What it's Like to Retire in Ocala, FL |
Ocala, known as the Brick City because that is how it was rebuilt after a disastrous fire, is one of the larger towns in north central Florida. The population is about 54,000 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 is one reason for its popularity with horse lovers. Ocala has grown quite rapidly because it is different and a bit more relaxed than either of Florida's coasts.
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. Photo of Ocala commercial district courtesy of Wikipedia and Ebyabe. |
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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 sold in mid 2015 was $121,000 in Ocala as reported by the NAR. Zillow.com reported the Home Value Index at $109,000 in late 2015. |
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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 for just over half the cost of the typical U.S. home. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Local economy is driven by |
| Agriculture, construction, healthcare. Some 44,000 jobs are estimated to be associated with the raising and breeding of horses. |
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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 |
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Restaurants & Cultural Scene |
Appleton Museum of Art; Garlits Museum of Drag Racing; Gainesville and the University of Florida are less than 40 miles away |
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What people are saying about Ocala, FL | | 55 Community |
| Foxwood Farms is a lovely 55 manufactured home community! Exit 354 off I75 in Marion County. Low cost homes between $16,000 to $79,000 depending on year of home. Homes are set up like a subdivision, not lined up close together. Monthly lot rent is under $500 which includes your water, trash pick up twice a week and lawn mowing. There is two swimming pools, two club houses, lots of daily, weekly and monthly activites and clubs. Community neighbors are all friendly and helpful! Two grocery stores across the street, along with restaurants and drug store. Lots of additional shopping, restaurants and 3 hospitals just 4 miles away. |
| Posted by santhony on June 04, 2015 | | Ocala, FL |
| One of the most miserably hot places on the planet. Rivals Houston and New Orleans for stifling summer heat without a breath of air. I spent a week there one day in July. Could not go outside.
And I have lived in Florida most of my life...... |
| Posted by bigfoot14b on May 15, 2013 | | Ocala Is A Great Choice For Retirement |
| Ocala, Florida is a great choice for retirees looking for the perfect combination of great warm weather, relax and uncrowded Florida living, exceptional lifestyle and very affordable prices. There are several excellent planned communities for over-55 retirement living, most featuring golf, an extensive amenities package, and a variety of home options. For example, SummerGlen ([url]http://www.topretirements.com/reviews/Florida/Ocala,%20FL/SummerGlen.html[/url])offers a well-maintained 18-hole golf club with full service restaurant, a large Residents Club with beach entry pool, fitness center, crafts center and meeting rooms, softball diamond, and many options in sports and recreations. And home prices at SummerGlen start at just $159,900. The community is entirely resident-owned, so monthly maintenance fees are very affordable (the current fee of $125, even provides lawn-mowing included, plus use of all facilities except golf, which is also a resident-owned equity club.) Check out the SummerGlen retirement community and other great communities in the Ocala area when you're thinking about retiring in Florida. |
| Posted by teleazer on December 06, 2010 |
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