St. James vs Ocean Ridge vs Rivers Edge Golf Course homes for Sale
Choosing the perfect gated golf community for your Brunswick County retirement is exciting, but with so many luxury options, it helps to compare them side-by-side. Three of the most frequently debated communities are St. James Plantation, Ocean Ridge Plantation, and Rivers Edge. All three are gated, offer championship golf, and attract active adult retirees seeking resort-style living—but they differ in golf holes, waterfront features, amenities, pricing, and overall atmosphere. This detailed comparison will help you decide which one best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Comparing Three of the Premier Gated Golf Communities in Brunswick County NC
| Feature | St. James Plantation | Ocean Ridge Plantation | Rivers Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Southport / Oak Island area | Ocean Isle Beach / Sunset Beach area | Shallotte / ICW riverfront |
| Golf Holes | 81 holes (4 courses + 9-hole) | 72 holes (“Big Cats” – 4 courses) | 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature |
| Waterfront / Beach | Private marina + private beach club on Oak Island | Private beach club on Ocean Isle | Intracoastal Waterway & river views |
| Gated | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Home Price Range (2025) | $600K–$1.5M+ | $500K–$1.2M+ | $500K–$1M+ |
| HOA Fees (approx annual) | $2,800–$4,000+ | $2,500–$3,500 | $2,400–$3,200 |
| Best Known For | Marina + beach club + most golf holes | Big Cats golf + beach club | Arnold Palmer course + riverfront serenity |
St. James Plantation

Lifestyle & Feel St. James Plantation offers the ultimate resort lifestyle with a strong boating and social focus in a mature, upscale gated setting.
Golf Boasts 81 holes across four full 18-hole courses plus a 9-hole option, with practice facilities and active golf associations.
Homes & Price Range Custom single-family homes, townhomes, and condos with golf, waterway, or wooded views. Prices typically range from $600K to over $1.5M for premium waterfront or marina properties.
HOA & Amenities Private full-service marina, private beach club on Oak Island, multiple clubhouses, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness centers, tennis/pickleball, 100+ clubs, and extensive trails.
Best For Retirees who want the most golf holes, a private marina for boating, and a full-service beach club in a vibrant, established community.
$1,475,000
Active
3618 Holly Harbor Drive Southport, North Carolina
5 Beds 4 Baths 4,217 SqFt 0.7 Acres
$1,425,000
Active
2860 Harborside Way Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 3,025 SqFt 0.18 Acres
$1,399,000
Pending
2564 Hillsborough Drive Southport, North Carolina
3 Beds 5 Baths 3,261 SqFt 0.34 Acres
Ocean Ridge Plantation

Lifestyle & Feel Ocean Ridge delivers a golf-first luxury experience with a coastal resort atmosphere in a gated, mature community.
Golf Features 72 holes across four renowned “Big Cats” courses (Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Run, Tiger’s Eye, Leopard’s Chase), with top practice facilities.
Homes & Price Range Custom homes, townhomes, and lots with golf, lake, or wooded views. Prices generally range from $500K to over $1.2M for prime golf-front properties.
HOA & Amenities Private oceanfront beach club on Ocean Isle, clubhouse, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, tennis/pickleball, nature trails, and numerous social clubs.
Best For Dedicated golfers who prioritize championship courses and a private beach club in a coastal location.
$999,900
Active
545 Gladstone Circle SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
3 Beds 4 Baths 4,207 SqFt 0.52 Acres
$995,000
Active
6618 Dunrobin Point SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 3,842 SqFt 0.41 Acres
$980,000
Active
6239 Castlebrook Way SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,530 SqFt 0.34 Acres
Rivers Edge

Lifestyle & Feel Rivers Edge provides a serene, riverfront, gated lifestyle with a more intimate and nature-oriented feel.
Golf 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature course known for dramatic elevation changes, marsh views, and challenging play, plus practice facilities.
Homes & Price Range Custom single-family homes and townhomes with golf, river, or marsh views. Prices typically range from $500K to over $1M for premium riverfront lots.
HOA & Amenities Clubhouse with indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, tennis/pickleball, river access for kayaking, trails, and active social calendar.
Best For Buyers seeking a quieter, scenic riverfront setting with a signature Arnold Palmer course and strong value in a gated community.
$995,000
Active
2160 Arnold Palmer Drive Shallotte, North Carolina
3 Beds 5 Baths 4,526 SqFt 0.36 Acres
$799,000
Active
349 River Village Square Shallotte, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 2,578 SqFt 0.13 Acres
$749,900
Active
828 Loblolly Drive SW Shallotte, North Carolina
3 Beds 3 Baths 2,171 SqFt 0.34 Acres
Key Differences at a Glance
- Golf Volume: St. James leads with 81 holes; Ocean Ridge offers 72; Rivers Edge has 18 high-quality holes.
- Waterfront Focus: St. James has a private marina + beach club; Ocean Ridge has a private beach club; Rivers Edge emphasizes river and marsh views.
- Location & Vibe: St. James near Southport/Oak Island (more established/social); Ocean Ridge near Ocean Isle/Sunset (coastal golf focus); Rivers Edge near Shallotte (serene riverfront).
- Pricing: All premium, but Rivers Edge often offers slightly better value entry points.
Which Community Is Right for You?
All three communities deliver an exceptional gated golf retirement lifestyle, but your priorities will decide the winner. If you want the most golf holes and a private marina + beach club, St. James Plantation is unmatched. If championship “Big Cats” courses and a private beach club are top of mind, Ocean Ridge Plantation excels. If a scenic Arnold Palmer course with riverfront serenity appeals most, Rivers Edge stands out.
As a local Brunswick County specialist who knows every fairway and waterway, I’d love to create a custom comparison and arrange private tours of all the communities that would be perfect for your lifestyle.
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Suzanne Polino, REALTOR®
Coastal NC Real Estate Specialist
📧 suzy@suzysellsnc.com
📞 (910) 477-1378
🌐 SuzysSellsNC.com
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