55+ Communities Near Ocala? (Tampa, Plantation, Leesburg: fit in, to rent, new house)

[Fleurdelis]

My husband and I currently live in Tampa (north of Carrollwood), but are planning to take a serious look at 55+ communities around Ocala. There seem to be so many of them, we're not sure where to start! The one we've heard the most about is The Villages. A few questions:

1) How do the various 55+ communities differ from one another? Is it mainly just size?

2) We're in our mid-50s now (husband is 55, I'm 54). Would we feel too young or out of place?

3) For those who now live in a 55+, or know people who do: How do you like it? What are some pros & cons?

Thanks in advance for any info you can offer!

[daniellefort]

The Villages is kind of south of Ocala but there is a place on Hwy. 200 called "On Top of the World" It's a very big and quite popular place and there are several other communities around. I'm no where near the age to live there (only 32) but i thought i'd toss that info out to you. I travel to Ocala quite often and have seen these new communities going up. There's actully one right now in the building stages but "On Top of the World" is the one I hear most about.

[faithfulFrank]

Well, I just got back from my three week trip to the Leesburg area....we closed on our new house there in "The Plantation". During that time, we traveled all around there, including many trips through "The Villages".

There are literally hundreds of 55+ developments all around that area.....and they are all a bit different. I suggest visiting the places you are thinking about.....talk to the neighbors, etc.

Many people love the Villages......for me, it was way too big and busy with a lot of traffic. It is a one of a kind place. We visited a few +55 gated communities in the Leesburg area before picking the Plantation. For us, we wanted a place not too big or small, with a strong sense of community. some places look nice, but no one knows their neighbors......I wanted friendly neighbors.

You need to consider if it is "built out" or not, HOA's, etc,etc.....do you want a house, or a manufactured home......do you want pets?.......will you want to rent it out before moving there?...(some places do not let you)....

We are not yet 50, but were allowed to buy in the Plantation....it is a very active place if you want it to be....you can do as much or as little as you want. We plan on renting it for the next 4 years, then moving there full time....I can't wait!

Good luck!......you have hundreds of choices!

Frank D.

[Fleurdelis]

Thanks for those who replied to my post about 55+ communities near Ocala!

[flor1]

We also are looking at the ocala area and are in our mid 50's.. we did look at the villages and liked them. They have so many clubs and say that they have a boomers club. I also would like to know more information about some other communities that are more on the "younger" side...

[tinkerbell2]

Check OTOW in Ocala.
Here is the link. http://www.ontopoftheworldinfo.com/
and this: http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/
Check my message in the thread "On Top of The World".

[Jammie]

At one time I read that you could actually stay at The Villages for a short, free vacation to see if you'd be interested in living there. Do they still do that? If so, do any of the other communities offer that?

[tinkerbell2]

Originally Posted by Jammie

At one time I read that you could actually stay at The Villages for a short, free vacation to see if you'd be interested in living there. Do they still do that? If so, do any of the other communities offer that?

I agree with faithfulFrank. The Villages is way to big. You can get there from here(OTOW) in about 20 minutes. We go there sometimes for shopping and if you drive at night you can go to the dance on Friday evenings. Our friends have done that and have a great time.
I am not sure about the Villages having a FREE program to visit. Go to their web site and see what it says.

OTOW has a program but you pay. $129 for 2 nights. You get a nice furnished villa and the use of a golf cart. They have a 'host couple' to take you to lunch and if it is on a Friday night you can go to the club for cocktails and dance if you like. All new villas since we did it. I believe the only thing they ask is ONE of you be over 55.
http://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com/
The link to the web site will give you the info. Click on 'Information' at the top right of the page, then Visitation in the drop menu.
Please read my post in 'On Top of The World' thread.

[ssgt]

Well, my Mother lives in a 55+ outfit in St Pete. All I can say about it is that when I was in the Army there were ALOT of rules......but the army is small time compared to this place!
Also , they average about 2 dead people being hauled out of there a month.God those places are depressing , I dont care how many shuffle board courts there are!

[tinkerbell2]

Originally Posted by ssgt

Well, my Mother lives in a 55+ outfit in St Pete. All I can say about it is that when I was in the Army there were ALOT of rules......but the army is small time compared to this place!
Also , they average about 2 dead people being hauled out of there a month.God those places are depressing , I dont care how many shuffle board courts there are!

ssgt,
Apartently you haven't looked around. Don't go by just one place. I remember when we were looking, my sister in law kept telling us how terrible some places were with the rules. You really have to look at several and check the rules BEFORE you buy. If you want to be in a gated community you know the rules going into it. OTOW is different from the others and rules are few. Most are ACTIVE adults and YES there are older people and we are all going to die, no matter where we live. I understand how it makes you feel and these places are not for everyone. I like having clubs, excerise, shopping, etc right in the community. I don't have to go out side if I don't want to. We also have a bus to take you shopping if you no longer wish to drive. Again it isn't for everyone but we enjoy it. I hope your mom is happy in her community.