Coastal Communities

Perfecting the Coastal Carolina Lifestyle

Ocean Ridge Plantation Named BEST by Where to Retire Magazine

Where to Retire

Ocean Ridge Plantation is named for the 7th time by Where to Retire magazine as one of the top places to retire in America. Ocean Ridge has been recognized as one of the top 100 Best Communities since the magazine launched its biennial list in 1999. This year’s inclusion in the magazine’s “Short List: 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the United States” in the upcoming July/August 2011 issue (on newsstands June 21) marks the 7th time the magazine has compiled the honor roll of America’s best master-planned communities, naming Ocean Ridge Plantation each time.

The editorial group from the magazine researched communities in every state and narrowed their search to the final 50 in 17 states.  The magazine considered both active-adult and all age group communities in a variety of natural settings in popular retirement destinations, including near the ocean and in the mountains.

Where to Retire described the lure of the coastal community of Ocean Ridge Plantation being its ability to eventually boast 90 championship holes of Big CatsTM golf, with four distinctive courses in place and a fifth on the way.  Touting its three clubhouses, three restaurants and its location in the southeastern most part of Coastal North Carolina, the article recognizes Ocean Ridge’s appeal to a variety of interests in both North and South Carolina.  According to the article, Ocean Ridge’s “Plantation Club, overlooking a four-acre lake, has soft-surface tennis courts, heated pools and a fitness center, and its Beach Club is about five minutes away, providing convenient amenities on noted Sunset Beach.  Miles of walking and biking trails wind around the neighborhoods and nature preserves in woodlands, and a community garden flourishes with a variety of vegetables and colorful flowers.”

Ocean Ridge Entrance

In addition to the amenities, homes, golf, beautiful landscaping and community, the article captures what residents seem to appreciate just as much – their neighbors.  The single-family homes in Ocean Ridge range from the low $300,000s to $1 million and up.  Of the 1,800+ homes planned on 3,000 acres, about 500 homes are built.

“What an honor to once again be selected for such a prestigious award byWhere to Retire magazine.  Although there is no age restriction for living in Ocean Ridge, many are continuing to discover just what a special place Ocean Ridge is to retire, especially for active retirees,” commented Mark A. Saunders, CEO of The Coastal Companies, the parent company for Ocean Ridge.  “The lifestyle activities and enjoyment are unlimited.”

The Pure Joy of Paddling

“Voyage upon life’s sea, to yourself be true, and whatever your lot may be, paddle your own boat.”  -Sarah Bolton

As we journey through life, many of us have attempted and failed to do what great poets and philosophers have advised for centuries: “paddle your own boat.” Alas, life’s unpredictable circumstances usually end up steering us instead. This is probably why the literal side of the saying has become one of the most popular past times for retirees in southeastern Brunswick County North Carolina.

On the Atlantic Ocean, Shallotte River, Mercer Mill Creek, Intracoastal Waterway, or local streams and lakes, the canoe and kayak are personal craft that envelope and embody the variant nature of both humans and water. Long before interstate highways, railway systems, or the Internet, exploration was first and foremost indulged with a paddle. Just ask the American Indian, Inuit fishermen of the Arctic, and Lewis and Clark as they mapped the amber waves of grain and purple mountains majesty.

Paddling is a voyage of discovery as you maneuver your canoe or kayak over the gentle waters of a glassy lake or stream, escape from a crowded day through winding creeks and marsh savannas, or push your way courageously through a spectacular set of waves and sea, streaking up and over a giant swell into the blue valley of the next great wave. It’s just you and the water, experiencing the natural world the way it was meant to be…head-on.

Of course, you don’t necessarily have to live on the coast to experience the ride.  But if you are fortunate enough to live in southeastern North Carolina, your choices for adventure are endless. Seawatch at Sunset Harbor, Rivers Edge, and Ocean Ridge Plantation all offer opportunities for you to enjoy the pure enjoyment of paddling. These impressive communities all offer the experience of kayaking or canoeing with several locations to launch your boat. If it’s your first adventure, don’t worry…there are boat rentals and guides available locally.

After all, paddling your own canoe or kayak is what it’s all about and here on the coast. Plan your visit today and you may find an adventurous new pastime that you adore with health benefits.

Ocean Ridge Golf Academy Reopens

Ocean Ridge Plantation is proud to announce a new onsite golf academy. The Myrtle Beach newspaper recently wrote an article about our new academy in their ongoing “On Grand Strand Golf” segment. Here is an excerpt from The Sun News:

The golf school facilities at the four-course Ocean Ridge Plantation will no longer be vacant as Nick Bradley is opening the Nick Bradley Academy at Ocean Ridge Plantation on Wednesday.

Bradley, a Sunset Beach, N.C., resident who instructs a number of touring professionals, including the PGA Tour’s Kevin Chappell, has partnered with instructor Martin Sludds to open the new academy. Sludds will be the full-time instructor while Bradley splits time between the academy and instruction on the road.

“I’ll probably be doing the day-to-day stuff at the club, and Nick will be bringing in a lot of tour players and working with them, and I’ll be working in concert with him depending on what he’s doing,” Sludds said.

Ocean Ridge member clinics are set for 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday’s at Leopard’s Chase Golf Club, non-member clinics follow at 11:30 a.m. the same days, junior clinics are set for 3 p.m. Saturdays, women’s clinics are 10 a.m. Mondays, and senior men’s clinics are set for Lion’s Paw at 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Sludds said customized packages for individual golfers are planned, with V1 Golf Video analysis available.

“[Ocean Ridge] has a good base of people to go from,” Sludds said. “Initially we’re trying to deal with the people in the local and give them the pick of the cherry, then go outside after them.”

Sludds is a former European Tour player. He says he gave Bradley his first golf lesson when Bradley was 16, and Bradley later caddied for Sludds in several tour events. Bradley eventually worked at David Leadbetter academies in the U.S., Russia, France and Ireland, while Sludds spent 13 years as a club pro at Enniscorthy Golf Club in County Wexford, Ireland. He moved to the Strand last May with his wife and two teenage children. “I came over to see Nick in October 2008, saw the weather and area and wanted to move,” Sludds said.

For more information on the new Golf Academy, playing on the award-winning Big Cats golf courses, or buying property with sweeping golf views, email us at info@oceanridge.com or call 800.556.6570.

Big Cats Golf Courses Just Keep on Winning

Ocean Ridge Plantation is pleased to announce that the legendary Big Cats golf courses continue to receive accolades for outstanding quality and overall golf experience.

Leopard's Chase Golf Club
The Par 4 18th Hole at Leopard’s Chase Golf Club

In the April 2011 issue of NC Business Magazine, The NC Golf Panel has released their prestigious list of “Top 100 Courses in the State for 2011“.

Overall, Leopard’s Chase Golf Links was ranked 39th and Tiger’s Eye Golf Links 41st among all golf courses, public, private and resort.

In the list of Top Courses in the Coastal Region of NC, Leopard’s Chase was ranked 3rd and Tiger’s Eye 4th overall and 1st and 2nd respectively among all public courses!

In addition, The NC Golf Panel picked their “Dream 18“, made up of the top golf holes in the state.  Included in this fantasy layout was the stunning par 3 11th hole at Tiger’s Eye!

In the “Best Bang for the Buck” category, listing courses that offer the best value for the cost, Panther’s Run Golf Links was ranked number 3 among all Coastal Region courses.

In the category of “Best Shot Value“ with courses that place a premium on shot making ability, Tiger’s Eye was ranked 4th among all Coastal Region courses.

GolfWeek Magazine also recently released their 2011 list of the “Best Courses You Can Play“, ranking the top public courses in each state.  Leopard’s Chase Golf Links was ranked #6 in North Carolina and #2 among all “modern design” courses in the state.

The Big Cats courses are perennial favorites to win accolades and we’ve written about it here, AND here, on this blog before. You can still build your dream home with a breathtaking (and award winning) golf view at Ocean Ridge Plantation.  To learn more about the Big Cats courses or to ask about other awards Ocean Ridge has achieved call 800.556.6570 or email us at realestate@oceanridge.com and we’ll be happy to brag just a little bit.

Spring has arrived at Ocean Ridge Plantation

The sky is crystal clear, the sun is shining bright, days are longer, pelicans are flying, bulbs are sprouting, and our coats are in the closet. Spring has arrived in Southeastern North Carolina and at Ocean Ridge Plantation! It’s time to focus on our golf game, catching some fresh fish, boating along the Intracoastal Waterway, grilling out with neighbors, swimming in the ocean and plantation pool, or just sitting on the beach and enjoying the coastal Carolina lifestyle.  Many families from the northeast made the decision to escape the cold – leaving the snow and grey skies behind for an outdoor life at Ocean Ridge enjoying the green grass, warm sand, gentle waves, and uncomplicated lifestyle. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the area’s spring events, southern hospitality and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Beach, Golf, and New Homes are all waiting for you.

Azaleas Bloom in Ocean Ridge
Azaleas in the Ocean Ridge community

Award-Winning Communities

Our communities have annually been honored with placement and praise in nationally recognized publications. Here are three examples:

  • Ocean Ridge: Listed in the "Top Places To Retire" from Where To Retire Magazine.
  • Seawatch: Model home & community chosen by Coastal Living Magazine for the 2009 Coastal Living Idea House".
  • Rivers Edge: Golf course listed #12 in "Places to Play" from Golf Magazine.

Seeing is Believing

When you call or send us an email ask about our 3 days & 2 nights visitation packages. We'll help get you here at a discount so you can spend time in our communities and in coastal Carolina.