Ave Maria is one of the nation’s most successful and fastest-growing master-planned communities, offering residents a unique combination of small-town charm, modern amenities, diverse housing options, and an exceptional quality of life. Located in eastern Collier County approximately 25 minutes east of Naples, Ave Maria has evolved into one of Southwest Florida’s premier residential destinations, attracting families, retirees, professionals, seasonal residents, and investors from across the country. Known as “A Big Kind of Small Town,” Ave Maria combines thoughtful planning, beautiful surroundings, and a strong sense of community unlike anywhere else in Florida.
Founded in 2005 through a partnership between Barron Collier Companies and the Ave Maria Foundation, the community was designed around the principles of walkability, connectivity, education, recreation, and long-term sustainability. Today, Ave Maria encompasses approximately 5,000 acres and is planned for up to 11,000 residences along with extensive retail, office, healthcare, educational, and recreational facilities.
Ave Maria has consistently earned national recognition as one of America’s top-selling master-planned communities. The community ranked among the nation’s top 20 master-planned developments for home sales and continues to experience strong residential growth. More than 5,000 homes have been sold since the town’s inception, and ongoing expansion continues to attract new residents seeking a lifestyle-focused community in Southwest Florida.
At the heart of Ave Maria is the Town Center, a vibrant gathering place that serves as the community’s social and commercial hub. Residents enjoy a growing collection of restaurants, cafés, retail shops, professional services, healthcare providers, fitness facilities, and community gathering spaces. The Town Center is designed to encourage walkability and community engagement, with frequent events including farmers markets, concerts, holiday celebrations, festivals, and family activities held throughout the year.
One of Ave Maria’s most recognizable landmarks is the Ave Maria Oratory, an architecturally stunning church that anchors the town center and has become an iconic symbol of the community. Adjacent to the Oratory is Ave Maria University, a nationally recognized Catholic university that contributes to the town’s educational, cultural, and intellectual environment. Together, these institutions help create the unique character and sense of place that distinguish Ave Maria from many other master-planned communities.
The community offers an impressive variety of residential neighborhoods designed to accommodate virtually every stage of life. Popular neighborhoods include Del Webb Naples, The National Golf & Country Club, Maple Ridge, Maple Ridge Reserve, Hampton Village, Avalon Park, Emerson Park, Gatherpoint, Silverwood, Coquina at Maple Ridge, and many others. Housing options range from condominiums and townhomes to luxury estate homes, golf course residences, active adult communities, and new construction neighborhoods developed by some of the nation’s leading builders.
Recreation and wellness play a central role in the Ave Maria lifestyle. Residents enjoy access to numerous parks, playgrounds, sports fields, walking and biking trails, dog parks, fitness facilities, golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and the popular Ave Maria Water Park. The community’s Blue Zones-inspired focus on healthy living promotes outdoor activity, social engagement, and overall wellness.
Families are particularly attracted to Ave Maria because of its educational opportunities and family-friendly atmosphere. The community is served by highly rated Collier County public schools and private educational institutions ranging from preschool through university. Continued investment in educational facilities, including planned new schools, further enhances the community’s long-term appeal for families.
Golf enthusiasts enjoy several outstanding golf opportunities throughout the community, including Panther Run Golf Club at Del Webb Naples and the championship course at The National Golf & Country Club. These golf communities provide residents with access to resort-style amenities, active social calendars, and some of Southwest Florida’s most attractive golf course settings.
Ave Maria’s location provides convenient access to Naples, Immokalee, and the greater Southwest Florida region while maintaining a peaceful environment removed from the congestion of coastal markets. Residents enjoy a quieter pace of life while still being within reach of Gulf beaches, Southwest Florida International Airport, major healthcare facilities, and the region’s shopping and dining destinations.
The community continues to experience significant commercial and residential growth. New shopping centers, healthcare services, restaurants, schools, and business opportunities are being added to support the growing population. Planned development includes additional residential neighborhoods, retail centers, and commercial space that will continue to strengthen Ave Maria’s position as one of Florida’s premier master-planned communities.
Real estate within Ave Maria remains highly desirable due to its diverse housing options, extensive amenities, strong community atmosphere, and long-term growth potential. Buyers are attracted to the town’s combination of affordability, lifestyle, and quality of life compared to many other Southwest Florida communities. Whether seeking a family home, retirement residence, golf property, seasonal retreat, or investment opportunity, Ave Maria offers one of the most complete residential experiences available in Florida.
Lifestyle in Ave Maria
Life in Ave Maria revolves around community, recreation, and connection. Residents enjoy attending town events, dining at local restaurants, golfing, exercising along scenic trails, participating in clubs and organizations, relaxing at neighborhood amenity centers, and taking advantage of year-round outdoor activities. Whether enjoying a concert in the Town Center, attending a university event, spending time with family at the water park, or simply gathering with neighbors, residents experience a lifestyle centered around engagement, wellness, and small-town living.
Your Local Ave Maria Real Estate Experts
The McGreevy and Comisar Team at Domain Realty is led by Jesse McGreevy and Marc Comisar, Southwest Florida real estate specialists with extensive experience throughout Ave Maria, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and the region’s premier residential communities. Together, they have completed more than 1,700 transactions and over $860 million in career sales throughout Southwest Florida.
Jesse and Marc regularly help buyers and sellers navigate Ave Maria real estate, providing guidance on new construction opportunities, resale homes, golf communities, active adult neighborhoods, HOA considerations, builder incentives, market trends, investment opportunities, seasonal and year-round living, and long-term property values. Their local expertise helps clients understand the unique advantages of owning within one of America’s fastest-growing and most successful master-planned communities.
