The Courtyards at Southpoint

The Courtyards at Southpoint is a 161-home, 55+ community built by Epcon Communities in Durham, North Carolina, nestled off Fayetteville Road in the heart of the Southpoint area. What sets the community apart immediately is its conservation-first design: 50% of the property has been left undisturbed as protected conservation space, giving residents scenic woods, green space, and natural leisure trails right at their doorstep. The community is also connected to the American Tobacco Trail, a popular regional rail-trail that threads through the Triangle — a genuine lifestyle asset for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Homes are all single-level luxury ranch designs — a signature of Epcon Communities, which has specialized in low-maintenance, single-story living for the 55+ demographic since 1986. Floor plans include the Palazzo, Portico, Promenade III, Torino, and Verona, ranging from roughly 1,519 to 2,930 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-and-a-half-car garages. The trademark Epcon feature — a private garden courtyard at the center of each home — creates a signature focal point and fills every room with natural light. Expect sunrooms, covered patios, first-floor owner's suites, twin walk-in closets, gourmet kitchens, and universal-design touches across the plans. The heart of social life is the grand clubhouse, which features a full kitchen, gathering and multi-purpose rooms, and a fitness center. Outside, residents enjoy an outdoor pool with sun deck and patio, pickleball courts, a dog park, picnic areas, and walking/biking trails that connect into the conservation space and out to the American Tobacco Trail. Planned future amenities include a lap pool and pavilion. The HOA runs a flat $250/month and covers lawn maintenance, grounds care, the amenity center, and common areas — so residents skip the yardwork entirely. The community built out from 2020 through 2024 and is now sold out, with resales making up current inventory. Epcon has discussed a potential Phase II, and a VIP interest list has been mentioned, though no new construction is currently active on-site. Location is a major draw. The Courtyards sits in Durham's desirable Southpoint submarket, minutes from The Streets at Southpoint mall for shopping and dining, and inside the Research Triangle — one of the country's strongest tech and medical hubs, anchored by Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State. Daily essentials at Food Lion, Harris Teeter, and ALDI are nearby, with Walgreens and CVS for pharmacy needs. Healthcare options include Duke Regional Hospital, Duke University Hospital, and North Carolina Specialty Hospital. Downtown Durham's restaurant and arts scene is a short drive, downtown Raleigh is about 40 minutes, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport is roughly 25 minutes away — making this an appealing base for residents who want the cultural depth of the Triangle without the noise.