Ocklawaha is a primarily residential area known for its stunning natural amenities and green spaces. “We’ve got Lake Weir which is lovely and quite large, and Carney Island and places to swim,” says Sara Lambert, the community engagement coordinator with Marion County Parks & Rec. “Our parks are very indicative of old Florida, with big oak trees dripping in moss and old orange groves converted to protected land.”
Gator Joe's Beach Bar & Grill is a beachfront hangout for eats & drinks.
A beautiful aerial view of Ocklawaha community park.
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Acres of old Florida land at Carney Island Park
Carney Island Park is a spacious park that hugs Lake Weir, the fifth largest lake in the state, and has boat ramps that give residents the chance to get out on the water and do some fishing. “Carney Island has trail systems and a swim beach and people can rent out picnic shelters for events,” Lambert says. “We purchased the land from Coca-Cola in the 1990s as part of the Pennies for Parks program and now it’s over 750 acres of protected islands and causeways and beaches and it’s just gorgeous.” The park is also home to the Ma Barker House which was built in 1935 and now offers private tours. For a time, the house was rented by notorious gangsters Ma Barker and her son, who would later engage in the longest FBI shootout in history when police found them hiding out in Ocklawaha.
Lake view of Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area on Lake Weir in Ocklawaha, Fl.
Lake view of Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area on Lake Weir in Ocklawaha, Fl.
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From ranch-style to luxury lakefront
Most of the housing stock in Ocklawaha is ranch-style homes, with luxury lakefront options available as well. Home prices can be anywhere from $81,000 mobile homes to $2,600,000 waterfront estates. Home sizes range from 860 to 9,300 square feet and some date back to the early 1950s with new construction as recent as 2023. Large lots with long driveways populate winding streets through lush green land dotted with lakes. There are about 5,200 total homes in the neighborhood and the average number of days on the market in Ocklawaha is over twice the national average.
A lovely, ranch style home in a suburban neighborhood of Ocklawaha, Fl.
Luxury style lakefront ranch sitting on Lake Weir at Ocklawaha, Fl.
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Gator grub and bar food
A local dining staple is Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill, a waterfront hangout built over Lake Weir with a sand volleyball court and a menu that focuses on seafood and American bar food classics. Established in 1926, the restaurant’s island cuisine includes dishes like gator tails and baby back ribs. Big Bob’s Restaurant and Pizza is a classic Italian joint with everything from pizzas and subs to pasta and soups. Good Time Bar & Grill has bar grub and locals love stopping by to catch the latest game or challenge their friends to a game of pool. Live music isn’t hard to find either and their dance floor is always busy. For groceries and additional shopping and dining, residents head to Spanish Springs Town Square. Popular locations include the movie theater, quaint boutiques and restaurants like Kilwins, known for its fudge and ice cream.
Experience live entertainment at the Spanish Springs Town Square near Summerfield, Fl.
Gator Joe's Beach Bar & Grill is a beachfront hangout for eats & drinks.
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B and C rated schools with a high school Cambridge program
Students in Ocklawaha can attend East Marion Elementary School which received a C rating from Niche and serves about 600 students with a student-teacher ratio of 17-to-1. Lake Weir Middle School is another option that received a C-plus rating from Niche and serves about 1,170 students with a student-teacher ratio of 21-to-1. Lake Weir High School received a B-minus rating from Niche and serves about 1,400 students with a student-teacher ratio of 23-to-1. The school offers a Cambridge AICE Program that gives students access to college credits and alternate pathways.
East Marion Elementary School provides education in
Eastern Marion County.
Lake Weir Middle School is a public school located in Ocala.
Lake Weir High School is a public school serving 1,413 students in grades 9-12.
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Take Highway 25 into Ocala
Residents have easy access to Highway 25 which can take them into Ocala just 17 miles northwest.
Written By
Jordan Hamner
Photography Contributed By
Philip Bicy
Video By
Brian Bernhard
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lori Conklin,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ocklawaha, FL sell after 104 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocklawaha, FL over the last 12 months is $254,995, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-In Ready 2018 Scott-Build 4-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom home in Winding Waters! This split floor plan feels like new and is ready for immediate occupancy. The master suite includes a large bath with a garden soaker tub, separate shower, and dual sinks. The open-concept kitchen features a spacious island, generous counter space, and plenty of cabinetry. Situated on a quarter-acre lot at the end of a
Discover the charm of this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home situated on a spacious .28-acre lot. Perfectly designed for families or anyone seeking convenience, the property features a carport that comfortably accommodates two vehicles, along with an 8' x 18' shed for additional storage needs. Step inside to find beautifully updated bathrooms and a modern kitchen, alongside new carpets and
Build your dream home in the Woods & Lakes community! Zoned Residential for site built homes only on paved road with no HOA. Conveniently located just minutes away from Ocala, Belleview, and Lake Weir offering hunting/fishing and ATV/horse trails minutes away.
Great corner lot to build your dream home.This mostly cleared and vacant lot, designated as R1 zoning, covers 0.27 acres on a paved road in Silver Springs Shores. Nestled in a tranquil setting, it is surrounded by well-maintained homes and newly built houses. The lot offers proximity to Lake Weir and several other lakes, providing easy access to restaurants, amenities, The Villages and various
Discover the potential in this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the heart of Ocklawaha, Florida — a peaceful community known for its quiet country charm, beautiful lakes, and easy access to both Ocala and The Villages.Sitting on nearly half an acre, this property offers plenty of room to spread out and make it your own. The home features a desirable split floor plan, a large kitchen
ASK ABOUT OUR ALTERNATIVE SECURITY DEPOSIT OPTIONS!Gorgeous home in a beautiful neighborhood! This spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom single-family home in Ocklawaha features: Keyless Locks, Smart Thermostat, Primary Suite, Stainless Steel Appliances, Open Concept Layout, Washer/Dryer Hook-Ups, and Two-Car Garage. Kairos Living has no pet restrictions and is happy to provide long-term leases
Welcome to your new home in the scenic town of Ocklawaha!This 3 bed 2 bath 2 car garage is located directly in front of a breath taking pond allowing you to enjoy the wildlife in your own backyard! Upon walking in you will notice the seamless kitchen and living room combo. The kitchen is complete with white shaker cabinets, all stainless steel appliances including refrigerator, dishwasher,
Marilyn KuczynskiFLORIDA HOMES SALES & MANAGEMENT LLC
ASK ABOUT OUR ALTERNATIVE SECURITY DEPOSIT OPTIONS!Gorgeous home in a beautiful neighborhood! This spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom single-family home in Ocklawaha features: Keyless Locks, Smart Thermostat, Primary Suite, Open Concept Layout, Washer/Dryer Hook-Ups, and Two-Car Garage. Kairos Living has no pet restrictions and is happy to provide long-term leases and 24/7 Emergency
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