NW Ocala · Gated · 55+
Ocala Palms, Ocala, FL: Homes, Living & Real Estate Guide
A gated 55+ community of about 1,076 homes just west of I-75, with an 18-hole course, a busy clubhouse and Publix right outside the gate.
Why it stands out
A smaller 55+ community close to town
Ocala Palms sits just west of I-75 in northwest Ocala, in the middle of horse country and a few minutes from the World Equestrian Center. Construction started in 1993 and the last home went up in 2006, so the streets have had time to fill in with trees and the neighbors tend to know each other.
At about 1,076 homes it's a fraction of the size of the big 55+ communities on SR 200. Publix, restaurants, a Dunkin' and banks are right outside the gate, and I-75 is close when you want to head to Gainesville or Orlando.
How it's run
It isn't an HOA, and that matters
Ocala Palms is a deed-restricted planned unit development without a homeowners association. The clubhouse, the amenities and the roads are owned, maintained and managed by a company, Ocala Palms Operations LLC (OPO), and every owner pays OPO a mandatory monthly assessment.
There's also a one-time community orientation fee paid to OPO when a home closes.
Residents still have a voice. The Ocala Palms Residents Association (OPRAI) runs the social calendar and works with OPO on covenant and maintenance issues.
Monthly costs
What the monthly fee covers
Published fee figures; confirm the exact fee for the home. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
The OPO fee pays for use of the clubhouse and recreation amenities, the 24-hour front gate attendant, weekly curbside trash pickup, and upkeep of the amenities and common property. Ocala Realty Experts lists the fee at $272.20 a month as of July 2023.
Estate Vida's look at 69 Stellar MLS listings from 2026 shows a median of $3,536 a year, about $295 a month, and none of them reported a CDD.
Budget for a few things on top. New residents pay a mandatory monthly covenant fee to Homeland Optical Technology (HOT) for a basic cable TV package.
Water comes from Ocala Palms Utilities LLC, and electric and sewer come from the City of Ocala. RV storage is available for an extra fee, and golf is billed separately.
Amenities
The clubhouse
Most days start and end at the 19,000-square-foot clubhouse. The Royal Palm Room hosts dances, meetings and shows, and the side buildings hold a card room, a billiards room with 6 tables, table tennis, arts and crafts, a library and a catering kitchen.
Amenities
Plenty to do inside the gates
A busy clubhouse, two pools and golf you can take or leave.
18-hole golf
Par 72, about 6,500 yards, with a driving range and putting green. Open to the public.
19,000-sq-ft clubhouse
The Royal Palm Room, a card room, a library, arts and crafts and a catering kitchen.
Indoor & outdoor pools
Plus a spa and sundeck at the clubhouse.
Fitness center
A workout room inside the clubhouse complex.
Tennis & pickleball
3 tennis courts, 2 of them set up for pickleball.
Bocce & shuffleboard
6 bocce courts, 6 shuffleboard courts, a dart room and a horseshoe pit.
Golf isn't part of the monthly fee. Details from the sources listed below.
Golf
Golf at Ocala Palms
The 18-hole course is a par 72 of about 6,500 yards, with fairways that wind between big oaks, ponds and waterfalls. There's a driving range, a putting green and a pro shop.
Golf isn't part of the monthly fee. OPO owns the course and runs it separately from the residential community, and it's open to the public with seasonal and yearly memberships.
Residents have their own men's and ladies' golf associations. Bella Cosa, an Italian restaurant open to the public, is on site too.
Social life
Clubs and social life
Activities here are organized by residents, for residents, and the list is long: line dancing, pickleball, water aerobics, Zumba, quilting, a bowling league, a car cruise group, bridge, Mah Jongg and pinochle. The Golden Sounds Chorus puts on spring and holiday concerts.
There are regulars on the calendar too, like a monthly Hot Dog Day Friday, Saturday coffee and donuts, "Pickin' at the Palms" twice a month, karaoke, an annual garage sale and a talent show. A non-denominational service meets Sunday mornings in the Royal Palm Room.
Rules
Rules to know before you buy
Golf carts are allowed. Fences need architectural approval and are limited to 4-foot green vinyl-coated chain link, and golf course lots can't be fenced at all.
Sheds and other storage outbuildings aren't permitted.
The deed restrictions allow two small pets up to 35 pounds. If you have bigger dogs or more than two pets, read the restrictions before you write an offer.
Who it fits
Who Ocala Palms fits
It's a good fit if you want a gated 55+ community on the northwest side, close to I-75, shopping and WEC, with a lively resident-run calendar and golf you can take or leave. If you'd rather have newer construction, look at Stone Creek.
For a lower monthly fee in a bigger community, compare Oak Run.
Is it right for you?
Pros and cons
Pros
- Gated, with a 24-hour front gate attendant
- Close to I-75, with Publix and restaurants outside the gate and WEC a few minutes away
- Golf is optional and billed separately, not built into the fee
- A busy resident-run calendar: clubs, dances, a chorus and a Sunday service
- Indoor and outdoor pools and a 19,000-sq-ft clubhouse
Cons
- No HOA: a company (OPO) owns the amenities and collects the fee
- A required basic cable package from HOT is billed on top
- No sheds, and no fences on golf course lots
- Homes date from 1993 to 2006, so check roofs and AC
- Want newer construction? Compare Stone Creek
Location
Ocala Palms on the map
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Selling in Ocala Palms
Thinking of selling in Ocala Palms? Get your home value
Buyers comparing 55+ communities often don't realize Ocala Palms runs on an OPO fee instead of HOA dues, or that the cable package is billed separately. I lay out the exact monthly costs for your home up front, along with what's included, so the questions don't come up for the first time during inspections.
I'll pull recent Ocala Palms sales and give you a realistic price range for your home, free and with no obligation.
Homes for Sale in Ocala Palms
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FAQ
Ocala Palms FAQ
Is Ocala Palms a 55+ community?
Yes. Ocala Palms is a 55+ community in northwest Ocala, just west of I-75. Source
Is Ocala Palms gated?
Yes. The front gate has a 24-hour attendant, and the cost is part of the monthly fee. Source
Does Ocala Palms have an HOA?
No. It's a deed-restricted planned unit development. The clubhouse, amenities and roads are owned and managed by Ocala Palms Operations LLC (OPO), and owners pay OPO a mandatory monthly assessment. Source
How much is the monthly fee in Ocala Palms?
Ocala Realty Experts lists $272.20 a month as of July 2023. Stellar MLS listings from 2026 show a median of about $295 a month. Source
What does the Ocala Palms fee cover?
Use of the clubhouse and recreation amenities, the 24-hour front gate attendant, weekly curbside trash pickup, and upkeep of the amenities and common property. Source
Is golf included in the Ocala Palms fee?
No. The golf course is owned by OPO and run separately, with seasonal and yearly memberships. It's also open to the public. Source
Is there a cable fee in Ocala Palms?
Yes. New residents pay a mandatory monthly covenant fee to Homeland Optical Technology (HOT) for a basic cable TV package. Source
How many homes are in Ocala Palms?
About 1,076 homes, built from 1993 to 2006. Source
Are fences allowed in Ocala Palms?
With architectural approval, 4-foot green vinyl-coated chain link fences are allowed. Golf course lots can't be fenced, and sheds aren't permitted. Source
What is the pet policy in Ocala Palms?
The deed restrictions allow two small pets up to 35 pounds. Source
Nearby communities
- Homes for sale in On Top of the World
- Homes for sale in Stone Creek
- Homes for sale in Oak Run
- Homes for sale in Marion Oaks
- Homes for sale in Silver Springs Shores
- Homes for sale in Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club
- Homes for sale in Horse Farm Country
- Homes for sale in Spruce Creek Golf & Country Club
- All Ocala neighborhoods
Sources
- Welcome to Ocala Palms (Ocala Palms Residents Association, Jan. 2025)
- Ocala Palms 55+ community and FAQ (Ocala Realty Experts)
- Ocala 55+ community HOA fee chart (Ocala Realty Experts)
- Ocala Palms HOA fees (Estate Vida, Stellar MLS data)
- Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club
- Ocala Palms golf membership
- Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club (FSGA)
Drew Bedford, REALTOR®, Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty, 1918 SE 17 St, Ocala, FL 34471. Florida license # SL3588936. Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated. Information on this page comes from the public sources listed above, was gathered in October 2026, and is believed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.