The Villages is 20 miles south and $100K–$200K+ more expensive for comparable homes. CDD bonds that Ocala communities don’t carry. More amenities. More crowds. Here is what the cost difference actually looks like when you run every line item side by side.
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Talk to a Specialist →A comparable 2-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home in The Villages in an established section trades at $300K–$500K depending on location, age, and finishes. A comparable home at On Top of the World or Stone Creek in Ocala trades at $185K–$350K. The purchase price gap is real and consistent — $100K to $200K+ for comparable square footage.
But the purchase price is only the beginning. The recurring annual cost gap is where Ocala buyers find the most compelling savings argument.
The Villages has Community Development District bonds on virtually every parcel. The CDD assessment varies dramatically by section and when the section was built — from approximately $800/yr in some older sections to $4,000+/yr in newer premium sections like Fenney or Eastport.
Most Ocala communities have no CDD at all — including OTTOW Central, Oak Run, SummerGlen, Spruce Creek Country Club, and most of Stonecrest. Stone Creek and Ocala Preserve carry CDD bonds on some parcels ($800–$1,800/yr).
| Cost Item | The Villages ($375K home) | OTTOW Central ($220K home) | Oak Run ($210K home) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property tax (w/ Homestead) | ~$2,800/yr (Sumter) | ~$1,440/yr (Marion) | ~$1,380/yr (Marion) |
| HOA / amenity fee | ~$189/mo ($2,268/yr) | $521/mo ($6,252/yr, lawn + golf) | ~$155/mo ($1,860/yr) |
| CDD bonds | ~$2,200/yr (est.) | $0 | $0 |
| Lawn maintenance | ~$1,400/yr (not in HOA) | Included | ~$1,300/yr |
| Golf | $0 (exec courses) + optional private | Included (54 holes) | Included (18 holes) |
| Homeowners insurance (est.) | ~$2,900/yr | ~$1,800/yr | ~$1,800/yr |
| Total annual carrying cost | ~$11,568/yr ($964/mo) | ~$9,492/yr ($791/mo) | ~$6,340/yr ($528/mo) |
All figures estimates. The Villages HOA is approximate — the actual fee structure varies by section and amenity tier. Verify all figures for specific parcels before purchase.
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