Ave Maria is a master-planned community in Collier County, approximately 36 miles northeast of Naples, Florida. Founded in 2005 through a partnership between the Barron Collier Companies and the Ave Maria Foundation led by Catholic entrepreneur Tom Monaghan (founder of Domino's Pizza), the town was established with the goal of creating a community centered on the Catholic faith. Its centerpiece is the Ave Maria Oratory, a modern church featuring a 30-foot marble sculpture of the Annunciation on its facade.
As many of you know, there is quite literally a new town on the horizon. The new town is called Ave Maria – and it is unlike any other town in history. Many have imagined a town built around a church, where all life and activity finds meaning through the Divine at its center. We often feel this is missing today, yet we cannot quite explain what is gone or why. Where there is a fundamental human need, people strive to fulfill it. Ave Maria is radically unique in its concept – a town and a university built from the ground up together. It is currently the largest construction site in the U.S. Never before in history has there been such an endeavor. A true university town, planned as one. It’s the result of deeply rooted inspiration and modern needs for comprehensive planning.
With a population of around 6,242 (2020), Ave Maria offers a family-friendly environment with low crime and a strong sense of community. The town includes parks, trails, sports fields, and a water park. The Town Center features over 60 shops, cafes, and services.
At its heart is Ave Maria University, a Catholic liberal arts institution. The town also includes schools such as the Rhodora J. Donahue Academy.
Housing ranges from single-family homes to condos in neighborhoods like Maple Ridge and Del Webb Naples. Many streets are named after saints, reflecting the town’s Catholic identity.
Ave Maria offers Southwest.
Bedroom: 5 (3 King, 2 Queen)
Bathroom: 6
