Buyers researching new construction in SW Ocala frequently encounter Ridge at Heath Brook, a gated D.R. Horton community situated within the established Heath Brook master neighborhood along the SR-200 corridor, approximately one mile west of I-75 Exit 350. Ridge at Heath Brook functions as a newer, distinct section within the broader Heath Brook community, complete with its own gated entrance, Community Development District, and amenity package. Home sizes in this community span from roughly 1,672 to over 3,300 square feet, with bedroom configurations ranging from three to five bedrooms across both single-story and two-story layouts. Despite the community’s growing popularity, buyers consistently struggle to find one comprehensive source that compares all available floor plans side by side. In this blog post, Ocala real estate expert Scott Coldwell discusses the full range of home sizes and floor plan options available to buyers in Ridge at Heath Brook.
Key Takeaways
- Ridge at Heath Brook offers 7-8 floor plans ranging from 1,672 to over 3,300 square feet, covering 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom configurations in both single-story and two-story layouts
- All homes feature all-concrete block construction, 9’4″ ceilings, and D.R. Horton’s “Home is Connected” smart home technology package as standard inclusions
- Single-story plans (Aria, Cali, Lantana, Laurel II) place the primary bedroom on the first floor, making them popular with retirees and buyers prioritizing accessibility
- Working with an independent Ocala buyer’s agent like Scott Coldwell provides objective floor plan guidance and negotiation support that builder sales representatives cannot offer
Ridge at Heath Brook offers floor plans ranging from approximately 1,672 to over 3,300 square feet, with three to five bedrooms across both single-story and two-story configurations. D.R. Horton builds all homes in the community using all-concrete block construction on both levels, and the community includes both the Express Series and Tradition Series product lines. Buyers can choose from named plans including the Aria, Cali, Lantana, Hayden, Coral, Hemingway, Holden, and Talbot, each designed for different household sizes and lifestyle needs.
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Scott Coldwell has guided hundreds of Ocala buyers through the new construction process, including D.R. Horton communities across Marion County, and understands firsthand how choosing the wrong floor plan for your lifestyle can cost buyers thousands in upgrades or force a premature resale. His team provides objective, builder-neutral guidance on floor plan selection, lot choice, upgrade decisions, and builder contract review, the kind of independent perspective that a D.R. Horton onsite sales representative is not positioned to offer. As a best realtor in Ocala, Scott helps buyers evaluate Ridge at Heath Brook against competing communities along the SR-200 corridor so every purchase decision is grounded in the full picture of the local market.
Overview of Home Sizes in Ridge at Heath Brook
Ridge at Heath Brook spans approximately 104 acres across 391 planned home sites within the Heath Brook master community in SW Ocala. D.R. Horton developed this section as a gated enclave, separate from older resale inventory in the surrounding area. The community’s location near the SR-200 corridor puts residents close to major retail, dining, and healthcare options while maintaining convenient access to I-75 and the broader Marion County lifestyle.
Home sizes here cover a wide spectrum. The smallest plans begin at approximately 1,672 square feet, while the largest plans exceed 3,300 square feet. This range means first-time buyers and growing families alike can find a home that fits both their household size and their budget. Additionally, all construction uses all-concrete block on both first and second stories, which is a meaningful quality distinction compared to frame construction common in many national builder communities elsewhere in Florida.
Standard features across the community include 9’4″ ceilings and D.R. Horton’s “Home is Connected” smart home technology package. These inclusions are noteworthy because comparable features in older resale inventory in the Heath Brook area often require upgrades or simply are not available. Furthermore, buyers have access to both the Express Series and Tradition Series product lines, which differ primarily in their standard finish levels and upgrade selection options.
Ridge at Heath Brook Floor Plans at a Glance
Side-by-side comparison of home sizes and layouts available in SW Ocala
| Plan Name | Stories | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Square Footage | Primary Bed Location | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aria | 1-Story | 3 | 2 | ~1,672 sq ft | First Floor | Express |
| Laurel II | 1-Story | 3 | 2 | ~1,844 sq ft | First Floor | Express/Tradition |
| Cali | 1-Story | 4 | 2 | ~1,828 sq ft | First Floor | Express |
| Lantana | 1-Story | 4 | 2 | ~2,045 sq ft | First Floor | Tradition |
| Hayden | 2-Story | 5 | 3 | ~2,605 sq ft | Second Floor | Express |
| Coral | 2-Story | 5 | 3 | ~2,756 sq ft | Second Floor | Tradition |
| Hemingway | 2-Story | 5 | 3 | ~2,934 sq ft | Second Floor | Tradition |
| Holden | 2-Story | 5 | 3 | ~3,313 sq ft | Second Floor | Tradition |
| Talbot | 2-Story | 5 | 4 | ~3,561 sq ft | Second Floor | Tradition |
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Call or Text: (352) 290-3512Breaking Down the Floor Plans: Single-Story vs. Two-Story
Choosing between a single-story and a two-story layout is often the first major decision buyers make at Ridge at Heath Brook. Each configuration serves different household needs, and understanding the distinctions early saves buyers significant time during the selection process. The community supports both lifestyles thoughtfully, with multiple plans in each category.
Single-Story Floor Plans at Ridge at Heath Brook
Single-story living is a defining draw for many buyers along the SR-200 corridor, particularly retirees and buyers with accessibility considerations. All single-story plans at Ridge at Heath Brook place the primary bedroom on the first floor, which is a critical differentiator from two-story options. This feature also reduces long-term maintenance demands and can lower homeowners insurance in some cases.
The Aria plan offers approximately 1,672 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Its open-concept layout maximizes usable living space, and the efficient footprint helps keep utility costs manageable. The Laurel II plan sits at approximately 1,844 square feet with the same bedroom and bath count, offering slightly more room in the main living areas. The Cali plan adds a fourth bedroom within approximately 1,828 square feet, making it a strong choice for buyers who need an additional guest room or home office without stepping up to two stories. Finally, the Lantana plan extends single-story living to approximately 2,045 square feet with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing a split-bedroom layout that offers privacy between the primary suite and the secondary bedrooms. Buyers focused on buying a home in the Ocala area with long-term accessibility in mind consistently gravitate toward these plans.
Two-Story Floor Plans at Ridge at Heath Brook
Two-story plans at Ridge at Heath Brook deliver substantially more square footage, flex space, and bedroom capacity. These plans suit growing families, multigenerational households, and buyers who want defined separation between living and sleeping areas. All two-story plans place the primary bedroom on the second floor, though several include a first-floor bedroom and full or half bath for guests or family members who prefer ground-level access.
The Hayden plan at approximately 2,605 square feet provides five bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a first-floor bedroom and full bath that makes it the most versatile two-story option for multigenerational families. The Coral plan at approximately 2,756 square feet offers five bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a flex room well-suited for a dedicated home office. The Hemingway plan adds additional square footage at approximately 2,934 square feet with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, while the Holden plan reaches approximately 3,313 square feet with loft space that creates natural separation between household members. The Talbot plan, reportedly offering approximately 3,561 square feet with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, appeared in builder research but should be verified directly with D.R. Horton's onsite team for current availability.
"One question I hear constantly from buyers at Ridge at Heath Brook is whether there's a two-story option that still has a bedroom downstairs for guests or in-laws. The Hayden delivers that, and it's one of the reasons it consistently attracts multigenerational families who want the space of a larger home without sacrificing accessibility on the main floor." - Scott Coldwell
Which Ridge at Heath Brook Floor Plan Is Right for You?
Selecting the right floor plan involves more than counting bedrooms. How a household actually uses space on a daily basis determines whether a floor plan truly fits. The buyer profiles below reflect the most common situations Scott Coldwell encounters when working with new construction buyers in this community, and they offer a practical starting point for narrowing down options.
"Buyers often come to me focused entirely on square footage, but I find the layout matters far more than the size. A 1,828-square-foot single-story home with a true split-bedroom plan can live larger and function better for a retired couple than a 2,600-square-foot two-story home they'll never fully use. My job is to help buyers think through how they actually live, not just how much space they think they need." - Scott Coldwell
The table below matches common buyer profiles to the floor plans most likely to serve their lifestyle needs. Use it as a starting framework, then contact Scott Coldwell for a personalized assessment based on your specific situation.
Ridge at Heath Brook Floor Plan Buyer Matching Guide
Find the D.R. Horton layout that best fits your lifestyle in SW Ocala
| Buyer Profile | Best-Fit Floor Plans | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Retirees / Aging in Place | Aria, Cali, Lantana | Single-story layout; primary bedroom on first floor; lower maintenance footprint; no stairs. |
| Growing Families | Hayden, Hemingway, Coral | 5 bedrooms; flex/loft space for playroom or home office; multiple bathrooms reduce morning conflicts. |
| Multigenerational Households | Hayden, Holden | First-floor bedroom + bath on Hayden for in-laws; Holden's loft creates separation between living areas. |
| Remote Workers / Hybrid Professionals | Lantana, Coral | Split-bedroom layout offers privacy for home office; Coral's flex room provides dedicated workspace. |
| First-Time Buyers (Value-Focused) | Aria, Cali | Most accessible price points in the community; efficient layouts with low ongoing utility costs. |
Need Help Choosing the Right Floor Plan?
Scott Coldwell provides objective, builder-neutral guidance to match your lifestyle to the perfect Ridge at Heath Brook home.
Call or Text: (352) 290-3512The Express Series vs. Tradition Series distinction also plays a role in this decision. Express Series plans typically include strong standard features at an accessible price point, while Tradition Series plans offer broader upgrade selections and premium elevation options. However, the specific plans available under each series and their standard inclusions can shift as the community develops. Buyers should confirm the current series breakdown and feature list directly with D.R. Horton's onsite sales team before making any assumptions about what is included at the base price.
What Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing at Ridge at Heath Brook
Understanding the floor plan is only part of the new construction purchase decision. Several financial and legal factors are specific to Ridge at Heath Brook and to Florida new construction purchases generally. Buyers who address these items before signing a purchase agreement avoid costly surprises at closing and beyond.
CDD Structure: Ridge at Heath Brook operates under a Community Development District (CDD), governed by Florida Statute 190. CDDs are special-purpose governmental entities that finance community infrastructure through bond assessments paid by homeowners, typically appearing as a separate line item on the annual property tax bill. Buyers should request the full CDD assessment disclosure from D.R. Horton before signing any purchase agreement. No specific CDD fee figures were available for verification at the time of this writing, so contact D.R. Horton's sales office or the CDD district directly for current figures.
HOA vs. CDD: Many buyers confuse these two charges. HOA fees cover ongoing community maintenance such as landscaping and amenity upkeep. CDD assessments, by contrast, cover infrastructure bonds for roads, drainage, and utilities built to serve the community. Ridge at Heath Brook buyers may carry both obligations, and each should be evaluated separately when calculating true monthly housing costs.
Florida homestead exemption timing: New construction buyers in Marion County should understand the Florida homestead exemption and Save Our Homes assessment cap under Florida Statute 222.05. The exemption must be filed with the Marion County Property Appraiser's office, and the first full year of ownership determines eligibility. Proper filing can meaningfully affect long-term property tax projections, particularly as home values in the SR-200 corridor have grown.
Builder warranty and independent representation: Florida Statute 553.84 provides a 10-year structural warranty for new construction, and D.R. Horton offers its own new home warranty program as well. Importantly, the builder's onsite sales representatives legally represent D.R. Horton, not the buyer. Working with an independent buyer's agent like Scott Coldwell costs the buyer nothing, as the builder typically compensates the buyer's agent. That independent representation covers purchase agreement review, lot selection guidance, upgrade package evaluation, and ongoing market context throughout the construction process. For buyers evaluating their home's long-term value, Scott also provides resale perspective that builder sales staff are not positioned to offer.
Ridge at Heath Brook's location within Ocala puts buyers near major retail corridors, healthcare facilities, and equestrian destinations that define the broader Marion County lifestyle. That combination of suburban convenience and North Central Florida character is a key draw for retirees, working families, and equestrian enthusiasts alike. Scott's track record helping buyers navigate this market is reflected in hundreds of 5-Star Google reviews from clients across the region, reinforcing his standing as a trusted resource for Ocala real estate buyers at every price point.
Why Choose Scott Coldwell to Guide Your Ridge at Heath Brook Home Purchase
Purchasing a new construction home in a D.R. Horton community like Ridge at Heath Brook involves far more than selecting a floor plan from a brochure. Buyers must navigate builder contracts, CDD disclosures, upgrade package pricing, lot selection, construction timelines, and financing decisions, often under time pressure from builder sales incentives. Scott Coldwell has guided hundreds of North Central Florida buyers through new construction purchases, providing the independent analysis and negotiation support that onsite builder representatives are not positioned to deliver. His deep familiarity with SW Ocala's new construction landscape along the SR-200 corridor means buyers receive honest, market-grounded advice on how Ridge at Heath Brook compares to competing communities, and which floor plan and home site truly fits their lifestyle and long-term financial goals. As a North Central Florida real estate expert with a database of over 8,276 pre-qualified buyers, Scott also brings resale perspective to the purchase decision, helping new construction buyers choose layouts and home sites with strong long-term value.
With more than 19 years of experience in the North Central Florida real estate market, Scott Coldwell has built a reputation as one of the area's most trusted and effective real estate professionals. Rising quickly through the ranks to become a Broker Owner, Scott has assembled a team of more than 20 top agents dedicated to providing exceptional service to clients throughout the region.
Our Real Estate Expertise
The Scott Coldwell Team has established their reputation through:
- Successfully helping hundreds of families buy and sell homes each year
- Developing specialized knowledge of North Central Florida's diverse neighborhoods and market trends
- Mastering effective marketing techniques that get homes sold 48% faster than the competition
- Building a database of over 8,276 pre-qualified home buyers ready to purchase
Why Trust Us
The Scott Coldwell Team's reputation speaks for itself:
- Proven Results: We typically sell homes for 100% of asking price, often putting an extra 2.4% in sellers' pockets
- Client Satisfaction: Our hundreds of 5-Star Google Reviews showcase our commitment to exceptional service
- Guaranteed Performance: Our unique guarantees ensure your complete satisfaction or we'll buy your home
- Local Knowledge: As North Central Florida residents, we understand our community and care deeply about the people we serve
- Personalized Approach: We take time to understand your specific real estate goals, ensuring you're never just another transaction
Community Commitment
Our dedication extends beyond real estate. With every home sale or purchase, we support local charitable causes including The Rock Program (serving underprivileged and homeless youth in Marion County), Ocala Jeep Club, and Feed the Need of Marion County. Our mission "Go Serve Big" reflects our commitment to changing lives in the Ocala community where we live and work.
Ready to experience the Scott Coldwell difference? Contact us today at 352-290-3512 to discuss your real estate goals and start your journey with North Central Florida's most trusted real estate team.
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FAQ
Ridge at Heath Brook offers floor plans ranging from approximately 1,672 square feet for the smallest single-story Aria plan up to over 3,300 square feet for the two-story Holden plan, with an optional Talbot plan potentially exceeding 3,500 square feet (verify current availability with D.R. Horton). The community includes seven to eight named floor plans covering three-, four-, and five-bedroom configurations. All homes are built with all-concrete block construction and include 9'4" standard ceiling heights as a baseline feature.
Yes, Ridge at Heath Brook offers four single-story floor plans: the Aria (approximately 1,672 sq ft, 3 bed/2 bath), the Laurel II (approximately 1,844 sq ft, 3 bed/2 bath), the Cali (approximately 1,828 sq ft, 4 bed/2 bath), and the Lantana (approximately 2,045 sq ft, 4 bed/2 bath). All single-story plans place the primary bedroom on the first floor, making them popular choices for retirees and buyers who prefer single-level living. These plans are particularly sought after in the SW Ocala market given the large population of seasonal residents and retirees in Marion County.
A Community Development District (CDD) is a special-purpose government entity authorized under Florida Statute 190 that finances the infrastructure serving a community, such as roads, drainage systems, and utilities, through bond assessments paid by homeowners. At Ridge at Heath Brook, buyers will likely encounter CDD assessments as a separate line item on their annual property tax bill, in addition to any HOA fees for ongoing community maintenance. Buyers should request a full CDD disclosure from D.R. Horton before signing a purchase agreement, as the annual assessment amount affects the true monthly cost of ownership and should be factored into any budget comparison with resale homes in the area.
