Fort McCoy offers country quiet close to city conveniences
Fort McCoy sits within the Ocala National Forest, a popular spot for nature-lovers, and is filled with multiple lakes. But that’s not all that attracts people to this remote Marion County community of around 18,000 residents. Rhonda Buckner, a broker and the owner of Buckner Homes Realty who sells throughout the Ocala area and owns property in Fort McCoy says the community’s main draw is its remoteness. “It’s out in the middle of nowhere. It’s for folks who want to be in the country,” she says. “But it’s still close enough to the city to get the things you need.” Busy metropolises Ocala and Gainesville are about 20 and 40 miles away, respectively.
Rustic cabins to ranch homes on spacious wooded lots
Home styles in Fort McCoy include manufactured, rustic cabins, ranch-style and custom estates near the many bodies of water in the area. Houses typically sit on spacious lots landscaped with grass and tall trees. Some sit on multiple acres that can serve as hobby farms. They sit along quiet, rural roads that wind throughout the community. Prices range from $50,000 to $20,000 for small two- or three-bedroom homes or houses on smaller lots, and $200,000 to $400,000 for larger builds. Houses on the water or on multiple acres typically range from $400,000 to $750,000. Fort McCoy is also abundant with land, ranging from $3,000 for around quarter of an acre to $600,000 for over a hundred acres.
Students attend C- and B-rated public schools
Marion County Public Schools serves the community, offers school choice and rates a B on Niche. The schools zoned to the community are C-rated Fort McCoy School, which serves prekindergarten through eighth grade; and B-rated North Marion High. Students at North Marion High can take courses that will earn them a Cambridge AICE Diploma. The program offers an international pre-university honors curriculum focused learning in three areas: arts and humanities, math and science, and languages.
Outdoor lovers enjoy lakes, forests and scenic trail systems
Community Park is a dog-friendly green space with a ball field, playground, basketball court and picnic tables. Lake Kerr offers boating and fishing. Lake Ocklawaha provides additional fishing opportunities along with views of wildlife habitats. Just north of the lake is Marjaorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, which has 300 miles of trails. Ocala National Forest features forested hiking trails, horseback riding and canoeing. Buckner says nearby Ocala has additional popular outdoor activities. “There’s Ray Wayside Park and the boat ramp into the Silver River. It’s close to Moss Bluff Dam and public shooting ranges, hiking trails, and an area with over 20 lakes,” she says.
A few stores and restaurants near home, more in nearby Ocala
Residents pick up their groceries and essentials from Fort McCoy Grocery or the Dollar General. Dining out options include Rocco’s Pizza, a local restaurant known for its slices and salads, and national chain Subway. Odd Todd’s near Lake Kerr is another local favorite, loved for its classic Mexican dishes made with meat and eggs from the owners’ organic farm. More shopping, dining and the closest hospitals, are in Ocala, about 20 miles away.
Residents father for events and classes at the Marion County Library
The Fort McCoy branch of the Marion County Library has regular programming for residents of all ages.
Highway 316 connects Fort McCoy to nearby towns and roads
Due to the community’s lack of a bus line, residents get around by car. East Highway 316 runs through the community and connects to nearby highways. Ocala International is the closest airport, about 25 miles away.
Severe storms can bring high winds and heavy rainfall
Fort McCoy is sometimes vulnerable to high winds from hurricanes, despite its inland location. Heavy rains from severe weather events can cause flooding, especially near the water.
