Cresswind at Lake Harris
Tavares, Florida
Ocala, FL, Florida
What It Is Like to Retire in Ocala, fl
Ocala, known as the Brick City because that is how it was rebuilt after a disastrous fire on Thanksgiving day in 1883, and is now one of the larger towns in north central Florida. The population is almost 61,000 people with many more in the surrounding area. Originally a citrus growing region, Ocala is now famous as horse country, with many ranches in the area. The presence of lime in the soil (good for equine pastures) is one reason for its popularity with horse lovers. Ocala is growing but less rapidly than many other areas of the state. Ocala has a large residential Historic District, established in 1984, that has many historic homes. East Fort King Street has many excellent examples of Victorian Revival architecture. There are a number of Ocala structures on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Union Train Station.
Where to Retire in Ocala, fl and Home Prices
For those who prefer living in a development, there is a growing number of active adult communities in the Ocala area because there is more inexpensive land in this region. Prices are more reasonable than in many other parts of Florida. The median price of a home was $279,900 in the 1st quarter of 2023, as reported by the NAR.
What Is Special about Ocala, fl
This is horse country - if you want to be near horses, you will be in heaven here in the "Horse Capital of the World". Ocala is a bit more uncrowded than south Florida. Silver Springs Nature Theme Park. Many victorian homes and historic structures grace the Union Street area. The median home sells than much less than the cost of the typical U.S. home.
What Is Not Special about Ocala, fl
Ocala is in Florida's interior - if you have to live on the coast, it is not for you.
Who Will Like Retirement in Ocala, fl
The horsey set makes Ocala their capital. It's also good for hobby farms. It's more relaxed than a lot of the rest of Florida, and that appeals to many. One of the largest retirement communities in the world, The Villages, is close to Ocala.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Agriculture, construction, healthcare. Some 44,000 jobs are estimated to be associated with the raising and breeding of horses.
Climate and Physical Environment
The Silver River is the largest artesian spring formation in the world. Ocala National Forest is the 2nd largest national forest in Florida. Because of its interior location summers are hotter, the sun shines more days, and winters are cooler than the rest of Florida.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Appleton Museum of Art. Garlits Museum of Drag Racing. Gainesville and the University of Florida are less than 40 miles away.
Crime
The crime rate is almost double the national average.
Medical facilities
There are 2 medical centers in Ocala - Munroe Regional and Ocala Regional.
Transportation
Interstate 75 runs through Ocala. Ocala International Airport offers commercial service. Amtrak has a station. Ocala is not considered a walkable town.
Valuable Links
City of Ocala Explore Ocala/Marion County FL Craigs List OcalaGuide to Florida retirement and retirement communities
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