On Top of the World (OTOW) in Ocala, Florida, is a premier and one of the largest 55+ active adult retirement communities in the state. Established in 1975 by the Colen family, it's known for its extensive amenities, active lifestyle, and finely crafted homes. The community is planned to include around 10,000 homes. 

On Top of the World (OTOW) in Ocala, Florida, is a premier and one of the largest 55+ active adult retirement communities in the state. Established in 1975 by the Colen family, it's known for its extensive amenities, active lifestyle, and finely crafted homes. The community is planned to include around 10,000 homes and is often referred to as "where the cool kids retire!"

Here's a detailed look at On Top of the World:

 

Community Overview:

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• Location: Situated in the heart of Central Florida, amidst Ocala's rolling hills and thoroughbred horse farms. It's approximately 6.5 miles west of Interstate 75, providing quick access to beaches, theme parks, and other Florida attractions.

• Developer: An award-winning, family-owned, On Top of the World Communities, founded in 1947.

• Size: One of Florida's largest 55+ communities, with a planned 10,000+ homes.

• Security: Features three gated entries.

• Homes: Offers both new construction and resale homes, including single-family homes and attached villas.

  • Villas: Range from approximately 1,092 to 1,856 sq ft, typically with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached one or two-car garages.

  • Single-Family Homes: Available in seven collections with over 100 floor plans, ranging from 1,204 to over 3,000 sq ft, offering two to three bedrooms and bathrooms with attached two to three-and-a-half-car garages. Many include den spaces.

  • Construction: Homes are built with quality, steel-reinforced, concrete block construction, exceeding industry standards for energy efficiency.

• Maintenance-Free Living: HOA fees cover common area maintenance, security, and other tasks. Mowing, blowing, yearly fertilizing and home painting every seven years.

• Price Range: Homes typically range from the mid-$100s to low $600s.

Amenities and Facilities: OTOW boasts over 300,000 square feet of recreational activities and amenities, designed to promote an active and engaging lifestyle:

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• Golf:

  • Three 18-hole golf courses:

    • The Links and The Tortoise & The Hare: Private courses exclusively for residents and their guests.

    • Candler Hills Golf Course: A semi-private, par 72 championship course, featuring one of the longest par 5s in Florida (669 yards).

  • Pro shops, driving ranges, and practice facilities are available.

• Clubhouses & Community Centers:

  • Circle Square Commons: The main entertainment and social hub, open to both residents and the public. It includes:

    • Circle Square Cultural Center: A venue for concerts, theatrical productions, dances, conventions, and other events, with seating for up to 930 guests.

    • The Town Square: An open-air plaza hosting weekly farmers markets, live entertainment, dancing, and festivals.

    • Sid's Coffee Shop & Deli and Mr. B's Big Scoop Ice Cream Shop.

  • The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa: A state-of-the-art facility with cardiovascular and strength training equipment, group exercise rooms, an indoor pool, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, and spa services (massages, facials, hair, and nail services).

  • Recreation Center: Features a fitness center, racquetball courts, locker rooms, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

  • Arbor Club & Conference Center: A 10,000 sq ft recreational and fitness facility with a fitness room, indoor and outdoor pools, and meeting spaces.

  • Hobby Building: Includes arts & crafts studios, a Model Railroaders Room, a library, and a woodworking shop.

  • Candler Hills Community Center & Pool: A private community center for Candler Hills residents with a ballroom, card room, kitchen, and outdoor pool.

  • Indigo East Community Center: Open to Indigo East residents, with a ballroom/meeting area and a mini-kitchen.

• Sports & Recreation:

  • Tennis: 10 courts (6 lighted) with Plexicushion Prestige Cushion Acrylic surface.

  • Pickleball: 29 courts (6 lighted).

  • Bocce Ball: 4 courts.

  • Horseshoes: 9 playing areas.

  • Softball field, basketball courts, shuffleboard, and cornhole.

  • R/C Flying Field: A 14-acre private site with a 600′ x 150′ grass runway, drone course, and a large pavilion.

  • R/C Car Track: Private off-road track with weekly racing.

  • Over 20 miles of walking and biking trails.

  • Catch and release fishing lakes.

• Clubs & Activities: Over 175 resident clubs and social/service organizations.

• Lifelong Learning: The award-winning "Master the Possibilities" Education Center offers over 900 courses and classes each semester (most are free for residents) in academics, art, health, technology, legal, and more.

• Veterans Park: A memorial park with a monument, flags of military branches, and commemorative brick pavers, accessible by golf cart, with adjacent amenities like a dog park, community garden, and archery range.

 

On Top of the World aims to provide a vibrant, engaging, and low-maintenance retirement experience with a wide array of activities and amenities for its residents.