Ocala is a medium-sized city in northern Florida's Marion County, which is conveniently located between Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando,and both East and West Coast beaches. The county seat, settled in 1849, was incorporated as a town on February 4, 1869, and later as a city on January 28, 1885.
Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Ocala has world-class horse farms, an abundance of outdoor activities, scenic waterways, many recreation facilities and parks, picturesque drives through beautiful countryside, and a number of lovely neighborhoods to choose from.
Real Estate
When you find a knowledgeable real estate agent® in Ocala, they'll likely tell you that this 49th most populated of Florida cities has a total area of 45.85 square miles, which is all land.
There are living accommodations of all types, and Zillow's data through October 31, 2019 reports that the median home value is $153,000, having increased 9.8% over the last year and with a prediction that it will rise 6.5% in the coming year. The median rent price is $1,200.
Population
The official United States Census in 2010 showed a population of 56,315, which grew to an estimate in 2017 of 59,110, and an estimate in 2018 of 60,429. The Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated population of 354,353 in 2017.
Neighborhoods
It would be impossible to discuss all 39 constituent neighborhoods, but the following will give you an idea of what Ocala has to offer:
Deep Woods
On the southeast side, almost every house in this Ocala neighborhoods is on an acre or more! As suggested by the name, every house is in a wooded lot so that you're always close to nature and away from the bustle of city life. However, you're also conveniently close to the Jervy Grantt recreational facility, several grocery stores, shopping, and dining places.
Ocala Historic District
This is one of Florida's largest historic neighborhoods with its older and beautifully-maintained homes, many of them manor style, on tree-lined streets. Many were built in early 1900 or are older and have been renovated.
The Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS) holds fundraising events to further improve the area. This is close to the downtown square where you can walk, ride, or bike to and enjoy the First Friday art walk or the farmers market every Saturday.
Majestic Oaks
There are 100 acres featuring hills with spectacular oaks and palm trees right in the heart of the famous horse country. This neighborhood has been the location of the Majestic Oaks Horse Trials and the Majestic Oaks Three-Phase Schooling Shows since January of 2018 and provides a year-round equestrian and multi-purpose event venue including a new show jumping arena.
Silver Meadows
Located on the northeast side, not very far from Silver Springs, you'll find newer modern homes as well as larger custom homes on spacious lots in this Ocala neighborhood.
A large gated community, it offers basketball and tennis courts, lit streets, and often wildlife from the close-by state land. Silver Meadows is also only minutes away from Silver Springs State Park.
Related content: Grab the Gang and Check Out These Five Fun Family-Friendly Activities in Ocala
When you're searching to find the best real estate agent® in Ocala, you'll save a lot of time and effort if you let Effective Agents help you choose a top-selling realtor® who can be the perfect realtor® to guide you to the appropriate neighborhoods that will give you the location, amenities, and price range that you desire. You and your family can enjoy Ocala's slower pace of life and still have easy access to the conveniences of the bigger cities.
Find more news on housing in Ocala by registering on 352area, your free guide to North Central Florida.
Cover photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
