$278,225Average Value$474Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A historic, walkable community with several restaurants and parks
Downtown Ocala is an embodiment of Old Florida. The community got its name from an early indigenous tribe, Timucuan, who named their village "Ocali," meaning "Big Hammock." It started to develop in the 1840s as the first commercial center in Marion County. However, after a big fire in 1883, the town had to take some time to redevelop significantly. Today, it's a vibrant National Register Historic District with several of its original late 19th and early 20th century buildings. Its walkable, busy streets are lined with local businesses and bright murals that intersect historic centers, blending history and modernity. "Downtown Ocala is a very calm community," says Realtor Delaney Mellucci of the Truluck Team at Sellstate Next Generation Realty. "You get a big city vibe in a small town with all sorts of events. In fact, there's an event by the Square almost every month."
Downtown Ocala has a bustling city center surrounded by a variety of home styles.
Downtown Ocala is a neighbor to Silver Springs, home of the glass bottom kayaks and boats.
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Locals live in historic Victorians and bungalows
Downtown Ocala's historic district is a blend of small businesses and residences that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Buyers will find Victorians, four squares with brick and stone facades and bungalows with wide verandas and tin roofs. Since houses are a bit older, many have been renovated. Some maintain their original fixtures, including wood cabinetry, ornate crown moldings and built-ins. There are also some townhomes along Watula Avenue that cost $800,000. Bigger, 3,000-square-foot homes can cost close to $600,000, while smaller, 1,100-square-foot homes can cost as low as $250,000. Downtown Ocala streets are walkable and covered with mossy oaks.
Many homes date back to the early 1900's in Downtown Ocala.
This charming Downtown Ocala row of homes neatly line the sidewalk.
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A day at the Square or browsing the Art Park at Tuscawilla
Ocala's Historic Downtown Square is the center of the community and a beacon of local events, like First Friday Art Walks and live music every Friday and Saturday. Benches, manicured trees and a small walking path surround the Square's octagonal center. And during Christmas, it lights up with the help of the towering Christmas tree. Locals also enjoy the outdoors at Tuscawilla Park, which features a children's playground, tennis and basketball courts and several picnic areas. Tuscawilla's paved trail meets the park's central lake, which has dancing fountains and meandering ducks. Locals also stroll through Tuscawilla's Art Park, enjoying ornate art displays that scatter two acres. Or residents head to Tuscawilla Park's Reilly Arts Center, home to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. The center is home to various dynamic musical productions, with 700 available seats.
Downtown Ocala is a small historic city located in Central Florida.
Downtown Ocala is sprinkled with art throughout the neighborhood.
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Hopping into Harry's or browsing the weekend market
Several restaurants and markets with various goods and flavors scatter Downtown Ocala's. Locals start their day with high-quality espresso beverages and fresh-made breakfast items at The Gathering Café. For lunch and dinner, options abound. Ivy on the Square's rustic yet antique aesthetic features a full bar and sandwich options, like fried green tomato BLTs. Brick City Southern Kitchen and Whiskey Bar is a low-key spot where locals sip whiskey and enjoy the rich barbecue. Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille is a well-known Ocala hit in a high-traffic area across the Square, known for its red beans and rice with smoked sausage. "There's often music in the Square on the weekends, so locals waiting for their table can walk to the Square to hang out and listen to music," Mellucci says. Locals who want to make a meal at home can grab locally sourced produce on Saturdays at Ocala Downtown Market. "The market is packed on the weekends, and you can get standard produce, but several vendors are selling personalized merchandise." And a Publix is off 17th Street, offering big-box options.
Harry's Seafood in Downtown Ocala features New Orleans-inspired fare.
The Downtown Market happens every Saturday in Downtown Ocala.
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Kids attend top-rated Marion County Schools
Kids growing up in Downtown Ocala attend Marion County Public Schools, which earned an overall B on Niche. Many students kickstart their education at Eighth Street Elementary School, which has a student-to-teacher ratio of 16-to-1 and earned an A-minus on Niche. Students progress to Osceola Middle School, which Niche gave a B-plus and ranked as the best public middle school in Marion County. Students head to Vanguard High School to earn their degrees. The high school hosts the Future Educators Academy, designed for students interested in a career in education. Niche gave the high school an overall A-minus.
Eighth Street Elementary School is a public school with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Vanguard High School is a public school serving 1,596 students in grades 9-12.
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Navigating Ocala
While Downtown Ocala is a walkable neighborhood, it's served by the SunTran bus system. The nearest commercial airport is Gainesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north. HCA Florida Ocala Hospital is just south if locals need a doctor.
There are a variety of shops, restaurants and amenities in Downtown Ocala.
The SunTran provides public transportation in Downtown Ocala and the surrounding areas.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sharon Will,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Toms Park
Basketball
Fishing
Grills
Ritterhoff Park
Chazal Park
Lake
Picnic Area
Trails
Tuscawilla Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Ocala Skate Park
Skateboard
Parking Lot
Tuscawilla Art Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Transit
Airport
Gainesville Regional
59 min drive
Bus
SE 1st Ave. & SE 3 St.
Bus
NE 5th St. & NE Watula Ave. Eastbound
Bus
NW Magnolia Ave. & NW 3rd St.
Bus
N Magnolia Ave. & NE 9th St.
Bus
NE 5th St. & NE Watula Ave.
Bus
SE Magnolia Exd. & SW 7th St.
Bus
N Magnolia Ave & NW 17th Pl
Downtown Ocala Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Ocala, Ocala sell after 208 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Ocala, Ocala over the last 12 months is $555,000, up 72% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great Opportunity to buy this 0.17-Acre parcel – Zoned R2 – in Ocala Ridge, Near WEC! Unlock the potential of this unique investment opportunity in one of Marion County’s most desirable locations—just minutes from the World Equestrian Center (WEC). Whether you’re a small-to-mid-size builder or investor seeking land for residential development, this R2-zoned gem offers flexibility for
Walking Distance to Downtown Ocala, where you can experience exquisite dining, coffee shops and entertaining! You’re initially greeted with an open living area seamlessly connected to a tastefully designed kitchen, the unique character stands out in the high ceilings and exposed brick and duct work. The living space is adorned with contemporary furnishings and large windows that invite in natural
Welcome to this magnificent estate on 4.5 acres, where luxury and thoughtful design blend seamlessly with modern upgrades. As you enter through the grand front doors, you're greeted by an impressive staircase that sets the tone for the home's stately elegance. The main residence features six spacious bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and a hidden room cleverly concealed within every
Downtown Ocala's Premier Apartment CommunityLamplighter Legacy is alive with energy. Choose from one of our brand-new Studio, one-, two, or three-bedroom floor plans featuring spacious walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, shaker-style cabinetry, and more. Impressive on-site amenities include a fully equipped 24-hour fitness center, a sparkling pool and sun deck, outdoor
Welcome to a piece of Ocala’s past with endless possibilities for the future. This stately 5-bedroom, 1.5-bath home sits proudly in the heart of Ocala’s Historic District—just a short stroll from the charming downtown square, local eateries, shops, and year-round events.Inside, you'll find timeless character that can’t be recreated—original hardwood floors, tall ceilings, and decorative
Cute historic 2 bed 1 bath located in the heart of the downtown Tuscawilla Historic District. The unit features a cozy kitchen and living room, the laundry is in the bathroom, and cozy bedrooms. The historic charm really adds to the character of the unit. Driveway is shared with the front unit. Room measurements should be verified by the tenant. Application fee is $60 for the first adult and $40
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sharon Will,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,550
Median Age
38
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$39,828
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,885
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.1%
College Graduates
21.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.5%
% Population in Labor Force
57.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
67/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
63/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
34/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
