Last updated: August 2026
Relocating buyers often ask me to just rank Palm Beach Gardens' golf communities in order. There isn't really a single "best" — they're built around different priorities. Here's how the five major communities actually compare.
Membership structure
BallenIsles and Frenchman's Creek both use mandatory equity membership tied to the home — you join the club when you buy. Mirasol offers tiered Golf, Sports, and Social memberships, so you choose your level. Old Palm caps total membership at 330, keeping it deliberately small and private. PGA National is the most flexible of the five, with membership available but not mandatory on every home.
Golf
PGA National has five courses, the most of any community on this list. Frenchman's Creek has 36 holes across two courses. Mirasol has two championship courses. BallenIsles has three courses within its nearly 1,600-home community. Old Palm centers around a single, more exclusive course built for a smaller membership.
Beyond golf
Frenchman's Creek stands out for its private club on Juno Beach and select homes with deep-water access — a genuine draw for buyers who want golf and boating. BallenIsles leans into full-amenity living with tennis, racquets, and a packed social calendar across 33 neighborhoods. Mirasol and PGA National both offer a broader mix of home types and price points, which matters if you're not committed to one architectural style.
Who fits where
- Want maximum flexibility and central location: PGA National
- Want a full-amenity, highly social gated community: BallenIsles
- Want serious golf with membership flexibility: Mirasol
- Want privacy, scale, and a small membership: Old Palm Golf Club
- Want golf and the beach in one membership: Frenchman's Creek
See each community in detail
PGA National · BallenIsles · Mirasol · Old Palm Golf Club · Frenchman's Creek
Still not sure which one fits?
Membership cost, home style, and lifestyle fit are hard to weigh from the outside, especially if you've never lived in a country-club community before. A short conversation usually narrows it down fast.
Tell me what matters most to you and I'll point you to the right community →