Ave Maria’s Catholic roots and inclusive transformation
The master-planned community of Ave Maria was initially envisioned as a place for Catholic families when founder Tom Monaghan — who also founded Domino's Pizza — put down roots here in 2005. That vision has changed over the years, but spots like Rosary Lake, the Mother Teresa Museum and the central Catholic Parish Church remain unchanged parts of Monaghan's original vision. "It’s truly a family-oriented place. There are always activities for kids, and you’ll see families riding around everywhere in golf carts, which has kind of become the community’s signature,” says Serafin Sanchez, resident and Realtor with The Keyes Company. “There’s something going on all the time, from live bands and trolley tours to year-round events run by the master association." The community is growing in tandem with the private Catholic Ave Maria University, bringing a new wave of residents in every year.
Mediterranean-style homes and golf course views
Homes here feature New Traditional, Mediterranean and Spanish-style architecture, including condos and townhouses with stucco facades, tile roofs and a palette of warm earth tones. Construction began in 2006, and new homes continue to be built through 2025, offering both single- and two-story layouts across neighborhoods like Maple Ridge, Avalon Park and The National Golf & Country Club. Floor plans typically range from two to five bedrooms, with garages for one to three cars. Entry-level homes and condos start $350,000 and larger two-story homes sell for between $450,000 to $600,000. Homeowners Association fees vary by neighborhood and home type, generally ranging from $300 to over $1,000 per month.
Faith-based learning at Ave Maria University
The private Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria earns an A-minus from Niche and serves students from kindergarten through grade 12. For public school, kids can start out at A-rated Corkscrew Elementary, continue to Corkscrew Middle and finish up at Palmetto Ridge High, both of which score an A-minus. Ave Maria University is a private Catholic four-year school, offering specialized religious courses. For higher education, Ave Maria University offers over 40 student clubs and specialized courses like Family Studies and Catholic Studies.
Rosary Lake trails and Panther Run golf near Corkscrew Marsh
At the community’s heart is Rosary Lake, a peaceful spot surrounded by a walking and biking trail. Golfers can tee off at Panther Run Golf Club, an 18-hole course known for its flexible membership options, or enjoy the National Golf & Country Club, where homeownership includes golf privileges and access to resort-style pools, tennis and pickleball courts. Families flock to the Ave Maria Water Park, which features an open-tube water slide, lap lanes and play areas for kids, while residents of Maple Ridge enjoy exclusive access to a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse complete with fitness facilities, a billiard room and outdoor grilling stations. The nearby CREW Wildlife and Environmental Area at Corkscrew Marsh offers miles of trails through wetlands for hiking and birdwatching.
Walkable Town Center and local flavors near Naples
The Town Center is the walkable heart of the community, with palm-lined streets leading to Publix Super Market at La Piazza for groceries, The Secret Ingredient for women’s clothing and gifts, and The Pub & Grill for casual dining. Along Ave Maria Boulevard, Oil Well Craft Beer pours local and imported drafts in a relaxed setting, while Ledo Pizza serves up square pies, subs and salads.
Food festivals, music and golf tournaments
The Taste of Ave festival anchors the town’s social scene each February, transforming the Town Center into a hub of activity where families sample local eats, browse a 60-vendor farmers market, and enjoy live performances by local bands. As daylight fades, the Oil Well Craft Beer New Year’s Eve Masquerade takes center stage, where residents dance until midnight. Golfers find year-round excitement through tournaments like the Kiss Cancer Goodbye Scramble at Panther Run Golf Club, which raises funds for the Cancer Alliance of Naples, and the Amateur Players Tour Major at The National Golf & Country Club.
Upgraded roads, airport shuttles and easy access to Naples hospitals
Residents enjoy direct access by car to Naples and Fort Myers, with Interstate 75 about 25 miles away for regional travel. For air travel, the closest airports are Naples Municipal Airport (34 miles) and Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers (37 miles), both reachable by car or shuttle services. The nearest major hospital is Physicians Regional Medical Center on Pine Ridge Road in Naples, about 20 miles away, while NCH North Naples Hospital is also within a 22-mile drive.
Written By
Brennen Martin
Photography Contributed By
Kristjan Veski
