13 Best 55+ Communities in Ocala and The Villages

Explore Retirement Living in Ocala & The Villages

Looking for a place to call home near Central Florida? Our team at Explore55Plus is sharing 13 of our favorite Ocala & The Villages 55+ communities that are perfect for seniors looking for a beautiful active adult community packed with amenities. Developed with modern living standards in mind, these community homes range from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet and come fully furnished.

What does “55 plus community” mean? The long-term goal of a 55+ community is to provide quality affordable housing for those looking for the perfect home with the exclusivity of an active adult community. If you've just started your search, you may be asking yourself, “Why are there so many 55+ communities?” So we helped break down our favorites for you.

Here are the 13 best over 55 communities in Ocala, Florida & over 55 communities near The Villages, FL:

1. The Villages

Known as one of the largest 55 plus communities in the world, The Villages is a retirement community with over 50,000 homes and a number of different squares. It first broke ground in 1978 and spans across more than 20,000 acres of land — all the way south to Leesburg. Lifestyle and cost of living in The Villages is something very unique and the retirement community loves it.

2. Del Webb Spruce Creek

The Del Webb Spruce Creek is No. 2 on our list of retirement communities in Ocala, Florida and The Villages, Florida. It’s located about six miles north of The Villages and 25 minutes from Ocala in an area called Summerfield. It’s a beautiful community with around 3,250 homes. Amenities include a resort-style pool, seven tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center — plus golfers can enjoy 36 holes of golf.

3. Spruce Creek South

Spruce Creek South is another one of the 55 plus communities near The Villages, FL, that offers a beautiful golf course. It is a gated retirement community with quiet roads, beautiful landscaping, horse farms and RV parking. Spruce Creek South is a friendly community with affordable home prices.

4. Stonecrest

Located near Del Webb Spruce Creek and Spruce Creek South, Stonecrest is another 55+ community conveniently located near Walmart and other local shopping centers, restaurants, medical facilities and more. With around 2,200 homes situated on beautiful rolling hills, residents can enjoy amenities and tons of social activities in the community.

5. The Villages of Citrus Hills

One of the best over 55 communities in Ocala, Florida, The Villages of Citrus Hills is an award-winning and master-planned community. Located in the Crystal River area, The Villages of Citrus Hills offers a resort-style lifestyle among the rural scenery. Memberships are required for tennis courts and other specific amenities like the golf courses and spa.

6. On Top of the World

On Top of the World is a 55+ gated community with tons of clubs and amenities in Ocala, Florida. One of our favorite features of the community at Explore55Plus is the remote control cars and drone field. But another fun thing is you can take your golf cart to go to a grocery store and the town square. A little village with close to 10,000 homes, On Top of the World is like a quiet and lowkey version of The Villages.

7. Del Webb Stone Creek

Del Webb Stone Creek is an active adult community that neighbors On Top of the World in Ocala. There's a golf cart path that goes in between the two senior living communities. With great amenities and about 2,500 homes, Del Webb Stone Creek ensures the homes would be beautifully designed around the 187-acre, 18-hole scenic golf course.

8. Oak Run

Another very popular community in the Ocala area is Oak Run. This active adult community is a little bit more lowkey, a little older and much more affordable. There are five clubhouses located in Oak Run, the Royal Oaks Golf Club and a fitness center for residents to stay fit.

9. Ocala Palms

Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club is a great option for someone who enjoys playing golf but is looking for something affordable. With an 18-hole golf course and a private restaurant on property, this 55 plus gated community is set among gorgeous oak trees, quiet ponds and beautiful waterfalls. It’s also conveniently located just a mile from I-75 for quick access into neighboring cities.

10. SummerGlen

SummerGlen offers a nice golf course and beautiful homes, and is located one exit away from Ocala center. There is a Town Center at SummerGlen where the golf clubhouse is located. Residents and guests also have access to multiple rooms for arts and crafts, plus billiards, a library, outdoor pool and fully-equipped fitness and aerobics center. There’s also an on-site restaurant called SummerGlen Grill.

11. Pine Run Estates

Pine Run Estates is another affordable 55 plus community option in Ocala. It is a little bit older with manufactured homes. All the homes are on big lots, and there are two clubhouses, a pool, spa and sundeck, as well as multiple other amenities such as a fitness center. This active adult community is located near tons of shopping and dining options, as well as many medical facilities.

12. Spruce Creek Preserve

About 10 miles from Ocala is Spruce Creek Preserve — also nicknamed Spruce Creek North too. With one of the busiest golf courses, there is a lot of activity going on in this retirement community located on 416 acres of the rolling hills. There’s a nice clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, butterfly garden and all the activities you’d expect in a 55+ community, such as bocce ball, shuffleboard, billiards room and more.

13. Ocala Preserve

Ocala Preserve is a 55+ gated community a little bit north of Ocala, Florida. It is not a deed-restricted community, meaning you could move in if you have some children under 55 because it is a good option for them. The beautiful community is very natural with groves of live oak preserves and green spaces throughout the community. Ocala Preserve boasts a 600+ acre community with three parks, tons of nature trails and a magnificent seven-acre lake.

Ready to Explore Ocala or The Villages?

Whether you’re drawn to the nonstop action of The Villages or the peaceful charm of a golf-side home in Ocala, there’s no shortage of incredible 55+ communities to choose from in this part of Florida. Each one offers its own flavor of fun, comfort, and connection—and our team at Explore55Plus is here to help you find the one that feels just right.

If The Villages feels out of reach, don’t worry—we’ve rounded up 3 great alternatives to expensive homes in The Villages that still offer a stellar lifestyle without the hefty price tag.

When you’re ready to tour, get in touch. Our local experts are here to guide you every step of the way.