[Hartwick]

We are planning to retire to Florida this summer and purchase a new construction or relatively new house, below $250,000. We visited Ocala and On Top of the World during the Spring of 2005. We liked Ocala and On Top of the World but since we are planning to rent until we find our favorite location, we intend to expand our search area from the Sebring area up to and around Gainesville.

An internet search of 55+ age-restricted communities with amenities similar to or even not as comprehensive and large as OTOW's (and Del Webb's new community in Ocala, "Stone Creek?") between Sebring and Gainesville failed to yield any results. So, we are turning to this site for "insider" information on similar communities.

Our priorities are age-restricted community, modern amenities with planned activities programs, new homes, safe, close to quality medical care, decent shopping. Should(but not absolutely essential) also have access to decent, safe biking areas, and a bike club(I know Gainesville has a large bicycling club already). If near or on a lake suitable for a small sailboat, that would be ideal, but again, not absolutely necessary.

I know that our search includes a large area of Central Florida, but we really need insider information and don't want to overlook any possibilities because we were not aware of same.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

[jesjontin]

My neighbors, who are in their 70's just sold their home to move to The Village (not the villages in Ocala) in Gainesville. I personally have not been there but when I asked them why they decided to move there of all the other places, they said The Village is the best!!! This couple has lived in North Central Florida for over 30 years and that is their recommendation. Moderator cut: link not allowed

I worked in Ocala and my brother-in-law lives in Belleview so I know that area well. Ocala has more things geared towards seniors but Gainesville has the VA (if you're a veteran) and UF/Shands Hospital, which is a top-rated medical facility. Ocala traffic is better though so you would really want to consider how much driving you do.

Also, Lake Minneola, near Clermont is a beautiful lake we found by accident one day. You may want to search that area if you want a lake nearby. Gainesville has several smaller lakes but no retirement areas right on them. Clermont may offer that since it's a little more sourthern than Gainesville.

[rma5502]

Check out SummerGlen just south of Ocala. Amenitized with golf as well. Golf is an option. Inexpensive to live and very affordable. I know, I live here.

[cflfan]

Its amazing how little info is out there for over 55 communities. A number of us actually gathered all the latest info on 55+ communities in all of Florida, however, we cant advertise them on here, but there are lots of great new places for everyones budget. Is your search restricted to any particular area, or to anywhere in Florida which meets all yoru criteria?

[BucFan]

Its not geographically between Sebring and Gainesville, but Sun City Center, Ruskin is a great 55+ community. Immaculate, orderly, nice homes, an abundance of social groups. Not sure if they have a bike club or sailing, but there's about everything else there. Medical Care is in nearby Tampa, Bradenton/Sarasota. Sailing is available at Little Harbor - Apollo Beach.

[Grammy Linna]

We just bought a house in a gated community in Vero Beach (Woodside/ Trillium) under 250,000.00. Not age restricted, but mostly seniors. At 60 and 55, we were not ready to pay monthly fees for activites we would not be using. Our 188.00 pays for community pool, club house, all lawn care including watering, and gate. we are 6 miles from the beach and close to medical and shopping. Moderator cut: link We did sell our 23 ft sailboat, but figured we can charter when we want to go sailing. best of luck to you. Linda

[Katie1]

I will be moving to Fla when I hit 55 and would love information on being able to rent an apt, that would also go by income & be near a VA medical center?? Any ideas guys....
I be 55 in 2010!!

[miruca]

Linda (grammy linna) I'm looking for a similar situation and your choice sounds interesting - location, price, and amenities. Is there a web page for your community. I find pages where they are selling models but not one for the community.

How did you go about narrowing your search - and did you look at a lot of other places in the process?

thanks, miruca

[faithfulFrank]

There is a Florida Retirement Forum on the internet, that I post on, a great bunch of people, but I cannot post it here.....it has sub forums for many 55+ communities........
I think if someone PM's me I'm allowed to let them know what it is.

It is a very POSITIVE forum, specifically geared to those who plan on or are already retired living the florida lifestyle. Since it is mostly for those in retirement mode, I do not think it competes with this forum, but I want to comply with the rules.......

If you do a google search using the 3rd, 4th and 5th words in my first sentence here, you should find it.

Frank D.

[miruca]

faithful frank - i think post on that website too ... if it is the same one. It
is a great group of people, and an invaluable source of information on some central FL retirement communities.