Pinehurst is considered by many to be "The Golf Capital of the World." Move on over and practice to get your hole in one!
It's all about the links in Pinehurst. The village itself, located in Moore County, boasts eight courses with 40 more nearby. These greens are accompanied by club facilities, golf pros, resorts, pro shops and instruction. The city is often home to the U.S. Open. Other draws include a walkable historic downtown, highly-rated healthcare facilities and a mild climate.
Pinehurst has many rooms at inns, hotels, resorts and other vacation facilities, but Pinehurst has no traditional apartments for rent. Those seeking month-to-month options should search for rental apartments in nearby Southern Pines or Aberdeen. To stay within the village itself, you'll need to go for rental houses in Pinehurst.
Almost 98 percent of residences in the village consist of single-family houses. Only 2 percent belong to condominiums. The average home was built in 1992 and contains 2,088 square feet. Over 40 percent of the living spaces cover 1,800 to 2,400 square feet with another quarter ranging from 2,400 to 3,600 square feet. About 60 percent of homes were built from 1980 to 1999 with another quarter appearing in the 21st century.
Because homes for rent are privately owned, you just can't amble about town hoping to bump into something that fits your high standards. Get some help from a real estate pro, which won't cost you anything; their commission comes from the property owner. Your agent will negotiate on your behalf, explain the pros and cons of each property, keep you on budget, and get any promises in writing.
If homeowners associations are a factor, which is likely with newer properties, be sure to read and understand the covenants so you don't get any nasty surprises after you move in. The advantages with these resident groups is that they typically take care of most outside maintenance, relieving you of that responsibility. They'll also likely encourage you to get tenant insurance after you're settled in because the owners' property coverage doesn't apply to your possessions.
Property owners in Pinehurst pay a special fee to become members of the golf community. This privilege does not automatically transfer to renters of the property and will have to be negotiated separately. Proximity to a golf course -- which really isn't that challenging to find -- increases desirability. These are just some of the neighborhoods you can choose from:
Old Town Pinehurst: The properties of Old Town or the Village Center are in the heart of this resort community. From most points in this downtown area, it is only about a 10 minute walk to the Pinehurst Resort, which is billed as "The Cradle of American Golf." You'll also find several stores and eateries within walking distance.
Lake Pinehurst: It's man-made and private, but the 200-acre lake offers just as much swimming, fishing, and boating as any natural waterway. Land activities here include sunbathing, beach volleyball and picnicking. Naturally, homes on the shoreline are the most desirable, especially if they have a private dock.
Clarendon Gardens: Lot owners automatically become members of the local homeowners association, which among other duties, sponsors the annual picnic and the community watch program. Homes have at least 2,000 square feet and sit on lots near or above an acre, giving this neighborhood a more rural feel. Check out Kraz Elegant Cakes for a delicious cupcake!
Locklair: The few modest-sized houses here, sometimes consisting of trailer homes, sit on acres of property filled with forests. It's the place to be if you demand privacy and space in more rural surroundings. However, if you need quick commutes, NC-73 and US-15 / 501 are just a few minutes away by car.
Pinehurst Country Club: Formed in 1903 by Donald Ross, who is arguably the founder of U.S. golf, this community boasts two golf courses. It keeps all levels of golfers entertained by managing tournaments for men, women, couples, and juniors. It also contains an Olympic-sized pool with swim teams, 10 outdoor hard courts and two clay courts for tennis, a clubhouse, and multiple dining rooms.
Golf Communities: Fairwoods on Seven, Country Club of North Carolina, Forest Creek, and Pinewild are just some of the golf communities you'll find in the area. Facilities and challenges vary by neighborhood but all generally feature clubhouses, restaurants, social events, and 18-hole courses. Whether you automatically get playing privileges varies. Club membership may be automatic for all residents or require an annual fee.
Horse Farms: Often overlooked among the tee-offs and greens are the horse farms that make Pinehurst a haven for equine lovers. You can't score an entire horse farm for lease, but you may be able to find a room or cabin rental on such a property. If you prefer a standard home in town, you can always board your favorite mare or stallion at a local farm.
If you're new in town, stop by the Pinehurst Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which also handles information for Aberdeen and Southern Pines. Aside from giving you the scoop on what's going on with all the golf tournaments, the staff can clue you into all the events and attractions around town that have nothing to do with the game.
To find out whether you've made the right housing decision, get a ticket to the the Tour of Homes and Gardens, held every April. You'll enjoy living spaces that aren't normally open to the public and fund horticultural scholarships at local institutions. Give your horse a chance to shine at the Carriage Classic in the Pines. Your equine friend can appear as a single, pair, or multiple, while pulling a selection of beautiful carriages.
In August, the county-wide Annual Fine Arts festival features both visual and performing arts with displays of paintings, mixed media, oils, and watercolors, and performances of classical music, and jazz. If the palette you find most pleasing is gustatory, you can fill up at the tastings and seminars of the Food and Wine Festival.
To heat up the winter, the Festival of Trees in November displays over 200 trees that are decorated for the holidays by local businesses and charities. You can even bring one home if your bid is high enough. End the year with the lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown. The festivities typically include entertainment from local and regional chorales and bands.
