Are you torn between morning tee times and sunset cruises? In Tequesta, you do not have to pick only one, but most luxury neighborhoods lean strongly toward either club life or the river. If you are relocating or upgrading, you want confidence that the community you choose matches how you actually live. In this guide, you will see how Tequesta’s premier golf and riverfront enclaves compare, what to verify before you buy, and a shortlist of neighborhoods to explore. Let’s dive in.

Golf vs. riverfront: the core lifestyle choice

Tequesta sits along the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River, a federally designated National Wild & Scenic River that connects to the Atlantic through Jupiter Inlet. That setting shapes two clear luxury paths: golf‑centric living or boat‑first riverfront living. You will find a few places that blend both, but most buyers end up prioritizing one.

• Golf communities: You get a structured social calendar, clubhouse dining, practice facilities, and golf‑cart‑friendly streets. Membership may be required or optional depending on the club, and the appeal is strongest if you plan to use the club several times a week.
• Riverfront communities: You focus on private docks or deeded access, boating and paddle sports, and larger lots in some enclaves. Expect ongoing marine maintenance and to factor flood, insurance, and shoreline considerations into your decision.

If you are early in your search, it helps to tour one community from each path. You will quickly feel which rhythm fits your day‑to‑day.

Top golf neighborhoods in Tequesta

Tequesta Country Club

Tequesta Country Club is one of the most established and recognizable neighborhoods in the Village of Tequesta, and it offers a combination that is difficult to find elsewhere in the area: golf, boating, mature surroundings and a growing mix of renovated and newly built custom homes.

The neighborhood includes:

• Golf-course homes
• Loxahatchee River waterfront properties
• Older Florida homes
• Extensively renovated residences
• Newer custom rebuilds
• Larger established homesites

The private Tequesta Country Club, established in 1957, is located within the neighborhood and features an 18-hole golf course originally designed by Dick Wilson and later renovated by Tom Fazio II. The club is also moving forward with a clubhouse project. Golf-club membership is separate from homeownership, so purchasing a home in the neighborhood does not automatically make the buyer a club member. Current membership information should be confirmed directly with the club.

Boating is also an important part of the neighborhood.

Some properties have direct Loxahatchee River frontage and private docks. In addition, the Tequesta Country Club Community Association is voluntary, and participating residents can elect access to the neighborhood boat ramp. Current association and boat-ramp requirements should be confirmed directly with the association.

• Buyer fit: A strong option if you want an established Tequesta neighborhood with private golf nearby and the possibility of boating—whether through a waterfront property or community boat-ramp access.
• Verify: Golf-club membership availability and requirements, community-association/boat-ramp access, and property-specific waterfront details when applicable.

Explore Tequesta Country Club’s story and amenities

Turtle Creek

Turtle Creek is a gated, established golf community located just north of the Village of Tequesta in Martin County.

The neighborhood offers a mix of:

• Single-family homes
• Golf-course properties
• Condominiums and villas
• Mature landscaping
• Select waterfront properties

The private Turtle Creek Club is located within the community and features an 18-hole golf course originally designed by Joe Lee.

Importantly, club membership is separate from homeownership. You do not have to live in Turtle Creek to belong to the club, and purchasing a home in the community does not automatically include golf membership. Buyers interested in the club should confirm current membership opportunities and requirements directly with Turtle Creek Club.

Turtle Creek can be especially appealing to buyers who want a gated, established golf-community setting close to Tequesta, with a variety of housing options rather than only large estate homes.

• Buyer fit: A strong option for buyers who prioritize private golf, a gated setting and an established community near Tequesta.
• Verify: Current Turtle Creek Club membership information, HOA or condominium requirements for the specific property, and any property-specific waterfront or boating features if those are important to you.

See an overview of Turtle Creek’s golf community

Riverbend Country Club

Riverbend is a gated condominium community in Martin County near Tequesta, centered around the private Riverbend Golf Club and its Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole executive course.

Unlike Tequesta Country Club and Turtle Creek, Riverbend is primarily a condominium golf community. The community includes 311 residences in low-rise buildings with views that may overlook the golf course, landscaped areas or the Loxahatchee River. Riverbend’s condominium association states that equity ownership in the private golf course is included with condominium ownership.

The setting also includes tennis, pickleball, pools and a clubhouse along the Loxahatchee River.

Immediately adjacent is North Passage, which is a completely separate residential community with single-family homes, including canal and riverfront properties. Some North Passage homeowners may also have access to Riverbend Golf Club through a separate North Passage membership category, but current membership availability and requirements should always be confirmed directly with the club. Riverbend’s current club rules specifically recognize a North Passage membership class.

• Buyer fit: A good option for buyers who want a lower-maintenance condominium lifestyle centered around private golf and amenities near the Loxahatchee River.
• Verify: Current golf membership obligations, association fees and requirements for the specific condominium being considered.

Get a sense of Riverbend’s golf setting and river adjacency

Jupiter Hills and Nearby Private Clubs

Jupiter Hills Club is one of the most recognized private golf clubs in the Tequesta area and is an important part of the local golf landscape.

Unlike Tequesta Country Club or Turtle Creek, however, Jupiter Hills should be thought of primarily as a private golf club rather than a residential community where club membership is automatically connected to nearby real estate.

Luxury buyers interested in the club may choose to live in Tequesta, Jupiter, Jupiter Island or one of the nearby waterfront or golf-oriented neighborhoods and maintain their club membership separately.

Other private clubs in the surrounding Jupiter and Northern Palm Beaches area may also be part of a buyer’s search, depending on the type of golf experience and location they prefer.

• Buyer fit: Best for buyers who prioritize highly private golf and are comfortable choosing their home and golf club separately.
• Verify: Current membership opportunities, requirements and policies directly with the individual club.

Riverfront and Intracoastal neighborhoods

Heritage Oaks

Heritage Oaks is a gated residential community just north of Tequesta in Martin County. It is best known for its larger homesites, mature landscaping, lakes and established custom homes rather than golf.

Many properties sit on roughly half-acre lots, giving the neighborhood a more spacious feel than many communities closer to central Jupiter and Tequesta.

Most homes are not waterfront, but select properties have waterfront locations and private docks. Because boating conditions can vary by property, buyers should verify the specific waterway, dock setup, depth, bridge restrictions and route before purchasing.

Heritage Oaks also offers community boat storage, which can be valuable for residents who want to keep a boat nearby without purchasing a waterfront property.

• Buyer fit: Best for buyers who want larger lots, privacy and an established gated setting near Tequesta, with select opportunities for waterfront living.
• Verify: Property-specific dock and boating conditions for waterfront homes, current boat-storage rules and availability, and HOA requirements.

North Passage

North Passage is a gated residential community just north of Tequesta in Martin County, set along the Loxahatchee River near Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

The community includes both non-waterfront and waterfront homes, along with waterfront townhomes. Waterfront properties are located along two canal areas and portions of the river, creating a boating lifestyle that feels very different from neighborhoods closer to the Jupiter Inlet.

North Passage is farther upriver, and boaters travel beneath a fixed bridge on the route toward the Intracoastal and Jupiter Inlet. That makes it especially important to evaluate the specific boat rather than relying on a general description of the neighborhood.

Buyers considering a waterfront property should verify:

• Water depth at the specific dock
• Fixed-bridge clearance
• Boat height and draft
• Dock and lift configuration
• Seawall or shoreline condition
• The route and travel time to the Jupiter Inlet

For the right buyer and boat, North Passage can offer excellent waterfront value, particularly for someone who likes a gated community, natural surroundings and being on the Loxahatchee River without needing to be immediately adjacent to the inlet.

• Buyer fit: A strong option for buyers who want gated waterfront living, river access and a quieter upriver setting near Tequesta.
• Verify: Property-specific water depth, bridge clearance, dockage, lift capacity and whether the buyer’s particular boat is appropriate for the route.

Anchorage Point

Anchorage Point is a small, established waterfront area along the Loxahatchee River near Tequesta.

Homes here are primarily of interest to buyers looking for direct riverfront living, wider water views and private dockage rather than a large community with extensive amenities.

Because there are relatively few properties, opportunities can be limited and individual homes can vary considerably.

As with any Loxahatchee River property, buyers should evaluate the waterfront itself—including water depth, dock and lift configuration, shoreline or seawall condition, boat draft and the route to the Jupiter Inlet.

• Buyer fit: Best for buyers specifically looking for a smaller riverfront setting with direct Loxahatchee River access.
• Verify: Water depth, dockage, lift capacity, shoreline condition and other boating characteristics for the individual property.

Other Waterfront Neighborhoods to Consider

Beyond the larger communities, Tequesta and the surrounding area include several smaller waterfront neighborhoods and enclaves that may be worth considering depending on the type of home, water access and boating lifestyle you want.

Waterway Village

Waterway Village is an established waterfront neighborhood within the Village of Tequesta along the Intracoastal Waterway.

The community consists of single-family homes, with some properties offering Intracoastal frontage, water views and private dockage. Its location also puts residents close to Tequesta restaurants, shops and everyday conveniences.

For buyers who want to be inside the Village of Tequesta while also having access to the Intracoastal lifestyle, Waterway Village is an important neighborhood to know.

Key West Village

Key West Village is a small residential community near the Intracoastal in Tequesta known for its Key West-inspired architecture and quiet setting.

Some homes have waterfront locations or private dockage, while the community also offers access to the water for activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

Because it is a small neighborhood and not every property has the same waterfront characteristics, buyers should evaluate each home individually.

Bay Harbor, Old Cypress Pointe, Loxahatchee Pointe, River Ridge & Country Club Point

There are also several other smaller river and canal neighborhoods around Tequesta and the Loxahatchee River that waterfront buyers may encounter, including:

• Bay Harbor
• Old Cypress Pointe
• Loxahatchee Pointe
• River Ridge
• Country Club Point
• Islands of Jupiter

These neighborhoods vary considerably in size, location, home style and boating access.

Some properties offer private docks or direct waterfront living, while others may involve canals, bridges or different routes to the Intracoastal and Jupiter Inlet.

For boating buyers, the neighborhood name alone is not enough. The specific property, water depth, bridge clearance, dock configuration, boat lift and route to the inlet should always be evaluated before purchasing.

• Buyer fit: Buyers who want a smaller established waterfront neighborhood rather than a large gated or golf-centered community.
• Verify: Property-specific water depth, bridges, dockage, lift capacity, shoreline or seawall condition and suitability for your particular boat.

View More Communities

The River, the Inlet, and What to Verify

For waterfront buyers in Tequesta, the view is only part of the equation. The more important question for a boater is whether the specific property works for the boat you own—or plan to own.

Waterfront access throughout Tequesta and the Loxahatchee River varies considerably. Depending on the neighborhood and property, your route toward the Intracoastal and Jupiter Inlet may include canals, shallow areas, tidal conditions or fixed bridges.

Before purchasing a waterfront home, verify:

• Water depth at the dock, particularly at lower tide
• Fixed bridges and bridge clearance along your actual route
• Boat height and draft
• Dock dimensions and configuration
• Boat-lift size and capacity
• Seawall or shoreline condition
• Turning room and canal width, when applicable
• Approximate route to the Jupiter Inlet
• Any HOA or community restrictions that may affect docks, lifts or boats

Do not assume that because one boat works at a neighboring property, the same boat will work at yours. Even homes within the same waterfront neighborhood can have different dockage, depth and access considerations.

For larger boats, some buyers also choose a waterfront home they love and keep the boat at a nearby marina rather than making the entire home search depend on dockage.

See Jupiter-Area Bridge Clearance Heights for Boaters

Flood, Insurance, and Construction Basics

For waterfront buyers—and really for anyone purchasing an older home in the Tequesta area—insurance and construction should be investigated early in the process rather than after you fall in love with the house.

Start by checking the specific property address on FEMA’s current flood maps. If available, review the property's Elevation Certificate and obtain property-specific insurance quotes rather than assuming two nearby homes will have similar premiums or coverage.

For the home itself, look closely at:

• CBS vs. frame construction
• Roof age, condition and permit history
• Impact-rated windows and doors or other storm protection
• Roof-to-wall attachment and other documented wind-mitigation features
• Electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems
• Previous renovations and permits
• Flood-zone and elevation information
• Prior seawall, dock or waterfront improvements when applicable

A wind-mitigation inspection can document certain construction features that an insurer may consider when determining available windstorm credits. Depending on the home's age and the insurer, a four-point inspection may also be requested to evaluate the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.

Do not assume that a newer roof, impact windows or CBS construction automatically guarantees a particular insurance rate. Eligibility, coverage and premiums are determined by the insurer for the individual property.

Because the broader Tequesta area includes properties in both Palm Beach and Martin counties, permit records and building information should also be checked with the appropriate municipality or county for that particular home.

Read: Frame vs. CBS Homes in Jupiter, Florida

HOA and Club Membership Fine Print

One of the most important things to understand when comparing Tequesta-area golf and waterfront communities is that the neighborhood, homeowners association and private golf club are not always the same organization.

The structure varies considerably from community to community.

For example:

• Tequesta Country Club: Owning a home in the neighborhood is separate from membership in the private Tequesta Country Club. The neighborhood also has a voluntary community association with separate boating-related opportunities.
• Turtle Creek: The private Turtle Creek Club is located within the residential community, but club membership is separate from owning a home there. You do not have to live in Turtle Creek to belong to the club.
• Riverbend: Riverbend is a condominium community with a different structure. The condominium association states that equity ownership in the private golf course is included with condominium ownership, so buyers should carefully review the current condominium and golf-related documents for the specific property.

Waterfront communities can have another layer of rules involving docks, boat lifts, boat storage, seawalls and community boat ramps.

Before purchasing, verify:

• HOA or condominium fees and what they cover
• Whether an association is mandatory or voluntary
• Golf-club membership requirements and current availability
• Any initiation, dues or other club obligations
• Boat-ramp or community-dock rights
• Boat-storage rules
• Dock and lift restrictions
• Rental or renovation restrictions that matter to you

For private golf membership, always confirm current information directly with the club itself. Membership availability, categories, costs and policies can change and should not be assumed from an older real estate listing.

Quick Property Checklist for Luxury Buyers

As you narrow your Tequesta-area shortlist, look beyond the finishes and view. The details that matter most will depend on whether you are buying for golf, boating, waterfront living—or a combination of the three.

For Waterfront Homes

• Water depth at the specific property
• Fixed bridges and bridge clearance along your route
• Dock size and configuration
• Boat-lift capacity
• Seawall or shoreline condition
• Canal width and turning room, when applicable
• Route to the Jupiter Inlet
• HOA or community restrictions affecting boats, docks or lifts

For Golf Communities

• Whether club membership is separate from homeownership
• Current membership availability
• Membership categories, dues and initiation requirements
• HOA or condominium fees
• What community fees actually cover
• Any renovation, rental or ownership restrictions that matter to you

For the Home Itself

• Roof age and condition
• Impact windows, doors or other storm protection
• CBS vs. frame construction
• Electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems
• Permit history for major renovations
• Flood-zone and elevation information
• Property-specific homeowners and flood insurance quotes
• HOA, condominium or community documents

A beautiful home can still be the wrong fit if the boat does not work, the club structure is not what you expected, or the ownership costs change the equation.

The goal is to understand those details before making the purchase—not after.

Which Fit Is Right for You?

The best Tequesta-area neighborhood depends on what matters most in your everyday lifestyle. Some buyers are focused primarily on golf, others want to keep a boat behind the house, and many want both golf and boating without having to choose between them.

If You Want Both Golf and River Living

Tequesta Country Club is one of the best places to start.

The neighborhood offers both golf-course homes and Loxahatchee River waterfront homes with private docks, giving buyers the opportunity to choose which setting matters most while remaining in the same established community.

Residents can also have access to the neighborhood boat ramp through the community association, and homeowners have the ability to store boats at home on their property, subject to current community rules.

That combination of golf, riverfront living, boating access and an established Tequesta neighborhood is difficult to duplicate.

Turtle Creek is another strong option for buyers who want both lifestyles. The community includes:

• Homes along the golf course
• Waterfront condominiums with docks
• Select waterfront single-family homes with private docks
• The private Turtle Creek Club within the community

Golf-club membership is separate from homeownership, so buyers interested in playing at Turtle Creek should confirm current membership opportunities directly with the club.

A third option is the North Passage and Riverbend combination.

North Passage and Riverbend are connected, allowing a buyer to live on the water in North Passage while having Riverbend Golf Club immediately nearby. For buyers who become members of Riverbend, it is possible to take a golf cart from North Passage over to the golf course.

That can be a great fit for someone who wants a waterfront home but also wants golf to be an easy part of everyday life.

If Golf Is the Main Priority

If golf comes first, I would begin with Tequesta Country Club, Turtle Creek and Riverbend.

Each offers a different experience.

Tequesta Country Club has an established residential neighborhood with golf-course homes, renovated properties and newer custom construction surrounding the private club.

Turtle Creek offers a gated golf-community setting with single-family homes, condos and villas, along with a private club located within the neighborhood.

Riverbend is primarily a condominium golf community and can be appealing to buyers who want a more maintenance-friendly lifestyle centered around the golf course.

Golf membership works differently in each location, so the home and the club should always be evaluated separately.

If Waterfront Living and Boating Are the Main Priority

If keeping a boat nearby is more important than living directly on a golf course, the search becomes much broader.

Communities and neighborhoods to consider include:

• Tequesta Country Club
• Turtle Creek
• North Passage
• River Ridge
• Heritage Oaks
• Waterway Village
• Key West Village
• Anchorage Point
• Islands of Jupiter
• Other smaller Loxahatchee River and Intracoastal neighborhoods

These waterfront options are very different from one another.

Some offer direct river or Intracoastal frontage. Others are located farther upriver or along canals. Some communities have only a small number of waterfront homes within a larger residential neighborhood.

The right fit depends heavily on the boat itself.

Water depth, fixed bridges, bridge clearance, boat draft, dock configuration, lift capacity and the route to the Jupiter Inlet should all be considered before choosing a waterfront home.

If Space and Privacy Matter Most

Buyers who prioritize larger lots, privacy and an established residential setting may look at communities such as Heritage Oaks or individual properties throughout the Loxahatchee River area.

Heritage Oaks, in particular, offers larger homesites and mature landscaping, with select waterfront homes for buyers who would also like boating access.

Other smaller neighborhoods can offer larger or more distinctive properties without being centered around a golf club or large community amenity package.

Start With the Lifestyle, Then Choose the Neighborhood

Rather than beginning with a list of community names, I usually think it makes more sense to start with a buyer's priorities.

Do you want:

• Golf outside your door?
• A boat behind the house?
• Both golf and boating?
• Direct river or Intracoastal frontage?
• A larger lot?
• A gated neighborhood?
• A condominium with less exterior maintenance?
• To live inside the Village of Tequesta?
• To be farther upriver in Martin County?

Once those priorities are clear, the differences between the neighborhoods become much easier to understand.

For buyers who truly want both golf and boating, I would pay particularly close attention to Tequesta Country Club, Turtle Creek, and the North Passage/Riverbend combination because each offers a different way to enjoy both lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find a Tequesta neighborhood with both golf and boating?

Yes. Tequesta Country Club is one of the strongest options for buyers who want both golf and river living. The neighborhood includes golf-course homes as well as Loxahatchee River waterfront homes with private docks. Residents may also have access to the community boat ramp, and boats can be stored at home on the property subject to current community rules.

Turtle Creek is another option, with golf-course homes as well as waterfront condos with docks and select waterfront single-family homes.

A third possibility is North Passage and Riverbend. Buyers can live on the water in North Passage and, if they become members of Riverbend Golf Club, travel by golf cart over to Riverbend to play.

Do I have to join Tequesta Country Club if I buy a home in the neighborhood?

No. Tequesta Country Club membership is separate from homeownership.

You can own a home in the Tequesta Country Club neighborhood without belonging to the private golf club. Buyers interested in membership should confirm current availability, categories, costs and requirements directly with the club.

Do I have to belong to Turtle Creek Club if I buy in Turtle Creek?

No. Turtle Creek Club membership is separate from owning a home in the residential community.

You also do not have to live in Turtle Creek to belong to the club. Current membership opportunities and requirements should be confirmed directly with Turtle Creek Club.

How are North Passage and Riverbend connected?

North Passage and Riverbend are adjacent communities.

Riverbend is primarily a condominium golf community, while North Passage is a separate gated residential community with single-family homes, including waterfront and canal properties.

For buyers who become Riverbend Golf Club members, the close connection makes it possible to live in North Passage and travel by golf cart over to Riverbend for golf.

Will my boat fit at a waterfront home in Tequesta?

It depends entirely on the property and your boat.

Before purchasing, verify the water depth, fixed bridges, bridge clearance, boat draft and height, dock configuration, lift capacity, canal width and route to the Jupiter Inlet.

Two waterfront homes in the same neighborhood may work very differently for the same boat.

Are all of these neighborhoods actually inside the Village of Tequesta?

No.

The Village of Tequesta is in Palm Beach County, but several communities commonly included in a broader Tequesta-area home search are located immediately north in Martin County.

That distinction matters because taxes, municipal services, HOA structures and other property-specific considerations can differ.

Always verify the actual municipality and county of the home you are considering.

How close are Tequesta waterfront homes to the Jupiter Inlet?

It varies considerably by location.

Some waterfront neighborhoods are closer to the Intracoastal and Jupiter Inlet, while communities farther up the Loxahatchee River have a longer boating route and may involve fixed bridges.

For a serious boater, I would compare the actual route from the dock to the inlet, not simply whether a listing advertises “ocean access.”

What should I check before buying a waterfront home in Tequesta?

In addition to the home itself, buyers should evaluate the dock, boat lift, water depth, bridges, seawall or shoreline, flood information, insurance options and any HOA restrictions affecting boating.

The best waterfront property is not simply the one with the best view. It is the one that also works for your particular boat and the way you plan to use the water.

Final Thoughts

One of the things that makes the Tequesta area so interesting is that buyers do not necessarily have to choose between golf, boating and waterfront living.

Tequesta Country Club is particularly strong for buyers who want both golf and the river, with golf-course homes, Loxahatchee River waterfront homes, private docks, community boat-ramp access and the ability to keep a boat at home subject to current community rules.

Turtle Creek offers another version of the golf-and-water lifestyle, with golf-course homes, waterfront condominiums with docks and select waterfront single-family homes.

And the North Passage/Riverbend combination gives buyers the opportunity to live on the water in North Passage while having golf immediately nearby at Riverbend for those who become members.

Beyond those communities, Tequesta and the surrounding Loxahatchee River area offer everything from larger lots in Heritage Oaks to riverfront and Intracoastal neighborhoods such as River Ridge, Waterway Village, Key West Village and smaller waterfront enclaves.

The right neighborhood really comes down to how you want to use the area. For a serious boater, the specific waterway and boat matter just as much as the house. For a golfer, club structure and membership matter. And for buyers who want both, understanding how these communities actually connect can open up options that are easy to miss in a typical home search.

Related Reading

Living in Tequesta, Florida: Lifestyle, Neighborhoods, Boating & What Buyers Should Know

Tequesta Country Club vs. Turtle Creek: How to Choose

Turtle Creek in Tequesta, Florida: Golf, Boating & Martin County Living

Living on the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, FL

Best Boating Communities in Jupiter & Tequesta, Florida

Looking for the Right Golf or Waterfront Neighborhood Near Tequesta?

If you are trying to decide between golf, waterfront living—or a community where you can enjoy both, I can help you compare the neighborhoods based on the things that actually matter to you, from golf access and club structure to boating routes, docks and the type of home you want.

Call or text Kristin Wallace at 781-771-5400 or Email Kristin to start your search.