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Ocala (Indian name meaning waters edge) is the largest city within Marion County the fifth largest county in Florida. The population of Marion County is approximately 271,096 of which 50,000 live in Ocala. Ocala is the heart of Marion County and serves as the county seat.
Ocala is ideally located in the state between the Atlantic Ocean and The Gulf of Mexico affording it substantial protection from hurricanes. Although centrally located commuting to either coast for boating, fishing or swimming is readily accessible. Unlike the hot climate in South Florida, Ocala's climate is moderate and even experiences a change of seasons. The average low in January is 52.2 degrees and average high in July is 91.9 degrees.
One of Ocala/Marion County's greatest assets is it's unspoiled beauty. Residents of Ocala/Marion County enjoy the proximity of numerous lakes, rivers and parks. The most impressive example of this is The Ocala National Forest which covers 382,000 acres, is bordered by 2 rivers (St. Johns and Ocklawaha), has 23 streams, crystal clear springs and approximately 600 natural lakes. There are many campgrounds throughout the forest, as well as hiking trails, horseback riding trails, boat launches, fishing piers and much more.
Marion County is mostly rural consisting of several incorporated cities, among them are Bellview, Dunnellon, McIntosh, Reddick and Ocala (the largest and one of the fastest growing areas in the country). Ocala is a very welcoming community with it's small town atmosphere yet it also has the vitality of a small cosmopolitan city. Ocala is home to a wonderful cross section of people, races, religions and backgrounds. Ocala is a family oriented community offering all types of activiites for children or families to participate in. The Appleton Museum is one of Ocala's jewels displaying one of the most impressive collections in the state. Silver Springs Natural Theme Park is one the oldest attractions in the state where one can enjoy a boat ride in a glass bottomed boat on the worlds largest artesian spring, take a safari ride, enjoy a wonderful concert series featuring famous singers and groups, holiday festivals and so much more. Ocala's Social calendar is always full and impressive as this is a community that is very civic minded and continually raising money for very worthy causes. If Golf is your game we have world class golf courses. The Fort King and Tuscawilla Historic Districts with their Victorian and Tudor Homes are a must see. Ocala is known as The Horse Capital of the World so it stands to reason that if it has anything to do with horses it can be found in Ocala/Marion County on a grand scale. The horse farms range from World famous to private family facilities. World Class shows for horse, riders and spectators who just want to marvel at the beauty and athleticism of these most wonderous of creatures are ongoing events throughout the county. One of my favorite pasttimes is to drive through the scenic countryside with it's miles and miles of breathtaking horse farms and oak tree lined roads with their graceful spanish moss flowing in the breeze.
With all that Ocala/Marion County has to offer in its wonderous beauty there are many other reasons people choose to move here. Along with it's ideal location, welcoming atmosphere, scenic beauty, Ocala/Marion County offers an affordable lifestyle and affordable housing. There is something for absolutely every lifestyle from new gated communities, golf/country club living, single family homes, horse farms of every style and size, grand estates, townhouses, condos to apartments and all are always convenient to shopping, schools, health care, churches, government centers, community centers, recreational activities and downtown Ocala.
Religion is an important part of the lives of Ocalans and throughout Marion County as evidenced by the 277 places of worship. For a complete list please visit, www.ocalacc.com/community/religion.asp Education is another important aspect of life here as we lead the state in raising student performance and our schools rank among the highest in Florida. There are 47 Public Schools, 9 Middle Schools, 7 High Schools, 2 Charter Schools, an Alternative Education Center, an Exceptional Student Education Eenter, a Community Technical and Adult Education Center, a Community College and we are fortunate enough to be located approximately 30 minutes away from The University of Florida. The Marion County Public School System is the largest employer in the county. For a complete list of schools please visit, www.ocalacc.com/community/public.asp
Ocala has a diverse and robust economy. Among the largest employers are those in the Medical Field, School System, Industry and Service related areas. State of the art healthcare is evident in Ocala's 3 major hospitals and throughout the county's multi-service health care system and numerous private and public clinics.
The following is a list of honors bestowed upon Ocala over the past few years:
1995 Fifth Best Place to Live in America - ALL AMERICA CITY (an honor which is rarely given)
1998 Eleventh Most Livable Small City
1999 Top 50th (36th) Best Small Metro Area (INC Magazine)
1999 Ocala/Marion named Horse Capital of the U.S. (USDA)
2000 Third Most Affordable Housing (National Association of Realtors)
2007 Best Performing City (of the 200 largest metro areas as per the Milken Institute)
If you have any further question about Ocala/Marion County please feel free to contact me at, 352-817-4813 or E-Mail Stan@OcalaHomes.biz |
