Turning 55 and living the good life in Florida looks better than ever. These are your go-go years. They are meant for new hobbies, less work, more travel, staying busy, and living the dream somewhere warm. For many, that dream becomes reality in sunny Central Florida communities like Rolling Greens Village.
The 55-plus community is becoming a favorite for snowbirds escaping colder climates.
Rolling Greens Village sits on the outskirts of charming Ocala, Florida. It’s a golf course community designed for active adults like Denise. She traded New York for Florida and bought a manufactured home in Rolling Greens. She quickly learned how special this retirement community is – especially during life’s most uncertain stage.
Moving from New York to a Florida 55+ Community
Denise and her husband made the move in 2021. They ditched New York winters for the Florida dream. The couple traveled to Florida while hunting for the perfect place to retire. They wanted an independent living community with amenities and an active lifestyle.
They compared senior living communities. They traveled to different parts of Florida.
“We do have friends in Florida, but none of them are in Ocala,” explained Denise. “Rolling Greens wasn’t even on our radar.”
The couple stumbled upon the Ocala community, and something about Rolling Greens Village and its manufactured homes felt right.
“Rolling Greens was the place. We instantly liked it the best. It was a feeling. My husband insisted this was the one.”
Denise
Denise understood the profound importance of picking the right community shortly after their move. Her husband died suddenly. And it was her new neighbors who showed her the first intangible perk of living in the right retirement community.
Perk #1 – You’re Never Alone at Rolling Greens Village
“I was very fortunate to end up at Rolling Greens if I was going to be alone.”
Denise’s community instantly embraced her. Strangers became friends and new friends became like family.
“The friends we made at Rolling Greens really stepped up and took good care of me. They took me under their wing.”
Now Denise knows the ultimate benefit of the living Florida dream – she’s never alone.
The sense of constant community is a big draw for seniors looking to buy homes in retirement communities. Denise is part of the 21% of people 55 and older living alone or what AARP now calls “solo aging.”
However, that doesn’t mean Denise is sitting around solo.
“It’s a revolving door at my house. I have friends stopping by around the clock.”
Denise is busier than ever between visits from her kids, neighbors, and volunteering.
“I’m usually throwing my chair on the back of the golf cart and heading out to socialize.”
Perk #2 – The Busy Social Life
Rolling Greens Village keeps Denise busy with an endless list of social activities.
“I don’t stay home much. I’m always involved in different things.”
Rolling Greens residents live in single-family homes, but the sense of community is everywhere. You’ll find Denise bopping between neighborhood get-togethers or at the community clubhouse.
She’s also a community leader. Denise volunteers on the social committee. She organizes parties for New Year’s Eve, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, and even Halloween.
“Halloween is always a favorite. People will show up in costumes for the contest and prizes.”
Her volunteer responsibilities don’t stop at parties. Denise also leads the Community Emergency Response Team and runs practice for Marion County drills for the community.
Perk #3 – Well-Maintained Community Amenities
Denise admits it’s not just the get-togethers that impressed her about Rolling Greens. The community’s resort-like amenities made a big difference when compared to other places they toured.
“We were impressed with all the amenities, the upkeep, because it was a lot nicer than several of the other places we looked at.”
Residents in the Ocala, FL, community have access to an impressive set of resort amenities including:
- State-of-the-art, 12,000 sq. ft. community center
- Pickleball courts
- Fitness center
- Billiards room
- Aquatic center featuring 3 swimming pools
- Dog park
- Library
- Woodworking shop
There’s even a newly remodeled smaller clubhouse that includes card tables, crafting space, and even a ceramic room. Rolling Greens management handles the upkeep of the common spaces.
“They do take care of the place. They’re always mowing the lawns,” explained Denise.
“But things break, too, and take time to get fixed. It’s a big community. It’s going to happen.”
Perk #4 – You Don’t Have to Golf to Find Friends
For many residents, the biggest perk of all is the Rolling Greens Executive Golf Course. The golf course community is growing thanks to help from an active resident-run golf association.
Denise doesn’t golf but understands the appeal.
“We didn’t move here for the golf. We moved here because we loved it.”
The 18-hole golf course includes a driving range, putting greens, and a pro shop.
The golf course is open to the public. Residents receive reduced rates on golf and memberships. There are also free monthly clinics hosted by the pro shop manager twice a month.
And don’t forget the view. Residents with golf course homes enjoy a lush, green view with easy access to golf cart paths leading right back to the clubhouse.
Perk #5 – Things to Do in Ocala
The good life expands beyond the front entrance of Rolling Greens Village.
Locally, Denise recommends checking out the craft fairs and shows at the World Equestrian Center. She’s also a fan of concerts at the Orange Blossom Opry.
“I’m always up for something new.”
There are plenty of things to do in Ocala when family visits, too. Residents recommend taking the grandkids zip-lining or kayaking at nearby Silver Springs State Park. Ocala’s Central Florida location means folks like Denise can make a weekend trip to the beach.
Perk #6 – Growing Your Community
Living the Florida dream is more than beaches, swimming pools, and parties for Denise. It’s about building a sense of community.
“I can’t say it enough, everyone at Rolling Greens is just so friendly.”
Anyone can look at Ocala homes for sale and read the bullet points. The homes at Rolling Greens are cute, offer modern floor plans, and are designed with older adults in mind. But it’s the lifestyle or sense of community that really sets Rolling Greens apart.
“We’ve always been meeting new people. It’s just fun.”
Owning a Home at Rolling Greens Village
See why Denise fell in love with Rolling Greens Village when you schedule a home tour. Explore homes for sale in the Ocala, FL community. Or check out long-term rentals if you’re just testing out the snowbird lifestyle.
New homes at Rolling Greens start at under $250,000. Discover the Ocala difference and start enjoying life one perk at a time.