The National in Ave Maria Named 2026 Community of the Year: A Snowbird Paradise

The National in Ave Maria Named 2026 Community of the Year: A Snowbird Paradise There's another reason to celebrate Ave Maria, Florida! The National Golf & Country Club by Lennar has been named Community of the Year in the under-$500,000 category at the 2026 Sand Dollar Awards. And for anyone familiar with this beautiful golf community, it's easy to see why it's such an attractive destination for Southwest Florida living. The recognition was announced by Ave Maria Development following the awards presented by the Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA). But beyond the award itself, we think there's an even better story to tell. It's about the people, the friendships, the golf, and the lifestyle that make The National such a special place to call home. A Snowbird Paradise in the Heart of Ave Maria For many seasonal residents, the dream of spending winters in Florida is about more than escaping the cold. It's about sunshine, staying active, making new friends, and enjoying the freedom to spend your days doing the things you love. And that's exactly the kind of lifestyle The National Golf & Country Club offers. Nestled within Ave Maria, The National has become an appealing destination for snowbirds, retirees, seasonal homeowners, and year-round residents who appreciate resort-style living. Imagine trading snow shovels for golf clubs, icy sidewalks for palm-lined streets, and freezing temperatures for beautiful Southwest Florida afternoons. Not a bad way to spend the winter! But what makes a community truly special isn't just the weather or the amenities. It's the people you meet along the way. Championship Golf Right Outside Your Door For golf lovers, The National has one particularly impressive attraction. An 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gordon Lewis. With beautifully maintained fairways, scenic water features, challenging greens, and multiple tee options, the course offers an enjoyable experience for golfers with different skill levels. And for those who love a good challenge, the course stretches to approximately 7,300 yards from the back tees. Now that's a serious round of golf! Of course, not everyone is trying to set a course record. For many residents, golf is just as much about the friendships as it is about the scorecard. It's the regular morning foursome, the friendly competition, the conversations between holes, and the stories shared afterward. For snowbirds who return to Florida each season, those familiar faces and weekly golf traditions can become some of the best parts of winter. And with a championship course right in the neighborhood, it's easy to understand the appeal. More Than Golf: A Community Built Around an Active Lifestyle Of course, you don't have to be an avid golfer to appreciate life at The National. The community offers a range of resort-style amenities designed to encourage residents to get outdoors, stay active, and enjoy time together. From its beautiful resort-style pool and fitness facilities to pickleball, tennis, dining, and social gatherings, there's plenty to enjoy beyond the fairways. For some residents, the perfect day might begin with a round of golf. For others, it's a morning fitness class, an afternoon by the pool, or an evening spent catching up with neighbors. And that's the beauty of a community like The National. There are opportunities to be as active or as relaxed as you choose. The Best Part of Snowbird Season? The Friendships One of the things we love about Southwest Florida's seasonal communities is watching them come alive as residents return for the winter. Friends reconnect after spending months apart. Golf groups get back together. Social calendars begin filling up. And before long, familiar faces are gathering around the pool, meeting for dinner, or enjoying another beautiful Florida sunset. For many snowbirds, these friendships become an important part of their lives. What starts as a winter escape can become a second home filled with traditions, memories, and a wonderful sense of belonging. And while The National offers plenty of impressive amenities, we believe it's those personal connections that help make a community feel like home. And Then There's Ave Maria! Another wonderful part of living at The National is being part of the greater Ave Maria community. Just beyond the neighborhood, residents can enjoy everything that makes our town such a special place. There's the beautiful Town Center, local restaurants, shops, community events, and the familiar sight of golf carts making their way around town. During snowbird season, Ave Maria is especially lively. The farmers market returns, community festivals bring neighbors together, and there's always another opportunity to discover something new. Whether it's meeting friends for coffee, enjoying a local restaurant, attending a festival, or simply taking an evening stroll through Annunciation Circle, there's plenty to enjoy. And for those who want to explore beyond Ave Maria, the beaches, attractions, restaurants, and adventures of Southwest Florida are waiting to be discovered. That's one of the reasons we created Snowbird Living in the first place. There's so much to enjoy here in paradise, and we love helping residents discover it! A Well-Deserved Recognition Being named Community of the Year is certainly an achievement worth celebrating. But what makes the award especially meaningful is the community that has developed around The National. Beautiful homes and amenities may attract people to a neighborhood, but it's the lifestyle and friendships that make them want to stay. And for seasonal residents who look forward to returning each winter, that sense of belonging can mean everything. Congratulations to Lennar, The National Golf & Country Club, and especially the residents who help make this community what it is today. Here's to many more beautiful Florida winters, great rounds of golf, lasting friendships, and memories made in paradise! Discover More of Ave Maria With Snowbird Living Whether you're a seasonal snowbird, a new homeowner, or a year-round resident, there's always something new to discover in Ave Maria. Visit Snowbird.club to explore local restaurants, businesses, events, attractions, and things to do throughout Ave Maria and Southwest Florida. And if you're new to town, be sure to pick up your free Snowbird Living Passport, your pocket guide to discovering the places and people that make our community special. Congratulations, The National! Snowbird Living — Your Passport to Paradise. Source: Ave Maria Development — The National Golf & Country Club by Lennar Named 2026 Community of the Year. Award details attributed to Ave Maria Development. Community lifestyle commentary by Snowbird Living.