We are currently building in otow - maintenance free sub and are in early 60’s. We felt we were able to get more and better home design than the villages for the money - and well built. I thought villages was nice but too busy, and we are active folks. Thanks for this video. Great job

@t.l.ehrich62

7 ай бұрын

Hi! 2 years later, are you happy with your home and with OTOW??

Thank you for answering my questions. I believe The Villages population is about 130K and growing with several new Villages under construction south of Route 44.

Been living in the villages for two years, I know of RC cars and boats at Everglades recreation center. There is an RC club that would have more details. Costs for golf (my family Of 3 play mostly executive courses) is under 300 a year for the whole family of social golfers. (141.24 yearly cart fee covers everyone in the household). 132 thousand residents as of end of last year. 100 Recreation centers, 100 pools, 214 pickle ball courts, 15 softball fields, 693 holes of golf. 10 new homes finished every day. I ruled out OTOTW early on for the leased land and few golf options. as I wanted options as my tastes changes over time. We couldn't be happier with our decision to move here. But as always do your own research to find what is right for you.

@lauralampe1664

3 жыл бұрын

Great information! Thank you.

@myjoysunshine

3 жыл бұрын

Great info! Agree with you!

@CDarfus

Жыл бұрын

When I found out that I do not get to own the land my home is on...right off the bat, that was the deal breaker for me.

@dianarichardson3316

Жыл бұрын

For your info otow has both leasehold and fee simple ownership

@CDarfus

Жыл бұрын

@@dianarichardson3316 we did a visit there in 2020 I believe and they said nothing about that, it was explained to us that it was lease only

Very informative video, I always appreciate the nitty gritty details you include which answers a lot of the questions my husband and I have. Since we aren't American citizens we are definitely looking for a community that would allow us the option of renting to others when we can't be there. We're looking forward to your next video as we're very interested in communities in the Kissimmee area.

OTOW has guarded gates. For us that was important.

Remember that all of OTOW are block homes. And some are solar also.

Thank you for answering my question.

There are a lot of trails for bikes, walking in otow. As well they are connecting shallow park to otow.

Very informative , thanks

As a VA R.N. primary care manager in R.I. that does a great deal Veteran snow bird care coordination, a big drawing card for Vets choosing TV over other communities in the area is there is a large VA primary care clinic right in TV. My husband is a Vet and we will be choosing TV to relocate to for that very reason.

@johnmccorkle1694

3 жыл бұрын

Same here.

@myjoysunshine

3 жыл бұрын

This is a great point! Thanks for pointing this out. Much appreciated.

@kristenschnese698

3 жыл бұрын

I believe Ocala broke ground 2019 for a new large VA clinic much like the Villages as they gave outgrown their sites when it will be done I am not sure

Great video. Thanks!

Thank you so much for this comparison video! Lots of great info; well done! We appreciate you taking the time to put this together.

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

❤️ thank you for the comment

We owned a house in TV for 2 years- used it some and rented it out some. We sold last year- too big and too much congestion for us. Other negatives for us were- non- gated open to anyone squares and neighborhoods, health care is considered to be very poor in TV, and once you leave the area there are few resources in the way of shopping and restaurants. We are about to check out OTOTW in the next week and I think we’ll find it more to our liking. More home for your money than TV and we prefer new construction in a central area. Also, the resources of Ocala are close by, and health care is supposed to be excellent, and we much prefer a fully gated, controlled access community. We will see.

@pattyc301

3 жыл бұрын

The congestion is one concern I have, and the tiny lots are my second concern with TV. I do like the energy of TV though, so I’m still on the fence. Thanks for sharing your insights as a former resident!

@cubaiirr1

3 жыл бұрын

I’d love to here about your visit and what info you found out about healthcare in Ocala. We are trying to narrow down between TV and OTOW and healthcare is a big part of the decision for us!

Great job guys!! Thank you for showing the master bathrooms and explaining the golf cart range/experience in both communities. Love your channel, it’s getting better and better with each video.

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment ❤️

Love the video. Another stark contrast is that TV has several lakes, ponds...while OTOTW has none.

Love this video Thanks

It is not OTOTW, we call it OTOW and we love it here. We checked out TV but too busy and hard to get in pools and other activities. Easy to find open courts, etc for your activities in OTOW. I love the RC car, drone and airplane clubs here. We also have a great indoor pool that is wonderful on cooler or super hot days.

The property at 8312 SE 168th Trinity (CDD 4; Village of Briar Meadow, Marion County) is a Whispering Pine model (Designer series; frame-and-vinyl construction). The property at 2699 Collington (CDD 5; Village of Lynnhaven, Sumter County) is a Colony model (Patio villa series; frame-and-vinyl construction).

Another great video guys! It seems to me that OTOTW is just a smaller, slower paced version of the Villages with lower priced homes and more square footage. For me, it's all about the golf. After the $142/yr. trail fee, Executive golf is unlimited. To be able to play unlimited at OTOTW, it is $4200/yr. I don't know if I could play enough championship courses in TV between my rounds of Executive golf to come close to that $4200 amount. I can live with the one town square only having live music on the weekend and certainly more house for your money, but just 3 courses to choose from. Tough choice, glad I have a few years to decide. Wish OTOTW had a few places like Cody's or other Pubs to get a cold one by golf car.

@thewalkeradvantageteam

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Dustin, OTOW has 2 locations within the gates where you can get cold beverages as well as full meals. There are a couple of restaurants outside the gates that are accessible by golf car, and they have broken ground for a brand new Cody's right there also. There are some great places outside the gates that are accessible...

One thing regarding the differences between The Villages and OTOTW that I did not hear you cover is ( correct me if I am wrong ) FENCES. I understand that OTOTW you can have a fence in your back yard ???

@brianhenderson9470

Жыл бұрын

yes you can, neighbor just had one installed.

Thanks for the info.

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

❤️

The 3000 clubs are all run by volunteers in the Villages. This can be done because of the size of the Villages- keeps costs and amenity fee down and have great variety of activities. Get a really good bang for your buck here imho.

Very informative!! Thank you for providing these videos. Question - which community is more PET FRIENDLY?

Great video. I believe the cdd/bond fees are approximately between 30,000 - 35,000 for the newer homes south of RT44. We were told that The Villages will not accept a VA loan for the new construction homes.

@debbiemartin6845

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, The developer will not accept FHA or VA Loans. With the market we are in not many sellers will accept an off with a FHA or VA financing. I agree it does not seem right because veterans ae entitled to use their benefits. It is just the market we are in.

@Viz210

Жыл бұрын

@@debbiemartin6845isn’t that a new Florida VA rule. Limited to $726k on VA LOANS .

@debbiemartin6845

Жыл бұрын

The Villages will only do Conventional Loans on new builds.

I owned a 1100 sq ft. On Top Of The World.....I moved bc my daughter went to SC....but....I loved it...I am soooo sorry I sold....I lived in Clearwater

This whole golf thing is such a turnoff. I know, you're supposed to retire and play golf. That's, like, your new role in life. I bet the omnipresent golf culture is why a lot of people move out of these places.

@debbiemartin6845

2 жыл бұрын

James there is so much more than golf in The Villages and I know it's hard to believe but it is so very true! You can't help to see all of the golf courses so I can see why you would think that but there are too many activities to mention...be daring...come explore! You can do The Villages Lifestyle visit. Inexpensive and it will help you to see what is here,

@janetpartyka5968

Жыл бұрын

Golf is a total bore, driving the cart is fun.

Would love to see Solivita included in some of these comparisons. My understanding is that it is one of the biggest communities other than the Villages.

My wife and I have played four of the championship golf courses and all three of the golf courses at OTOW before we bought a home in OTOW. Here is why we bought in OTOW and not the Villages. First of all, cost. The Villages (Going from memory) has a onetime fee to become a member of roughly $750 to $900. Then you pay a cart and greens fee if you do not have your own golf cart. From the if you have a golf cart you will pay a trail fee and greens fee per player. My wife and I play four to five times per week. Next was golf course condition. As a retired PGA General Manager Director of Golf who played high school, college, and professional golf the Villages does not spend the same amount on golf maintenance as OTOW. Their fairways and tees are starved for fertilizer, they over water their greens, and the sand traps do not have enough sand in them. Enough said on this. Next tournaments. OTOW is set up as two base camps for golf. The first is the Hill (Tortoise & Hare & The Links). The second is Candler Hills. These two courses are managed by one group of golf professionals and golf superintendents. Candler Hils, which is semiprivate daily fee, is run by another tea. Each has their own LGA, MGA, member-member, member-guest, tournament schedules like a private club. The cost with monthly trail fee and range ball fee is under $750m per month. At the Villages our costs after we ran the number for a 12-month period because their greens fees flex with the time of the year was $1200. OTOW much better value and better golfing experience.

@Explore55Plus

Жыл бұрын

Hi Brian! WOW! What an awesome comparison. We really appreciate you sharing that info. Thank you for watching!

@janetpartyka5968

Жыл бұрын

What else is there to offer besides golf in OTOW?

The Villages Tee time system for the 9 hole executive courses does not cost any money. No cost if you walk the executive courses which have over 500 free holes (I think but it’s a lot ).

One thing you’re comparing a concrete home to stick built. Big difference in price. As an agent you should really point that out in a hurricane prone area. But great video!

Just a quick little update. There is a new RC RACETRACK in the south side of The Villages. You can get a yearly cart fee sticker for the golf cars that was $120/yr the last I looked but YES, if is free to play golf in the villages on the executive courses if you walk them. No need for the golf course trail fee, including the above mentioned yearly golf cart fee.

Been to both places twice.Very costly,both places.Home lots are small,no privacy in the backyards since all back enclosed porches are 30 ft away in all directions.

It appears that existing home sales are based on the comps. These homes may or may not have a bond residual. One would think that houses w/o a bond would be discounted, but that does not appear to be the case. So it appears that bond free houses would have a cost advantage???

Nice video. Its really like comparing apples to oranges though, and I'm not knocking either place. It will always always come down to.....can you live in a busy place like The Villages. Its not for everyone, and so places like OTOW, Spruce Creek, Legacy, Harbor Hills etc, will fill the needs of those people.

@seoulbrooks

3 жыл бұрын

Yea, a few big inaccuracies in the video. They are trying to compare apples to oranges. There are many beautiful housing areas as Joe has mentioned above. Some of them actually have large yards and room between neighbors. Central Florida is a beautiful area of Florida with warm weather. Many small cities and lots of golf courses, you do not have to live in the Villages to find a place to golf. The beautiful Gulf Coast is only a short 45 - 60 minute drive. There are many hidden cost living in the Villages, talk to someone who actually lives there. Remember, the Villages is in three separate counties with different tax rates. Come down and visit and talk with home owners from different areas. Don't just rely on the real estate folks.

Otow has both leasehold and also fee simple. ( u own the land) You pick!!

What are the Property taxes for same size house between the two communities for a resident or nonresident

Gosh you guys had me there for a minute. There’s an on top of the world in Clearwater too. When you showed the pictures I though that’s weird that I haven’t seen that. On top of the world in Clearwater has a giant globe in front, I think it’s very tacky, my opinion. But the I think the Villages is just creepy. Way too white. And I’m white.

I didn’t know there was land lease properties. I thought all Villages and OTOW were fee simple. Can you tell me where the land leases are? I want to avoid those.

600-700 per month is madness. If you have an infinite pile of money, enjoy. Also, the CDD board can (and will) agree amongst themselves to raise your CDD tax every year.

The Villages has a dedicated RC race track at the Everglades regional rec center

Very informative 🏳️‍🌈

Is there any parks that have lower priced manufactured homes or low price homes that has super low how or associated. Fees. I am on ssdi and need to get the weather in florida but need low prices I am 60.

I would really like to know e differences in availability to medical services, hospital qualities, all of the practical aspects of life for a senior. Thank you!

@Explore55Plus

11 ай бұрын

Hi there! If you take a look at our website, you'll see each community's proximity to essential services like medical facilities, grocery stores, airports, etc! :) www.explore55plus.com/communities/the-villages www.explore55plus.com/communities/on-top-of-the-world

Explain Fee Simple vs. leased. You had me on OTOW till that slapped me upside the head. Anyone?

To me there is no comparison. I have loved a very long time on the area. OTOW is the areas best kept secret. There are plenty of areas you can get to by Golf Cart. Golf can be by the game or as an annual fee. There are multiple courses in the Greater Ocala area. The nice thing in OTOW, is we don’t pay for golf in the amenities fee. So if you are not interested, you don’t pay for the courses. The amenities are plentiful and easy to use. Over 300 clubs here and the wonderful Senior Learning with our Master The Possibilities. Stone Creek is just up the road with a public golf course and a restaurant, also. Quiet, yes! Not overburdened travel or amenities, check! The outstanding World Equestrian Center, just down the road, with multiple restaurants, shows and entertainment, check! The option of a no bond build. The new ALL ages CALESA Township up the street. There are at least 3 or 4 residents here that moved in from TV, because of the active, yet quiet lifestyle and earth of the residents. We love the leasehold of our land and the fact that outside maintenance is included in the various small fees. Oh and very strong BLOCK eco built homes. Shhh, don’t let out the great secret!!!

@Explore55Plus

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your experience and first hand knowledge! 🙂

@janetpartyka5968

Жыл бұрын

Does OTOW have a plan in place for flooding like TV has?

Is 1772 sq feet total or air conditioning sq feet?

I do like both places but The villages has more things to do for me ! If l lived close to the villages but not inside the gated community can I pay to use the pools I’m not interested in golfing?

@inikkor520

10 ай бұрын

Nope

what about Cypress Lakes? seems like they don't get very much attention... i wonder how they stack up against OTOTW and the villages... cypress lakes look like their houses are much more affordable...

6 month minimum rent at OTOTW would mean you couldn't meet the residency requirement since you would need to stay 6 months and a day but have to rent for 6 months or longer. Is that correct?

Going to look at the Villages, if nothing pops out then we will look at OTOTW

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

Let us know if we can help ❤️

Jay is a cutie!!

Nothing was address about the fact that you do not own the property when you buy OTOTW? It is a lease. Also, can anyone answer why TV does not have any gyms or hot tubs?

This is the thing I come back to when considering 55+ communities. TV’s is full of Life, Living, Music at the squares, and people everywhere. OTOTW and similar look empty by comparison. Even if I’m not as active as others I enjoy the energy it brings. Tks for the info. Only thing TV’s did wrong is build newest area, Feeney, Hawkins, etc, too close to FL Turnpike and constant noise. What I don’t like at OTOTW is your buying into a 99 year land lease. You don’t own the lot just the house.

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

It’s true! Thanks for the comment :)

I know the villages have ample ponds for fishing, does OTOW have similar opportunities?

@thewalkeradvantageteam

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Todd, OTOW does not have any water features, however there is great fishing in some local rivers within a 15 minute drive

@brianhenderson9470

Жыл бұрын

No, no bodies of water on site.

Still like to know the monthly cost besides mortgage.

@johnmccorkle1694

3 жыл бұрын

It depends on many factors, but if I delete what I feel is not directly tied to the villages, for my designer home it's about 1200 a month. Includes amenities, water, sewer, trash, electric, gas for home, golf cart insurance, sprinkler maintenance, taxes, exterior maintenance, bond, landscaping, pest control, fire, ccd maintenance, heating and AC maintenance and house insurance.

@dogcrazy25

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnmccorkle1694 thanks for the info. Too much for my budget.

No VA Loans for OTOTW? I guess that rules out that location for us.

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

It’s a bummer. 😞

You are 61 Nicky.

is gym part of the amenities for OTOTW? cuz from what i understand is the gym at TV is not covered under amenities fee...

@johnmccorkle1694

3 жыл бұрын

There are outdoor equipment that is free that many use, the gyms in 6 of recreation centers are extra (363.49 a year for single, 710.28 for a couple). I was told that MVP (the huge gym at the squares) is free for some Medicare plans (SilverSneakers and Renew Active), but I imagine that it is expensive otherwise.

@kristenschnese698

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnmccorkle1694 if you aren’t 65 the Villages charge 40.00 a month to use fitness areas

@johnmccorkle1694

3 жыл бұрын

@@kristenschnese698 www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/fitnesscenters.aspx

@thewalkeradvantageteam

3 жыл бұрын

Two fitness centers in OTOW are included in your HOA fees.

Is there a Disney World club? That would cinch the deal for me. 😉 I know I can’t be the only one that dreams of retiring and moving closer to the place I love.

@supkirsten

3 жыл бұрын

Same!!!

@penelopepitstop762

3 жыл бұрын

@@supkirsten we went in February and met a couple who were in their late 70’s on the ME. They told us their kids were in their 50’s, but they still enjoyed going. #marriagegoals

@supkirsten

3 жыл бұрын

@@penelopepitstop762 We are planning on moving somewhere in central FL as soon as my hubby retires in a few years. I will still be working so we have a lot to work out. However, WDW is the one non-negotiable!!! We love it!!!

@penelopepitstop762

3 жыл бұрын

@@supkirsten we love it too and I knew there were “others” like us. 😉❤️

@sarahdodd7645

3 жыл бұрын

The Villages has a huge Disney club called "Mickey's Fanatics"

I meant on my small circle , alone there are at least 3 or 4 folks who left TV. Too overburdened infrastructure there.

RC stands for Radio Control, not Remote Control.

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

Oops 🙊 the confidence Nicky said that statement with too 😅 LOL

Fine land in the area of Punta Gorda and manufacture home builders. price of homes are 80-110 K

We don't play golf or any other type of team sports. All I want is a pool and a low maintenance/HOA fee, low taxes, and a house that is under $170K. Is there such a place?

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

Responded to this in our last video!

@debbiemartin6845

2 жыл бұрын

There are many many pools to choose from. There are Adult Pools where you have to be 33 years of age or older to use, the Family Pools, open to all ages and the sports pools that are for residents only and only for sports like water aerobics, lap swimming, water volley ball and the like.

I would be interested in a list of the clubs - and more specifically which would be the better living situation for the LGTBQ community

@raananh

3 жыл бұрын

We are also a gay couple, looking at retiring in the area of TV and OTOW. Did you find anything about gay life in this area? We are overall conservative, so we do not care that the area is generally conservative. Thanks

@debbiemartin6845

2 жыл бұрын

@@raananh There are too many clubs and activities to mention. The LGTBQ is well represented in The Villages.

@jaysantos536

2 жыл бұрын

No LGTBQ people over the age of 55 I know of.

What does it mean “maintenance free” in ototw?

@Carla_Testa

3 жыл бұрын

I was wondering the same thing. Hope they answer.

@dustonburnett1970

3 жыл бұрын

From what I've been able to find out, there are no amenities fees but the HOA in some of the communities covers, lawn mowing, tree trimming, trash, internet or cable, and your house painted every 7 years.

@thewalkeradvantageteam

3 жыл бұрын

Maintenance free in OTOW means the community is responsible for grass cutting, most of the shrubbery and any exterior maintenance on the home itself, including repainting every 7 years.

@Holidaygal

2 жыл бұрын

Does the maintenance free section include the care of the roof ?

Villages has 70,000 homes, not people. Approx 138,000 people.

I don't play golf. Would I be paying a premium to live in the Villages when I could be paying less for somewhere else with the same amenities but no golf?

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

No, the villages doesn’t charge unless you are playing or a member :)

@karenmackowsky6278

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it’s much more expensive than they’re saying. Living in the villages, food, ins, cable, utilities, contractors are 20% more because the private owners own every single thing here. Not worth it even if you play golf. Heat is unbearable, they don’t spray for bigs and it’s closed up by 8pm.

J. Michael and Nikki …….Commentators.

The fact that OTOTW and The Villages do not accept VA financing is a deal breaker big time. Very discriminatory

@ronniedelaplain6722

Жыл бұрын

If you buy a pre-owned house with multiple realtors, you can use your VA, I bought in The Villages in June 2021 I used my VA no money down and because I’m 100% disabled combat veteran I don’t pay property taxes. There’s pre-owed house that aren’t very old I bought a older home where the bond was paid off and I like the area I bought into. You can’t buy a new home witch is The Villages realtors and use your VA only pre-owned houses

Are there any communities in Ocala that are LGBTQ+ friendly?

@I4kkk

10 ай бұрын

Sicko

I hate golf. I hate everything about golf. I wouldn’t buy anywhere if there’s costs for golf packed into the amenities, HOA, etc.

@debbiemartin6845

2 жыл бұрын

If you don't golf then you don't have to golf. There are so many things to do other than golf. The amenity fee covers the expenses for all of the recreation centers, pools, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, volley ball courts, executive golf courses and the up keep of the common ground. Hope that helps.

@michaelvitale4029

2 жыл бұрын

@@debbiemartin6845 I’m aware of all the amenities. My point is that if the HOA fees reflect the costs of golf ie; $300+ per month for HOA rather than much less,,,,

@debbiemartin6845

2 жыл бұрын

@@michaelvitale4029 There's no HOA...we have an amenity fee of $164 per month. That covers all of the amenities that we have at our finger tips. I don't know where the $300 per month figure came from.

@michaelvitale4029

2 жыл бұрын

@@debbiemartin6845 I meant the $300 as a hypothetical example of a very high HOA fee, indicating golf fees inclusion, instead of a very reasonable HOA fee, with golf costs extra. Sorry for the misunderstanding

@debbiemartin6845

2 жыл бұрын

@@michaelvitale4029 Michael if you golf on the executive courses there is NO greens fee. Yes you play for free. If you want to drive your golf cart on the executive courses then there is a trail fee that you can pay once per year that covers both people in the household for $141.24 per year. If you are seasonal then it is 4105.93 for 6 months. The championship courses are not owned and operated by the VCDD and therefore there are greens fees that apply.

I have recently moved to the area and have heard this rumor concerning the villages.Wearing your blouse or shirt tag on the outside means your looking for a meaningful 1 night relationship.Is there any truth to this or is it an urban myth.Asking for a friend or soon ex friend

@hurstma59

2 жыл бұрын

Have no idea. But a few years ago there was a serious rumor circulating that the number of STDs was very high at TV. Obviously, protection during intercourse is important.

Did you guys have permission to drone inside On Top of the World? And a lot of your information is wrong.

Looks to me like TV is where folks go to live, folks go to OTOTW to die. I’d be bored out of my mind.

@BrittMFH

20 күн бұрын

Even with the 175 OTOW clubs, many activities and multiple recreation centers??? 😱 Good luck trying to die from boredom! 😂

The Villages is a HUGE clusterf#ck 95% of the time.

@inikkor520

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the great insight

You guys are not funny...why not try to just inform people?

@stephenkaiss6262

3 жыл бұрын

I think they are so funny. I love their personalities! Great job. very engaging

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

❤️

@Explore55Plus

3 жыл бұрын

🥶