Each year, Ideal-LIVING magazine sets out to answer a simple but meaningful question: Where are the best places to live right now?
In its 2026 “Best Places to Live” issue, the publication released its list of the Top 100 Amenity Communities — a curated selection of destinations across the country and abroad that deliver exceptional lifestyle experiences rooted in connection, wellness, and everyday enjoyment. These communities aren’t chosen at random. The list is shaped by reader insights — what today’s homebuyers value most when envisioning their next chapter. From natural surroundings to thoughtfully designed amenities, each community reflects a shared desire for a more intentional way of living.
What Defines a Top Amenity Community?
According to Ideal-LIVING, the most desirable communities today go well beyond beautiful homes. They are places designed to support how people want to live — active, engaged, and connected.
The Top 100 communities are recognized for offering a wide range of lifestyle amenities, including:
But beyond the amenities themselves, what truly sets these communities apart is something less tangible: a strong sense of place. Walkable designs, thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, and opportunities to meet neighbors naturally create an environment where community thrives.
A Shift Toward Lifestyle-Driven Living
The growing popularity of amenity-rich communities reflects a broader shift in how people define quality of life. Many are seeking more than just a change of address — they’re looking for a lifestyle that offers balance, convenience, and a deeper sense of belonging. For some, that means trading busy urban centers for coastal settings. For others, it’s about finding a place where daily routines include time outdoors, access to recreation, and the ease of maintenance-free living. Across the board, there is a clear emphasis on environments that support both wellness and connection. Communities included in the Top 100 list often provide the convenience of self-contained living, with access to dining, essentials, and healthcare nearby — allowing residents to spend more time enjoying their surroundings and less time managing the logistics of everyday life.
Why This Recognition Matters
Being included in Ideal-LIVING’s Top 100 is more than a nod to great amenities — it’s a reflection of what residents experience day to day. It signals that a community delivers not just on features, but on the overall lifestyle it promises.
At Occano, that philosophy is part of everything we do. Set along the Albemarle Sound, Occano offers a waterfront lifestyle shaped by natural beauty and intentional design — where mornings might begin on the water, afternoons are spent on the course or trails, and evenings bring neighbors together. It’s a place where connection happens organically, and where every detail supports a life well lived.
Explore the Possibilities
For those considering a move — whether full-time, seasonal, or simply a new pace of life — the Ideal-LIVING list offers a valuable starting point for inspiration and discovery.
You can explore the full 2026 Top 100 Amenity Communities and learn more about what defines today’s most desirable places to live here:
👉 Explore the 2026 Best Places to Live
Enter your email address and we will send you a link to change your password.