Private, wooded lots away from the city in Rainbow Park
Winding, wooded roads lead to spacious properties across Rainbow Park, a rural, Marion County community around 15 miles west of Ocala. The neighborhood lies off the beaten path, with a mix of paved and dirt roads, and plentiful undeveloped wooded plots. “It’s a great area for people who don’t want to be in all the hustle of a larger town,” says Robb Harrison, broker and owner of Robb Harrison Realty Inc., who is experienced in selling homes in the area. “It’s private, but close enough to everything. You’re right on Highway 40, which can take you into Ocala or all the way east to Daytona. Once you leave the community, it doesn’t take long to get to amenities.”
Spacious properties with room to grow
The local housing market has a mix of single-family houses and undeveloped lots, with ranch-style homes, farmhouses and manufactured homes common throughout the area. Properties range from a quarter acre to over 10 acres, with a variety of wooded and open options. Acreage and a lack of a homeowners association allow room for horses, livestock and workshops. Undeveloped properties range from around $5,000 to $310,000, while single-family builds can go for $100,000 to $600,000. Manufactured homes range from $30,000 to $320,000.
An expansive state park with crystal-clear water and golfing nearby
Rainbow Springs State Park spans over 1,400 acres and is a popular destination for campers, hikers and swimmers, with the crystal-clear waters of its namesake spring serving as the main highlight. The Rainbow River flows through the park and draws tubers and kayakers. The public, 18-hole Juliette Falls Golf Course is also close, with beautifully maintained, tree-lined greens and fairways, along with a dining room and seasonal events.
Equestrian facilities and events near Rainbow Park
Numerous stables and equestrian facilities can be found throughout the area, including Eddie Woods Stables and Classic Mile Park Training Center. “Proximity to the World Equestrian Center is another huge,” says Harrison. The facility has arenas, stables, a veterinary hospital and an expo center and hosts annual events like the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, in February, and the Ocala Food and Wine Festival, a three-day celebration in November.
Career-based learning at Dunnellon High School
Each of the communities designated public schools earns a B-minus grade from Niche, starting with Dunnellon Elementary School and Dunnellon Middle School. Students at Dunnellon High can choose from over 20 clubs and extracurricular activities, from culinary arts and robotics to literary club and yearbook. The high school also offers 10 Career and Technical Education programs of study, with topics including computer science, digital video production and agritechnology.
A small selection of local businesses with nearby shopping in Ocala
There are a few businesses within a mile of Rainbow Park, including a Dollar General, a bar and a taqueria. “There’s not a lot of business in town, but that is seen as more of a draw than a negative to a lot of people moving out here,” Harrison says. The Log Cabin Store offers a small selection of snacks and essentials, while Amex Food and Deli is around 5 miles northeast for groceries. The east end of Ocala is roughly 12 miles away and is home to a wide variety of Mexican restaurants and Latin markets, including local favorites Taqueria My Ranchito and La Hacienda Restaurant and Supermarket.
Traveling to nearby cities via Highway 40
Nearby amenities include the HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and the Dunnellon Public Library. Highway 40 lies just south of Rainbow Park and provides a direct route to Ocala and Daytona. Gainesville Regional Airport is around 50 miles north, while Daytona Beach International is roughly 90 miles east.
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Written By
Jillian Pillow
