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Ocala, FL

Frequently asked questions

Ocala, FL

Ocala is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Florida, United States. Ocala is the principal city of the Ocala metropolitan area, which had a population of 375,908 in 2020.

Home to over 400 thoroughbred farms and training centers, Ocala is considered the "Horse Capital of the World".Notable attractions include the Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, the College of Central Florida, and the World Equestrian Center.

Ocala is named after Ocale (also Cale, Etocale, and other variants) a Timucua village and chiefdom recorded in the 16th century, the name of which is believed to mean "Big Hammock" in the Timucua language. Another possible meaning of the name is "song or singer of admiration or glorification".

The modern city of Ocala, which was established in 1849, developed around the fort site. Greater Ocala is known as the "Kingdom of the Sun". Plantations and other agricultural developments dependent on slave labor were prevalent in the region. Ocala was an important center of citrus production until the Great Freeze of 1894–1895. During the Reconstruction era, Ocala was represented by several African Americans in the Florida House of Representatives and on the local level.

Ocala is located at 29°11′16″N 82°07′50″W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 47.79 square miles (123.8 km²), all land. The surrounding farms are famous for their thoroughbred horses, in terrain similar to Kentucky bluegrass. Ocala is also known for nearby Silver Springs, the site of one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world, and Silver Springs Nature Theme Park, one of the earliest tourist attractions in Florida.

The 110-mile (180 km) long Ocklawaha River passes 10 miles (16 km) east of Ocala, flowing north from Central Florida until it joins the St. Johns River near Palatka.

Marion County is also home to the Ocala National Forest which was established in 1908 and is now the second largest national forest in the state. The Florida Trail, also known as the Florida National Scenic Trail, cuts through Ocala National Forest. Silver Springs State Park was formed as Silver River State Park in 1987, out of land the state purchased around the Silver Springs attraction to spare it from development. The state took over Silver Springs itself in 1993 and incorporated it into the park in 2013.

Health and wellness are integral to the Ocala community. The city boasts several healthcare facilities, including the Ocala Regional Medical Center, providing comprehensive medical services to residents. The Spa at PGA National Resort offers a variety of massages including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, and aromatherapy massages, in addition to other spa treatments. Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island provides a range of massage therapies including their signature "Heaven in a Hammock" massage, deep tissue massage, and reflexology. LA Fitness offers a variety of fitness equipment, group fitness classes, personal training services, and amenities like pools and saunas. 24-Hour Fitness provides a range of fitness equipment, group exercise classes, personal training options, and amenities such as steam rooms and whirlpools. Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access to its facilities, a variety of workout equipment, personal training services, and virtual classes.

Top sites in Ocala, FL are Appleton Museum of Art, Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, and Fort King National Historic Landmark.

Population: 68,426 (2023). ZIP code: 34470. Area code: 352. Elevation: 104 ft (32 m). Area: 47.26 sq mi (122.41 km²).

FAQs

Why is Ocala, FL so cheap?

While Ocala is known as one of the cleanest and most beautiful places to call home, it was also listed by Yahoo! Finance as one of the most affordable places to call home in the United States. Home prices and rental prices are lower than many other locations in Florida. The cost of living in Ocala is lower than the national average. Since Florida doesn't have an income tax and the Ocala sales tax rate is under the state average, the cost of living is lower than many other areas in Florida.

Can I afford Ocala, FL?

To live comfortably in Ocala, Florida, a minimum annual income of $53,280 for a family, and $37,200 for a single person is recommended. A typical home costs $278,500, which is 17.6% less expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 23.2% less expensive than the average Florida home, at $362,400. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Ocala costs $1,150 per month, which is 19.6% cheaper than the national average of $1,430 and 35.7% cheaper than the state average of $1,560.

Is Ocala, FL a good city to live in?

It's also known for its many outdoor attractions, including the Ocala National Forest and nearby Silver Springs State Park. Living in Ocala FL offers an affordable cost of living, a diverse economy, and great schools. It's often ranked one of the best places to live in Florida and one of the top retirement destinations!

Sources

City of Ocala

Wikipedia

Southernimpressionhomes

2collegebrothers

bestplaces

Ocala Regional Medical Center

The Spa at PGA National Resort

Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

LA Fitness

24-Hour Fitness

Anytime Fitness 

Appleton Museum of Art

Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing

Fort King National Historic Landmark

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