Ocala Preserve is a resort-style community in Ocala that has been through a handful of iterations and changes over the years, but I still consider it one of the 3 main communities people should definitely check out when considering the Ocala area.
The other two of course being On Top of the World and Del Webb Stone Creek.
Let's take a little closer look using the methodology described in my book Pick the Right Place which includes examining the location, community, and homes and how they stack up to what you're looking for.
Location
If you've spent decades working and dreaming of spending your retirement days at the beach, then obviously the Ocala area will not be for you.
But if the thought of hurricanes scares you, you could care less about the beach, or you like the thought of a little lower cost of living, lower homeowners insurance costs, and lower housing costs, Ocala should definitely be on your list of places to explore.
The sort of “Big 3” communities for retirement in Ocala are all fairly close to I-75, and depending on exactly where you're going in each location it's about 80-90 minutes to Orlando, 45-60 minutes to the west coast, and about 2 hours to the east coast.
The most frequently used airport for here would be Orlando International Airport, but there are some people who swear by Tampa International.
Community
Part of Ocala Preserve is 55+, but not all of it, so that may turn some people off to exploring it any further, but it's becoming more and more common to see master-planned communities that have a mix of 55+ and non-55+ sections.
But as with most communities retirees are considering, it's all about the amenities and Ocala Preserve has plenty of them.
The ~17,000 square-foot Oak House offers incredible amenities and unique social spaces for connection, relaxation, and fitness. There's a restaurant and bar, resort and lap pools, a spa, pickleball and sports courts, and more.
The Golf Club at Ocala Preserve is designed a little differently than most courses you've seen. The course’s footprint – on 50 acres as opposed to the 100+ required by conventional, full-size courses – reduces its environmental impact. The result is a course that can be played in multiple ways, each offering a new experience.
Ocala Preserve is also home to homeowner-led clubs, live events, and plenty more going on to keep residents happy and engaged.
Homes
The fact that there are two different builders to choose from at Ocala Preserve and different neighborhood types, increases the odds of finding exactly the size and style of home that you're looking for.
Shea Homes and DR Horton are both building single family homes and villas ranging in size from about 1,300 sq. ft. to around 2,800 sq. ft. of living area, with starting prices from the $200k's.
You can request more Ocala Preserve real estate information right here:
Final Thoughts
Like I said at the beginning of this post, Ocala Preserve is definitely a community you should have on your radar if you're considering the Ocala area for retirement.
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