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
Just across the Sound, a quiet but meaningful transformation is taking shape in downtown Edenton—one that signals long-term growth not just for the town itself, but for the broader Albemarle region. A recent report outlines nearly $9 million in combined public and private investment flowing into Edenton’s downtown, fueling building revitalizations, new business opportunities, and expanded infrastructure. Among the most notable developments: momentum around bringing a full-service grocery store back to downtown, alongside growing interest in defense and maritime manufacturing—specifically submarine-related industry jobs. Individually, these projects are meaningful. Together, they represent something larger—confidence in the region’s future.
Reinforcing Edenton as a Regional Anchor
Edenton has always carried historical significance along the Albemarle Sound. Today, it is increasingly asserting itself as an economic anchor for northeastern North Carolina. From infrastructure improvements and business recruitment to workforce development and manufacturing investment, the focus is clear: build a stronger, more self-sustaining regional economy that attracts both talent and capital. And importantly, this growth is not happening in isolation. It is part of a broader pattern across the region—where small towns are leaning into their strengths: quality of life, access to water, and a sense of place that is becoming harder to find in larger, saturated markets.
What Growth Like This Means for Occano
For Occano, this kind of regional momentum is more than encouraging—it’s catalytic. As Edenton continues to grow, several effects naturally follow, all of which directly benefit a community like Occano:
A Growing Player Base - As new employers enter the market and jobs expand—particularly in higher-skilled sectors—so does the local and regional population. With that comes increased interest in recreational amenities, including golf. Nationally, interest in golf remains strong, with more than 29 million Americans playing on-course in 2025 and participation continuing to rise in recent years. Translate that trend to a growing regional population, and the opportunity is clear: more residents, more visitors, and ultimately, more rounds played.
Increased Demand for Membership - Growth in jobs—especially those tied to professional, technical, or manufacturing sectors—often brings a demographic that values lifestyle-driven communities. Golf and country clubs across the U.S. are already experiencing increased visitation and sustained membership interest, with demand extending beyond traditional audiences to younger and more diverse members. For Occano, this represents a natural pipeline: individuals relocating to the region who are seeking not just a place to live—but a community to belong to.
A Stronger Case for Ownership - Perhaps most significantly, regional investment strengthens the long-term value proposition for ownership at Occano. As surrounding towns like Edenton continue to evolve—adding amenities, jobs, and infrastructure—the entire Albemarle Sound region becomes more desirable. That desirability translates into:
In other words, growth in Edenton reinforces the same qualities that draw people to Occano in the first place—while adding new layers of convenience, connectivity, and opportunity.
A Rising Tide Along the Albemarle
Occano has always offered something distinct: a thoughtful blend of golf, waterfront living, and a pace that feels intentional rather than hurried. What’s changing—and what this moment in Edenton underscores—is that the region around Occano is catching up in all the right ways.
For Occano, that means being perfectly positioned—not just as a destination, but as part of a region on the rise.
For a deeper look at the projects and momentum shaping Edenton’s future, view the full article here: https://albemarleobserver.news/2026/05/28/downtown-edenton-sees-9m-in-investment-eyes-grocery-store-and-submarine-industry-jobs/
There’s a noticeable shift this time of year along the North Carolina coast. The air begins to soften, the temperatures slowly rise, and the days stretch just a little longer. With Daylight Saving Time now in effect, those longer evenings mean something especially exciting for golfers at Occano—more time to play.
That extra hour of daylight opens the door for relaxed evening rounds and spontaneous trips to the course. What once felt like a rushed late afternoon tee time suddenly becomes a chance to enjoy several more holes as the sun lingers over the fairways.
Even before spring officially arrives, the signs of the season ahead are already showing. Warmer afternoons make it easier to get outside, and the course begins to take on that familiar vibrancy that golfers look forward to each year. The fairways start to green up, coastal breezes return, and the conditions become ideal for spending more time outdoors.
For many, this is one of the most enjoyable stretches of the year to play golf. Mornings remain cool and refreshing, while afternoons bring comfortable temperatures and extended daylight. Whether you’re fitting in a quick nine after work or enjoying a leisurely round with friends, those longer evenings make it all possible.
At Occano, golf is as much about the experience as it is the game. It’s the quiet moments between shots, the coastal scenery surrounding the course, and the simple pleasure of staying outside while the sun slowly dips below the horizon.
Daylight Saving Time reminds us that the best golf days of the year are just around the corner. The temperatures are warming, the evenings are growing longer, and the course is ready.
So dust off the clubs, make plans for that after-work round, and take advantage of the extra daylight.
The season ahead is looking brighter already. ⛳🌅
There has never been a better time to explore Bertie County.
The Bertie County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has officially launched its new website and social media channels under the brand Destination Bertie, creating a central hub for discovering everything that makes this special corner of coastal North Carolina worth visiting.
Through the new site — destinationbertie.com — and social media presence @destinationbertie, visitors can easily explore the many experiences Bertie County has to offer. From scenic riverfront views and historic small towns to outdoor adventures, local events, and authentic eastern North Carolina culture, Destination Bertie highlights the places, people, and activities that make the county unique.
Bertie County is home to remarkable natural beauty and a deep sense of history. Visitors can enjoy:
Boating, fishing, and paddling along the Roanoke and Cashie Rivers
Exploring historic Windsor, one of North Carolina’s oldest towns
Discovering the region’s Civil War and colonial history
Experiencing local festivals, shops, and small-town charm
Enjoying the peaceful landscapes and wildlife that define the Inner Banks
The new Destination Bertie platform brings these experiences together in one place, helping travelers plan trips and discover hidden gems throughout the county.
At Occano, we are especially excited about the launch of Destination Bertie. As Bertie County continues to build awareness as a travel destination, we believe golf will play an important role in bringing visitors to the area.
Occano is designed to be a premier golf destination on North Carolina’s Inner Banks, offering a championship course and a community that celebrates the beauty of the surrounding landscape. As more people discover Bertie County through Destination Bertie, we look forward to welcoming golfers who want to experience both exceptional golf and the authentic charm of this region.
One of the most powerful things about tourism is that it often leads to something more lasting. People visit a place, fall in love with it, and begin to imagine calling it home.
At Occano, we are already seeing that interest take shape. In addition to being a golf destination, Occano is also a growing residential community with homesites and real estate opportunities available for those who want to live where they love to play.
We believe the increased visibility created by Destination Bertie will benefit the entire region — helping more people discover Bertie County not only as a place to visit, but as a place to live, invest, and become part of the community.
Tourism growth benefits the entire community — from local businesses and restaurants to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. We are excited to partner with Destination Bertie as they work to showcase Bertie County and attract visitors from across North Carolina and beyond.
Because when people discover Bertie County, great things happen.
Tourism works.
Visit destinationbertie.com or follow @destinationbertie to discover all the things to see, do, and experience — and we hope to see you soon at Occano.
Great news for golfers looking for more opportunities to play at Occano.
Beginning March 1 through November 30, the Occano Golf Course will now be open on Mondays, giving players an additional day each week to enjoy the course. Whether you're looking to squeeze in a weekday round, extend your weekend, or simply find a quieter time to play, Mondays at Occano provide the flexibility golfers have been asking for.
With the addition of Monday tee times, guests and members alike now have even more chances to experience the scenic beauty and playability that make Occano such a special place to tee it up on the North Carolina coast.
More golf. More flexibility.
Secure your tee time today and start planning your next round.
👉 Book your tee time: https://occano.book.teeitup.com/
We look forward to seeing you on the course.
Bertie County’s wild beauty just got a little bigger.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has announced the addition of 174 acres to the Bertie County Game Lands with the purchase of the Gaskins Swamp Tract. This exciting expansion, made possible through a partnership with the N.C. Coastal Land Trust and Ducks Unlimited, reinforces what locals already know: Bertie County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Funding for the acquisition came from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and the Enviva Forest Conservation Fund—an investment in conservation that benefits both wildlife and the people who love to experience the outdoors.
The newly protected Gaskins Swamp Tract is home to a diverse range of species, including the vibrant prothonotary warbler—often called the “swamp canary” for its bright golden coloring and love of wetland habitats. Bottomland hardwood forests and swamp ecosystems like these are critical to migratory birds and native wildlife, and they offer a glimpse into the natural landscapes that define eastern North Carolina.
With the property now enrolled in the Game Lands Program, it is officially open to the public for hunting, fishing, trapping, and other wildlife-related recreational activities.
The addition of this tract underscores something special about life in Bertie County: access to nature isn’t limited to a weekend trip—it’s a way of life.
From the Cashie and Roanoke Rivers to expansive farmland, forests, and wetlands, this region offers:
Premier hunting and waterfowl opportunities
Fishing in scenic, uncrowded waters
Birdwatching along quiet backwaters
Kayaking and exploring blackwater creeks
Seasonal wildlife observation across diverse habitats
Whether you’re casting a line at sunrise, scouting deer in the fall, or paddling through still waters under a canopy of cypress trees, Bertie County delivers authentic, unspoiled outdoor experiences.
Projects like the Gaskins Swamp acquisition do more than protect land—they preserve a heritage. Outdoor recreation has long been part of the fabric of this region, supporting local economies, traditions, and family experiences that span generations.
For residents of Occano, access to conserved land and world-class natural resources is part of what makes this community so distinctive. The expansion of the Bertie County Game Lands ensures that these experiences will continue for years to come.
As conservation efforts expand and partnerships strengthen, Bertie County’s outdoor future looks bright—174 acres brighter, to be exact.
To read more details about the acquisition, visit the full article here: https://wcti12.com/news/local/174-acres-added-to-bertie-county-game-lands-with-purchase-of-gaskins-swamp-tract
Some moments shape a place forever. For Occano—then known as Innsbrook—that moment came on May 9, 2008, when the legendary Arnold Palmer arrived to personally inaugurate the community’s new 18-hole championship golf course.
The community now known as Occano was inspired by the untouched beauty of Bertie County’s Inner Banks. Surrounded by Salmon Creek, the Albemarle Sound, and the Black Walnut Swamp, the land offered rare potential—quiet, scenic, and deeply connected to nature.
The plan was ambitious: a high-end golf and boating community that blended modern living with ecological harmony, while bringing jobs, tourism, and long-term economic growth to the region.
At first, some locals were skeptical. But as hills were sculpted, lakes formed, and wildlife returned—seagulls, swans, hawks—it became clear the land wasn’t being compromised. It was being enhanced.
At the heart of the project was a championship golf course designed by the Arnold Palmer Design Company. Defined by elevation changes, wide fairways, and panoramic water views, the course quickly earned recognition as one of the most beautiful layouts in the region—even before its official opening.
Then came the moment that cemented its place in history.
On a spring day in 2008, Arnold Palmer arrived not for a ribbon-cutting, but to play the course himself.
At 78 years old, “The King” teed it up as a large crowd followed him across multiple holes, watching closely as he navigated the course he helped bring to life. Despite his age, Palmer still displayed flashes of the confidence, charisma, and shot-making brilliance that made him one of the most beloved figures in golf history.
It was not a ceremonial appearance. It was authentic, personal, and unforgettable.
Following the round, the day unfolded into a true community celebration. Tents were raised, food was shared, and conversations flowed as residents, media, and local leaders gathered to mark the occasion.
County officials and regional leaders recognized the significance of the moment—not just as the opening of a golf course, but as a symbol of Bertie County’s potential. The project promised to strengthen the local economy, bring new jobs and tourism, and preserve the natural landscape that made the area special.
That day in 2008 marked the beginning of a legacy—one personally launched by Arnold Palmer himself. Today, as the community has evolved into Occano, that legacy remains central to its identity. From the course’s original design to its thoughtful restoration in partnership with the Arnold Palmer Design Company, the spirit of that opening day continues to guide the future.
Not every course can say Arnold Palmer stood on its fairways, played its holes, and introduced it to the world -- but Occano can.
Experience Occano today.
At Occano, the golf course was never meant to be an accessory. It was meant to set the standard.
That belief is why earning—and preserving—the designation of an Arnold Palmer Signature Designed Course has always mattered here. Not as a label, but as a responsibility to uphold a legacy rooted in respect for the land, the game, and the people who experience it.
Arnold Palmer–designed courses around the world share a common foundation: a deep respect and love for the earth, for golf, and for those who play it. Step onto a Palmer-designed course, and you’re stepping into a legacy shaped by thoughtful design and enduring values.
Through the Arnold Palmer Design Company (APDC), hundreds of award-winning courses have been created across 37 U.S. states and 25 countries. No matter the environment, APDC followed Mr. Palmer’s approach—designing courses that are respected, responsible, and built to endure. Occano proudly stands among this global community.
More Than a Name: True Signature DesignAn Arnold Palmer Signature Designed Course means the course was designed and crafted by Arnold Palmer, through his direct involvement and leadership of the Arnold Palmer Design Company. It reflects his personal vision, design philosophy, and final approval—ensuring every aspect of the layout carries his unmistakable imprint.
This designation is not “inspired by” or loosely affiliated. From early land-use planning to detailed construction documents and on-site supervision, Signature courses were shaped under Palmer’s watchful eye. He worked closely with his design team—shaping routing, influencing hole strategy, and refining the details of each hole—to deliver courses that are challenging, fair, and enduring.
Arnold Palmer believed golf should be challenging yet fair, rewarding thoughtful decisions while remaining enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Signature courses embody that belief through wide, confident fairways, strategic bunkering, and green complexes that encourage creativity rather than intimidation.
Power alone was never the point. Strategy, adaptability, and confidence were. That philosophy defines the experience at Occano—where every round feels engaging, re-playable, and true to the spirit of the game.
Occano’s course was shaped to embrace the natural beauty of Bertie County’s Inner Banks, where Salmon Creek, the Albemarle Sound, and the Black Walnut Swamp define the landscape.
Rather than forcing the land to conform to the game, the design enhances what already exists. Elevation changes, sweeping water views, and native ecosystems were thoughtfully integrated, creating a course that feels organic, intentional, and distinctly coastal. This respect for the land reflects one of Palmer’s core principles: great golf should leave a place better than it found it.
That approach has earned lasting recognition. Shortly after opening, Occano’s Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course placed ninth in Golf Digest’s Best New survey, immediately establishing itself as a standout.
More recently, the course has been ranked among the Top 10 courses in North Carolina and Top 3 in Eastern North Carolina by the North Carolina Golf Panel—an affirmation of the course’s enduring quality and thoughtful design.
When current ownership acquired the property in 2021, one priority stood above all others: restore the course to pristine condition while honoring Arnold Palmer’s original vision. Occano partnered directly with the Arnold Palmer Design Company, drawing on their deep expertise not only in design, but also in long-term stewardship, operations, and brand integrity.
Arnold Palmer’s name on a course is a mark of excellence—but it also means being part of a bigger story. Guided by the principles of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, Signature courses contribute to a legacy focused on improving both the planet and the lives of the people on it. At Occano, that responsibility is embraced with pride.
The Arnold Palmer Signature Designed Course is the heart of Occano—where global legacy meets coastal character, and thoughtful design creates unforgettable experiences.
To play here is to step into something enduring. A course shaped by respect. A legacy meant to last.
Experience Occano today.
Dreaming of coastal living where the water meets world-class golf, historic charm, and small-town Southern hospitality? At Occano, that dream becomes a reality — and with our Real Estate Discovery Tour, you can experience it firsthand.
Our Discovery Tours are thoughtfully designed for homebuyers who want more than a brochure — they want to feel life in this one-of-a-kind community on the Albemarle Sound. Whether you’re envisioning a second home, retirement lifestyle, or year-round residence, this curated visit gives you a true taste of what life at Occano feels like.
Each Discovery Tour package immerses you in the key elements that make Occano so special. Your experience includes:
Two nights’ accommodations — stay in an Occano cottage or a charming Edenton Bed & Breakfast (based on availability)
One round of golf for two — enjoy a morning on the award-winning Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course
Edenton Trolley Tour for two — explore the historic streets and stories of nearby Edenton
$75 gift certificate for The Herringbone On The Waterfront — savor local flavors with a scenic dinner
Personal residential tour with an Occano Community Sales Manager — see homesites and discover available options
Limited availability — these tours are offered in small numbers to ensure a personalized experience
A Discovery Tour isn’t just a visit — it’s an invitation to step into the lifestyle you’ve been imagining. From sunrise walks along the sound to afternoons on the golf course, you’ll see what makes Occano’s coastal community so special.
Whether you’re curious about design possibilities, want to explore our future home sites, or just want a weekend escape with purpose, this tour lets you do it all with expert guidance and local insight.
Ready to experience Occano like it’s already yours?
👉 Reserve your Real Estate Discovery Tour here: https://www.occano.com/discovery-tour/
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