5 Key Tips for Selecting the Perfect Country Club in OC or the Desert

Claire Na
Sep 24
2 min read

Luxury living in Orange County or the Desert often includes more than the house itself—it’s the seamless integration of community, amenities, prestige, and lifestyle. Here are five essential considerations to guide you in choosing the right country club community:

1. Proximity That Preserves Your Lifestyle

Opt for country clubs that are within a comfortable drive—like Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach, adjacent to Fashion Island, or Shady Canyon in Irvine, tucked into lush hills. These locations offer both convenience and prestige.

2. Club Culture as Lifestyle Centerpiece

Today’s clubs offer more than golf—they’re vibrant social hubs with wellness, dining, and cultural offerings.
Shady Canyon Golf Club cap membership at 300 and surrounds homes starting around $5M, yet lifestyle amenities extend well beyond the green.
Millennial homebuyers now value this evolved club culture, with many prioritizing social programming over golf itself.

3. Tailored Amenities for Exclusivity

Monarch Beach, for example, features a private beach club complemented by resort-style residences—perfect for golf lovers and ocean enthusiasts alike. Homes average $2M–$10M.
Coto de Caza offers gated luxury, championship golf, equestrian trails, and custom estates from $1.5M to over $5M.
At El Niguel Country Club in Laguna Niguel, meticulously maintained greens and social programming add elegance to serene golf course living.

4. Lifestyle Value Beyond Green Fees

Beyond golf perks, assess the broader value: cultural offerings, family programming, unique amenities, and prestige all enhance both your lifestyle and property value.
OC and Desert clubs increasingly serve as community anchors—offering exclusivity, connection, and long-term appeal.

5. Align Club and Property Strategy

Coastal luxury: Look to Monarch Beach, blending ocean views with social depth.
Private retreat: Coto de Caza delivers gated estates, world-class recreation.
Serene sophistication: Shady Canyon and Big Canyon align peaceful surroundings with elite living.
Golf + social: El Niguel Country Club pairs scenic views with programming and lifestyle enhancements.

How This Elevates Your Real Estate Strategy

By pairing the right country club with an ideal property, your investment becomes more than a home—it becomes a lifestyle ecosystem. Your residence, community, and leisure seamlessly work together to deliver emotional fulfillment and enduring value.