Living in Ave Maria, FL

Ave Maria is a master-planned town in eastern Collier County, about 36 miles from downtown Naples. Founded in 2005 and built around a walkable Town Center and the Ave Maria University campus, it has become one of Southwest Florida's most popular places to buy new construction.

The town at a glance

• Founded in 2005 by Barron Collier Companies and Domino's founder Tom Monaghan

• Home to Ave Maria University

• Town Center with a Publix, shops, salons, restaurants and a walk-in clinic

• Recognized as a Blue Zones Certified Community

Parks and amenities

• Water park with a resort-style pool, lap lanes and water slides

• North Park and South Park, with pickleball, tennis, soccer, baseball, softball, bocce, basketball, a dog park, an amphitheater and trails

• Golf at Panther Run and The National Golf & Country Club

• A 5,000-square-foot fitness center

Neighborhoods and builders

Ave Maria offers a mix of new and resale single-family homes, villas, townhomes and condos. Builders and neighborhoods include:

• Del Webb Naples, an active adult community for buyers 55 and better

• Maple Ridge by CC Homes

• Avalon Park by Pulte Homes

• The National by Lennar

• Gatherpoint by Pulte Homes and Lennar, a gated community with a variety of home types

Schools

Ave Maria Elementary School, part of Collier County Public Schools, serves the community, and Rhodora J. Donahue Academy is a private Catholic school for pre-K through 12th grade. School assignments depend on the exact address, so I always confirm zoning with the district before you make an offer.

Getting around

• About 36 miles to downtown Naples, usually around 45 to 50 minutes by car

• Close to Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park

Buying new construction in Ave Maria

• Bring your own agent to your very first model visit. Most builders ask you to register your agent then.

• Compare builder incentives, lot premiums and upgrade packages side by side

• Ask about HOA and community development fees, which are common in Ave Maria and add to your monthly cost

• Get an independent inspection, even on a brand-new home

Thinking about Ave Maria?

I've helped buyers close on new homes with builders like Lennar and D.R. Horton, and I'm happy to tour Ave Maria's neighborhoods with you in English or Spanish. Send me a message or call or text 239-284-7299.