The Villages vs OTOTW | Costs, Lifestyle, and Q&A 

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Very informative , thanks

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.

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

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

Thank you for answering my question.

Great video. Thanks!

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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

Love this video Thanks

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 ???

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.

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.

Thanks for the info.

OTOW has guarded gates. For us that was important.

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

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 ).

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.

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

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.

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.

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???

Is 1772 sq feet total or air conditioning sq feet?

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

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!

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?

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.

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?

Still like to know the monthly cost besides mortgage.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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?

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...

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?

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.

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

Jay is a cutie!!

What does it mean “maintenance free” in ototw?

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

You are 61 Nicky.

Very informative 🏳️‍🌈

RC stands for Radio Control, not Remote Control.

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!!!

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.

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

No VA loans? That's not good.

BTW: Short term retals is a real problem in the Villages and many 55 and over communities.

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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.

Dacon Gray.. Want diversity. Try Miami

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

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.

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

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

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