A. You have options here!  For a map and additional information about OTOW, your best option would be to call a concierge at 352-414-0447 or 866-228-5878.  They can answer all your questions and can send you all sorts of information.  If the map is all you need and you live locally, stop at the Sales Center for a chat and to pick up a map.   Or, you can print the map yourself; you can get it easily at https://ontopoftheworldinfo.com/maps-trails/  (scroll down and click on On Top of the World Ocala Community Map).

– Laurie

A. Bay Laurel Center Community Development District, BLCCDD for short.

– Laurie

A. On Top of the World has an an onsite internet service provider, Bridgenet Communications. You can contact them at: 352-873-4817.

– Laurie

A. Providence is a neighborhood in the maintenance-free On Top of the World community of Meridian Preserve.

– Laurie

A. When you purchase a new home the basic speed included in your HOA fee is 30 MBPS.  Upgrades to 50 or 100 MBPS are available, if needed.  Also, depending on your neighborhood, speeds of up to 300 MBPS are available for those who work from home. For more detail, check out https://bridgenetcommunications.com/on-top-of-the-world-services/

– Laurie

A. Yes, The Pub requires the Gateway pass for Indigo East residents. You can eat at The Club at Candler Hills and Sid’s Coffee Shop & Deli without the Gateway pass..

– Laurie

A. The monthly community service fees at On Top of the World vary depending upon the community in which you live and the level of service included.  For information on these fees and what they cover, call 352-414-0447 or 866-228-5878 to speak to a concierge, who will be able to go into detail with you.  As for the other communities named, they are entirely separate from OTOW, so I don’t have that information.

– Laurie

A. We have no lakes or ponds here at On Top of the World.

– Laurie

A. The Fee Simple Communities are:  Candler Hills, Weybourne Landing, and Indigo East.  The rest of On Top of the World falls under the umbrella of On Top of the World Central.  All communities/ neighborhoods in OTOW Central are leasehold properties.

– Laurie

A. As to your first question, Spectrum is available only in the neighborhoods Americana, Friendship Village, Friendship Colony, Friendship Park, and a few select neighborhoods in Meridian Preserve.   Regarding the HOA fees, there is only a monthly HOA fee. There is no annual HOA fee in any of the neighborhoods of OTOW.

– Laurie

A. We have storage units on property here at OTOW.  You can contact Resident Services at 352-236-6869 or otowservice@otowfl.com for detailed information.

– Laurie

A. On Top of the World has so much to offer for an adult active community. I have been a resident here for 7 years now and it continues to be such a wonderful community with so much to do. I appreciate all we have here, and it continues to grow more each year with activities and adult on going education. I have no downside to living here at all.

– Laurie

A. OTOW Communities is a highly respected, award-winning, family-owned company, which was founded in 1947.  The Colen family keeps a close eye out for new and better solutions to the ever-changing market, environment, codes, etc.  Each new home here is built with quality, steel reinforced, concrete construction with an eye toward better energy efficient homes.  All new homes built include a 1-year warranty builder warranty  In addition, every new home at On Top of the World comes with an insurance-backed structural warranty from Maverick Warranties and Insurance, the industry’s leading structural warranty provider, which includes 10 full years of structural-defect coverage for load-bearing components.

– Gary

A. Yes, we are allowed to fence in our backyards.  You would contact our Resident Services Department for a Modification Request, which would be reviewed/approved for compliance with community rules as to fence material, height, and placement.

– Laurie

A. We have many singles that live here at On Top of the World and love it. We have an Singles Club that enjoy doing so many activities together and meet monthly.

– Laurie

A. The communities of Candler Hills, Weybourne Landing, and Indigo East are fee simple.

– Laurie

A. According to the Rules and Regulations of On Top of the World, one owner of the household will need to be at least 55 years or older, or turning 55 within the next six months at the time of closing.

Please refer to the Fourth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Rules and Regulations of On Top of the World (Central) Owner’s Association, INC. section 6. 55 and Older Community. This information is available at OTOWINFO.com for your convenience and is available to the public for reference.

– Ynez

A. Your HOA fee does not include satellite TV. You can contact the provider Bridgenet Communications for your DIRECTV and internet needs at Circle Square Commons.

– Laurie

A. The basic internet (30 Mbps) is fine for the essential needs of households supporting up to 4 devices or users.  With this speed you can easily check your emails, browse sites online and download content, post to social media, and stream videos in high resolution.  If you have more devices/users, want gaming and to stream music, you may want to bump up to 50 or 100 Mbps.  A representative from Bridgenet Communications can give you excellent recommendations to fit your needs. Stop in to see them in Circle Square Commons, or give them a call at 352-873-4817.

– Laurie

A. The water bill depends on an individual owner’s usage.  Monthly fees and wastewater charges will remain fairly static, but water usage depends on how many irrigation zones are active, and how much the household uses for showers, dishwasher, clothes washer, etc.  It will be different for everyone. Bay Laurel Center CDD is our water provider.  Check them out at www.blccdd.com, or give them a call 352-414-5454 for their rate structure.  

– Laurie

A. We have a wonderful and active lifestyle here at On Top of the World. There is so many activities and clubs to participate in. We have pools, fitness centers, golf, pickleball, tennis and so much more.

It is like living in a resort!

– Laurie

A. There is not an Owner’s blog, however there are a few resident groups on Facebook. There is also a resident info site for general community information: OTOWInfo.com

– Laurie

A. The monthly community service fees at On Top of the World vary depending upon the community in which you live.  For information on these fees and what they cover, call 352-414-0447 or 866-228-5878 to speak to one of our concierges, who will be able to go into detail with you.

– Laurie

A. No shuttles to Orlando within the community, but there are companies who do shuttle from OTOW to Orlando airport. If you google shuttles from Ocala to Orlando airport you will find businesses you can call for information and pricing.

– Laurie

A. We have “Afternoon at the Movies” offered at our lifelong learning center, Master the Possibilities, but not an actual movie theater.  There are, however, several movie theaters in Ocala, all of which offer discount hours as well as senior and veteran discount tickets.

– Nancy

A. There are airport shuttles you can Google that go from Ocala to the Orlando Airport. Some people drive and park near the airport for a reasonable charge and they shuttle you over to the airport from the satellite parking areas.

– Laurie

A. We are a very active adult community with SO much to offer!  We have tons of recreational activities – pickleball, tennis, pop tennis, cornhole, fitness classes, archery, billiards, softball, bocce ball, shuffleboard – just to name a few.  We also have Master The Possibilities, our lifelong learning center where you can take all sorts of classes (check out the course catalog to see the amazing variety of quality classes at https://www.masterthepossibilities.org/).  Plus we have a wide array of concerts, dances, parties, theater, get-togethers, happy hours, as well as more than 174 resident clubs and social and service organizations.  I’ve been here 10 years and I absolutely love it!!!

– Laurie

A. Yes! To find out what might be available and when, contact On Top of the World Real Estate of Marion County at 352-854-2394 and/or check out the listings on their website at https://www.ontopoftheworldrealestate.com/.

– Laurie

A. This would be possible on the bigger homes.  It would just have to be on the right lot where you could abide by the HOA setback rules for the birdcage. You’ll want to be sure to let your Sales Counselor know what you are looking to do so you can get the right size lot.

– Cindy

A. OTOW does feature Townhouses, Villas and Single Family homes.  We do have rentals in the OTOW Rental Program that consist of all of these types of homes.  The shortest lease that can be accommodated is a 6 month and 1 week rental, due to the covenants and restrictions here at On Top of the World.

– Charlee

A. Yes! “Wheeling Around the World Cycling Club” meets three times a week for meet and match rallies, where rides are set up on the spot according to the abilities and desires of those who show up. The club welcomes all residents and guests interested in cycling whether a beginner, intermediate, or advanced cycler.  For more information, contact Dennis Baker at 352-562-0088 or check out their Facebook group (Wheeling Around the World Cycling Club).

– Laurie

A. Homeowners in each community may have grandchildren/minor children visit for up to 30 days per year. Any combination of time but not to exceed 30 days a year.

– Laurie

A. There are currently 2 communities wherein a resident would have to obtain a Gateway of Services pass if they wished to avail themselves of the pickleball, table tennis, and other amenities inside the gated community, those being Weybourne Landing and Indigo East. Both of these communities have many of their own amenities, but only Weybourne Landing has pickleball. 

– Laurie

A. None of the homes here are built with an RV garage and, without prior permission from the Association, you may not park your RV in your driveway or in front of your home except to load and/or unload.  We do, however, have RV storage available on site.  Contact Resident Services at 352-236-6869 or otowservice@otowfl.com for rates and availability.

– Laurie

A. All residents must pay for golf, regardless of whether you are a renter or an owner.  Golf is not an amenity that is included in the monthly Association fee.  If you visit https://www.ontopoftheworldgolfclub.com/, you can download the membership packages and daily rates, available under the “Membership” drop-down list.

– Laurie

A. With the exception of one community, that being Indigo East, OTOW is serviced by Duke Energy.  Indigo East is serviced by SECO Energy.

– Laurie

A. There are undoubtedly more, but I know of two shuttle services from here to the Orlando airport; Village Airport Van (https://www.villageairportvan.com/) and Shuttleliner of Ocala  (https://www.shuttlelinerofocala.com/).  Cannot make a recommendation for either, but I’ve seen good reviews for both.

– Laurie

A. No. Your family is welcome to visit as long as you are present.

– Laurie

A. While much is offered during the day, much is offered in the evenings, too!  If you want a workout, head up to the Arbors for Fitness On Demand, an online service that provides exercise classes that can be started anytime with the press of a button. (Also available at the Indigo East Fitness Center.) There over a hundred classes from which to choose!  If it’s just some play time you are seeking, our Tennis and Pickleball courts are lighted, so playing in the evenings, particularly during the summer, is definitely an option.  Then there are the billiards and game rooms up at The Arbors, as well as numerous card games, Mahjong, Bunco, Bingo (Wednesday nights), Trivia, Karaoke, plus Friday night happy hours, and dancing and music on Fridays & Saturdays at the Town Square.  For specific dates, times, and locations, check out our event calendar at https://ontopoftheworldinfo.com/event-calendar/.

– Laurie

A. Yes! There is a Billiards room at the Arbor Activity Center that has 12 full-sized Diamond tables, one of which is Snooker.  You will also find Bumper Pool in the adjacent game room.  Play on your own or join the Billiards club with men’s and women’s leagues and tournaments.

– Laurie

A. On certain occasions the beverage kiosk at The Town Square is open for you to enjoy reasonably priced beer, wine, and soft drinks.

– Laurie

A. Yes, DirecTV provides satellite service in Candler Hills. The dish is not visible from the street per the HOA covenants.

– Laurie

A. Citrus trees are not on the approved plant list.  You could try to put in a Modification Request to see if an exception could be made for planting a cocktail citrus behind your home, but they are generally discouraged because the fruit that falls to the ground and attracts all kinds of unwanted wildlife attention.

– Laurie

A. TECO Energy supplies the natural gas needs of OTOW residents; as you might expect, costs per month vary widely according to usage (size of home, number of gas appliances, etc.)  You are correct that Duke Energy is the supplier for electricity here at OTOW — with the exception of one community, that being Indigo East, which is serviced by SECO Energy.  Outages are very infrequent.  I’ve been here 10 years and the longest outage we experienced was 2 hours.  We armed ourselves with a generator a few years ago, but (happily) have never needed it.

– Laurie

A. Yes, to both.  If you are wishing to put in a pool, you would have to submit a modification request to Resident Services.  This would be reviewed to ensure you have a large enough lot where you could abide by the HOA setback rules for the birdcage, and that the work was being done by an approved contractor.

– Laurie

A. Yes; you would just need to first submit a modification request to Resident Services and your provider would have to adhere to community rules for placement of the satellite/antenna.

– Laurie

A. Yes, all of OTOW is very pet friendly, providing four dog parks where they can run, play, and socialize.

– Laurie

A. If you are in a neighborhood where mail is delivered to a postal station rather than to your home, the mail carrier will place your package into a large post box at your designated station, then put the key for that box into your mailbox.  As for UPS, FedEx and the like, my experience has been that sometimes they deliver to your home, and other times they drop your package at your postal station where it is handled as above.  Not sure what dictates this; the vendor shipping details perhaps?

– Nancy

A. I am a very happy  resident  at On Top of the World for over five years now. It is all and more living here. We have so many amenities, clubs, social activities, Master the Possibilities and our Cultural Center that offers so many different types of entertainment. I have been to other communities to see the differences and none compare to living here. Also, access by golf cart to shopping , banks, doctors which is so convenient. It is all that is advertised and more. Thank you for asking!!

– Laurie

A. For the Windsor neighborhood, the mail, trash and recycling are all located at the Crescent Ridge II area. It is on SW 97^th Street. You pick up your mail and packages, and take your trash and recyclables all to one location.

– Laurie

A. I have heard from friends that the internet speeds are good and they have different plans to choose from. Best thing to do is go to Bridgenet store and talk to someone or give them a call. You can find a lot of information at BridgenetCommunications.com

– Laurie

A. Yes! It’s very convenient, and they even have golf cart only parking.

– Laurie

A. We do not have lakes here at On Top of the World.

– Laurie

A. When purchasing here at OTOW one person on the deed must be 55yrs. old or better to qualify. You could purchase a home prior to that age and put the home in a property management/rental program until you turn 55.

– Gary

A. If you live in Indigo East or Weybourne Landing, you will need to have the Gateway Pass to play pickleball at the Recreation Center. All other communities/neighborhoods have such access included in their HOA.

– Laurie

A. OTOW does not have a shuttle to the Orlando Airport, but there are several companies in the area who provide such service (Village Airport Van and Shuttleliner are two that come to mind, and they post their various rates online).  In addition, some residents provide this service.  You can find their ads in our monthly newspaper or, if you are a resident, ask on our Facebook OTOW Chat Room; they don’t post their rates, however, so you would have to contact them for that.

– Laurie

A. Yes, golf carts are allowed throughout OTOW, but they should be electric, not gas.  We can also use our golf carts to go out to three different shopping centers where we can access supermarkets, restaurants, banks, dentists, hair & nail salons, card shop, post office, garden center, and so much more!

– Laurie

A. The Gateway of Services pass for 2023 is $900.  This gives up to two people per household access to all of OTOW Central’s amenities.

– Laurie

A. OTOW is designated as housing for people who are 55 years of age or older.  The federal and state rules and regulations that govern such a designation are many!  It would be best to contact one a concierge or sales specialists for a concise, up-to-date answer to your question.  Call 866-228-5878 or 352-414-0447.

– Nancy

A. Yes, you can have your own personal cart as a resident. We only allow electric no gas golf carts on the course. Trail fees are included in the annual golf club membership fees. Even if you pay as you go the trail fees are built into the price. Current rates can be found here.

– Laurie

A. We do indeed have an Archery Range here!  It’s located in our Veteran’s Park.  There is also a very active Archery Club.  Contact Bob at 352-877-3144 for more information.

– Laurie

A. We have 4 dog parks, each divided into a small breed/large breed side, where dogs can run, play, and socialize.  Two of these have agility equipment that can be easily placed if you wish to do that type of training with your dog.

– Laurie

A. It really depends upon your personal preference as to whether you want the morning or evening sun pouring in the front or back of your home.  For instance, if you like to sit on your lanai in the late afternoon, you may not want to have the sun setting in your eyes and heating up the area.  Our homes have lots of natural light and open space, so you will get light from all sides.  Some people prefer like to have a southern exposure for their sun-friendly landscaping (that would be me!). 

– Laurie

A. A standard lot generally backs to another home.

– Laurie

A. HOA fees vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. There are a few factors which dictate community service fees however it is largely dependent upon whether a resident lives in a maintenance-free or owner maintained home. For specific fee information please call 866-228-5878.

– Laurie

A. Yes, you can bring in your own realtor to sell your home. New owner gets the balance of the years on the lease. You can plant around your home and put up a fence upon getting approval of a Modification Request to Customer Service. If approved, whatever you plant around your home,  you are responsible for maintaining.

– Laurie

A. The Club at Candler Hills is open to the public. TheClubatCandlerHills.com

– Nancy

A. Yes, residents must accompany their guest(s) to the pools.  There are no fees or guest pass requirements, but there is an age requirement; guests must be at least 15 years old to go to the pools at The Arbors.  There is no age limit at the Recreation Center pool.

– Laurie

A. Indigo East is a very nice place to live with very friendly people who love living here. It is a smaller neighborhood and they have activities at the community center daily and nightly. For example, game night which includes: Bunco, Mah Jongg and Poker. Day activities are: Line dancing, yoga and exercise group. The ladies in the community put on a luncheon three times a year which is very nice. There is Master the Possibilities which has all kinds of classes that are interesting and fun.  Lots to do here. 

– Laurie

A. A green chain link fence is one of the fence types permitted, but you would first need to obtain approval.  You do this by submitting a Modification Request to Resident Services, which would include the fence type, placement plans, and contractor.  Your request would then go before the Association for review/approval.

– Laurie

A. Declaring a party affiliation is not required to live here, so it’s not possible to say with any certainty what percentage of any political party makes up the population here.  I do know, however, that there is a Democratic Club and a Republican Club, both of which meet monthly.   

– Nancy

A. Yes!  We have the “World Tour Adventure,” which is a 3 day/2 night stay here in a beautifully appointed homes.  Call 352-414-0447 or 866-228-5878 for detailed information and to make your reservation.

– Laurie

A. You are permitted up to 3 dogs and 3 cats or “usual” household pets.  Anything in excess of that would have to be approved by the Homeowner’s Association.

– Laurie

A. The House for Older Persons Act (HOPA) allows communities to operate as “55 or older” housing.
The following criteria must be met:

1. At least 80% of the units must be occupied by at least one resident over the age of 55
2. The community must publish and adhere to policies and procedures demonstrating an intent by the housing provider (the Association) to provide housing for persons 55 years of age or older; and
3. The housing provider must engage in appropriate age verification procedures that include a community census from time to time.
4. At least one person 55 or older must reside in at least 80% of the occupied units.  The other 20% is set aside to allow as a “cushion” for residents to heir their home to someone under 55.

– Nancy

A. Happy to tell you that you have been misinformed!  You are indeed able to put in roses, flowers, etc. in your yard.  In fact there is quite an extensive plant palette that even identifies what is a native plant, what needs sun, part shade and/or full shade.  You may also put in a fence, in accordance with OTOW’s guidelines.  Both the plantings and fence would require that you submit a Modification Request with your detailed plans to Resident Services.

– Nancy

A. It depends on the Community in which you live.  All neighborhoods in On Top of the World Central have or will have central areas where they pick up their mail, whether it be a building or kiosk with multiple boxes.  Weybourne Landing has mail kiosks, as do all the newer neighborhoods in Candler Hills.  Indigo East and some of the older neighborhoods in Candler Hills have individual mailboxes (e.g., Candler East, Sanctuary, Stonebridge, Larkhill, Sterling Meadows)

– Nancy

A. On Top of the World does not have a shooting range. We have shuttles that we can call for transportation to and from the Orlando and Tampa airports. There are some here in the Ocala area that we use often.

– Laurie

A. Yes, electric fences are permitted on golf course lots in OTOW.

– Laurie

A. You can enjoy the Atlantic Ocean beaches of St. Augustine, Ormond Beach, and Daytona Beach, all of which are approximately 90 miles away.  On the Gulf Coast and a little further away in miles (about 110), you have beautiful Clearwater Beach and St. Pete’s Beach near Tampa.  Closer by and still on the Gulf Coast are a few small beaches in Crystal River, (about 45 miles away).  If a lake appeals, Hampton Beach at Lake Weir is lovely.

For boating and fishing, there are over 15 areas within a 30 to 90 minute drive; Lake Weir, Lake Rousseau, Ocklawaha River, Orange Lake, Rainbow River, Withlacoochee River, and Lake Kerr to name a few.

– Laurie

A. Yes, there is an On Top of the World Bus that takes you to several places. You can view the community bus schedule here. This will show you the pickup times,  places (neighborhoods) where the shuttles takes you to and picks you up from.

– Laurie

A. You are welcome to bring guests to the facilities. There will be a nominal fee levied for use of any of the facilities reserved for use by the residents. Once you or your guests have paid the appropriate fee, a temporary pass will be issued. Those under 15 years of age are not permitted at any facility where there is a guest fee applied. 

– Nancy

A. There are standard lots available without extra premiums. Please contact a Sales Counselor for a complete list of available lots & pricing at 866-228-5878.

– Nancy

A. One of the biggest and most obvious differences is size/population.  OTOW currently has about 7,000 homes.  The Villages has over 130,000 homes at present and they are still growing.  Not only does this create great traffic congestion, but such numbers lengthens access times to amenities and services.  OTOW has all the same amenities, without the access wait times.  While we have only one Town Square, you will find entertainment offered there, as well as a weekly Farmer’s Market and various events offered throughout the year.  There is also easy, golf-cart access to nearby restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.  OTOW is big enough to offer everything you could want, but small enough to feel like a real, solid, gated community.  Then we can talk about construction quality, average homes per acre, and an interest in maintaining the community and adding/upgrading amenities as needed.  OTOW exceeds The Villages in these areas.

– Nancy

A. Not necessarily.  Here’s the deal:  We have four Communities/homeowner associations: OTOW Central, Candler Hills, Weybourne Landing, and Indigo East.

1. Indigo East, Weybourne Landing, and Candler Hills each have their own amenities, the fee for which is included in their monthly CSF (community service fee, often called HOA). No one but the residents in their respective communities have access to them, nor can anyone from other communities purchase a pass to use them.
2. If the residents in Indigo East and/or Weybourne Landing wish to enjoy the amenities offered in OTOW Central, they may purchase a Gateway Services pass.
3. OTOW Central residents AND Candler Hills residents all have access to the amenities located in OTOW Central, as such access is included in their monthly CSF.

– Laurie

A. With an owner maintained home, the homeowner is responsible for mowing the lawn, taking care of landscaping and any other outside maintenance such as painting, roof repair, etc… For complete details, please call a Sales Counselor at 866-228-5878.

– Laurie

A. The lifelong learning program here is called Master the Possibilities and they offer so much!  You can enjoy courses in Arts, Health & Wellness, History, Humanities, Lifestyle, Science, Technology, and so much more!  Learn to play Bridge, learn a language, learn to troubleshoot your computer, learn to use your IPad, learn to use your Instapot; it’s all there for you.  I absolutely love taking these classes!  Check them out at https://www.masterthepossibilities.org/.

– Nancy

A. Community Service fees vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. There are a few factors which dictate community service fees however it is largely dependent upon whether a resident lives in a maintenance-free or owner maintained home. For specific fee information please call 866-228-5878.

– Laurie

A. While Indigo East is sold out, The Sunflower model is still offered and being built in Weybourne Landing.  Call 866-228-5878 or 352=414-0447 for more details!

– Laurie

A. Pools open until dusk, so it varies depending on the time of year. Alcohol is not permitted at pools.

– Laurie

A. Members can book tee times 7 days in advance and residents can book 4 days, at Candler Hills Golf Course. For the two private courses, The Links and The Tortoise & The Hare, World members can book a tee time 8 days in advance, OTOW members 7 days, and residents 6 days. 

– Laurie

A. Yes.  If it’s before 6:00pm, your guest just has to provide their name, and your name and address; the gate attendant will then record their license plate and lift the gate for them.  If your guest is arriving after 6:00pm, you must call the appropriate gate and provide your guest’s name, so that when they drive up to the gate and give their name and your name and address they will be admitted.  If you have not cleared the way for them for an after 6:00pm arrival, they will definitely have some trouble getting through the gate.

– Laurie

A. Natural gas is the standard for all new homes being built in OTOW.

– Laurie

A.Yes, indeed!  We use our golf carts to go out to three different shopping centers where we can access supermarkets, restaurants, banks, dentists, doctors, hair & nail salons, card shop, post office, garden center, and so much more!

– Laurie