If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to manicured fairways, rolling greens, and panoramic views right outside your back door, a golf course community like Hawthorn Woods Country Club (HWCC) might be calling your name. But before you tee up that purchase, it’s essential to understand the lifestyle, responsibilities, and rewards that come with buying in a golf course neighborhood.
At Helen Oliveri Real Estate, we’ve helped hundreds of families make confident, informed decisions in communities like HWCC, and we’re here to break down the key considerations so you can decide if golf course living is your best move.
🏌️♂️ Why Buyers Love Golf Course Living in Hawthorn Woods
Hawthorn Woods Country Club is more than a golf destination, it’s a vibrant, upscale community with resort-style amenities and year-round lifestyle perks. From elegant homes to a welcoming social scene, here’s why so many buyers fall in love with this community:
✔️ Breathtaking views of Arnold Palmer Signature golf course fairways
✔️ Luxurious clubhouse access with dining, fitness, and events
✔️ Family-friendly activities including tennis, pools, holiday parties, and camps
✔️ A gated sense of exclusivity with beautifully maintained landscaping
But like any premium lifestyle, golf course communities come with fine print, and it’s critical to understand what you’re really signing up for.
💡 4 Things Every Buyer Should Know Before Buying in a Golf Course Community
1. HOA & Club Membership Dues: They’re Not Always Optional
In many golf communities, membership to the club or homeowners’ association isn’t just encouraged, it’s mandatory. At HWCC, there are required social or full golf memberships depending on the property and the owner’s preferences. These dues contribute to amenities like:
Golf course maintenance
Clubhouse facilities
Fitness centers and pools
Snow removal and landscaping
Pro tip: Always ask for a breakdown of monthly dues, capital improvement fees, and what’s included. Helen can help you understand your full financial picture before you make an offer.
2. Your Backyard May Be a Fairway (or a Foul Ball Zone)
Living on a golf course often means more privacy and less congestion, but it can also mean golf balls occasionally land in your yard, or even come close to windows. The orientation of the lot matters:
Tee box lots may offer less privacy
Fairway or green-facing lots tend to provide wider views
Corner lots may offer more space but could see more foot traffic
Helen helps buyers evaluate the pros and cons of each lot type, and has inside knowledge of which homes in HWCC offer the best combination of views and privacy.
3. Stricter Landscaping and Exterior Guidelines
To preserve the aesthetic harmony of the community and golf course, HOAs often have tight rules on:
Tree trimming and height restrictions
Lawn maintenance
Fence approvals
Exterior paint colors or additions
These rules protect your home’s value, but they can surprise buyers who are used to more flexibility. We’ll walk you through the community covenants and restrictions before you close, so you won’t face unexpected surprises.
4. The Lifestyle Is More Than Just Golf
You don’t need to be a golfer to enjoy life in a golf course community. In fact, many residents of HWCC never pick up a club. Instead, they love:
The social calendar: wine dinners, holiday parties, and member events
On-site tennis courts, playgrounds, and walking trails
Community pride and elevated curb appeal
Whether you're an empty nester seeking a refined atmosphere or a family wanting a vibrant, active lifestyle, HWCC has something for everyone.
📍 Why Hawthorn Woods Country Club Stands Out in Northern Chicagoland
With its prestigious location in Lake County, top-rated community atmosphere, and proximity to highways, shopping, and top-tier schools, Hawthorn Woods Country Club is one of the most desirable golf communities in the Chicago suburbs.
As a local real estate expert with over 20 years of experience and 2,900+ homes sold, Helen Oliveri knows this community inside and out. Whether you're eyeing a luxury estate on Tournament Drive or a charming villa tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac, we can help you secure the right property at the right value.
🏠 Ready to Explore Golf Course Homes in Hawthorn Woods?
Golf course living can be a dream, if you enter the transaction with your eyes wide open. From dues to lot orientation to lifestyle considerations, Helen Oliveri Real Estate will guide you every step of the way.
Let’s talk about what matters most to you, privacy, amenities, investment value, and match you with the perfect home in Hawthorn Woods Country Club or surrounding communities.
📲 Call 847-967-0022
🌐 Visit helenoliveri.com
💬 Or text "sold" to get started
Helen Oliveri 🏡
Designated Managing Broker Owner
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