On Top of the World Ocala

Published on May 4, 2012

On Top of the WorldWe are in the process of updating some of the reviews we have previously published. This week we revisit On Top of the World which we first wrote about back when this website first began.

With its location smack-dab in the middle of Florida, On Top of the World itself is largely self-contained. If you don’t like to wander very far, you don’t have to. Because it’s right by Interstate 75, though, getting to some of the state’s best attractions is easy. At On Top of the World, you settle in and live the good life. The community is designed for adults ages 55 and older, but it is a far cry from your typical retirement community. Learn more about it below.

The Basics

Where to Retire magazine listed On Top of the World as one of the best places to retire in the United States, and it’s easy to see why the community earned such recognition. It sprawls out across nearly 13,000 acres in the heart of central Florida, and it is bordered by vast forests and many exciting towns and cities. The community has been designed to engage people’s bodies and minds, so there is always something happening. An extensive array of services, features and amenities is offered within its borders, so it’s ideal for people who are ready to live life on their own terms.

Key Amenities and Features

Everywhere you turn you will run across a great community center, outdoor activity or other amenity. By making this community your home, you will be able to enjoy:

  • Golf – Three championship golf courses. One of them includes the state’s longest Par 4 hole, which has a total length of 669 yards. The three par-72, 18-hole golf courses are available to all residents. They are well-maintained, and they are within easy walking distance of many homes.
  • Fitness – There’s no need to sign up for a pricey membership at a gym in town. On Top of the World Communities offers several exciting fitness and spa options. The Ranch Fitness Center and Spa, for instance, has a heated indoor pool and a vast array of top-notch exercise equipment. Prime features like a steam room and sauna are joined by a day spa with five private rooms and an upscale salon.
  • Cultural Attractions – Several cultural centers are sprinkled throughout On Top of the World Communities. The Master the Possibilities Education Center offers several informative and exciting courses and lectures. The Circle Square Cultural Center has a huge auditorium where events are held regularly. It is easy to improve your mind and spirits right within the borders of this thoughtfully designed community.
  • Outdoor Activities – If you have a favorite outdoor pastime, you should be able to enjoy it with ease at On Top of the World. The community has tennis courts, a softball field, bocce courts, shuffleboard courts, pickleball courts, bocce courts, horseshoe pits, basketball courts and a miniature golf course.
  • Indoor Activities – Take to the Craft Center to partake in a wide range of indoor hobbies. The Candler Hills Community Center offers many unique activities as well.
  • Dining and Shopping – If you don’t want to leave the community to dine or shop, you don’t have to. It includes on-site locations like The Pub, Sid’s Coffee Shop and Deli and Mr. B’s Big Scoop. The Artful Gift Gallery is another popular location.
  • Additional Features – OTOTW also includes dog parks, RV and boat storage, mini storage facilities, an open-air plaza with a gazebo and live entertainment and much more.

    • The Homes of OTOTW

    Homes at On Top of the World are offered in many distinct styles and configurations. State-of-the-art features and a wide range of elegant floor plans make them perfect for absolutely anyone. These homes have specifically been designed to be as energy efficient as possible. By taking advantage of the Design Studio, new residents can personalize their homes with flooring, paint and many other options. Many homes are located in prime places near golf courses and other popular community areas.

    Home Prices and Sizes

    There is a home for every lifestyle and every budget. Top-of-the-line Masterpiece homes have sprawling sizes of more than 4,000 square feet. In terms of price, they start around $330,000. Two different styles are available.

    Estate homes are a nice option for people who have slightly smaller budgets but still want plenty of space. Five gorgeous designs and floor plans are available. They range in size from 2,500 square feet to 3,000 square feet, and they range in price from $170,000 to around $250,000.

    Premier homes are available in six unique styles. They range in size from 2,300 square feet to around 3,400 square feet, and they cost between $170,000 and $225,000.

    The Ocala and Marion County Area

    On Top of the World Communities is located near Ocala in Marion County. Orlando and its world-class theme parks is just a short distance away. The area is also just as close to Gulf Coast beaches as it is to Atlantic beaches. More than 600 lakes are sprinkled throughout the region and offer prime fishing and water sports opportunities. The I-75 corridor is right nearby, so it’s easy to access prime dining, shopping and entertainment options.

    A Gem of a Community

    It’s easy to see why OTOTW has earned such rave reviews. The community has matured quite a bit from when we first profiled it. It’s perfect for active adults who enjoy getting out there and enjoying sports and other activities. It’s also great for people who like to take it a little easier. No matter where you fall on the activity spectrum, you’re sure to be floored by the huge array of features and amenities that are offered in this first-class community.

    Address, Phone, and Directions
    8445 SW 80th St.
    Ocala, FL 34481
    1-800-421-4162

    Getting to On Top of the World is pretty easy. From I-75 you just take SR200 west about 6 and a half miles. Then, turn north on SW 80th Avenue and then turn west on SW 80th Street.
    Map it

    Footnotes
    Official website
    Ocala, FL – via Wikipedia

    About Ryan Erisman

    Ryan Erisman is the author of Florida for Boomers and The Villages Florida Book.
    View all posts by Ryan Erisman →

    2 Responses to On Top of the World Ocala

    1. Joel Lisansky September 24, 2012 at 9:02 am #

      My wife Judy and I are subscribed to your newsletter and have the book you have written. We are visiting and staying at both Top of the World for 3 days and then the Villages for about 6 weeks beginning 10/30/12. We will be doing our due diligence in order to decide if we should move from Reno, Nevada to one of these 55+ senior communities.

      Do you have any reading suggestions prior to our visit that would comprehensively compare these 2 communities? I have read the Wikipedia summary of the Villages but would like more to read if it is available. Thanks

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    1. On Top of the World - Ocala, FL - May 6, 2012

      [...] Please note: This post was written back in 2008. We wrote an updated review of On Top of the World in 2012 which might be more relevant to you, and its available at: http://www.floridaforboomers.com/on-top-of-the-world-2012/ [...]

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