15 Reasons to Reconsider Buying a House Near a Golf Course

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Living near a golf course sounds idyllic, but it’s not all fairways and birdies. The weather and the pristine views might be pleasant, but these 15 reasons might make you change your mind. Curious? Swipe left.

Golf Ball Bombardment

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Imagine relaxing in your backyard when—thwack! A golf ball lands inches from your feet. Or worse off, it breaks a window. Residing near a golf course means you’re always in the line of fire dodging these little missiles daily.

Early Morning Tee Times

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If you love sleeping in, having a golf course as a neighbor is a mistake. Golf courses often have early morning routines, meaning lawnmowers and golf carts can become your unappointed alarm clock. Say goodbye to those peaceful weekend mornings, too.

Pristine Lawns, Not Yours

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Golf courses have immaculate lawns, but that doesn’t mean your yard will match. They put you under so much pressure to meet their standards. The frustration from the clear contrast between the professionally maintained grass and your less-than-perfect lawn might soon get to you.

Chemical Concerns

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Those perfectly green fairways come at a cost. Landscapers use many chemicals to maintain the grass’ lush appearance, which can leach into your yard and water supply. If you have a home garden, the chemicals might kill or poison your food supply.

Noise Levels

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The crisp crack of golf clubs meeting balls for the first few minutes is charming. But that charm quickly fades, replaced by an unwelcome symphony of disturbances. From your window, the course could erupt in chattering golfers, joyous shouts, the whir of golf carts, and the clatter of maintenance crews.

Lack of Privacy

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Golfers are still human, so they might veer off the course paths and stray into your yard. Don’t be surprised if you find strangers strolling through your yard searching for their wayward balls if your yard is unfenced.

Limited Outdoor Activities

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Think you can set up a backyard soccer game or a BBQ grill facing the grounds? Think again. Some golf courses, especially the grand ones, can restrict the neighborhood from holding outdoor activities on specific days, such as during big tournaments. 

Higher Home Prices

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Homes near golf courses often have a premium price tag. Agents sell the property using the amenity’s proximity as a selling point. Sure, the view might be nice, but is it worth paying so much more to live near a park where people hit balls with metallic sticks?

HOA Hassles

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Many golf course communities have strict Homeowners Association (HOA) rules. These regulations can be more demanding than a drill sergeant, dictating everything from your home’s color to vegetation type to your garden gnomes. Are you willing to give that power away?

Seasonal Smells

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Spring and summer can bring more than just the smell of fresh-cut grass. Fertilizers, pesticides, and mosquito treatments (for the ponds) have pungent aromas that can waft into your home. This might create a less-than-pleasant living environment and make your home inhabitable.

Mosquito Infestations

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Golf course neighborhoods often have ponds and water features, perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. These pests can become a significant nuisance, especially during warmer months, to the extent that you can’t enjoy outdoor activities and sleep well at night.

Wildlife Woes

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Golf courses near animal parks or forests attract wildlife, some of which may jump into your backyard, feast on your plants, or dig into your lawn (just because!) From geese to raccoons to ducks or gazelles, you’ll have to share your space with critters looking for a free meal.

Traffic Troubles

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Golf tournaments and events are exciting and fun for attendees, not neighbors. These events can bring unexpected traffic to your ordinarily quiet streets. Getting in and out of your neighborhood can also become a major headache during these busy times.

Resale Realities

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Not everyone is drawn to a golf course home, more so due to the limitations and noise constraints, among other issues. This limits your resale market, making selling your home more challenging than anticipated. In the long run, it could also reduce the property’s value.

Weather Worries

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Golf courses can make your home more susceptible to weather damage. Open spaces mean more wind exposure, and water features can increase humidity, leading to issues like mold and erosion. Flooding might also be a concern if your home is on a slope.

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