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.
The annual Ave Maria Steak Cook-off is a popular event for local food lovers.
The Ave Maria Catholic Parish Church is visited daily for prayer and organized mass.
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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.
Large communities of homes are built alongside golf courses in Ave Maria.
Many Ave Maria homes surround Rosary Lake.
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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.
Ave Maria University has great athletic programs for several sports.
Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria provides Catholic studies to school age children.
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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.
Residents take daily walks around Rosary Lake in Ave Maria.
Golf tournaments and daily rounds are played on the many local courses in Ave Maria.
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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.
Local eateries and major chains can be found in Ave Maria shopping plazas.
The Pub & Grill is a staple for casual fare and beverages in Ave Maria.
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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.
Weekly and monthly events are held throughout the year in Ave Maria's town center.
The town center fills with residents and music lovers during the Ave Maria Margarita Festival.
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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
Video By
Benjamin Rose
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisbette Vargas,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Ave Maria, FL sell after 129 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Ave Maria, FL over the last 12 months is $398,427, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Perfectly positioned in The National Golf & Country Club at Ave Maria, this highly desirable first-floor Arrowhead model coach home offers serene privacy and stunning lake and golf course views from its cul-de-sac setting. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms across 1,741 square feet, the thoughtfully designed split-bedroom floor plan blends comfort with effortless flow.The open-concept
Welcome to the crown jewel of The National Golf & Country Club!Perfectly positioned on the most coveted lot in the entire community, this exceptional lakeside residence delivers unobstructed water and golf course views from every angle—a rare and breathtaking backdrop that simply cannot be replicated.Set on a premier southwest-facing homesite, this stunning lakeside model captures golden
Auction Property. Auction Property. In Collaboration with Alex Cooper Auctioneers. List price is Opening Bid at The Online Only Auction Sale to Be Held on The Auctioneers Website – Bidding begins Saturday March 21st 2026 and ends Thursday March 26th, 2026, at 12:00PM. Beautifully Appointed Home in the Heart of Ave Maria, One of Southwest Florida’s Fastest-Growing and Most Vibrant Communities.
Your chance to own the creme-de-la-creme residence in a PRIVATE GOLF CLUB. This practically brand new Lakeside home is where thoughtful space design and refined living come together in perfect harmony. Located in the prestigious - exclusive National Golf & Country Club within Ave Maria, Florida. This home has the best location, the best lake view, and the best floor plan of the community. It is a
Experience luxury living at its finest in this fully furnished, like-new 2-bedroom + den, 2-bath Arabella Veranda. Located in the prestigious The National Golf & Country Club, this residence includes a coveted bundled golf membership, offering unparalleled access to an exceptional lifestyle. Step inside to a meticulously designed home where spacious comfort meets sophisticated style. The
Welcome to your personal slice of paradise at The National Golf & Country Club in the charming town of Ave Maria, Florida! Step into this beautiful 2+Den, 2-bath DiAngelo-style home offering 1,366 square feet of beautifully designed living space. The open-concept floor plan feels spacious and inviting, with seamless flow from room to room. This unit features both a front and back lanai—perfect
Welcome to this stunning Carolina model, the largest floor plan in the Terrace Collection at The National Golf & Country Club, offering over 1,300 square feet of comfortable, open living space. Located on the first floor, this beautifully maintained condo features tile flooring throughout, creating a bright, clean look that’s both stylish and easy to maintain.With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms,
Golf membership included! Welcome to this beautifully appointed Napoli II home located in the prestigious National Golf & Country Club at Ave Maria. This stunning residence combines luxury, comfort, and resort-style living in one of Southwest Florida’s most desirable golf communities.Featuring 3 bedrooms plus den and 21⁄2 bathrooms, this home offers an open-concept layout with elegant
LOWEST PRICED QUAD HOME! LOWER THAN NEW CONSTRUCTION + A GOLF COURSE & POND VIEW! Skip the construction noise, upgrade costs, and waiting... this beautifully upgraded Seagrove floor plan is already finished, enhanced, and ready to enjoy — and it comes with one of the most RARE pond & golf course views in Del Webb that the builder is no longer offering. Priced to sell now! Tucked away on a quiet
Short Sale! Priced reduced to $339,999. The short sale is approved by the bank already. Welcome to 5601 Cobalto Way, an extremely rare 2-car garage Single Family home at the Silverwood Community in Ave Maria, Florida. This immaculately maintained home, built in 2024, has barely been lived in! Lowest priced home offers 2047 SqFt. If you are looking for peace and quiet next to Naples, without all
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded FERNWOOD model located in the desirable Maple Ridge community of Ave Maria. Built in 2023, this move-in-ready 2 Bedroom + Den, 2 Bath single-family home offers 1,355 sq. ft. of comfortable living space on an oversized 5,663 sq. ft. lot, set on a quiet cul-de-sac with a large fenced yard and stunning western preserve views for gorgeous Florida sunsets and
Wonderful opportunity to have a large home in Ave Maria. Whether you just want ample space or need a home to accommodate a multigenerational family, this home has so much to offer. Large living room is open to the expansive kitchen with a large center island and dining room. 1st floor office, 1st floor bedroom and 1st floor full bathroom. Spacious second floor offers the master suite with private
Introducing a stunning 2024-built home loaded with over $40K in upgrades in Maple Ridge at Ave Maria! Upon entry, step into elegant tile floors and a chef's kitchen with quartz countertops. Relax in the living room featuring a custom accent wall and custom drop ceiling design. This house sits on a corner lot and has more than enough space to install a inground pool. Located in the #1 selling
Perfectly positioned in The National Golf & Country Club at Ave Maria, this highly desirable first-floor Arrowhead model coach home offers serene privacy and stunning lake and golf course views from its cul-de-sac setting. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms across 1,741 square feet, the thoughtfully designed split-bedroom floor plan blends comfort with effortless flow.The open-concept
Beautiful Birkdale 2-bedroom, 2-bath first-floor condo just steps from the amenities in a highly sought-after gated community with 24/7 manned security. This west-facing home offers breathtaking sunset views from the screened lanai, overlooking the 9th hole and the community’s largest lake. The open layout is perfect for entertaining, and a full-size pull-out sofa provides comfortable
Experience resort-style living in this exceptional 2BR/2BA Birkdale condo overlooking the breathtaking Gordon Lewis–designed golf course and tranquil lake, ideally located just steps from the golf and amenities center. Enjoy spectacular western sunset views over the Town of Ave Maria from your private screened lanai — the perfect place to relax after a day on the course. This beautifully
Vacation in paradise with this beautiful first-floor Arrowhead model in the highly sought-after community of Ave Maria. This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers over 1,700 square feet of professionally decorated living space and is being offered fully turnkey, making it completely move-in ready. Designed for comfort and convenience, the home also features a 2-car attached garage and is ideally
Stunning end-unit Carolina model offering breathtaking golf course views and the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and resort-style living. This beautifully furnished 3-bedroom residence features a spacious split-bedroom floor plan, providing excellent privacy along with generously sized bedrooms, an in-unit laundry room, an assigned carport, and ample guest parking. Enjoy picturesque golf
Beautiful and inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath Del Webb home offering peaceful canal and golf course views in the vibrant community of Ave Maria. Thoughtfully decorated with comfort in mind, this cozy residence provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy Southwest Florida living. Residents of Del Webb enjoy an incredible array of resort-style amenities, including a clubhouse, resort-style pool, lap
Welcome to luxury living at its finest! This Arbor floor plan offers a desirable split 2-bedroom layout designed for both comfort and privacy—perfect for hosting family and guests. Offered unfurnished, this residence provides the perfect opportunity to design and personalize the space to your own taste and style. Perched on the fourth floor, this home showcases breathtaking panoramic views of the
This beautifully designed Veranda condo offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and resort-style living. Featuring 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, plus a versatile den, this upper-level unit boasts a thoughtfully designed split floor plan for added privacy. The open-concept living area, volume ceilings, and modern finishes create a bright and inviting space ideal for both everyday
Available May 1, 2026 – Annual Rental for $3,995 per month! Experience true resort-style living in this stunning, fully furnished Angelina model, featuring your own private heated pool, relaxing spa, and outdoor kitchen—perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the beautiful Southwest Florida weather year-round. From morning coffee by the pool to evenings unwinding under the stars, this home
Enjoy modern living in this 3 bed/2 and a half bath single-family home in the fast-growing Ave Maria, FL community. Built in 2024, this residence boasts impact-resistant windows, an upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances/granite countertops, wood plank tile, and upgraded bathrooms, blackout shades to enjoy a good rest in each bedroom! NO CARPET!!! Enjoy the serene public protected land
Property Id: 1027690This stylish place to Stunning Diangelo II Model @ The National Golf and Country Club! Den has a pull-out coach with an upgraded gel memory foam mattress so this is suitable for 4-6 occupants. Floor plan layout lives more like a single family home than a condo with the kitchen, living room, dining room and rear lanai with with golf and lake View Please Note:
Location! Location! Location! Rent or Rent to Own. Brand New first floor Private end unit Condo in The National Golf and Country Club. Includes BUNDLED GOLF Stunning Arabella II model features Master Bedroom Suite with walk in closet and double sinks, walk in shower. Entire unit is tile flooring for easy maintenance. Open floor concept has large great room, dining room, two kitchen snack
One beautiful bedroom is up for rent in this amazing brand new house in the exclusive town of Ave Maria. It's a furnished bedroom with a shared bath and all utilities included. Look no further and join me in this absolutely beautiful home. Students from the Ave Maria University will receive $100 OFF the listing monthly rent. No pets are allowed in the house. No extra people or overnight
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