A master-planned city in Collier County home to Ave Maria University
At the heart of Ave Maria, a massive master-planned city founded in 2005, are the Ave Maria Oratory towers, with their intricate sculpting and eye-catching architecture. The church is home to the Ave Maria Parish and actively serves the community through daily mass. The city was born out of Ave Maria Foundation chairman Tom Monaghan's dream of building a community desirable for those of the Catholic faith.
"Even though the idea behind Ave Maria was one thing, it has evolved into a very eclectic community," says local Realtor Ani Tirpan with eXp Realty. She's sold homes in the region for a couple of years. "Some people live here year-round, and some come just during winter. I've sold to retirees, and I've sold to people just starting out." Monaghan expressed that the community was open to everyone.
Tirpan emphasizes the city's community-oriented nature. "It's a self-contained city and designated Blue Zone community where it's about prioritizing community and healthy living," Tirpan says. Resort-like amenities pepper the city, and several businesses surround the Oratory. "If you don't like to drive, you can get in your golf cart and do everything you need," Tirpan says. The largest industries in Collier County include health care, social assistance and retail trade.
Ave Maria features several subdivisions with unique character, amenities, and housing styles.
Ave Maria Parish serves as the central hub and main landmark in the community.
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Subdivisions branch off Ave Maria Boulevard
The city's first houses were built in 2006, and thousands quickly followed. "It's only halfway done," Tirpan says. "They're planning to build about 5,500 more homes, and it should be completely built out in 15 years." National construction companies like Pulte Homes and CC Homes built subdivisions like Maple Ridge and Avalon Park, and every community is under a separate HOA. The median home price is $470,000, which is above the national median. The market mainly consists of single-family homes, but several duplexes, condominiums and townhomes are available in most subdivisions.
Homes in Ave Maria are built in a variation of sizes, styles, and offer views of the water or greens.
Ave Maria features homes set along ponds and lakes for idyllic views.
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The Donahue Academy earns high remarks on Niche
Rhodora J. Donahue Academy, operated by the Ave Maria Parish as a Diocese of Venice acquisition, offers private education for pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade students. Niche gives The Donahue Academy, as locals call it, an overall A-minus. Niche gives Collier County Public Schools an overall A and ranks it the fifth-best school district in Florida. The Ave Maria Development Company plans to open its first public elementary school in the city by August 2026. Ave Maria University is a private Catholic university with over two dozen undergraduate majors. It also offers several graduate programs and a doctorate program in Theology.
Rhodora J Donahue Academy is a Catholic school located within the residential community.
Palmetto Ridge High School is a large Collier County school near Ave Maria.
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Fun at the Ave Maria Water Park
Ave Maria offers a range of resort-like amenities. "Each community has their own pool and clubhouse," Tirpan says. "For instance, the Maple Ridge subdivision has a nice pool with a big clubhouse with different activities for children and adults." There are several pickleball courts, two golf courses and over 100 miles of walking paths across all subdivisions. "There's a gazillion more things to do here," Tirpan says. The Ave Maria Water Park, with water slides and several pools, is on the city's north end, and a 5,000-square-foot fitness center is in the Town Center.
Ave Maria residential communities include resort-like amenities with clubhouses and swimming pools.
Pickleball is one of Ave Maria's favorite past times, and residents will find several courts in the area.
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Dining in Town Center
Town Center is the hub of all things social, home to over 75 businesses. It's home to the Ave Maria University campus store, small boutiques and several restaurants with patio seating. Publix, the only big-box grocery store in town, is steps away from Annunciation Circle along Pope John Paul II Boulevard. Most events are held in Town Center, from the Brews, Blues and BBQ Festival to the Margarita and Taco Festival. "The events get better and better every year," Tirpan says. "There's something almost every weekend." The Ave Maria Farmers Market has 60 vendors with locally sourced goods and produce. There's a small strip of stores and a gas station along Ave Maria Boulevard.
The Sunshine State Steak Cook Off is a fun annual event for food lovers in Ave Maria Town Center.
Comfort food and specialties are offered in a cozy setting at Oasis The Kitchen Lounge in Ave Maria.
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Golf carts shuttle up and down Ave Maria Boulevard
Ave Maria is lined with sidewalks and busy with pedestrians, cyclists and golf cart drivers. The city is surrounded by acres of farmland and crossed by rural roads. State Route 29 is one of the nearest highways, accessible about 9 miles east. "Naples Community Hospital is going to start building a new facility in Ave Maria," Tirpan says. "In the meantime, there is a 24-hour paramedic station at the firehouse." Southwest Florida International Airport is about 45 miles away from Ave Maria.
Hot summers in Ave Maria
Ave Maria's winters are mild, and summers are hot; the average low rarely dips below 50 degrees. The city's inland location buffers it from the worst of tropical weather, but its low-lying areas are still susceptible to flooding during severe weather.
Crime statistics for Ave Maria are not readily available.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
