For many buyers in Southeastern North Carolina, the "Golf Course Community" dream comes with a steep asterisk: The Mandatory Membership.

In many luxury developments, buying a home on the fairway requires a five-figure initiation fee and monthly dues that rival a mortgage payment—whether you play golf or not. But in 2026, savvy buyers are realizing they don't have to pay country club prices to enjoy country club views.

New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties are home to several "Semi-Private" communities. These neighborhoods offer the manicured landscapes and pro shops you want, but operate on a "pay-to-play" model. You can join if you want, or you can just pay a daily green fee when you feel like teeing it up.

If you want the lifestyle without the monthly bill, here are the top neighborhoods to watch.

1. The Hampstead Trifecta (Pender County)

Hampstead is arguably the capital of "accessible golf" in our region. Three major communities sit within minutes of each other, all offering optional memberships.

Castle Bay: With its Scottish-links style layout (no trees, lots of wind!), this course is a local favorite. The community features affordable single-family homes and townhomes. Residents can pay a daily rate or buy an annual pass, but neither is required to live there.

Olde Point: Just down the road, Olde Point offers a more traditional, mature course lined with pines and water. The neighborhood has no HOA for many of the older, custom homes, giving you maximum freedom.

Belvedere (Ironclad Golf): This is the "cool kid" on the block. The course was revitalized as Ironclad Golf, which includes a massive beer garden, pickleball courts, and a brewery. It’s a social hub first and a golf course second. Living in the Belvedere neighborhood gives you golf cart access to one of the best hangout spots in Pender County—with zero mandatory club dues.

2. The Wilmington "Resort" Option (New Hanover)

Inside Wilmington city limits, "no-fee" golf is rare, but one neighborhood stands out.

Beau Rivage Resort & Golf Club: Located off Carolina Beach Road, this community feels like a destination resort. The course is known for its dramatic elevation changes (rare for the coast!). While they offer memberships, they are entirely optional. You can buy a townhouse or a single-family home here and simply pay the "local" rate whenever you want to play.

3. The Leland Powerhouse (Brunswick County)

Leland is famous for its resort communities, but you have to check the fine print.

Magnolia Greens: This is the community that put Leland on the map. It features 27 holes of championship golf that host PGA Tour qualifying events. Despite the high-quality facility, it remains a public-access course. Homeowners here enjoy the prestige of a top-tier course view without the private club price tag found in neighboring communities.

4. The "Hidden Gems" of Onslow

If you are looking for affordability near the beach, look north.

North Shore Country Club (Sneads Ferry): Located minutes from the Topsail Island bridge, this neighborhood offers classic coastal golf living. The course is semi-private, meaning the public is welcome. It’s a favorite for buyers who want to play a round in the morning and be on the beach by noon.

Bear Trail (Jacksonville): Situated in the Southwest Plantation community, this is one of the best value plays in the region. The course is pristine, and the surrounding homes offer significantly more square footage for the money than you’d find further south.

The "Cart Path" Rule

One specific tip for these communities: Check the "Trail Fee." Even if membership isn't mandatory, many of these neighborhoods allow you to use your own golf cart on the course for a small annual "Trail Fee." This is often the sweet spot for locals—it costs far less than a full membership but still allows you to zip over to the first tee from your garage.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we know the difference between a "mandatory equity membership" and a "daily fee" course. We can help you find a home where the only thing you are committed to is lowering your handicap. Let’s go tour some fairways.