Anthony is a quiet equestrian community with city access nearby
Gentle country hills and sprawling farmland define the landscape of Anthony, a rural community outside the city of Ocala. The community’s history is traced to the mid-19th century and the migration of settlers from South Carolina, and today it is known as a hub for equestrians and those looking for an upscale, rural, peaceful lifestyle that’s still conveniently close to essentials. “The thing about Anthony is that it’s in a surprisingly good location,” says Ruthie Meyer, a real estate agent with Gailey Enterprises Real Estate and current Anthony resident. “You’re really close to downtown Ocala but you’re still out in the country. And you’re close to Gainesville, the World Equestrian Center, the airport. And there’s no traffic; you never have to get on [Interstate] 75.”
Home styles range from manufactured to custom estates with barns
Anthony is filled with country roads dotted with homesteads and cows grazing in fields on either side. Streets are quiet, with gentle hills and very little traffic, adding to the community's secluded small-town charm. Ranch-style, New Traditional and manufactured are the most common architectural styles in the community, along with a handful of large farmhouses and custom estates zoned for horse barns in upscale gated subdivisions. Prices largely depend on home and lot sizes, ranging from around $270,000 for a petite three-bedroom to over $1 million for a sprawling four-bedroom on multiple acres. Those wanting to build new homes can purchase land, ranging from $80,000 for a half-acre to $500,000 for just over 10.
School choice available through Marion County Public Schools
Marion County Public Schools serves the community, rates a B rating on Niche and offers school choice. B-minus-rated Sparr Elementary, C-plus-rated North Marion Middle and B-rated North Marion High are zoned to the area. North Marion High offers the Cambridge AICE Diploma an international pre-university honors curriculum that offers focused learning in three areas: math and science, languages, or arts and humanities.
Outdoor fun includes kayaking, hiking and horseback riding
Anthony Community Park features a playground and large green space. Coehadjoe Park offers walking trails, a nature-themed play area, and courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball and volleyball. Nearby Silver Springs State Park is home to the largest natural spring in the United States and offers hiking, kayaking and glass-bottom boat tours. Local equestrians are about 2 miles from Dorado Oaks Equestrian Center and Magnolia Sands Farm, two facilities with horse boarding and acres for riding.
Essentials and homestyle meals available in town
Residents pick up essentials at Dollar General, and dine out at local favorite Papy's Place, a rural-themed establishment serving homestyle American fare. Wise Guys Pizza, a regional chain, offers specialty pies and other Italian-American dishes. More shopping, dining and the closest hospitals are in nearby Ocala.
Residents attend HITS and OBS events in neighboring Ocala
While there are no local events in the community, Anthony is close to Ocala, which hosts major events like the annual Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) and Ocala Breeders’ Sales (OBS), which has regular in-person auctions.
Highway 301 gets residents where they need to go
Residents get around by car, since Anothony doesn’t have a fixed bus line. Old US Highway 301 runs through the community and travels to Ocala and other nearby cities. The closest airport with commercial flights is Ocala International, less than 15 miles away. The airstrip in Jumbolair Aviation Estates, a private community in the area, sees some take-offs and landings, but Meyer says Anthony doesn’t experience any airplane noise “To be honest, we like to look up and see the planes coming and going. It’s more interesting than anything else,” she says.
High winds possible during major storms but no coastal impact
While hurricanes are possible, the community is typically protected from them due to its location inland. It can, however, be susceptible to high winds during major storms.
