Ocala area (Leesburg, The Meadows, Lee: HOA fees, homeowners insurance, condo)

[NC Doug]

House is on the market in 'Podunkville,' and I am contemplating a move to lovely Ocala etc. At age 66, I have had enough yard work and home maint., so am thinking condo with garage. So far, I like the info I have been sent on units in a gated community, but the HOA fees are around $335 a month. Being a bit of a commoner, I am thinking the cost to be a tad steep. Granted, I like the amenities, but ... So anyway, must I pay such a fee to be "civilized?" And oh yeah, what about cats? Are they generally allowed?

[MotleyCrew]

We wanted to move to a new Pulte community called Fore Ranch in Ocala. The HOA fees were the driving wedge in that deal. Between homeowner's insurance, property taxes and HOA fees, I am amazed that Florida is still afloat. It will soon be for the rich and only the rich.

[MyHomeIsInOcala]

Hmmm I just seen a FSBO at in "The Meadows at Marion Oaks". But I have no clue as to what ANY of the fees would be. I do know it is a SMALL Condo unit and each has a Garage.

[AJ67]

where is PODUNKVILLE?

[colossus]

Jill - did you check out the Maronda Homes community near Fore Ranch? The homes are lot larger, lower priced, larger lots, and a small HOA fee. There is a park in the community, but no community pools or anything like that. The HOA is $38/month

[Floridasunshine]

Check out a small community called Anthony, It is suppose to be reasonable and growing, it is near ocala. There was a Lady on this site bragging about the homes there. I dont know why the high HOA , Watch out for CDDS.
Good luck

[faithfulFrank]

Wow,
That is a high HOA......ours in Leesburg is $85.00 per month, although it does not include mowing and trimming. That is about $50.00 per month.

Frank D.

[MotleyCrew]

Wow. Thanks so much for the great information. We are coming over in Feb and thinking about looking again. I understand that homeowners insurance in the Ocala area is not as painful as the coastal areas. Thanks so much!!!!

[tinkerbell2]

NC Doug.....
You didn't say which community you had looked into. It almost sounds like On Top Of The World. Most of the villas are about that in HOA fees. It does however include, yard maintance, irragation, WATER and SEWER, painting every 5 or 7 years(?). It includes all the common areas, a large gym, ballroom, library, 3 pools and tons of clubs and groups that meet. You can check out the resales if you want. But is sounds like you already have. IF not I can give you a name of a good realtor that lives right here and he is very honest. Some homes pay less but we pay water and sewer seperate. I think if you pay cash for the house or villa you can't live anywhere else and get all this for about $350 a month. And YES you may have just about any pet you wish. I know several people that have cats.
Send me a private message if you would like more info.