Best Golf Communities on Florida’s Forgotten Coast: Luxury Home Guide 2026
Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” might sound quiet, but it’s become one of the most talked-about destinations for buyers who want championship golf, uncrowded beaches, and a slower, more luxurious coastal lifestyle. Stretching from Mexico Beach down to St. Marks, the region includes charming communities such as Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Carrabelle, and St. George Island.
This part of the Gulf Coast offers the rare mix of pristine shoreline, deeply rooted Old Florida character, and year-round golf conditions–making it irresistible to retirees, second-home buyers, and luxury-seekers alike.
Why Golfers Are Quietly Flocking to the Forgotten Coast
Unlike Florida’s crowded resort regions, the Forgotten Coast is defined by wide-open beaches, small-town charm, and fairways surrounded by marshes, wildlife preserves, and pine forests instead of high rises. Golf here is tranquil, scenic, and easy to enjoy almost every month thanks to the area’s mild climate.
Buyers are especially drawn to:
- Year-round play, even in the winter months.
- Low density and peaceful courses without congested tourist traffic.
- Nature-forward layouts, where fairways weave through wetlands and native habitats.
It’s the perfect escape for anyone who values serenity, scenery, and a relaxed pace of play.
St. James Bay Golf & Pickleball Resort: Carrabelle’s Premier Golf Community
St. James Bay in Carrabelle stands out as the region’s most complete golf community. It’s an 18-hole, par-72 championship course–an Audubon Signature Sanctuary–that winds through wetlands, lakes, and nature preserves. The experience feels immersive, with cart bridges leading through scenic corridors and no crowded resort atmosphere to disrupt your game.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Residents and guests enjoy:
- Championship-level golf right on site.
- A large pickleball complex and tennis options.
- Resort-style pools, fitness facilities, and miles of natural scenery.
- On-site dining at the clubhouse.
- A bayside dock, kayak launch, and picnic areas for post-round relaxation.
Real Estate Feel
Homes in and around St. James Bay include condos, villas, single-family homes, and custom homesites–many offering tranquil preserve or water views. It’s the ideal setting for buyers who want a dedicated golf lifestyle with all the benefits of a resort community.
Port St. Joe & the St. Joseph Bay Golf Corridor: Coastal Golf for Everyday Living
Port St. Joe has become a quiet favorite for buyers who want classic small-town living paired with close access to quality golf. Its signature course, St. Joseph Bay Golf Club, is an 18-hole, par-72 layout with rolling fairways, shady pines, and a welcoming coastal atmosphere.
Amenities & Highlights
St. Joseph Bay Golf Club offers:
- A championship layout suitable for all skill levels.
- A driving range and putting greens.
- A clubhouse with casual dining and a pool.
- A friendly, “hidden gem” feel that golfers love.
Nearby neighborhoods in Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, and St. Joseph Beach offer everything from bayfront homes to traditional residential streets, all within a short drive of the course.
WindMark Beach: Upscale Coastal Living with Easy Golf Access
WindMark Beach isn’t a traditional golf community, but for luxury buyers, it’s the perfect blend of high-end beachside living with convenient access to St. Joseph Bay Golf Club. Set along St. Joseph Bay, WindMark is known for its outdoor-forward, resort-style environment.
Lifestyle Perks
Residents enjoy:
- A zero-entry resort pool and upscale beach club.
- Miles of boardwalks, trails, and cart paths.
- A lively Village Center with shops, dining, and seasonal events.
- Golf-cart-friendly streets and breezy coastal architecture.
Housing ranges from custom-designed luxury homes to vacation-style retreats–ideal for buyers who want beachfront living with nearby golf, not the other way around.
St. George Island: Luxury Island Living with Golf Within Reach
St. George Island is a favorite for luxury homeowners seeking a barrier-island retreat. While the island itself has no golf course, residents often pair their beach lifestyle with rounds at St. James Bay in Carrabelle, about 40 minutes away. This combination–exclusive island living with access to a championship course–is uniquely appealing to high-end buyers who want the best of both worlds.
“Golf communities on the Forgotten Coast offer something rare in Florida: luxury living without overwhelming density. Buyers should be prepared for competitive inventory because homes with water or fairway views tend to move fast, especially in resort-style neighborhoods. The long-term appeal of this region is exceptionally strong, and many clients tell me they value the peaceful atmosphere just as much as the golf itself.” –Eli Duarte, Realtor
What Savvy Buyers Look For in Forgotten Coast Golf Communities
Before choosing your ideal neighborhood, successful buyers typically evaluate:
- Course quality and recent improvements.
- Amenity mix, including pools, pickleball, marinas, and dining.
- HOA rules and rental policies vary by community.
- Proximity to both golf and the beach, especially in areas offering boating and water access.
This region rewards buyers who know how to blend a golf lifestyle, coastal recreation, and long-term value into one smart purchase.
Is a Golf Community on Florida’s Forgotten Coast Right for You?
If your perfect day includes early tee times, afternoon beach walks, and quiet Gulf sunsets from your porch, the golf communities of the Forgotten Coast should be on your radar. Communities like St. James Bay, WindMark Beach, and the Port St. Joe golf corridor make it easy to combine luxury living with championship golf and a relaxed coastal rhythm. For anyone considering a move in 2026, connecting with a local real estate expert can help you narrow down neighborhoods, understand amenity structures, and find homes that balance golf, beach access, and everyday lifestyle. With the right guidance, you can settle into a community where you’re always just minutes from both the tee box and the shoreline. Trust the real estate professionals at Coastal Realty Group to guide you in finding and settling down in the home of your dreams in the many stunning, coastal Forgotten Coast of Florida neighborhoods today.