Ocala Circle Square Cultural Center
 

Big ad in today's Sunday paper, it appears to be nice entertainment at good prices for the Stone Creek and On Top of the World folks - like we used to have before the $Sharon$ came to town.

Things aren't always what they appear.
 

We lived in Stone Creek for 3 years. Believe me, what they offer there is nothing compared to what we get here for free. As an example, we had to pay about $15 (the exact price escapes me) to see Rocky and the Rollers there. The same band that you can see in The Villages a few times a month for FREE. Entertainment was very infrequent and hardly ever free. If you see something at their cultural center that appeals to you, take advantage of it but I certainly don't find it anywhere close to what we have here. (The odd thing is, my HOA there (our assessment) was $184 per month and we didn't get anything close to what I get here for $40 less.

This is a business open to all who would like to buy tickets. Free entertainment is in the Square next door on Friday and Sat, but not nightly like the villages.

"Circle Square" seems like an odd choice. Does anyone know the origin of it?

Circle square was/is a 13,000 acre cattle ranch that is being converted into an over 55 community. Conversion started in the 80',s

https://www.google.com/search?q=circ...m=122&ie=UTF-8

So it was a legacy thing. Thanks.

I'm aware the number of activities available at Stone Creek is much less than the Villages. But their website says that the Stone Creek amenity fees include an indoor pool, which we don't have in the Villages, as well as a spa and health club. Of course we pay extra for health clubs in the Villages. It also says their amenity fee includes garbage pickup. In addition they are a truly gated community with 24 hour security. Plus the houses are much cheaper. It sounds like both communities have their pluses and minuses, it just depends on what you are looking for.

Spa and health club
 

Without question, the spa/heath club is exceptionally nice. There is one difference that I'd like to point out:

The athletic equipment, (treadmills, ellipticals, weights etc.) are free. However, the classes are not. So, when you are comparing costs, it's a matter of what you like to do. If you like to take classes as we do, The Villages is a much better deal. If you like to workout on machines, Stone Creek is for you.

I can't close without giving you an example of what transpired when we lived there. They only have one pool and that caused unbelievable problems. There were some residents who were very vocal about not wanting visiting children using the pool. (They said they moved to a retirement community to get away from kids.) So, after much name calling and community meetings, it was decided to have "adult only" hours and "family hours" to solve the problem. Well, it didn't! If a kid was there being a kid, there were complaints about splashing etc. I can't imagine there will be a solution until another pool is built and that's not in the planning stages.

You are correct, houses are less expensive there. If the price of your home is a determining factor in your happiness, go for it. We lived there, decided to take the loss on our home, moved here and are very happy we did.

Oh, garbage pickup was included in the $184 per month but not lawn clippings. If you wanted that, you could have that added to your bill. (I believe it was $10 per month)