Brunswick Forest vs Compass Pointe vs Magnolia Greens Homes for Sale

Comparing Three Premier Golf Communities in Leland NC

Finding the right golf community in Leland, Brunswick County’s fastest-growing area, is a common decision for retirees relocating near Wilmington. Three of the most popular and frequently compared options are Brunswick Forest, Compass Pointe, and Magnolia Greens. All three offer championship golf, resort-style amenities, and an active adult lifestyle, but they differ in scale, gating, golf focus, pricing, and overall feel. This side-by-side comparison will help you determine which Leland golf community best matches your retirement priorities.

Quick Comparison of Brunswick Forest vs Compass Pointe vs Magnolia Greens

Feature	Brunswick Forest	Compass Pointe	Magnolia Greens
Location	Leland (northern Brunswick County)	Leland (northern Brunswick County)	Leland (northern Brunswick County)
Golf Holes	18 holes (Cape Fear National)	18 holes (Rick Robbins design)	27 holes (3 nines)
Gated	No (master-planned)	Yes	No (gated entrance optional in some sections)
Home Price Range (2025)	$350K–$800K+	$400K–$900K+	$300K–$600K
HOA Fees (approx annual)	$2,200–$3,000	$2,400–$3,200	$1,800–$2,500
Best Known For	Extensive trails + wellness focus + Wilmington proximity	Gated luxury + lazy river pool + social scene	Affordable golf + mature landscaping + value

Brunswick Forest Section

Lifestyle & Feel Brunswick Forest offers a vibrant, nature-oriented master-planned lifestyle with a welcoming, open community atmosphere and strong emphasis on wellness and outdoor activities.

Golf Features the acclaimed 18-hole Cape Fear National course with practice facilities and active golf groups.

Homes & Price Range Newer single-family homes, townhomes, and patio homes from multiple builders. Prices generally range from $350K to $800K+, with many options in the $400K–$600K range.

HOA & Amenities Extensive wellness center, indoor/outdoor pools, tennis/pickleball, fitness classes, kayak launches on ponds/rivers, over 100 miles of walking/biking trails, and a full social calendar.

Best For Buyers seeking newer construction, extensive trails, wellness programs, and the closest proximity to Wilmington’s culture and healthcare.

Longing for a golf front home overlooking the fairway and green on the 12th hole of the exclusive Cape Fear National Golf Club? Have you been waiting for that view of #13 or could you find your way to settle on #14? How 'bout having all three at the same time? That's right. This beautiful home has vistas of all 3 holes and affords the lucky new owner(s) exclusive country club living at it's best! Built by Logan Homes, this Banyon model with 4bed/4 1/2 baths awaits you as you begin your new life on the Tim Cate designed 18 hole masterpiece managed by Heritage Golf Group - one of the 41 courses they operate in 15 states. Drive around and see for yourself. Homes backing up to the course are limited and highly sought after. It was built here from the ground up by the seller and hand-picked for it's premium course location on a quiet cul-de-sac . These lots no longer exist on the golf course and there are no other homes actively listed for sale with these vistas! It boasts a very open great room design with oversized FROG (Finished Room Over Garage) for added lounging space or 4th bedroom. It has a chef's delight kitchen with grand quartz island and stainless steel KitchenAid appliances. The main floor primary suite includes separate walk-in shower and Roman style soaking tub...not to mention brightening wide sliders that open out to the private view of your course. The wide engineered oak plank floors on the main floor are welcoming and flow nicely with the gas fireplace. These remarks could go on but why you would want to live here will become apparent once you walk through the front door and are instantly drawn through to the manicured turfs of 12...and 13...and 14. Varying levels of membership in Cape Fear National Golf Club are immediately available with no wait. Fees for someone coming from Fl (half backs) or migrating S from where the snow regularly falls are very reasonable. Come and see for yourself before this beauty is snatched up and gone

$999,950 Active

2112 Cokesbury Court Leland, North Carolina

5 Beds 5 Baths 3,342 SqFt 0.29 Acres

Exquisite home with a view of the pond located in the distinguished master-planned golf community of Brunswick Forest—just minutes from historic downtown Wilmington yet with the privacy of a serene waterside retreat—this exceptional home offers an elevated lifestyle of resort-style ease and refined coastal living.Upon entering, you are greeted by soaring ceilings, a sweeping wall of windows, and an uninterrupted view of the pond that lies beyond. The open, expansive floor plan seamlessly flows culminating in a bright sunroom that bathes the home in natural light.This home is outfitted for luxury, comfort and convenience. A whole-house generator ensures uninterrupted comfort. A tankless gas water heater (Rinnai) delivers efficient, endless hot water. An indoor Sonos sound system creates a unified entertainment experience throughout the home. And, a professional interior design, including custom window treatments and curated finishes speaks to a lifestyle of elegance, ease and sophistication.Outdoor living takes center stage with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and a fire-pit overlooking the tranquil water—ideal for entertaining or simply unwinding in style. Enjoy the convenience of the outdoor shower. Perfect after a day at the pool or beach. The HOA takes care of complete lawn maintenance, freeing you to focus on living, not chores.Wake each morning to breathtaking water vistas and the soft rustle of nature, then spend your day exploring Brunswick Forest's extraordinary amenities—more than 100 miles of trails, championship golf, four swimming pools (three outdoor and one indoor), three fitness centers, tennis/pickleball courts, and a vibrant town-center village for shopping and dining. Meticulously maintained and ready for the most discerning buyer, this home delivers both turnkey luxury and the promise of peaceful, sophisticated coastal living within one of the region's premier communities.

$975,000 Active

1308 Cross Water Circle Leland, North Carolina

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,437 SqFt 0.29 Acres

New construction by Fogleman Homes in Brunswick Forest's Osprey Landing neighborhood. 10 foot ceilings everywhere downstairs. 2x6 exterior wall construction. Open kitchen, huge island. Immaculate custom finishes. Leaseback required for model home.

$899,000 Active

9182 Crossbill Drive Leland, North Carolina

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,626 SqFt 0.2 Acres

Compass Pointe

Compass Point Main Entrance in Leland NC

Lifestyle & Feel Compass Pointe delivers an upscale, gated resort lifestyle with a lively social scene and strong sense of community.

Golf 18-hole championship course designed by Rick Robbins, plus practice facilities and active golf programs.

Homes & Price Range Custom and semi-custom single-family homes and townhomes. Prices typically range from $400K to $900K+, appealing to those wanting gated luxury.

HOA & Amenities Grand Lanai clubhouse, resort-style pool with lazy river, indoor pool, fitness center, tennis/pickleball, dog park, and numerous resident clubs and events.

Best For Retirees who prioritize gated security, a vibrant social calendar, and resort-style pool amenities in a convenient Leland location.

Welcome to the sprawling 2453 Sugargrove Trail in the highly sough after gated, resort-style community of Compass Pointe. This 3,608 sq. ft. custom-built home offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a layout designed for both comfort and entertaining. The first floor features a grand foyer, formal dining room, private office, and an open great room with gas fireplace, built-ins, and hardwood floors. The gourmet kitchen is the heart of the home, complete with a large island, granite and soapstone counters, gas cooktop, and double ovens, opening to a breakfast room and a 200 sq. ft. glassed-in lanai with wood-slat ceiling and sliding doors (sunroom is an additional 256 sq.ft not included in the overall size).The luxurious primary suite sits in its own private wing and boasts dual walk-in closets and a spa-like bath with soaking tub, oversized walk-in shower and separated, dual vanities. Across the home you'll find a guest wing with two additional bedrooms, full bath with tiled walk in shower, laundry room with sink, cabinets and counter space and built in wine cooler complete the main level. A large versatile bonus suite with ensuite bath sits upstairs and offers space for guests, recreation, or media.Outdoor living at its finest with a large covered front porch for rocking and back patio with beautiful custom waterfall feature. Plus the backyard is super private thanks to the mature landscaping. There is also a detached shed that fits a golf cart and the landscaped lot is complete with irrigation. Energy-efficient features include an active solar system (owned outright) and generator plug.Enjoy Compass Pointe's unmatched amenities: clubhouse, fitness, indoor and outdoor pools, lazy river, pickleball, tennis, dog park, and trails. Golf memberships available with no waitlist. This home is the perfect blend of elegance, function, and lifestyle just minutes from Wilmington!

$999,900 Active Under Contract

2453 Sugargrove Trail NE Leland, North Carolina

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,608 SqFt 0.71 Acres

$990,900 Active

1227 Bella Vista Lane NE Leland, North Carolina

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,326 SqFt 0.22 Acres

Welcome to this beautifully crafted stick-built home (not trusses) on the golf course in Compass Pointe - offering exceptional storage, quality construction, and gorgeous, golf course views. Situated on a premium lot with views over the golf course and to trees on the other side for ultimate privacy, this home features an open concept layout with coffered and tray ceilings, hickory hardwood floors throughout the first floor (including closets), and beautiful double mahogany front doors on the wrap around front porch for a grand entry.The kitchen is a chef's dream with a GE Café induction cooktop, quartz countertops, and a spacious island, perfect for entertaining. Relax in the living room with high coffered ceilings with a linear fireplace and blower, or unwind year-round in the EZ Breeze enclosed lanai.Step outside to a 10'x17' swimming pool with built-in seating, table, and lounge, new paver decking, or grill up your finest cut on the built in grill/bar with ice chest and drawers next to the fire pit. Professional landscaping and lighting has been installed highlighting 15 palm trees on the property. Enjoy added peace of mind with a whole house Generac generator (extended warranty until 2028), 500-gallon buried propane tank, Leaf Filter gutter protection, and extended garage with a separate golf cart door.Additional highlights include: plantation shutters, custom window treatments, custom closet systems in the primary suite, and no pets or smoking ever in the home. Built in 2020 and meticulously maintained, this is luxury living on the golf course at its finest! Compass Pointe offers an impressive lineup of amenities, including their grand lanai, modern fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, tennis and pickleball courts, a kayak launch, a large scenic lake, a dog park, plus miles of walking and biking trails. All just a quick drive to Downtown Wilmington and the nearby beaches. Schedule your private showing today!

$959,000 Active

2393 Red Birch Trail NE Leland, North Carolina

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,108 SqFt 0.23 Acres

Located in the highly desirable, gated community of Compass Pointe, this beautifully designed home built in 2020, offers true single-level living with every space you could want - including a stunning glass-enclosed sunroom with vaulted ceiling. Thoughtfully laid out, the home features a spacious primary suite on one side, two guest bedrooms and a full bath on the other, a dining area off the foyer, a breakfast nook off the kitchen, a powder room, AND a private office with a beautifully stained coffered ceiling at the rear of the home.Crafted with attention to detail, the home showcases beadboard, a coffered ceiling in the family room, and four tray ceilings throughout. Wide hallways, large room sizes, and timeless finishes create a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern flow.The gourmet kitchen includes a gas cooktop, wall oven and microwave, and dual pantry cabinets, all open to a family room with custom built-ins, surround sound, and a gas fireplace. The private study offers direct access to the breathtaking sunroom, perfect for enjoying year-round natural light. The expansive primary suite features a tray ceiling, sunroom access as well, a luxurious spa-like bathroom with a zero-entry tiled shower, garden tub, and comfort-height fixtures.Additional highlights include wide-plank luxury vinyl flooring, custom window treatments, central sound and security systems, and extensive mature landscaping. The oversized garage offers an 18' wide door, separate golf cart bay, attic access, and suspended shelving for storage. Conveniently located near the Compass Pointe golf clubhouse, restaurant, and West Gate, this home seriously delivers comfort, style, and exceptional convenience!

$859,000 Active Under Contract

8652 Compass Pointe West Wynd NE Leland, North Carolina

3 Beds 3 Baths 3,250 SqFt 0.25 Acres

Magnolia Greens

Lifestyle & Feel Magnolia Greens provides a relaxed, established golf community feel with mature landscaping and excellent value in a convenient Leland setting.

Golf 27-hole course (three 9-hole layouts) with optional membership, pro shop, and practice areas—known for playability and affordability.

Homes & Price Range Single-family homes, townhomes, and patio homes. Prices generally range from $300K to $600K, making it one of the best values for golf living in Leland.

HOA & Amenities Clubhouse, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, tennis courts, and social events. Golf membership is separate and optional.

Best For Budget-conscious golfers who want an established community, mature trees, and solid amenities without premium gated pricing.

$345,000 Active

1005 Meadowlands Trail Calabash, North Carolina

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,873 SqFt 0.22 Acres

Experience the perfect blend of comfort and golf course living at 641 Meadowbrook Lane in the desirable Meadowlands Golf Club community. This charming single-level home features a well-designed split-bedroom floor plan with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering both privacy and convenience. The inviting front porch welcomes you inside to vaulted ceilings, an open kitchen with a cozy breakfast nook, and a spacious sunroom that fills the home with natural light. The master suite boasts a tray ceiling and a private en-suite bath, while beautiful hardwood floors add warmth and elegance throughout. Enjoy stunning golf course views from your backyard, creating a peaceful retreat. Meadowlands Golf Club offers resort-style amenities, including a sparkling pool, fitness center, billiards room, and gathering spaces for meetings and dining. Conveniently located in Calabash, this home is just minutes from dining, shopping, and the beautiful Carolina coast. Don't miss this opportunity to own in one of the area's premier golf communities!

$365,000 Active

641 Meadowbrook Lane Calabash, North Carolina

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,589 SqFt 0.16 Acres

$399,000 Active

707 Pipit Place NW Calabash, North Carolina

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,207 SqFt 0.25 Acres

Key Differences at a Glance

Gated vs Open: Compass Pointe is fully gated; Brunswick Forest and Magnolia Greens are master-planned but open (Magnolia Greens has some gated sections).
Golf Focus: All have quality courses, but Brunswick Forest and Compass Pointe emphasize resort-style play; Magnolia Greens offers more flexible/affordable membership.
Amenities Style: Brunswick Forest leads in trails/wellness; Compass Pointe in pool/social luxury; Magnolia Greens in value/mature setting.
Pricing: Magnolia Greens typically lowest entry; Compass Pointe highest; Brunswick Forest strong middle ground with newer builds.

Which Leland Golf Community Is Right for You?

All three communities provide an outstanding active adult lifestyle with championship golf, but your preferences will guide the choice. If extensive trails, wellness programs, and Wilmington convenience are priorities, Brunswick Forest shines. If gated luxury with a resort pool and vibrant social scene appeals most, Compass Pointe is the standout. If you’re seeking excellent value, mature landscaping, and flexible golf membership, Magnolia Greens delivers beautifully.

As your local Brunswick County coastal expert, Suzanne Polino can guide you through tours and comparisons of these Leland gems.

📲 Request More Information Today

Suzanne Polino, REALTOR®
Coastal NC Real Estate Specialist
📧 suzy@suzysellsnc.com
📞 (910) 477-1378
🌐 SuzysSellsNC.com

Download our Relocation Buyers Guide to Brunswick County, NC

Contact Me Today for a No-Pressure Strategy Conversation