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Master-Planned Retirement Communities: 10 Must-Have Amenities

Take a look at what the Villages of Citrus Hills has to offer as a luxury lifestyle community.

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Once you have decided on Florida as the ideal place to spend your retirement your next step will be to start looking at all of the different master-planned communities throughout the state in order to find the one that is the best fit for you.

 You might think that all master-planned communities are created equal, but that could not be further from the truth. These communities can vary greatly in the number and quality of the amenities that they offer their residents. There is also a huge discrepancy in the price you will have to pay for a home that has access to those amenities. 

One of the best ways to focus your search for the perfect master-planned community is to take some time to identify which amenities are most important to you, and also which ones you could live without. 

With so many master-planned communities throughout the state of Florida, there is no reason you can’t find one that offers everything you want and more! 

Here at Citrus Hills, we believe nobody does the Florida lifestyle better than we do.  Named a top 50 Master-Planned Community in the U.S. we truly offer an exceptional quality of life.

 Here are ten “must-have” amenities that you should make a requirement for the master-planned community that you choose: 

Pools 

Swimming is a huge part of the Florida lifestyle, and just about every master-planned community is going to have some type of pool. Whether you are looking for a great indoor lap pool for your morning workout or a place to lounge outside on warm summer afternoons, your new community should have excellent water facilities.

Since every place you consider is going to have a pool, you will want to carefully evaluate the quality and cleanliness of the pool facilities. 

If you’re looking to cool off in the pool, the Central Activity Clubhouse at Villages of Citrus Hills has a beautiful heated outdoor pool.  Over at BellaVita, in its own wing, we offer a six-lane heated indoor lap pool with a large whirlpool spa located in the pool area, both just steps from the locker rooms. 

Fitness Center 

Another popular amenity that you should not have to do without is a state-of-the-art fitness center. You are going to want to stay as healthy as possible throughout your retirement years, and that means you will need a place to exercise. 

Your community’s fitness center should have plenty of modern machines to pick from. It should also be large enough that you won’t have to wait to use one of those machines. 

Our fitness center at the Villages of Citrus Hills provides everything you will need to stay in top shape and feel great.  You’ll find the latest in equipment, experienced health club staff ready to offer advice and work with you to develop a workout plan, and hundreds of classes offered each month. 

Just off the main fitness area are two racquetball courts with spectator seating.  There are also three separate studios that provide great space for spinning, a variety of training programs where personal trainers conduct one-on-one training.  And there is also a studio for aerobics, yoga, pilates and more.

Golf and Tennis Facilities 

If you are a golfer or tennis player, this one is a no brainer. Anyone who plans on playing even a modest amount of golf or tennis during their retirement is going to want to have access to those facilities as close to home as possible. 

In order to compete with the best master-planned retirement communities, the one you choose should have multiple golf course options and plenty of tennis courts. 

 Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the four golf courses at the Villages of Citrus Hill will win you over with their natural beauty and unique terrain.  Each course has its own unique challenges.  Members of Citrus Hills Golf Club and Skyview can also enjoy access to nearby Ocala National golf course. 

Within Citrus Hills, golfers will find two pro shops, two clubhouses and comprehensive practice facilities.  The clubs also offer a full slate of league and championship play for men and women.

The two tennis centers at the Villages of Citrus Hills provide tennis lovers with top-quality, lighted courts, lessons, a resident pro, pro shop and spot to cool off with a dinner and drinks. Tennis at Citrus Hills offers USTA play and leagues for all abilities.

The Skyview Tennis Center features eight high-performance Har-Tru courts, a full-service pro-shop and a raised observation deck where you can catch all the action.  The Oaks & Meadows Tennis Center has four traditional hard surface courts, lounge and private dining restaurant in the nearby clubhouse.

Great Restaurants 

While there are tons of great restaurants all over the state of Florida, sometimes convenience is a key.

You will want to have access to multiple dining options, both elegant and casual, where you can get a great meal for a reasonable price close to home.

A wonderful feature of our community at the Villages of Citrus Hills is the three private restaurants that we have on property. From casual, relaxed dining, to a more formal setting there is truly something for everyone.

Located within the Skyview Clubhouse this beautifully appointed restaurant provides an uncompromising fine dining experience. An outstanding menu, specialty theme dinners, incredible brunches and special bar events, such as “Cocktails and Classics”, make this the place to be. The lanai overlooking the 18th green of Skyview is a wonderful spot to relax with your favorite beverage, friends, and take in a breathtaking sunset.

The Grille is located at Citrus Hills Country Club and offers an extensive menu of popular dishes in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The Grille serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. In addition to great dining options and special themed nights, you’ll find live entertainment and dancing. 

The island vibe has arrived right next to The Grille.  Our Tiki Bar is the newest private restaurant amenity and is the perfect gathering spot for residents.  Great food and beverages, fun surroundings and an exciting atmosphere make it a magical place.

Two function rooms are also included in the complex. The Hampton Room and the Garden Room are available for private parties and functions. The Hampton Room is used for larger special events, and also serves as the host location for many of our entertainment events such as “Comedy Cabaret”.

Entertainment

 The entertainment calendar is another place where a master-planned retirement community can set itself apart from the competition. 

Look at the current and past entertainment calendars for the communities you are considering and make sure that they are regularly holding events that jump off the page and excite you. 

At the Villages of Citrus Hills we offer an exciting array of social events, dinner theatre and a number of show series throughout the year.  Our concerts and shows during the year consist of the Big Show Series, the Comedy Cabaret Series, Special Performance Series, and the One Night Only Series. 

Social Clubs 

Entertainment calendars are important, but you are also going to want to have access to social clubs based around interests that you are passionate about. Your master-planned retirement community should have a directory of special interest clubs that cover a wide range of hobbies and passions. 

Here at the Villages of Citrus Hills you’ll find dozens of clubs, activities and special events to enrich the mind, body and spirit. 

Nature Trails & Parks 

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They don’t have to be located right in the community, but you should have access to great community parks and nature trails. 

There are tons of state parks, state forests, and state trails located all over Florida, so if the community you are considering doesn’t offer a way to get close to nature, you might want to take it off your short list.

 In the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, the Villages of Citrus Hills region offers many state parks and nature preserves featuring well-maintained trails for hiking and biking.  The Withlacoochee State Trail is a prime example, with the 46-miles of trails winding through the historic towns of Hernando, Inverness and Floral City.  Riding or walking the trails in Citrus County can take you along a variety of terrain from flat expanses to rolling hills, sandy dunes to oak-lined roads.

Modern Homes 

Perhaps one of the most overlooked amenities when it comes to master-planned communities is the amenity of a great looking, well-designed home. There is no reason to settle for anything but the best in your new home, so make sure that your community offers an option that contains everything you could possibly want and more! 

We have more than 18 home styles from which to choose, ranging in size from 1,666 square-feet to more than 4,000 square-feet of living area. Within these designs are outstanding floor plans and design options, allowing homeowners flexibility to create a home that fits their needs. Depending on the style and neighborhood you choose, home and homesite packages range from the mid $300s to more than $1.2 million.

We offer both single-family maintained homes where the exterior and grounds are cared for, as well as single family homes where the owners care for these items. Whether you choose a maintained home or not, you’ll have little to worry about when it comes to maintenance. These quality homes incorporate the latest designs in construction and technology, which cuts operating costs and increases efficiency. The highest level of craftsmanship, top-quality materials, and sophisticated designs will give you years of peace of mind and carefree living.

Spa Facilities 

If you are a fan of facials, massages, or any other types of spa treatments, there is no reason you can’t have access to those types of services right in the master-planned community that you end up choosing. If retirement is about relaxation, your community’s spa facilities are a great way to make that happen!

An elegant, soothing environment is just the beginning of a very special experience.

BellaVita’s exquisite setting and premium spa services are second to none.  Our offerings include a variety of massages, facials, body treatments, micro-treatments, complete waxing, manicures and pedicures, permanent makeup, as well as luxurious spa packages. The elegant locker rooms for men and women include saunas, steam rooms and towel service. 

Dog Park 

If you are a dog lover, you will absolutely want to make sure that your community features a dog park. This is one of the fastest-growing amenities among master-planned communities, and not having a dog park should be an immediate deal-breaker for anyone with a four-legged canine friend.

Parks that are specifically designed to cater to dog lovers have become increasingly popular in recent years and residents in the Villages of Citrus Hills have a wonderful park of their own within Rockwood Park.

Located in the Villages of Citrus Hills, Rockwood Park offers a variety of activities including a fitness trail, basketball court, children’s playground, four Bocce courts and a two-acre dog park.  It’s a fun environment where dog lovers and their four-legged friends can socialize.

The dog park features separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs. There is also a covered resting and water station, restrooms for their human friends, and a doggie rinse area. Playful dogs will be drawn to the water play features, including the spraying fire hydrants. They will also love digging in the bone-shaped sand traps. The park also contains dog-friendly walking paths, benches for owners to relax, and “Poo Mail Service” stations for disposing of doggie waste. 

 When choosing the perfect master-planned community for your Florida retirement you have a nearly endless number of options, so make sure that the community you choose truly contains everything you are looking for. 

The Villages of Citrus Hills checks all of the above boxes and plenty more. Find out more by downloading our brochure today.

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