Moving to Ocala, Florida

Are you ready to turn the page to a new chapter of your life in the breathtaking city of Florida? Then, consider moving to Ocala, Florida.

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Ocala lies in Marion County, Florida, situated between Gainesville and Orlando. It is the 4th safest place to live in the U.S. Moreover, it has earned the 16th rank as the best place to retire in the U.S. The name “Ocala” derives from the term “Ocali,” coined by the extinct Timucuan tribe. The city was founded in 1849.

Ocala is an agricultural city that cultivates tobacco, rice, sugar cane, citrus, cotton, and cattle. Also called the “Horse Capital of the World,” Ocala is highly known for its horse industry, competitions, and several farms.

Other popular attractions include Silver Springs State Park, Appleton Museum of Art, Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, Silver Glen Springs, and Juniper Springs. The city is home to the second largest national forest in Florida, Ocala National Forest.

With such a beautiful atmosphere and attractions, won`t it be amazing to call this place home? If yes, leap into the blog post to get more information regarding relocating to Ocala, Florida.

Quick facts before moving to Ocala, FL:

Where is Ocala, FL, Located?

Ocala, Florida, in Marion County, is the county seat, positioned halfway between Gainesville and Orlando.

Population in Ocala, FL

In 2023, the estimated population of Ocala, FL, was 65,100, growing at 0.78% annually.

Diversity in Ocala, FL

The population of Ocala, FL, is diverse, with the following ethnic and racial composition:

White (Non-Hispanic): 58.4%
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 19.7%
Hispanic: 15.9%
Two or more races: 3%
Asian: 3%
Other race: 0%

Cost of Living in Ocala, FL

One of the key perks of moving to Ocala, FL, is affordable living in a large city. The Cost of Living Index for Ocala, FL, is 87, which is 13% lower than the U.S. average and 12.6% lower than the national average.

Ocala’s average annual household income is $72,449.
The median household income is $46,841 per year.
The average monthly net salary after tax is $2,860.57.
To maintain a suitable life in Ocala, FL, it is recommended to have a minimum annual income of $53,280 for a family and $37,200 for a single person.
Estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $4,539.6 without rent.
Estimated monthly expenses for a single person are $1,270.5 without rent.

The table below indicates Ocala’s cost of living index for different categories compared to the cost of living in Florida and the national average.

Category	Ocala	Florida Average	National Average
Overall Cost of Living	87	100	100
Housing (Buy and Rent)	85	100	100
Utilities	90	100	100
Food	94	100	100
Healthcare	102	100	100

How Is the Housing Market in Ocala, FL?

Suppose you are moving to Ocala, Florida, to purchase a home for your family. Ocala, FL, is generally safe, particularly the best retirement communities in Florida, offering quality homes in secure neighborhoods. In that case, we have compiled some vital information regarding the housing and rental statistics of Ocala, Florida, to allow you to make an informed decision.

The average cost of buying a home is approximately $277,721.
The median home value in Ocala is $309,450.
The homeownership rate in Ocala, FL, as of 2023, is 74.8%, with 23.9% of the population renting in their homes.
The median list price per square foot for homes in Ocala is $190.

Average rental price in Ocala, FL

In Ocala, FL, the average rent for an apartment is $1,500.
The average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Ocala is approximately $1,720.
One-bedroom apartments in Ocala typically range between $819 and $1,775.
The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Ocala is around $1,300.
If you’re looking for a three-bedroom house to rent in Ocala, the average price is $1,968 per month.

How is the job market in Ocala, FL?

The job market in Ocala, FL, is booming, with major companies like FedEx, Chewy, and AutoZone opening large distribution centers and creating jobs. The city’s central location and easy interstate access make it an attractive place for businesses to set up shop, and the influx of new jobs is also drawing people to move to Ocala, Florida.

Ocala/Marion County will experience continued job growth, with over 7 million square feet of industrial space under construction and another 8 million square feet planned. The area ranks 51st nationally for talent attraction among the 600 largest counties, suggesting positive future job growth.
The average salary in Ocala, FL, as of 2023, is about $50,131 per year or $24.10 per hour.
As of 2023, Ocala, FL, has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, lower than the long-term average of 6.41%.

What are the top employers in Ocala, FL

Winco Mfg.
Taylor, Bean & Whitaker
Jenkins Auto Group
Munroe Regional Medical Center
ClosetMaid
E-ONE
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
City of Ocala
R+L Global Logistics
HCA Florida Hospitals

What are the most common job titles in Ocala, FL

Customer Service Representative
Retail Salesperson
Stockers and Order Fillers
Cashiers
Office Clerks, General
Fast Food and Counter Workers
Registered Nurses
Sales Associate
Certified Nursing Assistant
Server

Highest paying jobs in Ocala, FL

Physician
General Dentist
Dentist
Chief Finance Officer
Pharmacist In Charge
Pharmacist
Executive Director
Nurse Practitioner
Construction Manager

How safe is it to live in Ocala, FL?

Like several other big US cities, Ocala has its fair share of crime issues. The following is the critical information about crime rates since you’re considering moving to Ocala, Florida.

Ocala’s crime rates exceed Florida and national averages, with an overall crime rate of 3,834 per 100,000 people.
Ocala’s crime rate is 78.1% higher than the state average and 63.4% higher than the national average.
The violent crime rate in Ocala is 674 per 100,000 people, surpassing state and national averages by 75.7% and 73.8%, respectively.
The likelihood of being a victim of crime in Ocala is 1 in 28, varying across different city areas.
Property crime is prevalent in Ocala, with a rate of 29 per 1,000 residents, covering offenses like burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The violent crime rate, encompassing assault, murder, rape, and robbery, is 6.62 per 1,000 residents.

Top Safest Neighborhoods in Ocala, FL

Silver Springs Shores Northwest
Marion Oaks East
York
Ocala Estates
Early Bird / Romeo
Liberty Triangle North
Ross Prairie
E Fort King St / SE 39th Ave

How Fast Can You Commute in Ocala, FL?

The average commute time for Ocala, FL, is around 26.2 minutes.
In Ocala, most people (90.4%) drive alone to work, while 10.1% carpool, 0.4% use public transportation, and 7.1% work from home.
Car ownership in Ocala is similar to the national average, with two cars per household.

List available public transportation in Ocala, FL

Public transportation in Ocala, Florida, is mainly managed by SunTran, which operates seven bus routes in Marion County, centered in Ocala.

The Downtown Transfer Station is a central stop for six routes, also connecting to Amtrak bus collector service for train station access. A shuttle line service offers trips to Orlando International Airport from this station.

The seven SunTran bus routes are as follows:

Green Route: Downtown Transfer Station – NE 5th Street – Watula – 2nd Street – 19th Avenue – 3rd Street – 25th – DTS
Blue Route: DTS – N Magnolia – Old US Highway 301 – NW 1st Avenue – 28th Street – 14th Avenue – 35th Street
Purple Route: DTS – N Magnolia/NE 1st Avenue – NW 3rd Street – N Pine – NW 2nd Street – 7th Avenue – 4th Street – DTS
Orange Route: DTS – N Magnolia/NE 1st Avenue – SW 10th Street (back 10th Street – S Pine – 17th Street – 1st – DTS)
Red Route: Health Department – Maricamp – Bahia – Pine – Spring – Emerald – Maricamp – Oak – Lake Weir High
Yellow Route
Silver Route

How’s the weather in Ocala, FL?

Since you’re moving to Ocala, Florida, here is what you’ll need to know about the weather bulletin of the city.

Ocala, Florida, has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
The city has two seasons: a wet season from late May to mid-October and a dry season from mid-October to late May.
The wet season is very humid, while the dry season is dry and pleasant, and the city gets rainfall throughout the year, with August being the wettest month.
Ocala doesn’t usually experience snow due to its subtropical climate.
July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 27.1 °C | 80.8 °F, while January is the coldest at 13.8 °C | 56.8 °F.
Ocala enjoys a good amount of sunshine throughout the year, though the exact number of sunny days is unspecified in the search results.

How is the Education in Ocala, FL?

Education in Ocala, Florida, is overseen by Marion County Public Schools.
The district is rated above average and has 42,678 students in grades PK to 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1.
There are 63 schools in the district, including 15 public elementary, middle, and high schools, along with 25 private schools.
The overall district score is 6.3 out of 10, similar to other metro areas of the same size.
The district employs 514 teachers, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 24:1 for high schools and 21:1 across all grades.
The average undergraduate tuition & fees for Ocala colleges are $4,189 for in-state and $10,009 for out-of-state in the 2022-2023 academic year.
In-state associate-level courses at the College of Central Florida cost $112.92 per credit hour, totaling about $2,890 per year for a student with a 12-credit course load over two semesters.
Proficiency levels in math and reading differ across schools, ranging from above 80% to below 50%.

Best Middle Schools in Ocala, FL

Osceola Middle School
Howard Middle School
Liberty Middle School

Best Elementary Schools in Ocala, FL

Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts
Eighth Street Elementary School
Dr N H Jones Elementary School

Best High Schools in Ocala, FL

West Port High School
Forest High School
Vanguard High School

Best Universities and Colleges in Ocala, FL

College of Central Florida – Ocala Campus
University of Florida
Saint Leo University

What are the best things to do in Ocala, FL?

The famous attractions and best things to see in Ocala, Florida are:

Dive into the world of drag racing at the Don Garlits Museum, showcasing a rich history and an impressive collection of drag racing vehicles.
Find tranquility at Sholom Park, a beautifully landscaped oasis ideal for peaceful walks and picnics.
Immerse yourself in art at the Appleton Museum, featuring a diverse collection of artworks and captivating traveling exhibitions.
Discover the underwater wonders of Silver Springs River with a glass-bottom boat tour, exploring one of Florida’s largest springs.
Experience the natural beauty of Florida at Silver Springs State Park, the state’s inaugural tourist attraction.
Uncover the horse breeding and racing world at Bridlewood Farm, a must-visit for equestrian enthusiasts.
Witness thrilling dirt track racing events at Bubba Raceway Park, offering an adrenaline-packed experience.
Seek adventure at Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, where you can zip line over canyons and lakes.
Enjoy live performances at the Ocala Civic Theatre, one of the largest community theaters in the state.
Explore the Horse Capital of the World by visiting local horse farms for a unique and immersive experience.

Best Neighborhoods in Ocala, FL

Here are some of the best places to live in Ocala, FL:

Historic District
Fort King District
Heathbrook
Fore Ranch
Equestrian Homes
Country Club Of Ocala
Forest Of Golden Hills
Devonshire
Deerpath
Bellechase

What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Ocala, FL?

If you wonder if moving to Ocala suits you, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in Ocala, Florida, check them out.

Pros	Cons
Small-town feel	Limited big-city amenities
Affordable cost of living	Risk of tornadoes
Convenient location	Limited job opportunities
Warm weather with 241 sunny days a year	Hot and humid summers
Low hurricane, flood, and tropical storm risk	High crime rates in some areas
Lower than national average crime rate	Not close to the beach
Family-friendly environment	Lots of retirees and seniors, limited diversity
No state income taxes	Little access to professional jobs
Plenty of fun things to do	Growth and urbanization concerns
Good access to healthcare	Risk of sinkholes

Final thoughts

If you are planning to move to Florida? Choose no other than the all-rounder city, Ocala. It doesn’t have an income tax, and the sales tax is very low. Moreover, the cost of living is the main feature that attracts newcomers to settle here. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your stuff and hire your movers now!