Living in Gainesville | Jenis PatelGainesville & North Florida Real Estate

Neighborhood Guide

Ocala Preserve

Resort-style community on 623 acres with 24-hole golf, a 17,000 sq ft clubhouse, trails, and both 55+ and all-ages sections.

By Jenis Patel, Realtor® · Updated June 2026

Price Range

$220K–$649K

Flood Zone

Zone X (minimal risk)

Elevation

~80–100 ft

Construction

2016–present, single-family & attached villas, gated 55+ resort-style

To Downtown Ocala

12–15 min to Downtown Ocala

Overview

What it's like to live in Ocala Preserve.

Ocala Preserve is one of the most amenity-rich communities in Marion County, developed by Shea Homes and D.R. Horton across 623 acres northwest of Ocala. The community blends 55+ and non-age-restricted neighborhoods, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers who want resort-style living without committing to an age-restricted community.

The amenity package is extensive: a 17,000-square-foot clubhouse, a 24-hole golf course, a zero-entry resort pool, tennis courts, spa, and over 10 miles of dedicated biking and walking trails. The trail network connects throughout the community and into the surrounding natural landscape.

Homes are built by Shea Homes and D.R. Horton, with a range of floor plans from smaller villas to larger single-family homes. The community’s proximity to the World Equestrian Center and easy I-75 access makes it popular with buyers who want an active lifestyle with convenience.

Commute & Distance

How far is everything?

Full Calculator
Downtown Ocala
~14 min Maps
AdventHealth Ocala
~15 min Maps
Paddock Mall
~10 min Maps
Ocala Regional Medical Center
~14 min Maps
College of Central Florida
~10 min Maps

Estimated drive times based on straight-line distance and typical road routing. Non-peak conditions. Click “Maps” for exact directions and real-time traffic.

The Honest Take

Pros & cons.

Pros

  • +17,000 sq ft clubhouse, 24-hole golf, resort pool & 10+ miles of trails
  • +Mixed-age community — not limited to 55+
  • +Shea Homes and D.R. Horton construction quality
  • +Near World Equestrian Center and easy I-75 access

Cons

  • HOA fees reflect the extensive amenity package
  • Large development — feel can be more suburban development than established neighborhood
  • Golf and amenity access may vary by HOA sub-section
  • Still being built out — active construction in some phases

What You Need to Know

Getting beyond the listing photos.

Who Should Live Here

Active buyers who want resort amenities without age restrictions, buyers who want 10+ miles of trails and 24-hole golf in their backyard, and those who want Shea Homes or D.R. Horton quality in the Ocala market.

The Smart Money Angle

The combination of major builders, substantial amenities, and World Equestrian Center proximity makes Ocala Preserve one of the stronger value propositions in Marion County. The mixed-age structure broadens the buyer pool compared to 55+-only alternatives.

What to Expect

A large, well-maintained gated community with consistent landscaping standards and active community programming. Floor plans range from smaller villas to larger single-family homes. The community has a resort feel that appeals to active lifestyle buyers.

What's Nearby

Amenities & points of interest.

  • World Equestrian Center8 mi
  • On Top of the World communities3 mi
  • Downtown Ocala8 mi
  • I-75 (Exit 354)5 mi
  • Publix3 mi

Schools

Schools serving Ocala Preserve.

Click a school name to view its profile, ratings, and reviews on GreatSchools.org.

School zones vary by exact address and can change over time. Verify the zoned schools for any specific property using the Marion County’s official school locator.

Flood Zone & Elevation

What the FEMA flood map shows.

Ocala Preserve is Zone X. The community’s master planning includes engineered drainage. Verify individual lots on the FEMA flood map.

Loading flood zone map…

Internet & Utilities

Utilities and internet near Ocala Preserve.

Electric service in Marion County is typically provided by Duke Energy or Ocala Electric Utility for properties within Ocala city limits. Water and wastewater are handled by City of Ocala utilities within the city; rural areas commonly use well and septic systems.

For internet, Spectrum has the widest cable coverage across Marion County. AT&T and some local providers serve portions of the county. GRU and Cox Communications do not serve Marion County.

Exact providers and availability vary by address. We recommend confirming services at the specific property before purchasing.

Current Listings

Homes for sale in Ocala Preserve.

I don't have an active listing in Ocala Preserve right now, but I can set you up with alerts as soon as something hits the market. In the meantime, browse all current listings.

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Market Snapshot

Where the market stands.

Ocala Preserve has maintained strong demand from active lifestyle buyers who want the WEC proximity and extensive amenity package. The mixed-age structure keeps the buyer pool wide. Resales here tend to be straightforward given the community’s visibility and reputation in the market.

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I can walk you through current listings, recent sales, and whether this neighborhood fits what you're looking for.