stewardship Community District is a special-purpose local government, and its budget includes operations and maintenance, reserves, and debt assessments. These costs can be a meaningful part of your total ownership picture.
Just as important, the district’s bond balance does not have to be paid off at closing. Assessment records are parcel specific, and sample properties in the district show different totals and bond balances. In plain terms, two homes in the same broader area may carry different assessment obligations.
What to verify on the exact homesite
- Current annual CDD assessment
- Any bond-related balance tied to the property
- Whether the assessment amount differs from nearby homes
- The payment schedule and how it appears in your tax bill
- Your full expected monthly carrying cost, including HOA and club-related expenses
Flood and insurance review still matters
Because The National is part of an inland master-planned community, some buyers assume flood risk is not a major concern. It is still important to review flood maps and insurance implications for the exact property. Flood zone and insurance requirements should always be checked on a home-by-home basis.
Before closing, review the property’s flood hazard information and ask your insurance professional for a clear estimate of likely coverage costs. A careful review now can help you avoid surprises later. This is a simple step, but it can have a real impact on your long-term ownership costs.
Home types and price points deserve a closer look
The National offers a range of housing types, which is helpful if you are trying to match lifestyle with maintenance level and budget. Terrace condominiums, coach homes, and executive homes can appeal to different kinds of buyers, from seasonal owners to full-time residents. The right fit often comes down to how much space you want, how often you plan to use the home, and how hands-on you want to be with upkeep.
Because the community is actively selling, inventory and product availability can change. Some collections may still be available while others are sold out. If you are comparing options, it helps to look at both new construction and resale opportunities side by side.
The broader Ave Maria setting adds value
When you buy in The National, you are also buying into the larger Ave Maria environment. Official community materials describe the town as a master-planned community near Naples with town-center amenities, trails, parks, and long-term development plans that continue to expand the area’s footprint. That larger setting can be attractive if you want more than just a single gated neighborhood experience.
For many buyers, this creates a layered lifestyle. You get the club and neighborhood feel of The National, plus the convenience and activity of the surrounding town. If that blend is important to you, it is worth spending time in both the community and the greater Ave Maria area before making a decision.
School zoning should be verified directly
For buyers who want public school information as part of their planning, Lennar currently lists Estates Elementary, Corkscrew Middle, and Palmetto Ridge High as the zoned public schools for the community. School assignments can change, so that information should be verified directly with Collier County Public Schools before you rely on it in a purchase decision.
This is one of those details that is easy to confirm but important to get right. If school zoning is part of your home search criteria, make it a standard part of your due diligence checklist.
A smart buying approach for The National
If you are serious about buying here, the best approach is to combine lifestyle excitement with careful verification. The community offers a compelling mix of golf, newer homes, and access to the broader Ave Maria master plan. But the fine print on membership, amenity timing, CDD costs, and property-specific expenses can make a real difference in how the purchase feels after closing.
A clear, property-by-property review will help you buy with confidence. That means looking beyond the brochure and understanding exactly what comes with the home you want. In a community like The National, that extra diligence is not overthinking. It is simply smart buying.
If you are considering a home in The National Golf & Country Club or anywhere else in Southwest Florida, working with a local advisor can help you compare options, confirm the right details, and move forward with clarity. Connect with Ryan Batey for a thoughtful, data-informed approach to your next move.
FAQs
What types of homes are available in The National Golf & Country Club?
- Current Lennar offerings include Terrace Condominiums, Coach Homes, and Executive Homes, while Veranda Condominiums are listed as sold out.
What is the current price range in The National Golf & Country Club?
- At the time of the source review, Lennar showed a price range from $256,862 to $461,999, though pricing and availability can change.
Does every home in The National Golf & Country Club include golf membership?
- Public materials use different membership descriptions, so you should confirm the exact membership rights attached to the specific home or resale package before buying.
Are amenities already open at The National Golf & Country Club?
- The community already lists golf facilities, a pro shop, practice areas, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and bocce courts, but some resort-style amenities may still be phased, so verify what is open now.
What is a CDD and why does it matter in Ave Maria?
- The Ave Maria Stewardship Community District includes assessments for operations, reserves, and debt, and those costs can vary by parcel, so they should be reviewed as part of your total ownership budget.
Should buyers check flood information for homes in The National Golf & Country Club?
- Yes, flood hazard and insurance costs should be reviewed for the exact property before closing, even in an inland master-planned community.
What public schools are currently listed for The National Golf & Country Club?
- Lennar currently lists Estates Elementary, Corkscrew Middle, and Palmetto Ridge High, but buyers should verify school zoning directly with Collier County Public Schools.
