Cherrywood

Pros

• Cherrywood is a safe and quiet place to live.
• The community offers many activities and events.
• Residents enjoy line dancing at the clubhouse.
• The 55+ community is very well organized and veteran-friendly.
• Jennifer and Mike are an excellent team with a great front office.
• The clubhouse fosters genuine friendships among residents.
• There is always something to do for residents.
• Neighbors are friendly and helpful.
• The annual garage sales are a lot of fun with great deals.
• The community offers a range of amenities including a pool, hot tub, fitness center, tennis, bocce ball, basketball, and a pool room.

Cons

• The reviews describe Cherrywood as run down and in need of TLC.
• Maintenance is criticized, with the pool and gym equipment often not kept up and frequently broken.
• Residents are described as rude, with others questioning them at the pool, making time there uncomfortable.
• The front office is seen as unhelpful at times.
• The HOA is said to do little beyond basic upkeep, leaving amenities aging and underfunded.
• The community is aging, with equipment in the gym breaking frequently.
• A complaint mentions petty and dishonest behavior among some residents, including incidents at bingo.

Review

Cherrywood sits in a convenient spot near a Publix, with a heated pool tucked into the community's center where notices and schedules are posted on a central board. The overall tone from residents is that it is a safe and quiet place to call home, especially for those who want a calm environment with plenty of social opportunities. The community is described as not being a country club, but rather a clubhouse atmosphere where neighbors look out for one another and where there's always something to do.

A recurring theme is the abundance of activities and events that keep life engaging. Residents mention line dancing at the clubhouse, social gatherings, and a range of clubs and programs that help people connect. There's a sense that Cherrywood's social calendar is robust, with organized gatherings that foster a sense of community among residents. Many speak proudly of the camaraderie and the genuine friendships that have formed there, underscoring that the appeal lies as much in the people as in the facilities themselves.

Several reviews emphasize the residents-only nature of the community's facilities, noting that the pool, hot tub, and fitness center are for residents and their guests. In this sense, Cherrywood is portrayed as a close-knit, somewhat private enclave where the living environment is shaped by the residents who contribute to its character. Positive mentions include an excellent front office and helpful staff, with particular appreciation for team members like Jennifer and Mike who are described as an excellent duo. The pool's operation through much of the summer season is highlighted as a definite plus.

A corrective note that appears in the mix of reviews is the idea that Cherrywood is not a public-country-club experience but a home for residents. The clubhouse serves as the hub for daily life, and the sense of belonging is strong: people say they're impressed by the welcoming atmosphere, the friendships formed, and the sense that there is always something going on to draw neighbors together. The community's social energy is amplified by practical amenities such as a pool, hot tub, and fitness center, along with spaces for casual get-togethers and planned events that help residents stay connected.

Not all feedback is glowing, however. Some reviewers feel the community could use more attention to maintenance and upkeep. A few describe the place as run-down or in need of tender loving care (TLC), with comments about upkeep on common areas and facilities like the gym. There are mentions of HOA matters being discouraged, which some residents interpret as a barrier to addressing concerns. Maintenance issues are echoed by others who notice more items getting neglected over time and a sense that some amenities aren't kept as crisply as they could be.

On the other hand, many residents speak warmly of the people and the social life in Cherrywood. They describe a small, neighborly vibe where it's easy to know people and participate in community events. Garage sales held by the community are cited as particularly enjoyable, offering a chance to mingle and snag good finds. The gym is often praised as being better than those found in many similar communities, and the range of activities remains a strong draw for residents who value a lively, friendly atmosphere. Live music, free food, and social gatherings are noted as frequent highlights that keep the mood upbeat.

There are some practical frustrations voiced as well. A few reviews mention encounters with rude behavior or people questioning others at the pool, which can detract from the shared-family feel. There are also notes about the age of the facilities showing in parts of the property, with gym equipment described as broken or in need of repair on a fairly regular basis. Some reviewers recount restrictions or discomforts around visiting or using certain areas during special events, like a baby shower, which underscores the private, residents-only nature of the space. A few personal experiences recounted - such as conflicts over rules or security complaints - reflect the occasional friction that can arise in a tight-knit, 55+ community.

Overall, Cherrywood emerges as a small but vibrant retirement community with a strong emphasis on social life, friendship, and accessible amenities. Residents paint a picture of a place with plenty of activities, a friendly and responsive front office, and a clubhouse that acts as the heart of daily life. There is a clear sense of pride in the community, even as some challenges - maintenance needs, occasional interpersonal tensions, and the realities of operating a residents-only facility - are acknowledged. For those seeking a quiet, neighborly environment with regular opportunities to connect and celebrate together, Cherrywood presents itself as a welcoming option, with the caveat that it is not open to the public and some facilities may require patience as upkeep is addressed.

This area of Ocala, Florida, offers a convenient and bustling environment with a variety of amenities within close proximity. There are several dining options nearby such as Burger King, McDonald's, and Darrell's Dog Gone Good Diner for those looking to enjoy a quick meal out. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy for easy access to medical supplies and prescriptions. For medical care, there are numerous physicians' offices and hospitals nearby including Ocala Regional Medical Center and Premier Pediatrics. There are also places of worship like Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Lcms for spiritual needs. The presence of cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread offer opportunities for socializing or enjoying a relaxing coffee break. Lastly, entertainment options include Epic Theatres for those interested in catching a movie.

Restaurants

• Burger King (1.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• Darrell's Dog Gone Good Diner (2.3 miles)
• El Mezcal Mexican Rest (2.3 miles)
• Little Joey's Pizza & Restaurant (2.4 miles)
• Southern Pig & Cattle (3 miles)
• Zaxby's (3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Ocala Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• Rite Care Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.6 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Jaskaran Bedi (2 miles)
• Family Care Specialists (2 miles)
• Premier Pediatrics (2.3 miles)
• Ocala Kidney Group (2.4 miles)
• Keertini Kumar (2.4 miles)
• Vitreo Retinal Associates (2.5 miles)
• Marion Heart Center PA (2.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Ocala Regional Medical Center (2.3 miles)
• Munroe Regional Medical Center (3.3 miles)
• Ocala Regional Medical Center (4.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Lcms (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (5 miles)

Theaters

• Epic Theatres (4.9 miles)