Tara Golf & Country Club Homes for Sale: A Buyer’s Guide
- John Belt
- Jun 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Tara Golf & Country Club is one of the more compelling values in the Bradenton golf community market—and one of the more complex. With approximately 2,070 homes spread across two distinct sections, a three-layer fee structure, and property types ranging from $145K condos to $900K estate homes, there's a lot to sort through before you make an offer. Here's the buyer's guide I walk my clients through when they're serious about Tara.
Overview of the Tara Real Estate Market
Tara moved 105 homes in the trailing twelve months, with an average asking price of approximately $372K and an average sold price of about $353K. That 95% list-to-sell ratio tells you the market is active but not overheated—buyers have room to negotiate, but sellers aren't sitting on inventory indefinitely. Average days on market runs around 110, and the average price per square foot comes in at roughly $162.
The full price spectrum runs from roughly $145K for entry-level Terraces condos to $900K for Plantations estate homes. That range is unusually wide for a single community, and it's one of Tara's defining characteristics—you can buy an 1,042-square-foot condo or a 2,929-square-foot estate home with a half-acre lot, all within the same development.
What Homes in Tara Look Like
Tara offers four property types: single-family homes (1,491–3,157 square feet), condominiums (1,004–1,659 square feet), attached villas and townhomes, and maintenance-free club homes. Most properties were built between 1989 and 2006, so you're looking at resale inventory exclusively—there are no new-build lots available anywhere in the community.
Architecture splits along the community's two sections. The TGCC side features southern plantation-style design—columns, covered porches, brick accents—inspired by the Gone with the Wind theme that gives Tara its name. The Preserve side leans Mediterranean: barrel-tile roofs, stucco exteriors, arched entryways. Notable builders include Arthur Rutenberg and Lee Wetherington, both well-regarded in the Manatee County market. Single-family homes typically feature 2–5 bedrooms, 2–4 bathrooms, and 2-car garages.
Sub-Communities and Price Points
Tara contains more than two dozen sub-neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range. On the TGCC side, the Plantations at Tara holds the largest homes—2,091 to 2,929 square feet on lots approaching half an acre—with prices running $600K to $900K. Standard Tara Phase I through III single-family homes fall in the $450K–$599K range. Grand Oak at Tara offers condos between 1,346 and 1,659 square feet with a median around $314K. Fairway Gardens condos median at $222K, The Verandas at $225K, and The Terraces—the entry-level option—median at approximately $190K.
On the Preserve side, single-family homes in the Tara Preserve sub-neighborhood median around $475K. Tailfeather Way runs about $380K. Cedar Hollow and Cypress Strand condos sit in the $268K–$269K range. Magnolia Crossing and Orchid Cove condos median between $244K and $250K. The variety means there's almost certainly a price point and home style that fits your budget—the challenge is understanding which sub-neighborhood puts you in which fee structure.
Understanding the Fee Structure
This is where Tara gets complicated, and it's the section I spend the most time on with buyers. There are three layers of fees, and some properties carry all three.
Layer one is the Tara Master Association (TMA), which every homeowner pays—approximately $695 per year. Layer two is club membership on the TGCC side: golf membership runs $5,055–$5,682 per year, social membership about $2,769 per year, plus a $60 per month food & beverage minimum. At purchase, there's a one-time capital contribution of $3,500 for golf or $1,065 for social. Layer three is your sub-neighborhood HOA, which varies dramatically—from $87 per year for some single-family neighborhoods to $3,243 per year for condo communities with pools, elevators, and building insurance.
If you're on the Preserve side, add a Community Development District (CDD) assessment of $399–$1,530 per year depending on lot type. This appears on your property tax bill. Property taxes across the community range from about $1,797 to $5,613 per year. The bottom line: total non-mortgage costs can range from roughly $355 to $862 per month depending on which section, sub-neighborhood, and membership tier applies to your property. Always request a complete fee breakdown before making an offer.
What to Watch For When Buying in Tara
First, determine which section—TGCC or Preserve—because the fee structures are substantially different. Check whether mandatory club membership applies to the specific property you're considering; about 148 TGCC properties are exempt. Inspect roof age carefully on older homes, especially post-hurricane seasons. Ask about any hurricane damage history and repairs.
On the Preserve side, note that CDD bonds mature in 2031—about five years from now—which will reduce the annual assessment once the debt service component drops off. HOA fees vary wildly by sub-community, so don't assume what one neighbor pays applies to the next street over. And test the SR 70 commute during rush hour before you commit. The Tara Boulevard entrance sits on a busy corridor, and turning left during peak traffic requires patience.
How Tara Compares on Value
Tara is one of the most affordable bundled golf communities in the Bradenton-Sarasota corridor. The entry point of roughly $145K compares to $270K or more at University Park, where the median sold price runs around $760K. Tara's six on-site dining venues are unusual at any price point—most comparable communities offer one or two. The equity membership is bundled with the deed, so there's no separate initiation fee the way some clubs require.
The trade-offs are real: homes are older (1989–2006 construction), the community is not gated, and some properties will need updates. But for buyers who prioritize golf, dining, and social amenities over a security gate and new construction, Tara delivers remarkable value per dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying in Tara Golf & Country Club
Thinking about selling in Tara Golf & Country Club? Get a free home valuation to see what your home could sell for.
What is the price range for homes in Tara Golf & Country Club?
Condos start around $145K–$150K in The Terraces, mid-range single-family homes run from $445K–$575K, and Plantations estates can reach up to $900K. The average sold price across the community is approximately $353K.
Are there new construction homes in Tara?
No. Tara was built between 1989 and 2006, and all homes are resale. Some have been extensively renovated with modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, and new impact windows—but there are no new-build lots available.
What are the total monthly costs beyond the mortgage?
Budget for TMA dues (~$58/month), club membership ($230–$474/month depending on golf vs. social), the food & beverage minimum ($60/month), sub-association HOA ($7–$270/month), plus property taxes. Total non-mortgage costs can range from approximately $355 to $862 per month.
Can I buy in Tara without joining the country club?
It depends on which section. About 875 of the 1,023 TGCC properties require mandatory membership. The Preserve side has no mandatory country club membership requirement. Approximately 148 TGCC properties are also exempt.
Is Tara a good investment?
Tara offers strong value for a bundled golf community. The 95% list-to-sell ratio indicates steady demand. The community benefits from direct I-75 access, proximity to UTC mall, and the ongoing growth of east Bradenton. Homes here cost roughly half what you'd pay in University Park for comparable golf community living.