Published: January 1, 2025
Ave Maria: A big kind of small town
Between Naples and Fort Lauderdale lies the balance you’ve been looking for. Nestled in the heart of Collier County, Ave Maria may be the biggest surprise of Southwest Florida. The slogan, “A Big Kind of Small Town” emphasizes Ave Maria having all the conveniences of a big town, but with small town connections. New homes from four premier builders start in the high $200s.
Whether it’s a family day at the water park, or a personal best on the morning run, it’s game on at Ave Maria. The fields, parks and recreation facilities, and golf clubs offer good times, good games, and heart-pumping activities for everyone.
Ave Maria was founded on the principles of education, family and community and it remains true today. Educational offerings within the community serve all age groups, from preschool through college and include Ave Maria University, the Rhodora J. Donahue Academy for grades K-12, and a preschool for ages 2-4 years old. A Collier County public elementary school is currently being constructed for the 2026-27 school year and will offer an A-rated quality education for 900 students.
Healthy living is another pillar of the Ave Maria family-friendly culture. A certified Blue Zones community, Ave Maria residents themselves earned this prestigious designation given only to areas that provide healthy, community-focused lifestyle options to its residents. A dedicated lifestyle staff, for example, organizes year-round activities. From swim lessons at the water park to festivals at North Park, residents find common ground to connect. South Park features softball fields, bocce ball courts, amphitheater, a dog park, and picnic pavilions. North Park offers soccer and baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a tot lot playground, disc golf, and concession stand. The Ave Maria Water Park includes an interactive aqua playground, two water slides, lap pool, water play area, beach volleyball, and CJ’s Water Park Café.
The community’s residents also find ways to gather at the centrally located Town Center, which features more than 60 businesses. All the conveniences of daily life are at the center of town and within walking distances for most residents, who enjoy a Publix grocery store, dining, retail shops, and healthcare services. This heart-of-the-community location is also home to a variety of free events held throughout the year, including Taste of Ave, Blues Brews & BBQ Festival, Margarita & Taco Festival, weekly Farmers Markets and more.
Another element of a healthy community is a focus on the environment. At Ave Maria, land conservation is a central tenet. More than 17,000 acres of nature preserves surround
the community, which also offers more than 100 miles of walking, biking and hiking paths.
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Busy Having Fun
Sera is the oldest sibling in her family – leader of the pack and guide to all Ave Maria has to offer kids growing up. “There’s so much fun stuff to do,” she said. “So many places to go and friends to hang out with.” That often means loading up her brother and sisters, and an occasional neighbor kid or two, into the family golf cart for a day’s excursion. It might begin at the clubhouse pool or Ave Maria’s Water Park. Then a trip to the Town Center for a smoothie and a little shopping.
Loving Little League
Kalel is living his best life. He joined Ave Maria Little League as a pitcher and first baseman. “I love that I get to play with all my friends, and we always have fun!” Kalel’s mom, Ariel agrees. “Our fields are beautiful, and the location of our parks are within walking distance for many Ave Maria residents, so our teams’ parents can efficiently plan practices and their dinner times, study hours and other family commitments. To have these parks in our town where anyone can walk or golf cart to is greatly beneficial.”
Life with a Smile On
A few years ago, Jim’s brother brought him to Ave Maria to play golf at Panther Run Golf Club. “I was looking for a small town,” he said, “and the people are awesome.” In his spare time he’s a runner. “I’m known as the jogger with a smile on my face,” he said. “A neighbor asked me why I was smiling all the time. I said, because we live in paradise.”
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The Hernandez Family
Ariel and Juan Hernandez were seeking a fresh start for their family. Having lived in Broward County – Juan in law enforcement and Ariel managing a thriving therapy practice – their lives were full and fulfilling. However, the congestion of city living had begun to wear on them, and they longed for a neighborhood with a more connected, community-oriented feel.
Juan began researching the best places to raise a family, and one of the first names that appeared on his list was Ave Maria, an award-winning master-planned community located halfway between Broward County and Naples, with convenient access to Alligator Alley. Juan dug deeper into his research and became convinced Ave Maria was the right place for them.
“I was skeptical because I never heard of this place,” Ariel said. After some persuasion, she agreed to visit with her husband to tour the community, visit model homes and get a sense of what living there would be like. “I saw the homes and instantly fell in love with them,” she shared. “We drove through the neighborhood, and everyone was so friendly. We saw kids riding their bikes – something we hadn’t seen in forever.”
After that initial visit they decided to call Ave Maria home. Ariel’s family wasn’t so sure about the change. Her parents, Donna and Luis, were convinced the Hernandez family would be back within a year. However, after visiting they found Ave Maria was more than they had expected. “Donna and I were sad when they moved,” Luis shared, “but when we visited, we loved it so much, we decided to move here too.”
Soon Ariel’s sister-in-law, her niece then her sister followed suit as well. Now the entire Hernandez-Perez clan has established deep roots in the community. “We go to the parks, the pools, baseball and soccer games…And we all gather for big family meals,” Luis said. “It is so important for us to have these moments with our grandchildren. We get to do life together, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Now the Hernandez’s and their extended family are thriving in Ave Maria – A Big Kind of Small Town.
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Embrace the Ave Maria Lifestyle at Family Fun Events
Open to the Public
Free Admission & Parking
Taste of Ave
Saturday, February 1, 2025
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sample a variety of eats from grills and restaurants, shop boutiques and a 60+ vendor farmers market, and experience what makes this Big Kind of Small Town the community everyone keeps talking about! Live music from hometown bands TreeHause and the Back Country Boys, free-entry raffles organized by the many town’s businesses, family-friendly activities, Biz Kidz Expo and inflatables, plus local artisans and small business booths.
Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival
Saturday, February 15, 2025
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy full sets by Southwest Florida’s biggest names in blues entertainment! The fun includes vintage and high-performance car exhibits, finger-licking good barbecue and a wide assortment of craft beers, plus a great selection of retail vendors. Also, a kids’ zone will have face painters and plenty of fun, kid’s activities.
Shamrock Festival
Saturday, March 15, 2025
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Ireland at Ave Maria’s inaugural Shamrock Festival! On Saturday, March 15 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., the festivities kick off with energetic performances by The Crows, a local Irish band known for their traditional tunes. Enjoy a whiskey tasting and family- friendly activities including a golf cart parade, petting zoo, Irish Soda Bread contest and performances by Kellyn Celtic Dance Academy.
Margarita & Taco Festival
Saturday, April 5, 2025
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Ave Maria takes on a funfair atmosphere for this annual celebration! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon with bands TreeHause and Deb & The Dynamics, food trucks featuring Mexican specialties and desserts, and a variety of refreshing margaritas. The Town Center will be filled with a farmers market and local vendors, car shows, plus plenty more family-friendly activities.
Farmers Markets & Live Music
Saturdays through April 26
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
A Town Center favorite, the Ave Maria Farmers Market keeps growing every year! Featuring 60+ vendors showcasing hand-crafted and homegrown products, there’s a diverse mix to shop. Stroll through the market to discover a wide selection of organic produce, vibrant flowers, raw honey, specialty foods and freshly baked goods. You’ll also find unique home décor and accessories, beautifully crafted ceramics, artisanal items and much more. The Ave Maria Farmers Market is the perfect destination to support local artisans and enjoy a truly unique shopping experience.
Trolley Tours & Live Music
Tuesdays, January 14 – April 22
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Experience the charm of Collier County’s celebrated ‘Community of the Year’ for an impressive 10 consecutive years with a scenic, 1-hour narrated trolley tour. This engaging ride invites you to discover all the exciting new developments, explore the town, learn its history and enjoy live music. After the tour, grab lunch, do a little shopping and view 25+ model homes by premier builders CC Homes, Del Webb, Lennar and Pulte Homes. Guests receive a complimentary trolley bag filled with swag items, coupons and more! Tours are free and reservations are not required.