The Honest Comparison: Ocala's Top 3 Active Adult Communities

No. At all three communities, golf membership is optional and separate from your HOA fees. You can live in OTOW, Stone Creek, or Spruce Creek without ever touching a golf club. Golf memberships are typically offered as add-on monthly or annual dues. Some communities offer bundled plans, but none require mandatory golf membership to purchase a home.

Coverage varies significantly. OTOW's HOA ($221-$531/mo) is one of the most inclusive: it covers cable TV, roof maintenance, exterior painting, landscaping, trash, pools, and fitness centers. Stone Creek ($247-$472/mo) covers lawn care, cable, trash, and amenity access. Spruce Creek has the lowest HOA ($121-$214/mo) covering basic maintenance, security, cable, trash, and water. Always verify what's included for the specific neighborhood within each community, as it can vary.

Rental policies vary by community and sometimes by neighborhood within a community. Most 55+ communities allow rentals with restrictions: typically a minimum lease term (often 6-12 months), a limit on how many times per year you can rent, and tenant age requirements. Short-term vacation rentals (Airbnb-style) are generally not permitted. Always check the specific HOA documents for the neighborhood you're considering, as rules can differ even within the same community.

CDD (Community Development District) fees vary. Most areas of On Top of the World do not have a CDD. Stone Creek has CDD fees in some neighborhoods. Spruce Creek generally does not have a CDD. CDD fees are assessed through your property tax bill and pay for infrastructure like roads, drainage, and utilities within the community. Always ask about CDD before making an offer: it's an ongoing cost that adds to your monthly expenses beyond HOA fees.

OTOW and Stone Creek are both located within Ocala city limits, putting you 5-15 minutes from major shopping (Market Street at Heath Brook, Paddock Mall), hospitals (AdventHealth Ocala, Ocala Regional Medical Center), and restaurants. Spruce Creek is in Summerfield, about 20 minutes south of Ocala, but is close to The Villages' shopping areas and has its own on-site restaurant. All three communities are within 30 minutes of major medical facilities.

As of 2026, resale homes in all three communities are in strong demand. OTOW has the broadest price range with older resale homes starting around $150K, making it accessible for more budgets. Stone Creek resale homes typically start in the upper $200s. Spruce Creek, being all-resale now (no new construction), offers the widest overall range from $70K condos to $897K single-family homes. Days on market and price appreciation vary by neighborhood and price point: contact me for current market conditions specific to the community you're interested in.

Both have advantages. New construction (available at OTOW and Stone Creek) offers modern floor plans, builder warranties, energy efficiency, and customization, but you'll pay a premium and may wait months for completion. Resale homes are typically 10-25% less expensive, available immediately, often come with upgrades the original owner added, and you can see exactly what you're buying (mature landscaping, established neighborhood). Some of the best values in Ocala 55+ living are resale homes in OTOW's older villages or Spruce Creek.

Absolutely, and you should. All three communities have sales centers and model homes you can tour. However, the sales office works for the builder, not for you. I recommend touring with an independent REALTOR® who can show you resale options alongside new construction, point out things the sales office won't mention, and give you an unbiased comparison. I offer free community tours where we visit all three in one day so you can compare firsthand. Call or text (352) 303-9050 to schedule.

Under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), at least 80% of occupied units must have at least one resident who is 55 years or older. This means not every resident needs to be 55+: a younger spouse or partner can live there. Visiting family members and short-term guests of any age are welcome. Specific rules about younger permanent residents vary by community, so check the HOA guidelines for the neighborhood you're interested in.

It depends on what matters to you. OTOW has the most amenities by volume: 29 pickleball courts, 5 dog parks, 175+ clubs, and 4 pools. Stone Creek has arguably the best single golf course (18-hole championship at 7,143 yards) and a premium Del Webb lifestyle. Spruce Creek offers the most golf (36 holes on 2 courses), the largest clubhouse (32,000 sq ft), and a resort-style pool and spa, all with the lowest HOA fees. There's no single "best", only what's best for your lifestyle.