Why Scott and Jim Left Bonita Springs for On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida
After decades on Florida's southwest coast, Scott and Jim traded Bonita Springs for On Top of the World, the sprawling 55+ community in Ocala, Florida. Hurricane Irma, rising costs, and a desire for cooler winters and quieter streets pushed them inland — and six months in, they say it was one of the best decisions they've made.
The Hurricane That Started Their Search
Their journey began with Hurricane Irma. Evacuating from Bonita Springs with two parents in their 80s, a brother with special needs, and a dog made it clear the family needed a long-term plan. Jim had lived in Bonita Springs since 1983, when it was "a great sleepy little beach town" — but by the late 2010s, it had become crowded, expensive, and increasingly vulnerable to storms.
"Everything we do here we look at the bill and we're like, really?" Scott said of Southwest Florida's cost of living. They also wanted something they couldn't get on the coast: a hint of seasons. When they visited Ocala in February and the thermometer read 48 degrees, Jim was sold.
Why They Chose On Top of the World Over The Villages
Scott and Jim did consider The Villages, just south of Ocala. But it wasn't gated, and the pace felt "over the top — party, party, party." They wanted somewhere quieter where they could still enjoy big-community amenities without the crowds.
The first night they stayed at On Top of the World, they opened the windows and were stunned by the silence. Lawn care and exterior maintenance are handled for residents, but you can still putter in your own garden if you want to — a balance that suited them perfectly.
Amenities and Activities at On Top of the World
On Top of the World is large enough to feel like a small town, with neighborhoods and lifestyles for almost any interest. Scott and Jim are into fitness, and they've found plenty:
- Yoga classes three times a week with five different instructors they love
- Pickleball — the club they joined has roughly 600 members
- Wood shop, archery, RC planes, and RC cars
- Walking and running paths with dedicated golf-cart lanes that make pedestrians feel safe
Jim, a runner, pointed out how courteous drivers and golf-cart riders are compared to the harrowing roadways of Bonita Springs. And the social culture? "Everybody is parky and friendly," Scott said. "Everyone says hi or good morning."
Solving a Family Puzzle: Three Homes, One Community
One reason the move worked so well is that On Top of the World let Scott and Jim solve a complicated family situation in a single neighborhood. Affordability mattered — they needed a long-term plan for Jim's brother once his mom is no longer with them.
So they sold three properties in Bonita Springs (their own home, mom's home, and a rental) and bought three homes at On Top of the World. Mom lives just across the street; Scott can see her front porch from the living room window. Everyone has their own space, but they're close enough to walk the dog over or grab groceries together.
"It would be very difficult for all of us to be under the same roof," Scott said. "Now all of us are settled."
What's Around Ocala: Day Trips and Nature
One of the surprises of moving to Ocala was how much there is to do nearby:
- Rainbow Springs State Park — paddling and crystal-clear water
- Ormond Beach — about 90 minutes east, with a scenic drive through the Ocala National Forest
- Cedar Key — under an hour west, an old Florida Gulf Coast town
- Downtown Ocala — First Friday Art Walks with wine, music, and local artists
Quick Facts: On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida
- Location: Ocala, Florida (Marion County), roughly central Florida
- Type: Gated 55+ active adult community
- Vibe: Large but quiet, with multiple neighborhoods and lifestyles
- Maintenance: Lawn and exterior care included
- Climate: Cooler winters than coastal South Florida — actual seasonal change
- Standout amenities: Pickleball, yoga, wood shop, archery, RC clubs, dedicated golf-cart lanes
- Nearby: Rainbow Springs, Ocala National Forest, Cedar Key, Ormond Beach
Honest Advice on the Move Itself
Scott and Jim are quick to say moving is hard — and they did it three times over. "It's one of the top five stresses," Scott noted. "It's pretty awful. But you're going to get through it, and then you look back and you're really glad you did it."
If you're weighing a coastal Florida exit because of hurricane fatigue, rising costs, or the heat, their story is a useful blueprint: pick a community with the amenities and culture you actually want, factor in your whole family's needs, and be patient with the transition.
Is On Top of the World Right for You?
If a quiet, gated, amenity-rich 55+ community in central Florida sounds like your speed, On Top of the World deserves a close look — especially if you're trying to balance affordability, walkability, and a friendly community feel. Take our matching quiz on the Explore55Plus homepage to see how On Top of the World stacks up against other 55+ communities, and save your favorites to your shortlist so you can compare them side by side as you plan your own visit.
