Here’s how everything shook out while we searched for an apartment home in a more northern inland part of Florida, including a stop in Spring Hill, and three night stay at a lovely historic BnB (within walking distance to downtown) in Ocala, Florida.
On our way to Ocala, we toured Ariel Springs in Spring Hill. I had hoped it was closer than it looked on the map to a friend Beverly’s crystal shop (Universal Gifts).
At Ariel Springs, we loved Robin, the leasing agent who took us on the tour as she was super friendly and helpful. But as most people know, many more things go into making such decisions than how well one likes the person in this role. Unfortunately, there were more than a couple of reasons why I have to rule out this community from our list of potentials.
First, the road Ariel Springs is on (Barclay to Spring Hill Drive) runs about 12-15 miles between I-75 and State Route 19 in Spring Hill. From looking at the map I had thought we might be able to walk to shops and restaurants on either end of Barclay, but it’s too far for us. With nothing much we could walk to, either for groceries or dining. That’s pretty much the show stopper for us. It’s very car dependent, and the community tends to frown on golf carts too (which was something I had considered doing). The single story villa is nice but it would be a middle unit in a long building. Robin was the first to let me know that most apartments require a 60 day notice to them when residents are going to move out, so they won’t know what they have available until mid-June for our mid-August move.
In Ocala, we checked out any apartments that showed up on my maps app and worked our way out from our lovely AirBnB in a 5 mile radius—keeping in mind Uber or Lyft rides will cost more the farther the distance we are from wherever we want to go downtown.
We stayed in the Paris room of the AirBnB and I took lots of pictures because it really gave me the feeling of being in Paris (though I’ve never been, and my daughter has dreamed of going). I had plenty of time in the house to admire all of the furnishings our super host has saved for many years and the items he continues to collect and add, as well as “feel the Energy” of a beautiful throw quilt that was on the living room couch. Here’s a slideshow of items that fascinated me:
Since most all the apartments that we saw near downtown didn’t make us warm and fuzzy, we ended up preferring the communities 3 to 5 miles out. Each were within walking distance to grocery stores and eateries. This we can do! And the monthly rents, while more than we currently pay, are reasonable for all we will get. Also, the amenities at these communities are fantastic!
Latigo 27 (closest to downtown of the five), has a Wal-Mart right outside the entrance. I’m not a Wal-Mart shopper, but I could do it and save us about $200 a month in rent over the others we liked. This was Richard’s favorite anyway, so that’s why I am putting in position #2 on our list of potentials.
Grand Reserve Apartments was the most expensive and while the map shows a Wal-Mart Supercenter near it, the only stores I saw were a bit of a hike, like the Aldi’s store. It had the largest gym and best kitchen in the apartment, but I put it last on our favorites list because of the location and price point.
Tuscany Place and The Highlands at Heathbrook are owned by the Collier Companies and very similar in look, style, and price, but though Tuscany was higher on a hill than The Highlands and pretty, I thought it may be harder to walk, plus there wasn’t any dining or shopping close. The Highlands at Heathbrook is a very short walk to Publix (with a pharmacy) and a large diner! Score! This became my favorite when we toured the model unit and found each building only has 8 units, 4 up and 4 down. Each unit has a corner of the building! No middle units. And that’s what I didn’t like about Ariel Springs—we would have been in a middle unit.
Summary
- #1 The Highlands at Heathbrook
- #2 Latigo 27
- #3 Grand Reserve Apartments
Before we left the BnB house, we checked out the bulletin board and I saw this:
I simply feel Ocala will hold a lot of mystery in store for us, and grand success too!
In case you missed part 1 of this post: https://sheilamurrey.net/2023/04/29/apartment-hunting-in-ocala-florida/
My 4th book is on Amazon!! And here’s how you can read it: Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally
To our better health, ease, joy, and sustainment in JOY!
Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey
Peace. Out.
Integrating the Spirals to ease suffering
My online Zoom video course, Integrating the Spirals is helpful now more than ever because I know people are suffering. (Let me know if you’re interested in the Integrating the Spirals course.)
As an empath I want to help ease suffering and raise hope. I want to uplift others and raise our collective vibrations and consciousness. I teach breath work and meditation so we appreciate the value of Detachment. We till our inner soil with our breath and that offers us peace and calm. Meditation is an easy way to Connect us with spirit, higher selves, Omniscience God, and receive personal guidance.
Be the best version of who you want to be–because if you’re reading my words your soul is probably beckoning you to align with it and live up to your highest ideals. Not perfect because who is perfect? Most stagnate or ‘get stuck’ while on their way to being whatever they think perfection is. Making progress is enough. Carrying your Karma lightly is enough. Be kind to yourself while living responsibly. Who you ARE affects us ALL. We Are All Connected.
Omniscience knows ALL. Omniscience is always with you. You are never alone.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.
About us
My husband is an award-winning illustrator, plus he’s a seasoned guitarist, bass player, and songwriter (with over 400 original songs). You can view some of his artwork and listen to all of his songs at: http://listen4music.com
Here’s a video of us performing on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/416711742?ref=fb-share
About me, your Spiral Sister
I would love to speak at your bookstore, crystal shop, acupuncture/chiropractor office, natural health foods store, art fair, music, or yoga festival. I support healthy lifestyle businesses.
I invite you to check out my new metaphysical book–Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection. There are two versions (Kindle and paperback) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WV68KF
I’m an Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving” available on Amazon. Plus, I doc
Connecting…
For more from me about moving to a northern inland part of Florida, with a stop in Spring Hill, a stay at a lovely history BnB while apartment hunting in Ocala, Florida, follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeonyour
Wholly Integrating Spirals 