The Most Popular Golf Cart Communities

For many, a golf cart is just a tool for the back nine. However, in a growing number of regions across the United States, these vehicles have evolved into a primary mode of transportation. Golf cart communities are surging in popularity, particularly in master-planned developments, retirement hubs, and coastal resort towns.

These areas favor “micro-mobility” because it is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and fosters a social atmosphere. When the sun is shining, and the speed limit is low, there is no better way to run errands, visit neighbors, or head to the beach than in a customized cart.

Top U.S. Cities Where Golf Carts Are Used for Transportation

From the sun-drenched paths of Florida to the rugged coast of North Carolina, these ten locations have embraced the “cart culture” like nowhere else in the world.

The Villages, Florida

Often cited as the “Golf Cart Capital of the World,” The Villages is a massive active-adult community designed around cart travel. It boasts a network of over 100 miles of multi-use paths, complete with its own bridges, tunnels, and overpasses. Approximately 150,000 individuals reside throughout nearly 80 distinct villages, which are surrounded by a variety of recreation, golf, entertainment, shopping, dining, and wellness opportunities—all just a golf cart ride away!

Golf cart stat: There are an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 golf carts currently in use within the community.

Peachtree City, Georgia

Located just south of Atlanta, Peachtree City is a suburban marvel where life moves at 15 mph. The city features more than 100 miles of paved paths that connect residential neighborhoods to shopping centers and schools. Founded in 1959, this family-friendly city offers a resort-style lifestyle with golf courses, recreational facilities, and high-rated schools.

Golf cart stat: There are over 11,000 registered golf carts in this city of ~40,000 residents.

Sun City, Arizona

As a pioneering retirement community, Sun City was built with the leisure lifestyle in mind. That vision is kept alive by thousands of residents who treat their golf carts as their primary vehicles. Unlike other cities where carts are restricted to side paths, Sun City’s infrastructure was built to integrate carts directly onto the roads. It’s common to see residents traveling via cart to the eight golf courses, as well as the recreation centers, medical facilities, and the local grocery store.

Golf cart stat: Roughly 40–50% of all households in Sun City own at least one golf cart.

Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

Spanning 26,000 acres, this gated resort community offers a rugged, scenic backdrop for cart enthusiasts. With nine golf courses and a vast trail system, the cart is the preferred way to navigate the rolling hills. Explore all Hot Springs Village has to offer.

Golf cart stat: The community of 14,000 residents operates approximately 5,000 golf carts.

Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, Florida

This is “The Hamptons” of the Florida Keys. At Ocean Reef Club, the golf cart is more than a vehicle—it’s a status symbol. Residents often spend thousands on custom paint jobs and luxury interiors, and the club offers dedicated concierge services specifically for cart maintenance. It’s one of the few places where your golf cart might be worth more than a standard sedan, often matching the aesthetic of the owner’s estate or yacht.

Golf cart stat: There are approximately 4,000 carts within this high-end private club.

Bald Head Island, North Carolina

Bald Head Island is a rare “car-free” sanctuary, reachable only by ferry. Aside from emergency and service vehicles, internal combustion engines are restricted, making golf carts the primary way to get from the ferry to the beach. Because there are no cars, children and pets have a level of freedom rarely found elsewhere. The “cart commute” through the maritime forest is a daily highlight for residents.

Golf cart stat: Nearly 100% of transport on the island is done via cart, bike, or foot.

Seaside, Florida

This picturesque beach town, famous for its New Urbanism architecture, is designed for walkability and carting. The streets are narrow, sandy, and beautiful. In Seaside, the golf cart is the ultimate tool for “beach hopping” and navigating the town’s famous central square for dinner or shopping.

Golf cart stat: As a community of ~150 residents, no official golf cart count is available.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

While the whole island is bike-friendly, specific gated communities and resorts like Hilton Head Plantation, Palmetto Dunes, and Wild Dunes are built for cart travel, offering dedicated paths that wind through oak trees and lagoons. The island’s commitment to preserving the natural canopy means your cart ride is usually under a beautiful tunnel of live oaks and Spanish moss.

Golf cart stat: The island features 24 golf courses, allowing for substantial cart usage.

Laguna Woods Village, California

This premier 55+ community in Orange County has fully integrated low-speed vehicles (LSVs) into its infrastructure. Residents use carts for everything from visiting the equestrian center to reaching the local performing arts center. Laguna Woods Village offers a “country club” lifestyle in a high-density urban area, allowing seniors to remain mobile and independent without the stress of Southern California traffic.

Golf cart stat: This community allows both golf carts and golf cars to travel their paved paths.

Palm Desert, California

Palm Desert is a leader in golf cart legislation, enacting policies that allow carts to be driven for local errands throughout the city, significantly reducing the town’s carbon footprint. This vibrant city in Riverside County’s Coachella Valley features year-round sun, championship golf courses, and the upscale El Paseo shopping district.

Golf cart stat: The city’s well-known golf cart parade features hundreds of decorated carts.

Why Choose Auto Shipping Group for Golf Cart Shipping

Whether you are retiring to The Villages or spending a summer on Bald Head Island, getting your golf cart to your home shouldn’t be a hassle. At Auto Shipping Group, we specialize in transporting specialized vehicles with the same care we give to luxury cars.

We offer:

• Expert Handling: Our carriers understand the unique dimensions and requirements of golf carts.
• Nationwide Coverage: We ship to and from every major golf cart community in the U.S.
• Door-to-Door Service: We pick up and drop off directly at your residence, office, or preferred destination.

Ready to move? Explore our guide on affordable golf car shipping for more details or call (888) 588-1269 to learn more.

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