Golf enthusiasts drive residential development trend

Local Realtors say the attraction of Springfield golf communities continues to grow.

Paul Dizmang, president of the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors, said the number of people in Springfield wanting to live in golf communities has increased over the past 10 years.

"It's all supply and demand," he said. "Golf is a sport that has grown tremendously, and now there are several golf communities in Springfield where people can play and live."

Dizmang said "the kinds of homes and amenities that go with living in a golfing community are big benefits. Also, when you live on a golf course, you have a great view and someone else is maintaining the lawn for you."

Development costs are what make the lots in golf communities more expensive than those in a regular subdivision, he said.

"You have to allow for things like a larger common area, such as a clubhouse, in the projected cost," Dizmang said. "But while this type of lot may be more expensive, it's usually a benefit to many people."

During the past 10 years, golf communities like Rivercut and Millwood have been developed and Highland Springs, which has been around a little longer, continues to find space for those eager to live in the golf community.

Donna Crosby is the broker for Carol Jones, Realtors, at Highland Springs. Built around and near an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., homes in Highland Springs range from $425,000 to $2 million.

"This is a gated, secured community, which is also a big draw," she said. "Some of the residents are here only half the time because they have a house somewhere else as well. They like knowing that their home is being checked on."

Highland Springs Country Club offers memberships for an extra charge.

As at Highland Springs, not all of the homes in the Millwood Community are on the golf course.

Millwood was developed six years ago at Highway 65 and Evans Road.

Dawna Baker, Millwood's social director, said 85 percent to 90 percent of the lots in the Millwood Community now have houses on them. The price of homes ranges between $250,000 and $1.5 million.

The Saint Andrews Club is a new townhouse community in Millwood. All of the townhomes are located on the golf course. The prices of townhouses range between $350,000 and $800,000.

"It's a gated community with 24-hour security," Baker said. "We maintain the streets and street lights and include a free membership to the Millwood Golf and Racquet Club." While only one family has moved in, half of the 34 available lots have been sold.

Baker said she's seen a growing trend in people wanting to live on a golf course. "There's the prestige of it," she said. "Homeowners know the value of their home will increase because there will always be an interest in golf. Plus, the price of living on a golf course is comparable to other subdivisions that don't offer anything like it in the way of amenities."

At Rivercut Golf Community, 35 homes have either been sold or are now under construction. Twenty-five lots will be available this month with 25 more ready in November. The cost of a home in Rivercut ranges between $250,000 and $500,000.

Sales Manager Tom Lakowske said most people living there are baby boomers looking for more than a golf course.

"Half of the people here don't play golf," Lakowske said. "But they like having the golf course in their backyard. A golf community has more to offer than a regular subdivision does. When people normally look out their back door, all they see is their neighbor's house. But at Rivercut, because the elevation is so high here, you see the golf course plus the far distant horizon."

Construction has begun on a pool and a lodge-style clubhouse. The project, which is expected to cost $500,000, is expected to be ready by Memorial Day of 2001.