With its low taxes and year-round beautiful weather (it’s called the Sunshine State for a reason!), it’s no surprise that more than 22 million people have chosen to call Florida home. Of those, around 410,000 live in the Ocala metro area of Marion County, a picturesque location in central Florida that’s known for its horses, outdoor activities, and state parks.
If you’re thinking about making the move to Ocala, this post will tell you everything you need to know about the area, from neighborhoods, schools, and recreation options to get you excited about your new home.
Ocala History
In 1846, Ocala was made the county seat of Marion County, becoming one of the leading commercial and social hubs of the state by the mid-19th century. The population declined to around 200 people after the city’s destruction during the Civil War, but rebuilding gradually took place and earned Ocala its nickname of “Brick City”, a term still used today.
The city was officially incorporated in 1869 and became a center for agriculture into the 20th century. Over the following 100 years, Ocala maintained its farming heritage and became known worldwide for its thoroughbred horse farms. These days, the city is known as the horse capital of the world, with over 400 horse farms and training centers.
As the region continues to grow, Ocala has become a destination for horse and golf lovers alike, along with those looking to enjoy the weather and additional outdoor recreation the city has to offer.
Cost of Living in Naples
As an inland city, cost of living in Ocala is roughly 7% less than the state average, as proximity to the coast often drives up prices. Compared to other cities in Florida like Fort Lauderdale, rent is around 72% lower in Ocala, while home prices are, on average, 103% lower. Even utilities costs like energy can be 25-30% less in Ocala than Fort Lauderdale and other coastal locations.
The median household income in Ocala is around $52,000, while the median property value comes in around $190,000. If you’re moving from outside the state, one aspect to consider when budgeting for mortgages in Ocala is that Florida has no personal state income tax. The savings you make here could allow for more flexible spending when it comes to finding your next home.
Neighborhoods in Ocala
There are 8 main neighborhoods to choose from when looking for your new Ocala home, with options ranging from historic small town charm to leafy suburbs and farms.
- Northeast Ocala: Much of Ocala’s history can be found in the Northeast neighborhood, with many local businesses residing in historic brick buildings dating back over 100 years. This neighborhood has a beautiful mix of old and new homes, with plenty of shopping and cultural activities to enjoy.
- Northwest Ocala: The Northwest neighborhood has a mix of older and newer properties, with something for every budget. There’s few big-brand stores out here, with plenty of local businesses waiting for you to explore.
- Southwest Ocala: This is one of the most populated neighborhoods in Ocala, offering both suburban and rural residential areas to suit different lifestyle needs and budgets.
- Southeast Ocala: With some of the best public schools in the county, Southeast Ocala offers a unique mix of historic, character-filled properties and modern conveniences like restaurants and parks.
- Downtown Ocala: One of the most walkable parts of Ocala, downtown has a historic district full of Vicotorian homes and early 20th century properties. While now a sprawling hub, the downtown area has retained its small town feel.
- Fellowship: The World Equestrian Center is located close to Fellowship, making this a great location for horse lovers. But with its proximity to downtown, there’s also plenty of suburban features to make this an ideal neighborhood for many new residents.
- Liberty: A delightful suburb, Liberty is a well-established community just 11 miles from downtown. This neighborhood has numerous home styles, best suited for those who enjoy the outdoor life.
- Silver Spring Shores: Bordering Silver Springs State Park, this neighborhood is one of the main residential areas in the city and offers affordable homes with amenities close by.
Education Options
The 65 public and private schools of Marion County are home to nearly 50,000 students, with several options for higher education and specialized schooling. Ocala schools are rated some of the best in the country, with some of the top rated public schools including Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts and Forest High School.
Some of the top-rated private schools in Ocala include:
- St. John Lutheran School
- Trinity Catholic High School
- Redeemer Christian School
- Meadowbrook Academy
- Ocala Christian Academy
The College of Central Florida also has an Ocala campus, the largest of the school’s satellite campuses, while Rasmussen University also has a campus here to serve students throughout Marion County.
Utilities Providers
You may be preoccupied thinking about home loans in Ocala when you’re getting ready to move, but it’s good to know who the local utilities providers are before you relocate so that you can get an idea of services and pricing.
In Ocala, the providers are:
Country Clubs and Golf Courses in Ocala
Golf is one of the most popular pastimes in Florida, thanks to the great weather throughout the whole year. As a result, Ocala is home to some of the world’s best golf courses, with 14 public and 7 semi-private courses throughout the county.
Some of the top courses to explore are:
The Horse Capital of the World
Being home to over 400 horse farms and training facilities, it’s no wonder that Ocala is considered the horse capital of the world. The first thoroughbred farm was established here in the 1940s, with horses from this area winning awards and some of the world’s biggest competitions over the years.
Today, Marion County boasts around 77,000 acres of horse farm land, with competitions in a variety of disciplines taking place throughout the year. It’s the perfect destination for horse lovers, whether you’re new to the sport or looking for a home for a whole barn full of four-legged family members.
Public Parks and Beaches
While Ocala is an inland city, you can reach the coast in under 2 hours, along with Orlando’s theme parks. But there are plenty of outdoor recreation spots for you to enjoy in Ocala itself. There are numerous parks, walking trails, playgrounds, and skate parks throughout the county that are full of amenities for you to enjoy time with your family.
Local Attractions and Events
Much like other cities throughout Florida, Ocala has plenty of local events for you to enjoy all year round, from music festivals to a free movie series in the park. The Discovery Center is Ocala’s local children’s museum, a great attraction for young people to learn in a hands-on way.
Check out the community calendar to find an event or attraction that suits you and your interests.
Business Opportunities in Ocala
If you’re thinking about starting a business in Ocala, there are a number of benefits and resources to help you. The thriving economy, no personal state income tax, and low corporate taxes make this an ideal destination to start and grow a company.
There are more than 49,000 business owners in the city, making Ocala the #1 mid-sized city in the country with the highest number of small businesses per capita.
You’ll need to look into whether your new venture requires a business license to operate, along with any building permits if you plan to open a physical location. You can also find support from the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership. Explore different business banking options, as local banks and credit unions can offer additional insights into your new location that could benefit your growing business.
Say Hello to Your New Home in Ocala!
As one of the most trusted local banks in Ocala, the team at Cogent Bank is here to support you as an individual, family, or business owner as you make the move to Ocala or the surrounding area.
Our Ocala office location is ideally located to help you with your personal and business banking needs, offering flexible services throughout the region. Contact us today to get started on a new home loan, opening a bank account, or exploring our business banking options.
The information contained herein is for informational/educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this document may be those of the individuals and may not necessarily reflect those of Cogent Bancorp and its subsidiaries and affiliates, or the entities they may represent. Content contained herein may be used in connection with the advertising and/or marketing of products offered by Cogent Bank or Cogent Private Wealth. The material is not intended to provide or substitute for legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any Cogent Bank product or service. You should consult with a legal, financial, tax, or other appropriate professional(s) for your specific needs and/or objectives before making any decisions.
