Landing Page

Where Pools Rule: 4 Splash-Worthy Communities With Homes for Sale

By Heather Wright

Updated Jun. 16, 2026 at 10:04 AM CST

Add as a preferred source on Google

Community pools are making a splash with today's buyers. According to NewHomeSource's Homebuyer Outlook, which tracks buyer searches, community pools are the most sought-after amenity among house hunters.

As homes and yards get smaller, buyers place greater emphasis on shared amenities, like pools. Meanwhile, a growing number of buyers are looking for communities that offer vacation vibes, but for daily living.

In response, pools are shifting from amenity to destination, serving multiple functions, from social hubs to wellness and fitness, to being the anchor in a larger amenity ecosystem. Design is moving away from a simple rectangle with lounge chairs and a basic clubhouse to resort-inspired destinations that are well worth diving into.

From lazy rivers to lap pools, here are homes for sale in four communities where the pool is part of a larger lifestyle experience.

Lakewood Ranch, Florida

Located on Florida's Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Bradenton, the sprawling Lakewood Ranch master-planned community offers something residents may value as much as the pools themselves: choice. Multiple amenity centers offer a variety of pool experiences, including resort-style pools, lap lanes, splash zones, and family-friendly gathering spaces.

Del Webb Catalina

The Isles at Lakewood Ranch - Sanibel Collection

Anthem at Merrill Ranch, Arizona

Located in Florence, Arizona, Anthem at Merrill Ranch dives into the resort trend with a big splash water park featuring dual waterslides, an interactive play structure, and a giant red bucket that dumps more than 200 gallons of water every four minutes. Residents also have access to a resort-style pool, lap lanes, and a diving well, creating options for everyone from families with young children to serious swimmers. Shaded gathering areas and a recreation center packed with activities round out an amenity complex designed to keep residents coming back.

Parkside at Anthem at Merrill Ranch

Anthem at Merrill Ranch Reserve Series

Cane Bay Plantation, South Carolina

Located in Summerville, South Carolina, Cane Bay Plantation offers residents access to a variety of pools and recreation amenities spread throughout the community. In addition to community pools in the various sub-neighborhoods here, Cane Bay has its own YMCA complex, which includes a 25-yard swimming pool and lots of all-ages programming. The various community pools are part of a broader amenity network that makes it easy to stay active.

Pender Woods at Cane Bay

The Coves at Lakes of Cane Bay II

Jordan Ranch, Texas

Located in Fulshear, Texas, Jordan Ranch is anchored by one of the area's most distinctive amenities: a lazy river. Connected to a resort-style pool complex by a bridge, the lazy river encourages residents to slow down and stay awhile, whether floating with family or cooling off on a hot Texas afternoon. A splash pad, cabanas, and gathering spaces round out an amenity designed to make a day at the pool feel a little more like a vacation.

Jordan Ranch 40'

Jordan Ranch: 65ft. Lots

To find out more about homes and communities that are designed for lifestyle, sign up for our newsletter.

Heather Wright

Heather Wright

Heather Wright is a senior writer for NewHomeSource and Builder with a background in real estate reporting and home design, decor, and architecture. She has written for a number of print and digital publications in the lifestyle space.