Hello, Southwest Florida homebuyers and dreamers! We’re Jason & Jennifer Gibson, your local real estate experts, and we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Ave Maria, a vibrant master-planned community that’s quickly becoming the talk of Collier County. With its blend of small-town charm, modern amenities, and affordable newly constructed homes, Ave Maria is a rising star in Southwest Florida’s real estate scene. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or a retiree seeking an active lifestyle, Ave Maria has something for everyone. Let’s explore why this community is stealing the show and how you can find your place in it!
A Big Kind of Small Town
Nestled just 36 miles northeast of Naples, Ave Maria is a thoughtfully designed community spanning 5,000 acres, with 4,000 dedicated to residential and commercial spaces and 17,000 preserved for nature. Founded in 2005 by Barron Collier Companies and the Ave Maria Foundation led by Tom Monaghan, this self-sustaining town is home to over 6,200 residents and counting, with plans for up to 11,000 homes at build-out. In 2024 alone, Ave Maria recorded 600 new home sales, earning it the 17th spot on the list of Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities in the U.S., according to John Burns Research and Consulting. It’s also been named a Top 20 Master-Planned Community from 2015–2024, the Top-Selling Single-Family Home Community in Southwest Florida, and a Blue Zones Certified Community for its healthy, active lifestyle.
What makes Ave Maria so special? It’s the perfect mix of community spirit and modern convenience, centered around the stunning Ave Maria Oratory, a modern Catholic church with a 30-foot marble Annunciation sculpture. From the bustling Town Center to top-rated schools and resort-style amenities, Ave Maria feels like a big kind of small town where neighbors become friends, and every day feels like a fresh opportunity.
New Construction Homes: Something for Everyone
Ave Maria’s newly constructed homes are a major draw, offering modern designs, energy-efficient features, and prices that make homeownership attainable. With homes starting in the high $200s and ranging up to the $600s, builders like Pulte Homes, Lennar, Del Webb, and CC Homes are crafting residences to suit every lifestyle. Here’s a peek at what’s available:
- Del Webb Naples: A gated 55+ community with 2,123 homes, featuring resort-style amenities like an 18-hole Panther Run Golf Club, 18 sports courts, pools, and a full-time Lifestyle Director. Average home prices hover around $487,835, with listings staying on the market for about 164 days. Perfect for active adults seeking a vibrant retirement!
- The National Golf & Country Club by Lennar: Offering Terraces, Verandas, Executive Homes, and Estate Homes from the high $200s, this community includes a public 18-hole Gordon Lewis-designed golf course and future amenities like a resort pool, spa, and tennis courts. Quick move-in options, like the Bromelia condo or Isabella plan ($586,204), make it easy to settle in.
- Maple Ridge by CC Homes: Known for luxury and affordability, these single-family homes start in the $320s, with quick move-in options like the Birch plan ($498,932) featuring 3 bedrooms and impact windows. Ideal for families or those wanting space for a pool.
- Avalon Park by Pulte Homes: Innovative floor plans from the high $300s, designed for quality and comfort, perfect for growing families or those seeking a connected community.
With nearly two dozen model homes and over 75 floor plans to explore, buyers can customize their dream home while enjoying the latest architectural trends and low-maintenance living. Plus, Florida’s tax-friendly environment—no state income tax or taxes on Social Security and pensions—makes Ave Maria even more appealing for retirees.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy condo, a spacious family home, or a 55+ retreat, Ave Maria’s new construction community options offer unbeatable value and style in a community designed for the future.
Amenities That Bring the Community to Life
Ave Maria’s lifestyle is a big reason it’s a top choice for homebuyers. The Town Center, just a golf cart ride away, features over 60 businesses, including Publix, The Bean of Ave Maria coffee shop, Oil Well Craft Beer, and The Pub & Grill of Ave Maria. The new Midtown Plaza, set to open in 2025, will add national brands like Dunkin’, Cold Stone Creamery, and Sunshine Ace Hardware, plus an NCH Immediate Care Center.
Families love the A-rated Collier County public schools, with a new public elementary school slated to open in 2026. Ave Maria University and Rhodora J. Donahue Academy (K-12) provide top-tier education right in town. For fun, residents enjoy a resort-style water park, soccer and baseball fields, trails, a dog park, and the Panther Run Golf Club. Free community events, like farmers markets and live music, keep the calendar buzzing year-round.
Nature lovers are in paradise, with nearby Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Rookery Bay, and the Florida Panther Wildlife Refuge offering kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Ave Maria’s commitment to preserving 17,000 acres ensures you’re surrounded by Florida’s natural beauty.
From golf carts to golf courses, Ave Maria offers a lifestyle where convenience, community, and nature come together seamlessly.
Why Now Is the Time to Explore Ave Maria
With 5,600 homes sold and counting, Ave Maria’s growth is accelerating, making it a smart investment for buyers. The average home sale price in 2024 was $497,257, up 2% from the previous year, showing steady appreciation despite a national average of 45 days on the market compared to Ave Maria’s 123 days. This slower pace gives buyers time to find the perfect home without the frenzy of coastal markets. For sellers, pricing competitively in this growing community can attract eager buyers, especially as new amenities and businesses boost demand.
Compared to pricier coastal areas like Naples (median price $600,000 in May 2025), Ave Maria offers affordability—10.9% below the national cost of living—without sacrificing quality. South Floridians are flocking here for homes that cost half as much as similar properties in Broward or Miami-Dade, like a 3,100-square-foot home for $650,000 versus $1.2 million in Cooper City, FL.
Ave Maria’s affordability, growth, and community focus make it a hidden gem for buyers and a promising opportunity for sellers.
Let’s Find Your Place in Ave Maria
As The Gibson Team, we’re passionate about helping you discover Ave Maria’s unique charm. Whether you’re eyeing a move-in-ready home, customizing a new build, or selling in this thriving market, we’re here to guide you with local expertise and a personalized touch. Ready to explore the rising star of Southwest Florida?
Contact Jason & Jennifer Gibson today at (610) 906-7162 or email us at jjsellsfl@gmail.com to schedule a tour of Ave Maria’s model homes or discuss your real estate goals. Visit jjsellsfl.net for the latest listings and insights. Let’s make your Ave Maria dream a reality!
