Southern Dunes Living: Golf, Value & No CDD Fees

🏌️‍♂️ Living in Southern Dunes Golf Community — Haines City, Florida

If you’re dreaming of a home in a golf-centric, amenity-rich Florida community that’s close to Orlando attractions but still offers a relaxed suburban vibe, Southern Dunes in Haines City, Florida might just be the perfect fit. Nestled around the award-winning Southern Dunes Golf Course, this gated community blends golf lifestyle, convenience, and strong neighborhood appeal.

🌴 A Central Florida Lifestyle with Big Appeal

Southern Dunes is a gated, deed-restricted community of roughly 800 homes built mainly from the early 1990s through the mid-2000s, many with scenic golf course views. Located just off US-27, residents enjoy easy access to world-class theme parks, Lakeland, Tampa, and Orlando, while still living in a tranquil, low-key neighborhood.

The heart of the community is the 18-hole Steve Smyers-designed course—known for its rolling terrain and dramatic elevation changes uncommon in Florida. It’s a major draw for residents and visitors alike.

💰 Current Home Prices — A Variety of Options

Homes in Southern Dunes cover a wide price range, offering options for a variety of buyers:

Typical sale prices generally fall between roughly $240,000 and $515,000, depending on size, condition, and golf views.
Neighborhood median prices typically hover in the low-to-mid $300K range — with different reporting sources showing medians around $323K to $390K depending on the part of the community and timing.

This makes Southern Dunes appealing to retirees, families, and even investors looking for solid real estate value near Central Florida attractions.

📋 HOA Fees & No CDD Assessments

One of the practical perks for homeowners here is the absence of a Community Development District (CDD) fee — meaning you won’t see that extra tax assessment on your property bill that’s common in many Florida communities.

Instead, you’ll pay HOA fees that help maintain common areas, security, and community amenities:

HOA fees generally vary by neighborhood and property type — many range from about $150 to $250 per month or sometimes more depending on specific subdivisions and amenities.
Some listings show annual HOA figures that break down to roughly $63 per month or more, depending on exact community services included.

These dues support community maintenance like the gate, pools, landscaping, tennis courts, and other shared features.

🏡 Short-Term Rentals — What to Know

The short-term rental landscape in Southern Dunes involves multiple layers:

Haines City itself now officially permits short-term rentals in Southern Dunes, along with a few other specific communities, under city zoning rules — but owners must register with the city and comply with licensing requirements.
Florida HOAs can restrict short-term rentals in their governing documents, but enforcement depends on how those rules are written and adopted.
Because HOA policies vary and governing documents can be updated, it’s wise to consult the HOA’s CC&Rs and city zoning before investing with short-term rental intentions.

Polk County and the City of Haines City also have licensing and registration requirements for short-term rentals (properties rented under 30 days), so compliance with local law is critical for owners considering Airbnb or VRBO uses.

🏡 Why Residents Love It

Southern Dunes is more than golf:

Gated, secure community lifestyle with plenty of amenities.
Friendly mix of full-time residents, snowbirds, and part-time homeowners attracted by the golf lifestyle and Central Florida location.
Proximity to shopping, healthcare, schools, and major highways makes everyday life easy and travel simple.

📌 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a golfer looking for daily rounds on a top-notch course, a family wanting a community with amenities, or an investor eyeing vacation rental potential, Southern Dunes offers a compelling blend of lifestyle and real estate value just a short drive from Orlando and beyond.