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
Tony Harvey,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Ave Maria, FL sell after 136 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Ave Maria, FL over the last 12 months is $375,000, down 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 5050 Trevi Ave in sought-after Maple Ridge at Ave Maria! This beautifully maintained 3BR/2BA lakefront home offers rare double lake views from front and back. Built in 2014, this move-in ready residence features an open-concept layout, abundant natural light, wood flooring, and a spacious primary suite with dual sinks, soaking tub, separate shower, and walk-in closet. Upgrades include
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged, AI generated or rendered. NEW CONSTRUCTION - SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE! This Seagrove quad features 2 bedrooms plus a den with french doors, 2 baths, and 2 car garage. Features include stylish kitchen backsplash, white kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, owners bath with walk-in shower, tile flooring throughout home,
Assumable FHA loan! Golf Course Views! Cul de sac Street! Impact Glass! PRICED TO SELL! ASSUMABLE FHA Loan at 5.87%. Avoid today's rates and save on financing costs! 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
This isn’t just a home—it’s a complete lifestyle experience. Welcome to The National Golf & Country Club, where resort-style living is part of your everyday routine—and this residence includes a highly coveted bundled golf membership to the Gordon Lewis–designed championship course. Live where every day feels like a vacation, with access to an unmatched collection of luxury amenities designed to
Experience effortless luxury living with a full golf membership included in this beautifully appointed turnkey furnished single-family Victoria home, ideally situated with prime western exposure in the prestigious 'The National Golf & Country Club'. This beautiful home has 2 Bedrooms + Den, which was used as a third bedroom, plus 2.5 baths. Impeccably maintained residence is move-in ready and
Beautifully furnished 2-bedroom + den, 2-bath condo with golf membership included, located in the highly desirable community of Ave Maria. This well-maintained residence offers a spacious and functional layout, perfect for full-time living, a seasonal getaway, or an excellent investment opportunity. The home features a bright and open living and dining area filled with natural light, along with a
Short Sale! Priced reduced to $329,999. 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
Exceptional Lake and Golf Course Views Await in this Del Webb Ave Maria Coach HomeDiscover the perfect blend of luxury and comfort in this stunning second-floor "Cormorant" Coach home, offering breathtaking lake and golf course views. This beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo features soaring 12-foot vaulted ceilings that create an impressive sense of space and grandeur
Introducing a stunning 2024-built home loaded with over $40K in upgrades in Maple Ridge at Ave Maria! Two story home with a total of 3167 sqft under AC. First floor 1618 sqft boasting a large living room area, a guest bedroom with bathroom, large kitchen and dining room. Second floor another 1548 sqft features a large family room with master bedroom and two guest bedrooms. Upon entry, step into
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
Experience resort-style living in the highly desirable Del Webb Bellera Walk community! This beautifully maintained home offers an open floor plan with spacious living areas, a modern kitchen and plenty of natural light throughout. The primary suite features a walk-in closet and a private bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in shower. Enjoy relaxing mornings on the screened lanai while taking in
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
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 slice of paradise at The National Golf and Country Club, nestled in the heart of picturesque Ave Maria, Florida! Step inside the stunning Arrowhead Coach home, where breathtaking views of a tranquil, shimmering lake greet you every morning. Picture this: sipping your morning coffee on the lanai as the sun rises—or unwinding in the evening with a glass of wine as the day melts
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:
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged, AI generated or rendered. This beautifully appointed 2-bedroom, 2-bath Birkdale floor plan offers comfortable, effortless living in the highly sought-after community of The National Golf & Country Club. Ideally located on the coveted 4th floor, this unit delivers breathtaking, elevated views that truly set it apart—offering a peaceful, panoramic
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 to the top of the list. No pets are allowed in the house. No extra people or overnight guests in the room. Call
Live the Resort Life – Furnished Veranda Home with Full Golf Membership in The National at Ave Maria. Welcome to your next chapter in luxury living. This beautifully furnished Bromelia II Veranda floor plan is more than just a rental, it’s a chance to wake up every day in a resort-style paradise, with a full golf membership included. Located in The Verandas at The National Golf & Country Club in
Golf Membership Fully transferrable! Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo features the sought-after Arbor floor plan, offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in the heart of The National Golf & Country Club. Located in a peaceful community with scenic views, this well-maintained home boasts an open, spacious layout ideal for both relaxed living and entertaining. The
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Birkdale floorplan located on the first floor of the highly desirable Terrace Condominiums at The National Golf & Country Club in Ave Maria. This fully furnished unit showcases tile flooring throughout, a modern kitchen, elegant ceiling fans, and a striking luxury light fixtures, all thoughtfully designed to offer comfort and style.
Escape to warm, sunny Southwest Florida and enjoy your perfect seasonal getaway in this stunning golf course pool home, located within a beautiful gated resort community. Designed for relaxation and entertaining, this spacious 3–4 bedroom, 3-bath home features an open floor plan with a large kitchen island, ideal for gathering with family and friends. Step outside to your private pool and heated
This fully furnished, like-new 2 bedroom plus den, 2 bathroom Arabella Veranda includes a coveted bundled golf membership, offering a truly elevated lifestyle. The residence comes beautifully furnished with stylish, high quality pieces that complement the home's sophisticated design, just bring your suitcase and start enjoying. Inside, you'll find an open-concept layout centered around a spacious
LIVE THE ULTIMATE RESORT LIFESTYLE in this stunning furnished & turnkey 4-bedroom, 3-bath pool home located in the highly sought-after gated community of The National Golf & Country Club at Ave Maria! Built in 2023, this beautifully designed single-story residence offers over 2,200 square feet of stylish living space with an open-concept floor plan, split bedrooms, and upscale finishes
Welcome to The National Golf & Country Club in the charming town of Ave Maria — now available for annual rental! Step into this beautiful 2+Den, 2-bath DiAngelo-style home offering 1,366 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. The open-concept floor plan provides a spacious and comfortable layout ideal for everyday living, with seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living
Welcome to your dream getaway in the heart of Ave Maria! This beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath Birkdale condo offers the ideal seasonal retreat, combining comfort, style, and resort-style living. Perfectly positioned to capture panoramic views of the Gordon Lewis championship golf course and tranquil lake, this home delivers breathtaking sunset views from your private screened
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