In the hotbed of golf that is Palm Beach, it’s hard to find a community with more history than BallenIsles. Before there were houses, it was the original home of what became the PGA Tour. The still-challenging East Course—one of three 18-hole layouts—hosted the 1971 PGA Championship.
From this proud pedigree grew a big and beautiful place to live, play, and enjoy, lush with tall palms and tropical landscaping. Most of the nearly 1,600 homes are owned by residents who have been here for years. “No one wants to leave,” explains Director of Marketing Brian Merbler. “They love the amenities and our location—close to the airport, beaches, between the interstate and the turnpike, off PGA Boulevard with its great shopping—but away from downtown so there’s elbow room.”
Along with great golf are clubs for every interest, numerous dining options, programs for juniors, and a new Sports Complex with a state-of-the-art gym, classes, full-service spa, and more. BallenIsles also is a nationally recognized tennis center, with 22 courts including a 500-seat stadium venue (where notable tournaments are staged) and practice courts for Serena and Venus Williams, who live and train on property. The grand clubhouse is being readied for a proposed $35-million overhaul that will add space, activities, and a new restaurant and sports bar.
Befitting a mature community, the resale market for homes is tight. Some 60 homes are presently available, from $300,000 to $5 million.
