Cart-Friendly Communities: Where Golf Carts Are Part of Everyday Life
Most people think of golf carts as vehicles for getting from the first tee to the eighteenth green, but in a rising number of communities across America, they have become the main way people get around. In places like The Villages in Florida, where golf carts outnumber cars, and Hot Springs Village in Arkansas, entire neighborhoods rely on golf carts every day. They’re more than just for fun on weekends; they are used for grocery runs, commuting, and meeting up with neighbors. In Peachtree City, Georgia, and Sun City, Arizona, residents use golf carts to travel along tree-lined paths and dedicated routes, creating a slower-paced, friendlier way of life that appeals to both young families and retirees looking for something different from traditional suburbs.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most notable golf cart–friendly communities across the country, starting with retirement communities and then highlighting planned communities. Each showcases how these small but mighty vehicles have transformed daily living far beyond the fairway.
The Villages, Florida:
The Villages is known as the ultimate golf cart community. More than 85,000 carts serve nearly 150,000 residents across 57 square miles, making cart living a way of life here. People personalize their carts with unique paint jobs and decorations, then use them for everything from grocery shopping and doctor visits to dinner outings and live shows at the town square. The community features over 100 miles of cart paths that connect every part of this retirement haven. In The Villages, a golf cart is more than just a way to get around—it’s a way to meet people and be part of the community.
Sun City, Arizona:
Sun City was one of the first retirement communities designed for golf carts, setting the tone for active adult living since 1960. With about 40,000 residents and plenty of golf courses, shops, and recreation spots, golf carts have always been part of daily life here. The wide streets and easy access points make it simple for people to get to tee times, social clubs, restaurants, or doctor visits. In the desert heat, golf carts are more than just handy—they can make a real difference when the temperature soars.
On Top of the World, Florida:
Located in Ocala, Florida, On Top of the World has been a popular retirement community since 1947. Spanning more than 13,000 acres, golf carts are a central part of daily life, helping residents easily get to shops, banks, or local amenities—often leaving their cars behind. The community also offers plenty of activities just a short cart ride away, from shuffleboard and bocce to a farmers’ market and an R/C flying field, making it easy for everyone to stay active and connect with neighbors.
Peachtree City, Georgia:
Known as “The Golf Cart City,” Peachtree City has earned its nickname through decades of cart-friendly planning. This Atlanta suburb boasts over 100 miles of dedicated cart paths that weave through neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, and parks. With around 11,000 registered golf carts serving the community, it’s not uncommon to see entire families cruising to soccer practice, dinner, or the grocery store. The paths are so comprehensive that many residents use their carts as primary transportation, especially for local errands. Kids grow up learning to drive on golf carts, and seeing carts in school pickup lines is just part of daily life in this unique Georgia community.
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas:
Hot Springs Village sits in the Ouachita Mountains and offers a golf cart lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. The gated community covers 26,000 acres and has more than 30 miles of paved cart paths that wind around 11 lakes and through wooded areas. Residents use their carts for more than just getting around. They enjoy rides to one of nine golf courses, trips to the marina, or exploring the many trails. The mountain setting means you might see scenic views and wildlife along the way, turning everyday errands into small adventures. With its mix of outdoor activities and cart-friendly roads, Hot Springs Village shows that golf cart living is about more than convenience. It’s a way to slow down and enjoy one of Arkansas’s most beautiful places.
The Golf Cart Lifestyle: More Than Transportation
From the retirement communities of Florida to the lakes of Arkansas and the cart-friendly streets of Georgia, golf cart neighborhoods show that these vehicles are much more than just a way to get around. They help people connect with neighbors, stay active, and build a sense of community that’s hard to find elsewhere.
If you like the lively feel of The Villages, the family trails in Peachtree City, or the scenic views in Hot Springs Village, now is a great time to try this lifestyle. Check out golf carts for sale in Florida, Georgia, and Arkansas to find one that suits you and start enjoying what these communities offer.
