This guide covers what sets Balfour and Candler Hills apart from every other neighborhood inside On Top of the World: the private Lodge amenity, the premium floor plan series, how the HOA works, and what the trade-offs are. Buyers comparing Balfour to Longleaf Ridge will find a direct side-by-side comparison in this guide.
The on-site sales team at Balfour and Candler Hills works for the builder, Colen Built. Having your own independent buyer's agent costs you nothing and gives you contract review, incentive analysis, and someone whose only job is protecting your interests. Register your agent before your first visit – not after.
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A local read on Balfour and Candler Hills
I know the OTOW campus and the full Colen Built lineup. I can tell you how Balfour's net cost compares to Longleaf once you factor in lawn and exterior, help you assess lot position within each section, and walk you through the differences between Balfour (new buildout) and Candler Hills (established) before you tour.
Balfour & Candler Hills: the numbers that matter
Two neighborhoods, one premium address
Balfour and Candler Hills are the premium-tier neighborhoods within On Top of the World, built by Colen Built Development in Ocala, Florida (ZIP code 34473). Candler Hills is the established section, with a completed buildout and an active resale market alongside remaining new construction. Balfour is the newer section currently in active development, bringing updated floor plans and fresh inventory to the top of the OTOW market.
Together, these two sections represent the highest-priced new construction within OTOW and the most exclusive resident address on the campus – anchored by private access to The Lodge, a resort-style amenity facility that no other OTOW neighborhood can enter.
Internet service • Trash removal • Access to The Lodge (exclusive to this neighborhood) • All shared OTOW amenities.
Exterior home maintenance and lawn care are the homeowner's responsibility at Balfour and Candler Hills. Budget for both when comparing your total carrying cost.
The Lodge – exclusively for Balfour and Candler Hills
The Lodge is the defining feature that separates Balfour and Candler Hills from every other neighborhood inside On Top of the World. It is a private, resort-style amenity facility available only to residents of these two neighborhoods. No other OTOW residents – from Longleaf Ridge, Indigo East, or any other section – have access to The Lodge. It is a private club within a larger community.
In addition to The Lodge, Balfour and Candler Hills residents have full access to every shared On Top of the World amenity – the Recreation Center, Arbor Fitness, Arbor Activities, Veterans Park, three golf courses, and the full club and class schedule. The Lodge is on top of all of that, not in place of it.
The full On Top of the World campus is yours too
Balfour and Candler Hills residents are full OTOW community members, with access to all shared amenities across the campus alongside The Lodge. That means:
Arbor Fitness and Arbor Activities
A full-service fitness facility and a dedicated activities center with group classes, organized recreation, and social programs – included at no additional fee.
The Recreation Center
OTOW's flagship community hub with pools, multipurpose rooms, a library, billiards, a computer lab, and gathering spaces serving the full campus.
Three Championship Golf Courses
The Master, Tortoise, and Eagle courses give you 27 holes of golf on property. Green fee structures and membership options vary; contact me for current details.
Veterans Park
A dedicated outdoor space honoring the veteran community within OTOW, with gathering areas and programming throughout the year.
175+ Clubs and 1,800+ Classes Per Year
The breadth of programming at OTOW – art, fitness, technology, travel, dance, and dozens of other interests – is one of the reasons the campus draws active-adult buyers from across the country.
Built by Colen Built Development
Balfour and Candler Hills are built by Colen Built Development, the family-owned Florida builder that created the entire On Top of the World campus as well as Calesa Township and Melody Preserve. Founded in St. Petersburg in 1947, Colen Built has spent more than seven decades building active-adult communities in Florida. Their continued investment in the OTOW campus – adding neighborhoods, upgrading shared amenities, and maintaining the grounds – is evidence of a long-term commitment that a buyer can count on.
Builder longevity translates to warranty claims that actually get honored, communities that get finished as designed, and common areas that are maintained over time. At the premium end of the OTOW market, buying from a builder with a multi-decade track record is a meaningful part of the value.
Three premium series – the largest homes in OTOW
Balfour and Candler Hills offer new construction across three floor plan series, all positioned above Longleaf Ridge's Carriage and Classic tiers in both size and price. These are the largest and most premium floor plans available anywhere within On Top of the World.
Estate Series
The Estate Series is the entry point into Balfour and Candler Hills – but it enters at a level above the top of Longleaf Ridge's standard range. Larger single-story footprints, expanded outdoor living areas, and elevated included finishes define this tier. For buyers who want the Balfour address and Lodge access without stepping into the upper series pricing.
Prestige Series
The Prestige Series steps up further in square footage, offering more generous great rooms, additional bedroom and flex-room options, and expanded covered lanai packages. This tier is well suited to buyers who entertain frequently or want more indoor-outdoor living space than the Estate Series provides.
Executive Series
The Executive Series represents the top of the On Top of the World new construction market. The largest floor plans available on the campus, with the most premium layout configurations and specification options. For buyers who want to be at the absolute top of the OTOW product range, the Executive Series is the destination.
Exact floor plan names, square footage, available elevations, pricing, and current inventory are set by the builder and subject to change. Contact me for the current price sheet and quick-move-in opportunities in both Balfour and Candler Hills.
Balfour vs. Longleaf Ridge: the honest comparison
The two questions buyers most often ask when comparing Balfour to Longleaf Ridge: what does each HOA actually buy you, and what is the real net cost difference? Here is the direct comparison.
| Feature | Balfour / Candler Hills | Longleaf Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly HOA | $366.10 | $496.63 |
| Internet and trash | Included | Included |
| Lawn care | Homeowner's cost | Included in HOA |
| Exterior maintenance | Homeowner's cost | Included in HOA |
| The Lodge (private) | Exclusive access | Not available |
| All OTOW amenities | Included | Included |
| Price range | Low $400s to $800s+ | Mid $300s to mid $600s |
| Floor plan series | Estate, Prestige, Executive | Carriage, Classic, Premier, Estate |
| CDD fees | None | None |
When you add a monthly lawn service ($100–$200 per month in the Ocala area depending on lot size) plus any exterior maintenance budget to the Balfour HOA, the true monthly cost gap narrows considerably. Run the full numbers before making your decision – or let me run them for you.
The honest buyer's take on Balfour and Candler Hills
The Lodge is the reason many buyers choose Balfour over Longleaf. It is a private club within a club – a resort-style pool and event space that other OTOW residents simply cannot access. The trade-off is clear: lawn and exterior maintenance are your responsibility here, unlike Longleaf's fully inclusive HOA. If you want the most exclusive address in OTOW and you are comfortable handling your own landscaping, Balfour is the answer. If you want zero-maintenance living where everything is handled for you, Longleaf makes more sense. The honest answer is that the right choice depends entirely on how you weigh exclusivity versus convenience – and those are personal priorities, not a dollar calculation.
One more thing worth knowing: Candler Hills is the more established of the two sections, with a developed neighborhood feel, more mature landscaping on neighboring lots, and an active resale market. Balfour is newer and actively building out, which means more inventory options and the ability to choose your lot – but also the noise and activity of an active construction site nearby for some period of time. Both factors are worth weighing depending on your priorities.
Frequently asked questions
Is Balfour a 55+ community?
What does The Lodge include?
What does the $366.10 per month HOA cover?
What is the difference between Balfour and Longleaf Ridge?
Are there CDD fees at Balfour or Candler Hills?
How do I tour Balfour or Candler Hills?
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Detailed HOA breakdown, floor plan series descriptions, The Lodge amenity details, a side-by-side comparison with Longleaf Ridge, and current inventory notes. Enter your information and I will follow up personally.
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