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Community Guide · 55+ Active Adult · Ocala, FL

Melody Preserve

A new tempo for 55+ living. Single-story new construction, a low $55/month HOA, and a welcoming gated neighborhood in SW Ocala by Colen Built Development.

Updated 2026 8 min read By Cristian Gonzalez, REALTOR
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Wisteria model home exterior rendering, Melody Preserve, Ocala FL

This is a straightforward look at Melody Preserve: who built it, what it costs to live there, the floor plans and finishes available, the amenities, and the questions buyers ask most. Everything here is meant to help you decide whether this community fits the next chapter you have in mind.

A quick note on new construction

The sales team at any new-home community works for the builder. Bringing your own agent costs you nothing as a buyer, and it means you have someone independent looking out for your price, your contract, your timeline, and your financing. The one rule that matters: have your agent with you (or registered) on your very first visit, before you tour or sign anything.

The approach

I don't just find homes, I engineer your wealth.

1

A local read on the deal

Born and raised in Marion County. I can tell you how Melody Preserve compares to other Ocala options on price per square foot, resale outlook, lot position, and long-term value, not just what is on the brochure.

The Community

A welcoming 55+ neighborhood in the heart of Ocala

Melody Preserve is a 55+ active-adult community offering affordable, single-story living, quality construction, and an easy, connected lifestyle. Homes come in two collections, the Classic Series and the Cottage Series, all designed for how active adults live today. At a glance:

Age Qualified
At least one resident 55 or older per household.
Low $55/mo HOA
Strong value that helps keep the community beautiful and connected.
Pet Friendly
All pets welcome, with no breed restrictions.
Gated Access
Passive electronic gated entries for added privacy.
Six Single-Story Plans
2 to 3 bedrooms, all with a 2-car garage.
Location
8447 SW 99th St. Rd., Ocala, FL 34481.
Included in every home

Granite kitchen counters • quartz bath vanity tops • 36” Maple cabinetry • Whirlpool stainless appliance package • smart-home package with Ring doorbell • 15+ SEER2 HVAC with a 10-year limited warranty.

Ocala is known as the Horse Capital of the World. Marion County offers a central Florida location with reasonable access to both coasts, established healthcare, and a lower cost of living than many coastal retirement markets. It has become one of the state's faster-growing areas for active-adult buyers.

The Builder

Built by Colen Built Development

Melody Preserve is built by Colen Built Development, the award-winning, family-owned developer behind On Top of the World Communities and Calesa Township. Founded in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1947 by Sidney Colen, the company has spent decades building communities and homes across the state. For a buyer, that track record matters: it speaks to construction quality, warranty support, and how a community is likely to be maintained over time.

76
Years of experience
18
Communities built
15,341
Homes built
30,781
Satisfied customers
Why the builder is part of the value

A well-capitalized, long-tenured builder tends to finish communities as promised, stand behind their warranties, and hold value better at resale. Colen Built's local history in the Ocala area is one of the stronger arguments in Melody Preserve's favor, and it is worth weighing alongside price and floor plan when you compare communities.

Lifestyle

Amenities built for easy, connected days

The amenities here are designed around low-maintenance living and getting to know your neighbors. Thoughtful shared spaces, a walkable layout, and quality behind the scenes come together in the community.

Bark Park

A welcoming space for pups and residents to mingle, with room to roam and a shaded pavilion to gather under.

Neighborhood Trail

A scenic community loop that invites morning walks, relaxed jogs, and effortless outdoor living close to home.

Pickleball Courts

Two dedicated courts for casual games, daily exercise, and friendly matches with neighbors.

Multi-Purpose Pavilion

A shared, shaded gathering spot at the center of community life, ideal for events and everyday get-togethers.

Behind the scenes

Passive electronic gated entries and Colen Built's construction standards mean less to worry about and more time to enjoy where you live.

Quality Included

Included luxury features

These come standard, not as add-ons. A short list of the highlights buyers care about most. Ask me for the full builder feature sheet for exact per-plan details.

Kitchen

  • 36” Maple cabinetry with hidden hinges
  • Granite countertops with 5” backsplash
  • Stainless 50/50 undermount sink, Delta faucet
  • Whirlpool stainless appliance package
  • Natural gas range and spacious pantry

Baths

  • 36” Maple vanities, quartz vanity tops
  • Ceramic undermount sinks, Delta chrome faucets
  • 42” full-width mirrors over vanities
  • Comfort-height elongated toilets
  • Safety grab bar in showers

Interior

  • 9' 4” ceilings with knockdown finish
  • 6' 8” raised panel doors, 8' fiberglass entry
  • Ceramic tile in foyer and wet areas
  • Stain-resistant carpet with high-density pad
  • Zero-entry threshold, lever door hardware

Energy and Construction

  • 15+ SEER2 HVAC, 10-year limited warranty
  • Low-E, argon, double-pane vinyl windows
  • R30 attic and R5 exterior wall insulation
  • Radiant barrier roof, LED lighting package
  • Concrete block, GAF architectural shingles

Smart Home and Safety

  • Ring video doorbell
  • Wi-Fi garage door opener with 2 remotes
  • Digital programmable thermostat
  • Wi-Fi access point, fiber-to-the-home ready
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Warranty

  • 1-year builder workmanship and materials
  • 2-year major systems (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing)
  • 10-year limited structural warranty
  • Whirlpool appliance warranty upon registration

Highlights shown reflect the Classic Series feature set. Cottage Series finishes are comparable; confirm exact per-plan features on the current builder feature sheet. Green items indicate energy-performance features. Features subject to change without notice.

Floor Plans

Six single-story plans, two series

The Classic Series

Four single-story plans, two to three bedrooms, built for entertaining and room to spread out. Every plan includes a 2-car garage, granite counters, and designer wood cabinetry. Elevations A, B, and C available.

Wisteria model home exterior rendering, Melody Preserve, Ocala FL Classic Series Rendering is artist's concept

Wisteria

Starting from$330,990
3
Beds
2
Baths
2
Garage
2,126
A/C Sq Ft
2,943
Total Sq Ft
Great roomCovered lanaiCovered porchLaundry
Sunflower model home exterior rendering, Melody Preserve, Ocala FL Classic Series Rendering is artist's concept

Sunflower

PricingOn Request
3
Beds
2
Baths
2
Garage
1,967
A/C Sq Ft
2,872
Total Sq Ft
Great roomBreakfast areaCovered lanaiCovered porch
Orchid model home exterior rendering, Melody Preserve, Ocala FL Classic Series Rendering is artist's concept

Orchid

PricingOn Request
3
Beds
2
Baths
2
Garage
1,894
A/C Sq Ft
2,605
Total Sq Ft
Great roomFlex roomCovered lanaiCovered porch
Ginger model home exterior rendering, Melody Preserve, Ocala FL Classic Series Rendering is artist's concept

Ginger

PricingOn Request
2
Beds
2
Baths
2
Garage
1,767
A/C Sq Ft
2,618
Total Sq Ft
Great roomFlex roomCovered lanaiCovered porch

Ginger offers a two-bedroom footprint with the larger Classic Series lanai and porch package, a strong fit if you want single-level ease without giving up outdoor living space.

The Cottage Series

Right-sized, two-bedroom plans with flexible space and lower maintenance, with the same finishes and 2-car garage found across the community. Elevations A and B available.

Terra model home exterior rendering, Melody Preserve, Ocala FL Cottage Series Rendering is artist's concept

Terra

PricingOn Request
2
Beds
2
Baths
2
Garage
1,467
A/C Sq Ft
2,002
Total Sq Ft
Great roomFlex roomBreakfast areaPatioCovered entry
Oasis model home exterior rendering, Melody Preserve, Ocala FL Cottage Series Rendering is artist's concept

Oasis

PricingOn Request
2
Beds
2
Baths
2
Garage
1,343
A/C Sq Ft
1,896
Total Sq Ft
Great roomBreakfast areaPatioCovered entry

Square footage reflects air-conditioned living area, with total under-roof shown where noted. Plans, elevations, pricing, and availability are set by the builder and subject to change. Ask for the current price sheet and quick-move-in inventory.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Can I live here if I am under 55?
Yes. At least one resident in the household must be 55 or older to live in Melody Preserve.
What is the monthly HOA fee?
The HOA fee is $55 per month, which helps maintain a beautiful, connected community and represents strong value for an amenity-rich neighborhood.
Do you allow pets?
Yes. All pets are welcome at Melody Preserve, with no breed restrictions.
Is this a gated community?
Yes. Melody Preserve features passive electronic gated entries for added privacy and peace of mind.
What types of homes are offered?
Six single-story, single-family plans across the Classic Series (Wisteria, Sunflower, Orchid, Ginger) and the Cottage Series (Terra, Oasis), from two to three bedrooms.
Who is the developer?
Melody Preserve is built by Colen Built Development, the trusted builder behind On Top of the World and Calesa Township.
Where exactly is it?
8447 SW 99th St. Rd., Ocala, FL 34481, a central-Florida location and a growing destination for active-adult living.
How do I lock in the best home and terms?
Tour with your own agent from the first visit. I can pull comparable pricing, review the builder contract and incentives with you, and help you choose the right lot and plan for long-term value.
Free PDF Download

Get the complete Melody Preserve guide

Floor plans, pricing details, builder background, and the full feature list in one PDF. Enter your details and it downloads instantly. I read every submission personally and I am your point of contact if a question comes up.

Cristian Gonzalez
REALTOR® • eXp Realty • FL Lic. #3633800
Serving Ocala and all of Marion County, Florida
Equal Housing Opportunity
Disclosure Cristian Gonzalez is a licensed real estate agent with eXp Realty and is an independent professional, not the developer, builder, or sales agent for Melody Preserve or Colen Built Development. This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. Home renderings are the builder's artist concepts, are for illustrative purposes only, and are not to scale. Community details, home plans, features, square footage, elevations, pricing, incentives, and availability are provided by the builder or developer and are subject to change without notice; verify all information directly and rely only on the final contract documents. Melody Preserve is an age-qualified community that requires at least one household resident to be 55 or older, consistent with the housing-for-older-persons provisions of applicable law. Nothing in this guide constitutes legal, tax, or financial advice; consult the appropriate licensed professional. © 2026 Cristian Gonzalez.