Why Pinehurst is the Ultimate Golf Home Destination

The Home of American Golf

Pinehurst holds a place in golf history that few destinations can match. Since James Walker Tufts founded the village in 1895 and legendary course designer Donald Ross arrived in 1900, Pinehurst has been synonymous with the game. Pinehurst No. 2, Ross's masterpiece, has hosted the U.S. Open, the U.S. Women's Open, the Ryder Cup, and countless other major championships. In 2024, it once again hosted a historic dual U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open in back-to-back weeks — a testament to its enduring significance.

But Pinehurst is far more than a single famous course. The Sandhills region of North Carolina, centered around the villages of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen, is home to more than 40 golf courses within a 15-mile radius. For golfers who dream of stepping out their back door and onto a first tee, there is no better place in the eastern United States to own a second home.

Championship Courses at Your Doorstep

The concentration of world-class golf in the Pinehurst area is extraordinary. Here are some of the standout courses available to residents and visitors:

Pinehurst Resort Courses

Pinehurst Resort operates nine courses, each with its own character. No. 2 is the crown jewel, featuring the restored native sandy waste areas that have become its signature. No. 4, redesigned by Gil Hanse, is considered one of the best modern designs in the country. No. 8, the Centennial Course designed by Tom Fazio, offers a more forgiving but equally beautiful experience. Resort members and property owners within the Pinehurst community can access these courses with preferred tee times and reduced rates.

Private Club Options

Beyond the resort, several private clubs in the area offer outstanding golf and full country club amenities. Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, designed by Donald Ross, hosted multiple U.S. Women's Opens. The Country Club of North Carolina features two excellent courses and is one of the most prestigious private clubs in the state. Forest Creek Golf Club, with courses designed by Tom Fazio and Arnold Palmer, offers a more modern and exclusive experience.

Public and Semi-Private Courses

For those who prefer not to commit to a private club, the area has numerous public and semi-private options. Tobacco Road, a dramatic Mike Strantz design, is consistently ranked among the best public courses in America. Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club, another Donald Ross design, offers resort-quality golf at accessible prices. The variety ensures that even without a private membership, you will never lack for excellent golf.

Community Lifestyle Beyond the Fairways

One of the most pleasant surprises for newcomers to Pinehurst is how much the area offers beyond golf. The village of Pinehurst is a charming, walkable community with a village green, locally owned shops, and excellent restaurants. Southern Pines, just minutes away, has a vibrant downtown along Broad Street with art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, and a thriving cultural scene.

• Equestrian culture: The Sandhills region is one of the premier equestrian communities on the East Coast. The Carolina Horse Park hosts national-level events, and many communities welcome horse owners with trails and boarding facilities.
• Outdoor recreation: Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve and the Sandhills Game Land offer hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. The area's longleaf pine ecosystem is ecologically unique and beautiful.
• Dining and entertainment: From the Pine Crest Inn's classic fine dining to the casual atmosphere of Southern Pines Growler Company, the area punches well above its weight for food and drink.
• Arts and culture: The Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines hosts live performances, and the area has a growing gallery scene and regular community events.
• Healthcare: FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital is a well-regarded regional medical center, and the larger facilities of the Raleigh-Durham area are about an hour north.

Many second home buyers discover that the Pinehurst lifestyle is so enjoyable that their "vacation home" gradually becomes their primary residence — the community has a way of drawing people in.

Property Types and Price Ranges

The Pinehurst and Southern Pines real estate market offers a range of property types to suit different budgets and lifestyles:

Golf Course Condos and Townhomes

For buyers who want a low-maintenance second home with golf course access, condos and townhomes in communities like Pinehurst Members Club, Longleaf Country Club, and various resort-adjacent developments start in the $200,000-$350,000 range. These are ideal for buyers who want to lock and leave without worrying about yard maintenance or exterior upkeep.

Single-Family Homes in Golf Communities

The heart of the Pinehurst market is single-family homes within golf course communities. Options range from modest three-bedroom homes starting around $300,000 in communities like Pinewild to larger custom homes in the $500,000-$1 million range in communities like the Country Club of North Carolina or Forest Creek. Many of these homes sit directly on fairways or overlook greens, providing the classic "golf home" experience.

Luxury Estates

For buyers seeking the finest properties, the area offers luxury estates on expansive lots, often with private golf course views, pools, guest houses, and custom finishes. These properties range from $1 million to $3 million-plus. Some of the most impressive homes sit along the fairways of Pinehurst No. 2 or within the gated sections of the most exclusive communities.

Historic Properties in Southern Pines

Southern Pines has a collection of historic homes, many dating to the early 1900s, that offer charm and character that newer construction cannot replicate. These homes are within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants. Prices range from $350,000 for smaller cottages to over $1 million for fully restored historic estates.

Investment Value and Market Trends

Pinehurst real estate has demonstrated steady, reliable appreciation over the long term. The market does not experience the dramatic swings seen in some coastal or urban markets — instead, it trends upward gradually, supported by a combination of golf tourism, a growing retiree population, and limited land availability in the most desirable communities.

Several factors support continued value growth in the Pinehurst area:

• Major event hosting: The USGA's long-term commitment to hosting championships at Pinehurst brings national attention and drives interest in the area.
• Infrastructure investment: Pinehurst Resort continues to invest hundreds of millions in upgrades, including new lodging, dining, and course improvements. This investment lifts property values throughout the surrounding area.
• Retirement destination: The Sandhills region is consistently ranked among the top retirement destinations in the country, providing a steady pipeline of buyers.
• Affordable luxury: Compared to golf communities in Florida, Arizona, or California, Pinehurst offers comparable or superior golf at significantly lower real estate prices, making it a compelling value proposition.

Rental income potential in Pinehurst is more modest than in Asheville or the Outer Banks, as the market is oriented more toward ownership than vacation rentals. However, properties near the resort can generate meaningful income during major tournament weeks and peak golf seasons (spring and fall). A well-located two or three-bedroom home can earn $15,000-$25,000 annually through selective rentals.

The Sandhills Region: More Than Just Pinehurst

While Pinehurst gets the name recognition, the broader Sandhills region offers additional options worth exploring. Aberdeen, located just south of Southern Pines, provides more affordable housing options and a growing downtown. Whispering Pines, a small community between Pinehurst and Southern Pines, offers a quiet residential setting with its own lake and golf course. Carthage, the Moore County seat, is a small historic town that appeals to buyers seeking rural character at lower prices.

The region's location is also a significant advantage. Pinehurst sits roughly equidistant from Charlotte and Raleigh (about 75-90 minutes to each), giving residents access to two major metro areas with international airports, professional sports, and major healthcare systems. Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), one of the largest military installations in the world, is nearby and contributes to the local economy.

For golfers and non-golfers alike, the Sandhills offer a quality of life that is hard to beat — warm hospitality, a mild four-season climate, affordable living, and a community that genuinely values the good things in life.