The city of Ocala, known fondly as the “Horse Capital of the World,” came by its nickname honestly. With more than 1,200 horse farms, this little slice of Central Florida is home to more horses (75,000) than people (68,000). But while Ocala offers more horse sense and a slower pace of life than nearby metros like Jacksonville or Orlando, it has recently experienced a demographic surge, making it the country’s fourth-fastest growing metro between 2022 and 2023. And though the city has seen major developments in the past decade, including the completion of a $10 million public facility, the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, most locals will tell you the appeal of this place is its lovely countryside. “We really capitalize on utilizing our beautiful rivers, lakes and forests,” says Christine Meadows, a Realtor with Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty who was born and raised here. “There’s so much recreation that’s totally free.”
Catch the horse competitions at Florida Horse Park near Marion Oaks.
A beautiful scene of a family of horses in Liberty.
Mary Sue Rich Community Center in Northwest Ocala is a new facility opened in 2023.
The fenced in farms in Ocala are breathtaking.
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Ocala offers rural, suburban and country club lifestyles
Ocala’s median listing price is $300,000. Neighborhoods here range from established suburbs like Silver Spring Shores to luxury country club communities to secluded rural stretches of multiacre properties in Fellowship . On the city’s east side, the Fort King District is a quintessential Ocala suburb, full of mature oaks draped in Spanish moss and mid-to late-20th-century ranch-style homes on spacious lots. Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club has been a signature community since 1986. The private club has 10 upscale subdivisions, a 77,000-square-foot clubhouse and various high-end amenities on the city’s west side.
New Traditional houses and townhouses cropped up the early 2000s in neighborhoods like Cimarron in Southwest Ocala . Classic rural neighborhoods with custom-built, sparsely set houses are on the city's fringes. “And along Highway 27, there’s beautiful rolling farmland as far as the eye can see,” Meadows says. Marion County contains many low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Residents should know that basic homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. However, depending on the area, some owners qualify for discounted flood insurance rates.
Fort King District mid-to late-20th-century ranch-style homes in Ocala.
Magnificent large home in the neighborhood of Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in Ocala.
A beautiful new traditional home in the neighborhood of Cimarron in Ocala
Colorful townhomes in the neighborhood of Cimarron in Ocala.
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From pocket parks and ponds to the Ocala National Forest
The city has 43 public green spaces and is surrounded by state parks, country clubs, farms and ranches. Athletes head to Ocala Regional Sportsplex for softball tournaments and friendly sand volleyball matches. Others gather at Tuscawilla Park for basketball and tennis and peaceful walks around Tuscawilla Art Park, which features creative sculptures.
Small lakes and ponds scattered across the area appeal to boaters and anglers. The waters are brimming with bass, crappies and catfish. Outdoor enthusiasts can launch kayaks at Silver Springs River and State Park or take tours in glass-bottom boats. “There are actually a lot of monkeys in Silver Springs because some escaped during the filming of Tarzan movies back in the 1930s,” Meadows says.
The state park is also a prime spot for horseback riding along the trails. Some may travel 20 miles east to the Ocala National Forest for extensive equestrian paths. The Ocala One Hundred Mile Horse Trail offers a shifting landscape of varying flatwoods and prairie lands. Local hunters pursue deer, wild hogs, and even bobcats when in season. Ocala also has several professional riding schools and stables, including The World Equestrian Center, which attracts riders globally with a calendar of competitions and shows. Meadows says the world-class facility is getting even more upgrades as a shopping center develops around The Equestrian Hotel, one of TIME's 2024 World's Greatest Places.
Tuscawilla Art Park is a great spot to see larger than life outdoor sculptures in Ocala.
Ocala Regional Sportsplex is a versatile sports facility in Ocala, FL.
Enjoy a tour of the freshwater springs on the glass bottom boats at Silver Springs State Park.
The World Equestrian Complex near Southeast Ocala hosts numerous events year round in Ocala.
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Marion County Public Schools
Ocala is served by Marion County Public Schools, graded an overall B on Niche and includes 20 schools within the city limits. Madison Street Academy of Arts is a standout school, graded A. The school educates young creatives through magnet programs in art, dance, drama, computer technology, music and video production. According to Niche, Trinity Catholic High and St. John Lutheran School are among the top private schools in the city. Both have A grades on Niche.
Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts is a magnet school.
West Port High School is a highly rated public school serving 2,825 students in grades 9-12.
Trinity Catholic High School is among the top private schools in Ocala.
Front entrance to the St. John Lutheran School.
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Historic Ocala
The Ocala Historic Downtown Square hosts free live music every Friday and Saturday from September to May. Wintertime – also known as snowbird season – ushers in more downtown events. Locals enjoy an illuminating light display, take horse-drawn carriage rides, or hop on the Ferris wheel to see a bird's eye view of downtown. The City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division supports many creative programs, such as the First Friday Art Walk. The Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition is a biennial event that invites artists from all over the country to compete to display their work downtown. Located less than 5 miles from the city center, Fort King played a significant role in the Second Seminole War and Ocala’s founding. Today, visitors can watch battle reenactments at the annual festival or learn homesteading skills, such as candle and broom making, throughout the year.
The amazing Christmas tree at Santa on the Square in Ocala shines brightly against the sky.
There are amazing restaurants where you can sit outside in downtown Ocala.
Downtown Ocala is sprinkled with art throughout the neighborhood.
Fort King was a United States military fort in north central Florida, Ocala.
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Traffic is a matter of perspective in Ocala
Ocala is positioned about 80 miles from Orlando and 100 miles from Jacksonville. Highways 40 and 301 converge in Ocala, and Interstate 75 sits on the city's western side. As the population grows, drivers often experience increased traffic along the main thoroughfares and slowdowns during rush hour. “Those of us who grew up here feel like the traffic is nuts,” Meadows says. “But I’ll take people moving from bigger towns onto Highway 200 – which is the worst – and they think it’s nothing.” The state recently awarded a grant to the city for the construction of additional lanes to accommodate expansion. For carless commutes, the SunTran bus line has a stop at the Downtown Transfer Station, which connects passengers to Amtrak. Gainesville Regional Airport, the closest airport with commercial flights, is roughly 40 miles away.
Historic Downtown Ocala and the growing business district next door
Ocala got the nickname “Brick City" after a tragic downtown fire in the late 1800s spurred the utilization of fire-resistant materials like brick and stone. Today, Downtown Ocala center is characterized by red brick storefronts, beautiful street murals and the original Ocala Fire Bell, memorialized on the corner of Southeast Broadway Street and Osceola Avenue. The Ocala Downtown Market every Saturday brings food trucks, fresh produce, art and live music to Ocala's Historic Downtown Square. Those looking for cocktails and spirits can head to Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar. The city has a handful of microbreweries and bars for hangouts after dark.
However, locals usually travel to nearby major cities, such as Gainesville, for more extensive nightlife options. Larger commercial areas can be found on Silver Springs Boulevard and State Road 200. “Our downtown is like Small Town USA,” Meadows says. “It’s super picturesque, so the gazebo is a big deal. During First Friday art walks, bands set up and play in it.”
The North Magnolia Business District is a growing commercial zone north of downtown. The district has undergone redevelopment for years, and the city recently started a new incentive program to encourage construction and ignite growth.
The 1889 Ocala Fire Bell is on exhibit in the Southeast Broadway Street median in Ocala.
Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar is a premier barbecue, southern cuisine in Ocala.
This interactive mural is one of the art installations in Downtown Ocala.
Watch as your bartenders bring the works of Poe to life at the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy.
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Crime
FBI data reports that Ocala has property and violent crime rates higher than the national average. According to an Annual Report by the Ocala Police Department, the city experienced a reduction in overall crimes between 2021 and 2022. Violent crime fell by 17%. Property crime ticked up 6% in the same period, driven mostly by theft and fraud cases.
On average, homes in Ocala, FL sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocala, FL over the last 12 months is $280,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$299,925
Median Sale Price
$280,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$294,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$238,990
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$136,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
4,711
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-$1
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$182
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
2,280
Months of Supply
5.80
Cost of Living Comparison
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Ocala, FL
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Madison Street Academy of Visual & Performing Arts
Hey! I am Maritza, a true Miami native who proudly calls Ocala, Florida home since 2007! With over 15 years of experience in customer service, I am a pro at connecting with people and building lasting relationships.
But that's not all—my journey led me to invest in and sell vacant lands right here in Ocala, fueling my passion for real estate and interior decorating. It was only a matter of time before I decided to chase my dreams and become a real estate agent.
Outside of work, I am mom to two amazing kids, Rosy and Damien. In my free time, you'll often find me diving into home decor projects, staying organized, and discovering new DIY ideas for your living space.
But here's what truly sets me apart—my unwavering commitment to helping others. My mission is to make your real estate journey stress-free and memorable. I am excited to be your guide as you embark on this exciting adventure with you!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
