The Villages of Citrus Hills

Perched high up on the hills on the west coast of Florida, you’ll find an established master planned community offering a fun-filled resort lifestyle in an uncrowded location surrounded by crystal-clear fresh water springs, horse country and peaceful nature preserves. The higher elevation gifts the region with mild four season weather including colorful fall foliage. 

Development began back in the 1970’s. The Villages of Citrus Hills is comprised of three gated neighborhoods spread across 6,000 acres. Plans continue for expansion yet homes have lots of elbow room in between them, and many have sweeping vistas views along with unforgettable sunsets. Hundred year old trees are draped in Spanish-moss and add to the community’s curb appeal. The community feels uncrowded and offers a high quality of life whether it’s taking advantage of the comprehensive amenities or exceptional outdoor recreation all around the villages.

At a peak elevation of 260 feet, residents enjoy comfy sweater weather during the the winter months and cooler summer weather than most of the state of Florida. The highest elevations can be found along Terra Vista’s Skyview golf course, one of three golf courses in The Villages of Citrus Hills. Temperatures average 65 degrees November through March and summer temperatures June through September average in the low 80’s. Folks looking for new homes in Ocala FL and locals nickname the region “the comfort zone” because of the mild four season weather. With almost 350 days of sunshine, folks can golf year round and Citrus Hills is golf cart friendly.

Amenities are top notch and include the 45,000 square foot BellaVita Spa & Fitness Center, two additional fitness centers, three swimming pools, three championship golf courses, two tennis centers, three clubhouses, three private restaurants, community parks, a dog park and hiking and biking trails. Four pickleball courts are under construction. Residents have access to more than 250 fitness and wellness classes each month along with more than 50 active social clubs. In fact, there’s so much going on, the community has a 20 page handbook listing the dates/times and themes of all the clubs. 

The pace of life is relaxed yet the opportunities are plentiful. We’re convinced it’s easy to make friends and find neighbors with common interests. Amenities are constantly being added and improved. The Villages of Citrus Hills is a superb option for folks who are looking to escape the hustle bustle of city life yet desire a fun, affordable country club lifestyle at retirement.

Folks choose Citrus Hills for many reasons. Located in Citrus County, the region boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the state. Folks can step into city life in just over an hour whether it’s Orlando, Tampa or Gainesville for brand label shopping, national sporting events and advanced medical care. Commuting back and forth to these big cities is surprisingly easy on the well-built highway corridors. Everyday shopping is convenient at the new Publix near the community’s entrance. Crystal River and Inverness are the two nearby towns with charming restaurants, one of a kind shops and modern conveniences. Ocala is just a little bit further. Fishing, diving, boating, kayaking, bird watching, hiking and biking, the list goes on and on. If you love the outdoors, we believe you’ll love living in Citrus County.

Accolades for Citrus Hills include “50 Best Master Planned Communities in the U.S.” by Where to Retire magazine. We too are impressed with Citrus Hills and the quality of life it offers for the cost. Approximately 2,000 homes are built of the 3,000 planned. Nearly 50 percent of the county is protected from future development so we’re confident this area won’t turn into a densely populated city. 

Buyers have the option of choosing The Villages new homes priced from the mid $300’s to $700’s or resales. Estate luxury homes can reach as high as $3 million. Folks can choose from single family or maintenance-free homes. The Brentwood neighborhood offers maintenance-free homes starting in the mid $200’s. Maintained homes have an additional HOA fee. Whether folks desire new homes in Ocala FL or re-sales, the villages has both.

HOA/membership fees are super affordable starting around $288 a month. A social club membership is required and provides access to all the amenities. The social membership includes full access to the Meadows golf course. The Oaks and Skyview golf courses can played at reduced golf fees. For the serious golfer, there are three types of golf memberships at Citrus Hills. Access to the tennis club requires an additional annual tennis fee of approximately $600.

THE VILLAGES OF CITRUS HILLS AMENITIES

• Gated Community
• Three 18 Hole Championship Golf Courses
  • Skyview Golf Course
  • Meadows Golf Course
  • Oaks Golf Course
• Three Clubhouses w/Private Restaurants 
  • Skyview, The Grille and the Tiki Bar
• 45,000 Square Foot Bellavista Spa & Fitness Center
  • Spa, sauna, steam rooms
  • Six lane indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi
  • Meditation Labyrinth
  • Indoor Racquetball Courts
• Central Activity Center
  • Outdoor heated swimming pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Media Center and Card Room
  • Billiard Room
  • 300 Seat Auditorium/Theatre hosting headline entertainment
• Primo-Vita Fitness Center
• Two Tennis Centers
  • 8 Har-Tru Tennis Courts
• Rockwood Park & Nature Trail

All of these amenities and yet the gated community is still debt free!