Wondering if Ocala is a good place to live? The answer is a resounding and enthusiastic “yes.” No matter whether you’re looking for a new place to call home, considering relocating to the Sunshine State from another part of the country, or just want to live the good life, there are many reasons to consider calling Ocala home.
Why is Ocala a good place to live? This north-central Florida city offers everything you need for your best life. From year-round golf and tennis to world-class equestrian events, there are many reasons why coming home to Ocala is a great idea. You’ll find natural beauty, affordable costs of living, low crime rates, low hurricane risk, and many other enticing features in the Ocala metro area.
It’s easy to live your best life in Ocala. Learn more about Ocala and its many amenities and see why Brick City is a great place to call home.
What Makes Ocala Special?
Ocala, Florida, might be the true gem of the Sunshine State. This special city is home to an endless array of amenities you just won’t find anywhere else. From the shops and restaurants around the Downtown Square to the rolling acres of enchanting horse farms and training grounds, there are many things that make Ocala special.
Let’s consider a few of many Ocala residents’ favorite things about their hometown.
Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World
It’s a fact: Ocala is horse country. Marion County is home to more than 1,200 horse farms and more than 900 thoroughbred farms and training facilities. In fact, a few winners of the Triple Crown have Ocala roots and the city is internationally lauded for its quality horses.
Ocala is also home to the World Equestrian Center, an internationally-known facility for all kinds of events. This expansive equestrian facility opened in 2020 and has come to be recognized as the premier destination for competitions, shows, and other special events.
Ocala’s Economy is Strong and Growing
Ocala might be a small town by some standards, but it certainly isn’t sleepy. Ocala was designated as one of the fastest-growing cities according to United States migration trends in 2019.
One reason that so many people choose to move to Ocala is because of the strong economy. In June 2022, the unemployment rate in Ocala was just 3.6%, which is right on par with the rest of the country’s national average as new jobs are added every day.
Ocala Offers Big City Amenities and Small-Town Charm
No matter what you need, you’ll find it in Ocala. You’ll find an endless array of shopping, fine dining, world-class healthcare, transportation, and other big-city amenities right in your backyard in Ocala. You have everything you need to live the good life right at your fingertips.
Natural Beauty Surrounds Ocala
Speaking of Ocala’s backyard, you’ll find pristine natural beauty right here in Ocala. From Silver Springs State Park’s sparkling Silver River to the springs and trees in the Ocala National Forest, the scenery in and around Ocala is breathtaking.
Ocala is Diverse in Population
People of all ages and from all walks of life call Ocala home. According to U.S. Census data, Ocala has nearly 65,000 residents.
You’ll find that 22% of Ocala residents are children under age 18, which proves that many people believe that Ocala is a great place to raise a family. Another 18% of Ocala residents are over age 65, which proves that many people believe that Ocala is a great place to retire. This means that 60% of Ocala residents are adults between 18 and 65.
All of the factors above, and many others not mentioned, all add up to make Ocala, FL, a great place to live.
Is Ocala a Safe City?
Another great thing about Ocala is its low crime rate. According to statistics provided by U.S. News and World Report, the violent crime rate in Ocala is lower than the national average. The property crime rate in Ocala is also lower than the national average.
Ocala is patrolled by the Ocala Police Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Both agencies are well-respected across the state of Florida and are pillars in the Ocala community.
How Far is Ocala From the Beach?
One of many folks’ favorite things about the Sunshine State is the beach. Though Ocala is located in the central part of the state, you can be on the coast in less than 90 minutes from almost any part of town.
Let’s look at the miles:
- Fort Island Gulf Beach is 69 miles from Ocala
- Ormond Beach is 70 miles from Ocala
- Daytona Beach is 77 miles from Ocala
- Crescent Beach is 80 miles from Ocala
- Saint Augustine beach is 85 miles from Ocala
- Clearwater Beach is 120 miles from Ocala
There are many pristine beaches within an easy drive of Ocala. It’s easy to plan a day trip to the coast – Gulf or Atlantic.
Is It Expensive to Live in Ocala?
Ocala is one of the most affordable places to call home in Florida.
Overall, the cost of living in Ocala is about 84% of the national average. Housing costs in Ocala are 64% of the national average and transportation costs are only 82% of the national average. You might pay slightly more for utilities in Ocala (104% of the national average), but it all works out in the wash to an overall low cost of living.
When compared to other Florida cities, Ocala still comes out on top for its low cost of living:
- It costs 45.7% more to live in Miami than in Ocala
- It costs 23% more to live in Orlando than in Ocala
- It costs 23.5% more to live in Tampa than in Ocala
- It costs 12.1% more to live in Jacksonville than in Ocala
- It costs 7.9% more to live in Tallahassee than in Ocala
- It costs 7.1% more to live in Gainesville than in Ocala
It’s easy to enjoy all the amenities Ocala has to offer thanks to its low cost of living. You’ll spend less to spend on necessities, leaving more in your pocket to spend on the good life.
What is the Real Estate Market Like in Ocala?
The real estate market is hot in Ocala, and it seems to be just warming up. According to information from Realtor.com, the median average listing price for a home in Ocala is $305,000. This figure is up 29.8% year-over-year and doesn’t show signs of slowing down.
You’ll find homes and properties on the market in Ocala ranging from just $3,500 and all the way up to more than $37 million at almost any given time.
What is There to Do in Ocala?
Ocala is home to a nearly endless amount of activities and things to do. While the list is quite expansive, here are a few favorite things to do in Ocala:
- Enjoy one of the 17 golf courses within Ocala’s city limits
- Paddle the Silver River at Silver Springs Park
- Check out the Appleton Museum and bask in fine art
- Taste Brick City at one of Ocala’s fine dining establishments like Mark’s Prime
- Sample local goods at the weekly Downtown Market
- Hike a portion of the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest
- Challenge a friend to a match or game of pickleball at Fort King Tennis Center
- View hunting and jumping competitions at World Equestrian Center
- Sip local suds at breweries like Infinite Ale Works and Big Hammock Brewery and Bites
- Shop-til-you-drop at Paddock Mall, the Marketplace at Heathbrook, and on the Downtown Square
- Take your mountain bike for a spin and play in the dirt on Santos Trail
With so many things to do in Ocala, it’s easy to see why the city is a good place to live -- especially if you like staying active.
Does Ocala Have Hurricanes?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November every year. The city of Ocala sits nearly 70 miles inland and has never been directly hit by a hurricane. Ocala has been named the 8th safest city in Florida when it comes to hurricanes, flooding, and tropical storms. This means good things when it comes to both peace of mind during storm season and property insurance rates.
That doesn’t mean the outer bands and remnants of major storms don’t hit Ocala, though. Ocala has seen damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. In 2017, Hurricane Irma knocked down trees and power lines in Ocala, leaving many residents without power for days. This experience was relatively mild when compared to the devastation in Key West and other parts of the state brought by the same storm.
Despite the occasional damage from storms, Ocala is still among the safest places in Florida during storm season and the hurricane risk remains low.
Ready to Call Golden Ocala Home?
Is Ocala a good place to live? Yes. In fact, there are many reasons why Ocala is a great place to live. Low cost of living, breathtaking scenery, safety from storms, world-class equestrian events, and an endless list of things to do all make Ocala a wonderful place to call home.
Are you thinking about coming home to Ocala? Consider Golden Ocala.
You’ll find that living in Golden Ocala gives you easy access to everything that makes Ocala an enchanting place to live. This community of luxury homes exemplifies the best of Ocala and promises a quality of life you won’t find anywhere else.
Ready to learn more? Reach out now to learn more about Golden Ocala real estate.