If you want to know more about things to do in Ocala, or outdoor activities and Springs that Ocala can offer, you can also watch the next video on the end screen. Thank you so much for your support. 💗
@@brig1090 Thank you for reaching out, please don't hesitate to contact me on this number: 352-470-9383. I would be happy to assist you, have a great day!
Hey, I'm someone that just moved out of ocala. It's so crowded now it's difficult, and it's hard to find housing. The drug and homelessness problem is growing and it's absolutely heart breaking.
Unfortunately, I think that description describes almost the entire US these days--although some areas of the country aren't crowded, drugs and crime seem to be increasing even in those places.
I really doubt it is as bad as it you say no offence. I came from San Francisco Bay Area and I know what real drug use and homelessness looks like. When I went to Ocala, I did not see it. Yes there are homlessness and drugs is problem. Many people have lost hope and self medicate, drug abuse is a road to homelessness and dual diagnoses problems. As far as being crowded, I am sure it is crowded compared to what it used to be. I live in Parrish and it is CROWDED NOW compared to what it was 5 years ago and its getting worse. But its not crowded comapared to the Bay Area or LA.
What can I say, after living here for over nineteen years, I love, love it the cost of living here Is the best, I couldn't live in New York based on what I get from social security, I live in a small community, one of the best thing I did is buying a condo, houses are good for young people, it's much easier with a condo, so if you are a Senior think about it
Lived in Florida for 35 years. The Villages housing development is overwhelming central Florida from Marion through Sumpter Counties. It seems like everyone wants to live here. Dont get me wrong its great living here but be prepared for heavy population and traffic. Even Orlando and Tampa sprawl has become merging them into one megalopolis. Even up I75 the Tampa sprawl is taking over. Ocalla is just around the corner to become that massive increase in population density. In 10 years it's likely that Florida will exceed the populations of Calfornia and NY. Massive numbers of inner city residents are fleeing to central Florida. That's OK as long as it doesn't become an east coast California.
100% agree with this! Great way to describe it, hopefully it does not become an East Coast California. Some of the policies and disfunction in California, it's just honestly really sad to see 😭 Pros and cons of living in CA 🧸
I've lived in Jacksonville for 29 years and everything you say about Ocala is spot on. The wife and I plan on retiring there. I grew up in Ft Lauderdale and haven't been to the beach since 1985.
I'm originally from Los Angeles. Moved to Macon Georgia and lived there for 17+ yrs. Became somewhat Southernized there. At age 49, we moved to Ocala. Lived there 16+ yrs. I love Ocala. It's not too big but it's small enough to feel you're not in a big metro area. Has all the eateries and most of the shopping attributes you need. I actually lived down SW 200 near the edge of the county and outside the city limits. Traffic isn't always great as the one side to the other roads are few unless you know the smaller 'back roads'. But overall it is an all you need city. We moved to Citrus County over a year ago..the county on the gulf next to Marion County (adjacent) so I still drive to Ocala for various reasons. I've grown to love the area and at age 68 I plan on living my life out here.
Hey, we live in the area and wanted to make a correction or two about this video. To drive from Ocala to the beach at Ormond sr40 is only a 50 min to 1 hr trip. Daytona is only 1 hr away from Ocala. Also, there is lots of lakes in this area. I can't imagine you ever being more than 10 mins from a lake no matter where you are. Plus the extremely beautiful Ocklawaha River running through just East of Ocala. Great video we enjoyed very much. Thanks for posting.
I'm 60, my friend from Palm beach county just moved there, it has all of the reasons why I will buy property there, this is a very enlightening informative video, thank you guys, for the info, I have already shared it with friends, and subscribed
Ocala is were I am looking to buy my home and it sounds greats. I don’t have no problems with the cons. My husband and I are not retired just yet but we want to place ourselves for when the time comes. Kids are grown and out the house so its just my husband and I moving from New York.Thanks for all the pros. They work for me.
Here is a tip for you and you take it anyway you want it……as an insult or sound advice on why Florida is like it is financially. Financially we have low property taxes because we have the senior’s Homestead Exemption tax which greatly reduces your property taxes and we have no state income tax. If you come here and vote for tax and spend democrats soon Florida will impact you just like New York did. That’s it.
yes Alejandra Ocala is definitely a small town feel let us know when you come visit. I would definitely recommend visiting the downtown area, Springs, Summer Glenn, Spruce Creek & Live Oak areas👍 - Chris Mendoza (352 470 9383)
It is NOT a small town feel. This is the dumbest county in the state. Check school rankings. Check crime rate. Check employment rate. Do your homework before you come into this county. Just a word of advice.
We moved to Stone Creek almost 5 years ago from coastal Rhode Island. We are so very happy we made the move. Four other couples we know are here now or are building as well. It is a unique setting in the rolling hills of Ocala near the World Equestrian Center, charming downtown with excellent restaurants and only 45 invites from natural beaches on the WEst Coast. We often drive the 90 minutes to Daytona on the est coast and all the other miles and miles of white sand beaches. Easy drives without confusing traffic. 90 minutes from Disney and other parks as well. Everyone comes to visit us and love our Stone Creek Community. So fresh and well maintained as Del Webb is known for. Our home is beautiful and solidly built. Neighborhoods are well spaced and there is berming separating ;yards and areas that provide excellent privacy. Better pricing and larger open spaces compared to other 55+ Communities anywhere. DelWebb does it right!! Pools and amenities are very well maintained and all are upgraded on the continual 10 year plan....need it or not. No assessments here. Very low HOA that is well funded. No bonds...no surprises. You own your lot. Taxes , insurances, utilities are all very low. Area is beautiful at every turn. Come and enjoy!!! Nadine
I worked for Uncle Sam ended up in Florida in 2010 Ocala was recomended while I was still in Pennsylvania, my experiences there were exceptional, kids loved it.
I moved here from the mountains of North Carolina in 2020 to escape the cold winters. When we bought our house here it was an existing house built in 2008 and affordable with some privacy on a cul-de-sac. There were wooded areas around us. But, in a short period of time the farmlands and wooded areas were bulldozed up by developers from out of state and out of the city. Horse farms became 200 house developments and the roads are very crowded. And yet they still announce 400 unit subdivision approvals in an area considered sink hole alley. Sink holes happen when water is sucked out of the aquifer faster than rain water renews it. The housing market has nothing for young people starting out. We bought a nice house over 1500 sq. ft. with double car garage and fenced in back yard for $115,000 now this same plan in our neighborhood is selling immediately when listed for $217,000. If you aren’t making $150,000 a year you can’t buy here. The traffic? It’s horrendous. And they keep approving 400 house subdivisions. Not much going on with road expansion. 400 housing units with two people per house with cars is 800 more cars on the highway at beginning of the day and in the evening and multiple approvals for these massive housing projects have been announced. Many people report sightings of bears and coyotes and snakes in neighborhoods they never saw before. Duh……wildlife habitats are getting bulldozed every day with no environmental impact studies. I had woods beyond my backyard when I moved here. Now there are grade stakes placed that will locate a main road into a 300 unit subdivision with curb and gutter line 15 feet from my back yard fence. Don’t come here folks thinking you will have all the proclaimed horse farm acreage to enjoy because in reality many of those farms already have pavement with curb and gutter installed off the four lanes ready for planned street entrances into the farm properties. I might look back to North Carolina when the housing crash comes and housing prices again make sense but Ocala destroyed itself……people that grew up here are very angry at how it all has changed. When I talk to those who grew up here and hear their negativity on what this area has become I kick myself for not exploring Ocala more closely before buying here.
We in Ocala live in the nature trail capital of Florida - and most trails are shaded. We have great regional parks, and colleges. We have the best bicycle trails (both paved and unpaved) in the southeastern US - The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross-Florida Greenway. We are also close to the centers of entertainment in The Villages. With Silver Springs State Park, the Appleton Museum of Art, Silver River Museum, Reilly Arts Center, Marion Theatre, downtown Ocala arts and music scene, Levitt AMP Concert Series - you don't have to leave Ocala to have a nice time.
I lived in Marion County for several years mostly out by Lake Weir and liked it pretty well. I never really connected with Ocala that well as I found it mostly to be endless strip malls and grocery stores. I mean Gainesville has UF, Orlando has Disney, Daytona of course has the beach and even Leesburg has the lakes surrounding it and Mt. Dora has the old town charm and the lakes. Ocala doesn't really have anything special except maybe the horse center but I don't care for horses. I guess what I am saying is why Ocala? What does it have that would make me want to live there?
The fact that you can get a great beautiful house with garage and big yard for 250-300k or less meanwhile in Miami where I live right now that money gets you a shitty house on a dangerous neighborhood where you hear guns going off and homeless drug addicts going around the front of your house everyday. Me and my girlfriend currently live here rented and I fear for her safety everyday since I work overnight but guess what if you wanna live on a safe area in Miami get ready to pay 1500 or more for a 1 bedroom or 400k or way more for a fucked up house on a quiet neighborhood
Another pro is that Ocala is about 90 miles north of Tampa Bay, home of the Buccaneers, a professional football team and Ybor city, an iconic place where people go barhopping and clubbing just outside of downtown Tampa.
Fantastic timing for us! My husband retires next year & we are selling our home in S.E. PA to relocate to central Florida! We actually are already interested in the north to south eastern Ocala areas, so finding this episode was very fortunate for us! I fully intend to contact Chris and find out more! Thank you very much!
In Florida we have a well managed state so you won’t pay state income tax out of your paycheck. Additionally, seniors qualify for the state’s senior Homestead property tax exemption. If all of this sounds much better than Pa. It’s because of our conservative politics here…..you want to enjoy these lower taxes then come on down but don’t bring your Pa. Politics with you or you’ll struggle with the same issues you did there….only in warmer weather.
While Ocala is a great city, don't let the video fool you...great proximity to the coasts, the place is growing at an extreme rate. Its a wise place to buy property now (some homes jumped up 100k in 6 months) but the City is on the cusp of feeling too crowded & loads of traffic (and I'm from NYC so I know that crowded feeling). The food here is subpar....a lot of the chain restaurants and not enough mom & pop places, which is weird because there are a lot of senior citizens here.
I don't know what this guy's talking about because when I got online the crime rate is very high so please tell me what websites you're using to say that crime rate is low
It’s high in All of Florida. I read that the central area of Fl. has a higher concentration of criminals than anywhere in the US. They leave their areas for warm weather too.
Your less then two hours to Daytona. I lived there for years. My whole family lives there. It’s over crowed now. Since we moved there from 1991. Now it’s packed. It’s pretty
Yo viví en Fort Lauderdale por 13 años y hace casi dos años me mudé a Ocala y no se q tanto hayan q es barato, porque lo único más barato es las casas y el seguro , lo demás es igual y en ocasiones mucho más caro , no es para jóvenes , el primer tiempo q Te cambias de una ciudad grande para acá , es deprimente, para muchos especialistas , si tienes Medicaid, tienes q ir hasta tampa , Orlando, el tráfico se está poniendo malísimo en estos últimos dos años y sigue siendo el mismo campo sin mucho q hacer ,
There's pros and cons to nearly every place. How much of the cons one feels capable of putting up with will determine how long you'll be willing to remain. Home is where the heart is but we can have bits & pieces all over the country.
The best thing I did was leave this city its nothing to do boring , I live in Hallandale Beach which is next Miami and Hollywood Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, the night life is amazing and its always some were to go and enjoy yourself.
I may be the exception here, but in part I'm interested in the Ocala area because it ISN'T all water-related--in particular, I like exploring and studying the dry pine-oak woods of the National Forest, and so many other areas of Florida's Central Ridge are covered with citrus groves or buildings, or otherwise off-limits. The ONF reminds me of other places I like in the western part of the US.
I’ve been looking to move there. I’m a single mother of three living in Miami and it sucks...Super expensive, over populated and hard to get a job if you don’t speak Creole...Sorry to say but Miami has become a third world country by itself...Looking to either purchase a home or land and place a double wide on it. Can I get any suggestions/ideas/tips? Thanks guys
moved from kendall here to ocala, dont move here. nothing to do, not a good place to raise children, no opportunity here, no growth, move to orlando or tampa, much better. Just my opinion though ive been living here for about 4 years
Lived in Los Angeles my entire life. It takes quite a bit longer than two hours to get to San Diego. With traffic these days it takes 4-5 hours. Without it takes more like three hours. That is why I am hoping to move to the Ocala area soon.
@TheOriginalGrib your totally right that's if your speeding, no traffic & no stops. Pros and cons of California. Lately lot more cons sadly. Fun fact California population actually decreased this year for the first time since the gold rush in 1849 or when they started keeping record in 1900. Ocala looks beautiful though check out some of Chris's Videos on things to do in Ocala we show a lot of different visuals on things to do in the area. Looks so beautiful and peaceful 🌲
We live in the forest, west of Ocala. Traffic is horrible, jobs very few and prices out of sight. We have .63 acres and are looking to sell and move. Our property taxes are very low, less than $400 a year but want to move to a place way in the sticks off the beaten path.
Yep there's lots of them atm ,we are moving there in just a few weeks . beautiful place ,rolling green hills and wide open pastures gives it a very small town feel, and as for some of the comments about the Police being tough, it's easy, Don't break the law and they'll leave you alone..simple.
@@texerious2356 just depends on your lifestyle. If you constantly look for high energy entertainment, youll be disappointed. If youre more laid back, maybe into more nature watching stuff, then you’ll be fine.
@The Benj. Thanks for pointing that out. Updated the links and here are his updated contact info: FB Page: facebook.com/TheOcalaRealtorPage/ Website: theocalarealtor.com Phone: 352-470-9383 Email: theocalarealtor@gmail.com
@@tonyaduvall49 Perfectly said. Kids grow up and leave home for the excitement and big city life. They marry, have families and so many are returning home. Needs and opinions are so subjective and based on the stage of life you’re in!
I’m a single dad disabled veteran and I’m desperately trying to get out of Massachusetts. I was stationed in the panhandle for 4 years back in the day. I’d prefer to live in Central Florida this time. I’m hoping to move down there within the next year. Thanks for the video! The only thing I’m worried about is one of my kids has disabilities. How are the special needs kids handled in the school district?
Good video. My 2 cents. I'm 55 and living in Ocala now for 6 1/2 years and visited the area many times over the last 30 years (my parents have been here that long). Before moving to Ocala I lived in Connecticut, Massachusetts (including Boston) and New Hampshire. Like the guys say it's all about your perspective, one person's pro may be another person's con;) -I find the people here (Ocala) to be generally friendlier and more polite than New England (but I must add that my experience of New England is that it is not nearly as bad as it's reputation). -For a small city I think Ocala has a really good arts scene, good food etc. -The area is growing fast and the housing market is booming. It is becoming the "distribution center of central Florida". -The area is much more religious than other places I've lived before. -Politics here are dominated by one party (the Republican party). Primaries are closed, so if you wanted to you must change parties well ahead of an election. In many cases the true election (for local offices) is the Republican primary, so you are practically forced to register Republican for your vote to have maximum impact.
You say the area is primarily run by the Republican party, like it's a BAD THING! Then you go on to say you lived in 3 crap-hole NE states run by Democrats- and you left there because why?? Because they are ruined now with crazy high taxes, poor infrastructure, crime and dirty streets with cities covered in graffiti. You say your parents have been in Ocala for 30 years and you say how beautiful and affordable it is and has been for 3 decades... yet you want to change it to a more liberal political stance so your Democrat vote will count. Do you see the irony in your comment? Why don't you move to a liberal city that has warm weather like Miami where ONLY a Democrat vote will count down there in Miami-Dade. This way you can enjoy the high crime, shootings, higher real estate prices, high taxes and insurance and soak up all the graffiti covered buildings you want. You'll feel like your in a northeast city crap-hole without the snow and cold weather. But if you enjoy the way Ocala is and it's affordability, sit down and don't change what works, then thank the Republican run govt there for responsible spending and decision-making🤔 Michael Savage was right so long ago.... Liberalism IS a Mental Disorder.
@@whiskeytangofoxtrot4523 I gave a fairly accurate description of the Ocala area. You apparently read much more into my post using your imagination. Like I said in my original comment, people can decide for themselves whether the points I listed are pros or cons.
@@rhondaroberts2223 Is what I said accurate? That's what matters to people trying to decide whether to move here. As I said in my post, people decide for themselves what's a pro or a con. Silly name-calling helps no one.
Depends where you live and visit. Plenty of old shady motels and lots of drugs use. Still love visiting there as so many of the best mountain biking trails are in Ocala or close by. The cops are tough. Know some black MMA fighters that live there and they had to buy big country boy trucks to not get pulled over all the time. Same goes if you have lots of Tat's! Good hunting close by also.
@@julesgilles1150 I grew up in Hernando which is a county over and yes people are racist and pretty ignorant to be honest..I'm 46 so maybe people have changed but I doubt it.
Marion county is very under developed. As most residents are over 50 being 90 miles from some other places means little unless your into driving. Ocala has poor medical systems in place. If you’re younger that doesn’t matter. Internet and cell service is substandard. The crime rate isn’t that low because of low wages. I have lived in Marion country for 7 yrs now. I have had 1 corvette and two trailers stolen from my property. In 7 years. The World Equestrian Center hopefully will change Ocala. FYI I graduated from HS in 1968 in Tampa. I agree that Ocala Marion county is a good place for affordable living but there is lots of room for improvement. John Travolta living here doesn’t make Ocala better. I think A few other celebrities also live in the area but not anywhere near most homes. Just saying keep it real.
We are a Hispanic family...and we are very concerned with diversity. I am planning to move us to Florida, running away from the cold winters. Ocala is one place I have consider because of cheap living and nature; but I am concern about diversity. Any insight would be appreciated.
I lived in ocala it was horrible. The FBI calls it the laundromat because of all the money laundering going on from the horse farmers. There's also a system called the Marion County pipeline its all the rich people and politicians keep the wages down so the horse people don't lose they're cheap labor. Jobs don't pay anything its a total joke. The businesses never show up to ur home for the services they advertise u know handyman stuff or building porches or awnings screened in porches etc. Don't move to ocala you'll hate it.
This video is beyond deceiving!!! I was born and raised in Ocala, lived in many places and came back. The prices have risen so high that we have so many homeless now and it's people like this that causes Ocala to be unaffordable and crowded!!! Housing booms are not always great and there are not a lot of high paying jobs to afford cost of living. Proximity to other areas is correct, but horse capital of the world is a stretch now....most farms have been taken over by big town living....I grew up on a farm and knew all of the farms...there are not many left and there are definitely not even a 1/4 of horses that were here when I was growing up in the 80s and 90s. Early 2000s is when it all started going in the opposite of what Ocala is. MOJO grill is not local business they are located not just in ocala. LaBellas Italian would be a small local restaurant. Mr. Travolta lives in Anthony, not Ocala, but it is still part of Mation County just as Dunnellon,Lake Weir and others are cities within Marion County. The sense of community has been a bygone Era. Only in the rural Ocala do you find community that is there for each other, no matter what. Now, it's sectioned off and not every area is welcoming. Crime has sky rocketed since all of the people moving here. Very rarely did we have murders, but now it is no longer a shock. My parents have seen more of the changes as they moved here in the mid 70s. Pic n Save was a mom and pop shop that had grown to 3 stores and was run out of business because of Walmart. Once Walmart opened the first one stop shop, the last Pic n save closed down. Roads that the video mentioned used to be 2 lanes and now they are 4 or 6 lanes. The traffic is beyond terrible and too many have discovered the back roads, so now they are jammed no matter the time. The old fashioned type of living was on the square where Chris mentioned light up Ocala and most of local businesses were ran out by big chains. No more local coffee houses, starrbucks took care of that. Dunnellon and Belleview have the local coffee shops still. Ocala doesn't have too many vegan places,but there are some and some restaurants that offer those options. Ocala downtown diner (not too far from the square has those options and right across the street the owners have strictly vegetarian and vegan deli type (can't remember the name). It forced closed the S curve deli which was amazing. The video neglects to mention the hwy 200 (used to only be 2 lanes and now 6) is what is the main focus for big city and mainstream stores, less good paying jobs and far less housing for the whole of Ocala and what is here is beyond what the average person can afford. They are building huge apartments like you find in Orlando and it is outrageously priced. Farming and E-One (emergency vehicles factory), and Mark III (auto maker) were what made Ocala economy boom and sustain lower cost. Now that only e one is left (and having problems because of political bs) just laid off nearly 2200 employees and production is slow. Chewy came in and it only brought a few jobs, the rest were already employees that moved here. Even that caused a lot of issues. When growing up the airport was a lucrative job at all levels ,but city council shut it down for general public and only for the rich, elite and celebrities. Ocala regional is not in competition with Shands, in fact, most patients get transferred to Shands. Directly across the street was Munroe Medical Regional, but now it is advent health. West Marion on hwy 200 is OK, but not as grand as Chris stated. Most orthopedic doctors and surgeons use the Ocala surgery center. Advent health have started building small ERs in Marion County because the hospitals don't have the most qualified people working there. Doctors are leaving hospitals because the conditions are subpar. The new VA clinic was built out on 200 (not exactly a short trip nor easy one) and just opened and a lot of doctors went there....my gp included. Now I have a new one and it is more expensive. So the whole booming is always a great thing is a lie. It has ruined lives, livelihoods,cost of living and to make it worse, Marion County has been a dumping ground for illegals being bussed or flown in (yes to the airport only for the rich) in the middle of the night. They gloat at it and they get housing before veterans that have lost their homes because they can't make ends meet on fixed incomes. That lie pissed me off the most. Fixed income cannot get a very small one bedroom apartment,much less a small house. Unless you inherit a home or are wealthy, you cannot afford housing or basic living. Then the Villages keeps expanding into Marion and Sumter counties, which makes it even worse. The average person cannot afford the Villages (high end community for older people that is extremely restricted) and most Ocala residents have to make the trek to work there since they have the higher end chain stores, etc. Ocala used to be the small town feel, God, family, and community , but those days have been long gone. The county is wide spread but only 200 is being focused on. That leaves slim pickings for the rest of Ocala. 40 east takes you to Daytona and that road was the 2nd main road when my parents were in high-school 70s. Now it is limited unless you go to Walmart (8 or 9 of them total for Marion County) and like I said very little mom and pops left. Now there are little pop up food trucks because the prices are too high and even those very rarely succeed...just not a food truck place. What was once a booming nature and animal attraction (silver springs) has been shut down. The water park (wild waters) not too far from silver springs was shut down as well....I graduated hs 2002 and just over a year later it shut down. Living all over the country for work, I can tell you, the people that run Ocala are delusional and treat Ocala like it is o town or new York. The Ocala civic theatre used to be booming (I worked there from 7 yr old right up until I went to college), but between the economy, pandemic and just less interested people, it is struggling. People like in this video hype Ocala up to be what is used to be, not what it actually is and that's a major factor in why it's not affordable nor small town or community anymore. This video neglected to tell you that the city council deemed it illegal to be homeless and started having people arrested. Thankfully, our mayor got that stopped. Yet they keep building sky rocketed housing rather than building shelters and affordable housing. Churches have been desperately trying to build,but idiots that run Ocala deny and fight them every single step. It may be more affordable for people that live in NY, CA, etc....but for locals....nope. in fact my old 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment in Orlando was only 780 per month and I lived there for 2 years. Then went to NY and other places...but now in ocala, a 500sq ft 1 bedroom apartment is on average 1450 month and that is only for the structure...so please do research before you rely on videos like this. The activities are great, but not many can afford to do them unless they walk or bike trails (those are free).I used to love Ocala because it was that nostalgic living, but no it is no longer that. It is a jammed packed rat race that average people can never win.
Wow, good to hear. Florida just got out of hand. I lived in Orlando back in 2001 to 2006. The homes are as much as New York. Politicians got their hands in everything and don't give a damn about people. Drugs and homeless is all over. I thought this was going to be a country type of town. Guess you did not get Home Depot in yet..lol that will be there soon. Thank you for all that info. Had my heart set on Ocala and now rethinking. The homes are a bit cheaper than other places not by much in Florida. I can not believe people would buy these homes in Florida with so little land. The homes in most places in Florida are on top of each other about 10 ft apart and cost so much. I guess I am use to living in New York about 15 mins from New York City and on a 1/3 of acre. I can not get use to the way florida is on top of each other and the price for that is so high. I feel the people who are buying these homes don't know much about land since they lived in an apartment all their life from NYC which I heard most of the people that are buying these homes. Guess the builders got them where they want in their pockets cause NYC people don't know much.
@@LcLceder you're correct about lining their pockets. Ocala does have home depot (only one that I am aware of) since mid 2000s and there are 3 Lowes. I also lived in otown 2006-2009. I worked in New York may 2009,but got severely injured on the job Jul 2, 2009. Driving back to FL was difficult and i moved back to ocala at that point since I left otown and didn't have my home anymore. I had to drive from Ocala to otown a lot since (surgeries happened there, but 1 was in north Miami) and the traffic is far worse now. It makes no sense what they do for roads and the new build on 408, I knew something bad would happen and sadly it did the other day. A car went off where the new build was and fell down onto I4. Housing wasn't as bad in otown when I lived there. Ocala, it is completely insane now, but I would take it over new York. They screwed me over big time and they caused more damage and surgeries for me...I will do my best to not go back. I lost everything because of them and right now FL is only slightly better....in terms of freedom, other than that, most places are corrupt,line their pockets and screw the people!
@@shouldimovethere my Dad is from San Diego and my mom is from Ohio. I know how bad Cali has become, but coming from there I can see why you don't think it's crowded here. However, it is overcrowded and not enough housing by any stretch. The city is only focusing on 1 area and screwing the rest. The continuous moronic "construction" is alive and making life that much more stressful. The back roads are so crowded and those morons are putting in crosswalks where no one is actually walking, traffic is so backed up that the intersection has a sheriff substation is the main cause and only 2 or 3 cars can make it through at a time....and that is where they are now putting in crosswalks (with lights) and there hasn't been anyone walking or biking across. So I guess it depends on the person. That is just one perspective from someone from and currently in ocala.
Your question should be "how bad is the county"? IT IS BAD. Drugs, Crime, Low Education, hateful people. Do your research before moving here. I have been here 40 years in Florida. Took me 30 years to get out of Marion County. Just a word of advice.
Ocala is in the lower temperate zone. Much better weather than even down at the Villages which is sub tropic and swampy. We strike a more moderate climate. We do have hot humid days inthe summer but we have abundant trees and breezes all year. We have lived here for almost 5 years having moved from coastal New England. Much much less humid here than coastal Rhode Island for certain. Green all year with mildly cool winters.
Yes!! The rocket launches are highly visible. We watch from our lanai. No gators but lush forests prevail over the swampier land of the sub sropics. Remember, Ocla is still in the lower temperate zone. Hard wood forests here on every side.
Interesting, how. No one ever mentions the “Sinkholes”….. the limestone rocks are probably part of the sinkholes…….also the Alligators, Crocodiles, Mosquitoes, other reptiles, and bugs…..⁉️⁉️⁉️
@Sharon Edwards USA Stay away from Jacksonville. High high crimes and murders and it’s too spread out. Duval County is the largest county in the USA, yes the largest. 164 square miles. Definitely not the hometown feel.
Paul, really appreciate the feedback! I'll keep that in mind for future interviews, I really want to continue interviewing professionals and chatting with them about their areas of expertise. have an awesome day!
Be patient...it is growing with professional retirees combining in droves. We are young and vital and have money to spend. Trader Joe’s is only about 25 minutes north in Gainesville which does have a traffic flow issue. Still worth the scenic drive there!
Ocala is a horrible place to move. Lots of druggies, schools are horrible, no growth, nothing to do, no opportunity here. Orlando and Tampa would be a WAY better option
Move a little north west of Evansville and I will sell you a 1/2 lot in a nice area and there are 3 home places on 19 that will put a nice manufactured home with no money down and Gainesville has the best medical.
Everything sounds good except the lack of vegan options.. I'm vegan and I wanna buy a land and rescue wildlife. Ocala would be perfect cause the land is cheap there and plenty wildlife.. There is no beach but you have springs with crystal clear water so if those are warm enough to swim, it can replace the beach.. They need to start open vegan restaurants there.. What about wholefoods, is it enough wholefoods there?
Not the case inDel Webb Stone Creek community. Lively, active people who have come to retire after years of success. People travel, play and interact. Now with the new World Equestrian Center, we have even more to enjoy. Short trips to Tampa, Gainesville, Orlando and even Daytona. Far less traffic and all new shopping. Taxes, utilities, and insurances are all very low. Check out 55+ Stone Creek. We have loved here almost 5 years having moved from coastal NewEngland. This is the best!!
@@georgenadineescobar295 yes, have a friend who lives in Stone Creek and she absolutely loves it! My hubby just shot his all time golf record there, a 65, so he loves the course.
that was a year ago prices for rent an everything else has soared in Ocala.It has a City that extorts it's citizens taxes are through the roof lots of Guns an people who love guns.Lot of nose in the air Politics that border arrogance.They are systematically eliminating struggling poor chances to get into a better life.Prices an cost of living might just be the new crime wave, the wealthy are buying up all the real estate do the math not hard to figure out.Enslaving parts of population.Mojos haven't been but think it is a great place
Ocala is not very nice unless you live out on the horse properties. The health care is awful. It's not inexpensive to live here anymore. Lots of crime, drugs, homeless. Lots of people moving in and traffic is getting horrible. The springs and forest is nice but I would say ocala is a nice place to visit, but not to live in.
i lived in ocala my entire life 36yrs......please don't make people move to Ocala we like our size an politics demographics etc also there is absolutely nothing to do after your first few weeks here everything else is a drive away hr or more for most places he says we have night life lmfao we have one club on pine and its a mix of rap and country music we have no rivers springs or campgrounds as he mentioned lol unless your in the forest that in the county def not city were talking 22 plus miles for a campground from Ocala off 40 east some parts of Ocala you should def stay out of unless you know people in there also all these people from up north are getting scammed on real estate because they expect the prices higher which in turn crank up artificially inflate our real estate prices which will up our taxes etc go to Gainesville or Orlando or st Augustine please leave your northern attitudes up there or over there in the west
@Clifford Dombrowski … I was born in Florida and moved to the north for decades. I find northerners much more friendly than some areas in Florida. Northerners are used to living in close proximity to a diverse group of people and thus they are more welcoming snd accepting in general. Growth of your city is inevitable. You should welcome it. Look at growth in a positive way, not negative. Welcome those “northern attitudes”. There are many nice ones!
Sinkholes are a big factor that he didn’t mention. According to Google Marion county which Ocala is in has the highest rate of sinkholes and people should know that before they buy property, it’s not a joke!! I did appreciate the video otherwise. I love hearing about places but it’s important we hear the full picture 🖼
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
If you want to know more about things to do in Ocala, or outdoor activities and Springs that Ocala can offer, you can also watch the next video on the end screen. Thank you so much for your support. 💗
Hi, I’m reaching out because I want to move to Ocala. Wanted to see if you can help out with finding my forever home
@@brig1090 Thank you for reaching out, please don't hesitate to contact me on this number: 352-470-9383. I would be happy to assist you, have a great day!
I luv this city so much
great info!! very useful!
@@collectivosk Thank you!
Hey, I'm someone that just moved out of ocala. It's so crowded now it's difficult, and it's hard to find housing. The drug and homelessness problem is growing and it's absolutely heart breaking.
Unfortunately, I think that description describes almost the entire US these days--although some areas of the country aren't crowded, drugs and crime seem to be increasing even in those places.
Good to know
I really doubt it is as bad as it you say no offence. I came from San Francisco Bay Area and I know what real drug use and homelessness looks like. When I went to Ocala, I did not see it. Yes there are homlessness and drugs is problem. Many people have lost hope and self medicate, drug abuse is a road to homelessness and dual diagnoses problems. As far as being crowded, I am sure it is crowded compared to what it used to be. I live in Parrish and it is CROWDED NOW compared to what it was 5 years ago and its getting worse. But its not crowded comapared to the Bay Area or LA.
What can I say, after living here for over nineteen years, I love, love it the cost of living here Is the best, I couldn't live in New York based on what I get from social security, I live in a small community, one of the best thing I did is buying a condo, houses are good for young people, it's much easier with a condo, so if you are a Senior think about it
Thanks for the video we are moving to SW Ocala and we have seen so many mixed reviews and happy we saw this clears up our questions
happy to hear! hope you enjoy the area (:
Lived in Florida for 35 years. The Villages housing development is overwhelming central Florida from Marion through Sumpter Counties. It seems like everyone wants to live here. Dont get me wrong its great living here but be prepared for heavy population and traffic. Even Orlando and Tampa sprawl has become merging them into one megalopolis. Even up I75 the Tampa sprawl is taking over. Ocalla is just around the corner to become that massive increase in population density. In 10 years it's likely that Florida will exceed the populations of Calfornia and NY. Massive numbers of inner city residents are fleeing to central Florida. That's OK as long as it doesn't become an east coast California.
100% agree with this! Great way to describe it, hopefully it does not become an East Coast California. Some of the policies and disfunction in California, it's just honestly really sad to see 😭 Pros and cons of living in CA 🧸
I've lived in Jacksonville for 29 years and everything you say about Ocala is spot on. The wife and I plan on retiring there. I grew up in Ft Lauderdale and haven't been to the beach since 1985.
I'm originally from Los Angeles. Moved to Macon Georgia and lived there for 17+ yrs. Became somewhat Southernized there. At age 49, we moved to Ocala. Lived there 16+ yrs. I love Ocala. It's not too big but it's small enough to feel you're not in a big metro area. Has all the eateries and most of the shopping attributes you need. I actually lived down SW 200 near the edge of the county and outside the city limits. Traffic isn't always great as the one side to the other roads are few unless you know the smaller 'back roads'. But overall it is an all you need city.
We moved to Citrus County over a year ago..the county on the gulf next to Marion County (adjacent) so I still drive to Ocala for various reasons. I've grown to love the area and at age 68 I plan on living my life out here.
thanks for sharing some of your story, happy you enjoy the Ocala area!
I too am from Los Angeles and now live in Ocala. Moved to FL in 2004.
Hey, we live in the area and wanted to make a correction or two about this video. To drive from Ocala to the beach at Ormond sr40 is only a 50 min to 1 hr trip. Daytona is only 1 hr away from Ocala. Also, there is lots of lakes in this area. I can't imagine you ever being more than 10 mins from a lake no matter where you are. Plus the extremely beautiful Ocklawaha River running through just East of Ocala.
Great video we enjoyed very much. Thanks for posting.
super good insight thanks for this!
I'm 60, my friend from Palm beach county just moved there, it has all of the reasons why I will buy property there, this is a very enlightening informative video, thank you guys, for the info, I have already shared it with friends, and subscribed
thanks so much for these kinds words 😊
Ocala is were I am looking to buy my home and it sounds greats. I don’t have no problems with the cons. My husband and I are not retired just yet but we want to place ourselves for when the time comes. Kids are grown and out the house so its just my husband and I moving from New York.Thanks for all the pros. They work for me.
Here is a tip for you and you take it anyway you want it……as an insult or sound advice on why Florida is like it is financially. Financially we have low property taxes because we have the senior’s Homestead Exemption tax which greatly reduces your property taxes and we have no state income tax. If you come here and vote for tax and spend democrats soon Florida will impact you just like New York did. That’s it.
Yes! That’s what we are looking for “small town feel” We definitely going to visit Ocala and see how we like it ...retiring soon !😎
yes Alejandra
Ocala is definitely a small town feel let us know when you come visit. I would definitely recommend visiting the downtown area, Springs, Summer Glenn, Spruce Creek & Live Oak areas👍
- Chris Mendoza (352 470 9383)
It is NOT a small town feel. This is the dumbest county in the state. Check school rankings. Check crime rate. Check employment rate. Do your homework before you come into this county. Just a word of advice.
@@shouldimovethere Hi Chris ..... what about the crime rate? is it safe in Ocala? and are their sink holes in Ocala? thanks
We moved to Stone Creek almost 5 years ago from coastal Rhode Island. We are so very happy we made the move. Four other couples we know are here now or are building as well. It is a unique setting in the rolling hills of Ocala near the World Equestrian Center, charming downtown with excellent restaurants and only 45 invites from natural beaches on the WEst Coast. We often drive the 90 minutes to Daytona on the est coast and all the other miles and miles of white sand beaches. Easy drives without confusing traffic. 90 minutes from Disney and other parks as well. Everyone comes to visit us and love our Stone Creek Community. So fresh and well maintained as Del Webb is known for. Our home is beautiful and solidly built. Neighborhoods are well spaced and there is berming separating ;yards and areas that provide excellent privacy. Better pricing and larger open spaces compared to other 55+ Communities anywhere. DelWebb does it right!! Pools and amenities are very well maintained and all are upgraded on the continual 10 year plan....need it or not. No assessments here. Very low HOA that is well funded. No bonds...no surprises. You own your lot. Taxes , insurances, utilities are all very low. Area is beautiful at every turn. Come and enjoy!!! Nadine
@@georgenadineescobar295 We were looking into Del Webb and Shea homes too!! Thank you for the information !!
I worked for Uncle Sam ended up in Florida in 2010 Ocala was recomended while I was still in Pennsylvania, my experiences there were exceptional, kids loved it.
that's great to hear 👍
I moved here from the mountains of North Carolina in 2020 to escape the cold winters. When we bought our house here it was an existing house built in 2008 and affordable with some privacy on a cul-de-sac. There were wooded areas around us. But, in a short period of time the farmlands and wooded areas were bulldozed up by developers from out of state and out of the city. Horse farms became 200 house developments and the roads are very crowded. And yet they still announce 400 unit subdivision approvals in an area considered sink hole alley. Sink holes happen when water is sucked out of the aquifer faster than rain water renews it. The housing market has nothing for young people starting out. We bought a nice house over 1500 sq. ft. with double car garage and fenced in back yard for $115,000 now this same plan in our neighborhood is selling immediately when listed for $217,000. If you aren’t making $150,000 a year you can’t buy here. The traffic? It’s horrendous. And they keep approving 400 house subdivisions. Not much going on with road expansion. 400 housing units with two people per house with cars is 800 more cars on the highway at beginning of the day and in the evening and multiple approvals for these massive housing projects have been announced. Many people report sightings of bears and coyotes and snakes in neighborhoods they never saw before. Duh……wildlife habitats are getting bulldozed every day with no environmental impact studies. I had woods beyond my backyard when I moved here. Now there are grade stakes placed that will locate a main road into a 300 unit subdivision with curb and gutter line 15 feet from my back yard fence. Don’t come here folks thinking you will have all the proclaimed horse farm acreage to enjoy because in reality many of those farms already have pavement with curb and gutter installed off the four lanes ready for planned street entrances into the farm properties. I might look back to North Carolina when the housing crash comes and housing prices again make sense but Ocala destroyed itself……people that grew up here are very angry at how it all has changed. When I talk to those who grew up here and hear their negativity on what this area has become I kick myself for not exploring Ocala more closely before buying here.
Thanks for checking out the video and leaving a comment @beboboy mann.
@The Ocala Realtor
We in Ocala live in the nature trail capital of Florida - and most trails are shaded. We have great regional parks, and colleges. We have the best bicycle trails (both paved and unpaved) in the southeastern US - The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross-Florida Greenway. We are also close to the centers of entertainment in The Villages. With Silver Springs State Park, the Appleton Museum of Art, Silver River Museum, Reilly Arts Center, Marion Theatre, downtown Ocala arts and music scene, Levitt AMP Concert Series - you don't have to leave Ocala to have a nice time.
you are so correct! I'm actually visiting in 2 weeks and am so looking forward to checking out Ocala & Silver Springs 🙌
I lived in Marion County for several years mostly out by Lake Weir and liked it pretty well. I never really connected with Ocala that well as I found it mostly to be endless strip malls and grocery stores. I mean Gainesville has UF, Orlando has Disney, Daytona of course has the beach and even Leesburg has the lakes surrounding it and Mt. Dora has the old town charm and the lakes. Ocala doesn't really have anything special except maybe the horse center but I don't care for horses. I guess what I am saying is why Ocala? What does it have that would make me want to live there?
The fact that you can get a great beautiful house with garage and big yard for 250-300k or less meanwhile in Miami where I live right now that money gets you a shitty house on a dangerous neighborhood where you hear guns going off and homeless drug addicts going around the front of your house everyday. Me and my girlfriend currently live here rented and I fear for her safety everyday since I work overnight but guess what if you wanna live on a safe area in Miami get ready to pay 1500 or more for a 1 bedroom or 400k or way more for a fucked up house on a quiet neighborhood
One bedroom in ocala is $1000.00 a month
a Pro are the Amazing numerous fresh water springs to visit and swim in , juniper, Alexandria etc
What about alligators 🐊
Loved thank good description.🙏❤️👍
happy to hear Maria!
Thank you for showing it on you tube have a nice day 😉
Another pro is that Ocala is about 90 miles north of Tampa Bay, home of the Buccaneers, a professional football team and Ybor city, an iconic place where people go barhopping and clubbing just outside of downtown Tampa.
I been here for 21 years I love the area and the closeness to beaches and lakes
awesome to hear! 👍
Don't forget Santos Trailhead for mountain bike enthusiasts.
thanks for that!
Fantastic timing for us! My husband retires next year & we are selling our home in S.E. PA to relocate to central Florida! We actually are already interested in the north to south eastern Ocala areas, so finding this episode was very fortunate for us! I fully intend to contact Chris and find out more! Thank you very much!
this means the world to us 😊 looking forward to helping you find your dream place! 🏡
I just moved here from Ft. Lauderdale.The only thing I have found cheaper is insurance. unfortunately they are building like crazy.
In Florida we have a well managed state so you won’t pay state income tax out of your paycheck. Additionally, seniors qualify for the state’s senior Homestead property tax exemption. If all of this sounds much better than Pa. It’s because of our conservative politics here…..you want to enjoy these lower taxes then come on down but don’t bring your Pa. Politics with you or you’ll struggle with the same issues you did there….only in warmer weather.
While Ocala is a great city, don't let the video fool you...great proximity to the coasts, the place is growing at an extreme rate. Its a wise place to buy property now (some homes jumped up 100k in 6 months) but the City is on the cusp of feeling too crowded & loads of traffic (and I'm from NYC so I know that crowded feeling). The food here is subpar....a lot of the chain restaurants and not enough mom & pop places, which is weird because there are a lot of senior citizens here.
I am very excited to visit Ocala Canyon Zip LINE
I don't know what this guy's talking about because when I got online the crime rate is very high so please tell me what websites you're using to say that crime rate is low
It’s high in All of Florida. I read that the central area of Fl. has a higher concentration of criminals than anywhere in the US. They leave their areas for warm weather too.
Your less then two hours to Daytona. I lived there for years. My whole family lives there. It’s over crowed now. Since we moved there from 1991. Now it’s packed. It’s pretty
Daytona looks amazing! so Beautiful we'll have to cover that area one of these days 🙌
Yo viví en Fort Lauderdale por 13 años y hace casi dos años me mudé a Ocala y no se q tanto hayan q es barato, porque lo único más barato es las casas y el seguro , lo demás es igual y en ocasiones mucho más caro , no es para jóvenes , el primer tiempo q Te cambias de una ciudad grande para acá , es deprimente, para muchos especialistas , si tienes Medicaid, tienes q ir hasta tampa , Orlando, el tráfico se está poniendo malísimo en estos últimos dos años y sigue siendo el mismo campo sin mucho q hacer ,
Estoy pensando mudarme a Ocala me puedes contar un poquito más y en cuanto al trabajo gracias
hola soy de miami quiero comprar una finca como 2 acres o mas que aria me recomiendas
There's pros and cons to nearly every place. How much of the cons one feels capable of putting up with will determine how long you'll be willing to remain.
Home is where the heart is but we can have bits & pieces all over the country.
Ocala is also a Hurricane Free Zone , definitely a plus for Florida.
💯 totally agree!
Lived here all my life. Loved hearing you talk about our county. I would say one con would be not very many high paying jobs in the area.
The best thing I did was leave this city its nothing to do boring , I live in Hallandale Beach which is next Miami and Hollywood Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, the night life is amazing and its always some were to go and enjoy yourself.
love this, I think there's so many options out there if you're genuinely not happy somewhere and you have the ability to move... than why not?
Thank you! Funny how some of the cons sounded more like pros to me
our pleasure thanks for watching and commenting!
World Equestrian center so, if you're a horse enthusiast Marion county is your place. It's the horse capital of the world. I love living here!!
I may be the exception here, but in part I'm interested in the Ocala area because it ISN'T all water-related--in particular, I like exploring and studying the dry pine-oak woods of the National Forest, and so many other areas of Florida's Central Ridge are covered with citrus groves or buildings, or otherwise off-limits. The ONF reminds me of other places I like in the western part of the US.
Do the swimming lakes in Ocala have gators?
Every body of water in Florida can have gators
yes but that's the risk you take swimming in open water, when I visited I didn't really see any but I'm sure they are there lurking around 🐊
I’ve been looking to move there. I’m a single mother of three living in Miami and it sucks...Super expensive, over populated and hard to get a job if you don’t speak Creole...Sorry to say but Miami has become a third world country by itself...Looking to either purchase a home or land and place a double wide on it. Can I get any suggestions/ideas/tips? Thanks guys
moved from kendall here to ocala, dont move here. nothing to do, not a good place to raise children, no opportunity here, no growth, move to orlando or tampa, much better. Just my opinion though ive been living here for about 4 years
We moved from Texas to Ocala, been here 6 mos and don't like it at all.
@@rhondaroberts2223 Would you please give mire information? I’m thinking of moving there and need both pros and cons. Thank you.
Was looking at Sebring area but now leaning towards Ocala. Any suggestions?
Chris will know about this one! you can reach him directly 352-470-9383
Hi dad
Lived in Los Angeles my entire life. It takes quite a bit longer than two hours to get to San Diego. With traffic these days it takes 4-5 hours. Without it takes more like three hours.
That is why I am hoping to move to the Ocala area soon.
@TheOriginalGrib your totally right that's if your speeding, no traffic & no stops. Pros and cons of California. Lately lot more cons sadly.
Fun fact California population actually decreased this year for the first time since the gold rush in 1849 or when they started keeping record in 1900.
Ocala looks beautiful though check out some of Chris's Videos on things to do in Ocala we show a lot of different visuals on things to do in the area. Looks so beautiful and peaceful 🌲
I lived in L. A. most of my life and glad I left in 2004. I don't even like to visit there anymore really. Too congested and the traffic is horrific!
We live in the forest, west of Ocala. Traffic is horrible, jobs very few and prices out of sight. We have .63 acres and are looking to sell and move. Our property taxes are very low, less than $400 a year but want to move to a place way in the sticks off the beaten path.
any areas you are looking at or that you want me to interview agents from?
I know someone looking to buy if you have info on ur place I can pass it along
I’m planning to move to Ocala🌹‼️
yes, excited for your move!
Same
Bad idea
What about the average cost of homes. I'm interested in knowing if i can buy a 3/2/2 cbs/stucco home for under 200k
Yep there's lots of them atm ,we are moving there in just a few weeks . beautiful place ,rolling green hills and wide open pastures gives it a very small town feel, and as for some of the comments about the Police being tough, it's easy, Don't break the law and they'll leave you alone..simple.
Ocala sucks. I lived there for 4 years. Glad I got out.
Why don’t you like it
@@texerious2356 why do you like it?
@@texerious2356 just depends on your lifestyle. If you constantly look for high energy entertainment, youll be disappointed. If youre more laid back, maybe into more nature watching stuff, then you’ll be fine.
@@hymiesmith6827 when did I say I like living here?
@@texerious2356 okay.
Pos. The Ocala downtown diner has great vegan food. And some pizza has vegan food.
Yeah they get shut down all the time by the health dept
@@patriot-wf1er
No they don’t not get shut down. From health department.
I eat there all the time.
You need to add.that for some people like medium class salary is really bad and everything is going up.rent is high for medium class people.
Just seen this video . How much will is cost for a two bedroom two bath rent
Chris will know about this one! you can reach him directly 352-470-9383
How can I get in contact with Chris, the link at the bottom says its broken.
@The Benj. Thanks for pointing that out. Updated the links and here are his updated contact info:
FB Page: facebook.com/TheOcalaRealtorPage/
Website: theocalarealtor.com
Phone: 352-470-9383
Email: theocalarealtor@gmail.com
Also don't talk about buying a house. houses are super high for medium class salary.
How far is the beach ?
little over 1.5 hrs from the beach without traffic : Daytona Beach, Florida if you take the 40 all the way East
I prefer Gainesville, hands down. There's an energy there and an upbeat vibe. Great mall and culture.
Thank you for the advice. But most will not listen. I feel sorry for them.
Ocala is a shit hole.
@@tonyaduvall49 Perfectly said. Kids grow up and leave home for the excitement and big city life. They marry, have families and so many are returning home. Needs and opinions are so subjective and based on the stage of life you’re in!
I went to Job Corp in Gainesville when I was a teenager. They had a lot of stuff to do and had bus transportation.
Don’t forget Universal Studios is about an hour and 15 minutes from Ocalla and about an hour to Seaworld
I’m a single dad disabled veteran and I’m desperately trying to get out of Massachusetts. I was stationed in the panhandle for 4 years back in the day. I’d prefer to live in Central Florida this time. I’m hoping to move down there within the next year. Thanks for the video!
The only thing I’m worried about is one of my kids has disabilities. How are the special needs kids handled in the school district?
Reflection Bay of Stonecreek-Ocala reportedly drained related to sink hole-7/2024-please clarify with sales.
Good video.
My 2 cents. I'm 55 and living in Ocala now for 6 1/2 years and visited the area many times over the last 30 years (my parents have been here that long). Before moving to Ocala I lived in Connecticut, Massachusetts (including Boston) and New Hampshire. Like the guys say it's all about your perspective, one person's pro may be another person's con;)
-I find the people here (Ocala) to be generally friendlier and more polite than New England (but I must add that my experience of New England is that it is not nearly as bad as it's reputation).
-For a small city I think Ocala has a really good arts scene, good food etc.
-The area is growing fast and the housing market is booming. It is becoming the "distribution center of central Florida".
-The area is much more religious than other places I've lived before.
-Politics here are dominated by one party (the Republican party). Primaries are closed, so if you wanted to you must change parties well ahead of an election. In many cases the true election (for local offices) is the Republican primary, so you are practically forced to register Republican for your vote to have maximum impact.
8y57y
You say the area is primarily run by the Republican party, like it's a BAD THING! Then you go on to say you lived in 3 crap-hole NE states run by Democrats- and you left there because why?? Because they are ruined now with crazy high taxes, poor infrastructure, crime and dirty streets with cities covered in graffiti. You say your parents have been in Ocala for 30 years and you say how beautiful and affordable it is and has been for 3 decades... yet you want to change it to a more liberal political stance so your Democrat vote will count. Do you see the irony in your comment? Why don't you move to a liberal city that has warm weather like Miami where ONLY a Democrat vote will count down there in Miami-Dade. This way you can enjoy the high crime, shootings, higher real estate prices, high taxes and insurance and soak up all the graffiti covered buildings you want. You'll feel like your in a northeast city crap-hole without the snow and cold weather. But if you enjoy the way Ocala is and it's affordability, sit down and don't change what works, then thank the Republican run govt there for responsible spending and decision-making🤔
Michael Savage was right so long ago.... Liberalism IS a Mental Disorder.
Don't bring your Libtard crap to us! We don't like it and don't like those who do!
@@whiskeytangofoxtrot4523 I gave a fairly accurate description of the Ocala area. You apparently read much more into my post using your imagination. Like I said in my original comment, people can decide for themselves whether the points I listed are pros or cons.
@@rhondaroberts2223 Is what I said accurate? That's what matters to people trying to decide whether to move here. As I said in my post, people decide for themselves what's a pro or a con. Silly name-calling helps no one.
Sounds like home John Travolta who lives here I loved his
Depends where you live and visit. Plenty of old shady motels and lots of drugs use. Still love visiting there as so many of the best mountain biking trails are in Ocala or close by. The cops are tough. Know some black MMA fighters that live there and they had to buy big country boy trucks to not get pulled over all the time. Same goes if you have lots of Tat's! Good hunting close by also.
Is it racist? I’m looking into buying property but I’m not trying to deal with racist stuff
@@julesgilles1150 I grew up in Hernando which is a county over and yes people are racist and pretty ignorant to be honest..I'm 46 so maybe people have changed but I doubt it.
How is the education and the schools there?
great question! We will have to make a video on that 🎓
Both professional gentleman, I thought this was valuable. Thanks.
Thanks for your support. Have a blessed day
No regular good jobs
No Costco
Bunch of old boys club
when I visited I didn't see any Costco you are correct on that one
No Costco, but there is a Sam's club
Marion county is very under developed. As most residents are over 50 being 90 miles from some other places means little unless your into driving.
Ocala has poor medical systems in place. If you’re younger that doesn’t matter. Internet and cell service is substandard. The crime rate isn’t that low because of low wages. I have lived in Marion country for 7 yrs now. I have had 1 corvette and two trailers stolen from my property. In 7 years. The World Equestrian Center hopefully will change Ocala.
FYI I graduated from HS in 1968 in Tampa.
I agree that Ocala Marion county is a good place for affordable living but there is lots of room for improvement.
John Travolta living here doesn’t make Ocala better. I think A few other celebrities also live in the area but not anywhere near most homes.
Just saying keep it real.
Cons: The east side on Hwy 40... From MLK to the courthouse... Yuck.
In about 10 years, that area will be stressful to live in, just like the rest of Florida.
perhaps 😅
There's a couple nice beaches on lake Weir ??? Mighty close to Ocala !!
We are a Hispanic family...and we are very concerned with diversity. I am planning to move us to Florida, running away from the cold winters. Ocala is one place I have consider because of cheap living and nature; but I am concern about diversity. Any insight would be appreciated.
@@organicanica2253 There is plenty of diversity.. you would fit right in, I promise.
@@organicanica2253 i’m Hispanic as well and Ocala is very diverse, I promise you, you will enjoy living here.
@@organicanica2253 it's a melting pot here super diverse, you'll have to come visit I'd love to show you around - Chris Mendoza (352 470 9383)
Talk about the rest of the population. Rude, Racist, and hateful. The whole county.
hi i want to buy a farm 2 agrees or more , were is the best place for animal and commercial land for nursery Thant you robert
Roberto that's really awesome! Chris would definitely have the best answer for that.
You can reach him directly ⬇️
352-470-9383
I lived in ocala it was horrible. The FBI calls it the laundromat because of all the money laundering going on from the horse farmers. There's also a system called the Marion County pipeline its all the rich people and politicians keep the wages down so the horse people don't lose they're cheap labor. Jobs don't pay anything its a total joke. The businesses never show up to ur home for the services they advertise u know handyman stuff or building porches or awnings screened in porches etc. Don't move to ocala you'll hate it.
This video is beyond deceiving!!! I was born and raised in Ocala, lived in many places and came back. The prices have risen so high that we have so many homeless now and it's people like this that causes Ocala to be unaffordable and crowded!!! Housing booms are not always great and there are not a lot of high paying jobs to afford cost of living. Proximity to other areas is correct, but horse capital of the world is a stretch now....most farms have been taken over by big town living....I grew up on a farm and knew all of the farms...there are not many left and there are definitely not even a 1/4 of horses that were here when I was growing up in the 80s and 90s. Early 2000s is when it all started going in the opposite of what Ocala is. MOJO grill is not local business they are located not just in ocala. LaBellas Italian would be a small local restaurant. Mr. Travolta lives in Anthony, not Ocala, but it is still part of Mation County just as Dunnellon,Lake Weir and others are cities within Marion County. The sense of community has been a bygone Era. Only in the rural Ocala do you find community that is there for each other, no matter what. Now, it's sectioned off and not every area is welcoming. Crime has sky rocketed since all of the people moving here. Very rarely did we have murders, but now it is no longer a shock. My parents have seen more of the changes as they moved here in the mid 70s. Pic n Save was a mom and pop shop that had grown to 3 stores and was run out of business because of Walmart. Once Walmart opened the first one stop shop, the last Pic n save closed down. Roads that the video mentioned used to be 2 lanes and now they are 4 or 6 lanes. The traffic is beyond terrible and too many have discovered the back roads, so now they are jammed no matter the time. The old fashioned type of living was on the square where Chris mentioned light up Ocala and most of local businesses were ran out by big chains. No more local coffee houses, starrbucks took care of that. Dunnellon and Belleview have the local coffee shops still. Ocala doesn't have too many vegan places,but there are some and some restaurants that offer those options. Ocala downtown diner (not too far from the square has those options and right across the street the owners have strictly vegetarian and vegan deli type (can't remember the name). It forced closed the S curve deli which was amazing. The video neglects to mention the hwy 200 (used to only be 2 lanes and now 6) is what is the main focus for big city and mainstream stores, less good paying jobs and far less housing for the whole of Ocala and what is here is beyond what the average person can afford. They are building huge apartments like you find in Orlando and it is outrageously priced. Farming and E-One (emergency vehicles factory), and Mark III (auto maker) were what made Ocala economy boom and sustain lower cost. Now that only e one is left (and having problems because of political bs) just laid off nearly 2200 employees and production is slow. Chewy came in and it only brought a few jobs, the rest were already employees that moved here. Even that caused a lot of issues. When growing up the airport was a lucrative job at all levels ,but city council shut it down for general public and only for the rich, elite and celebrities. Ocala regional is not in competition with Shands, in fact, most patients get transferred to Shands. Directly across the street was Munroe Medical Regional, but now it is advent health. West Marion on hwy 200 is OK, but not as grand as Chris stated. Most orthopedic doctors and surgeons use the Ocala surgery center. Advent health have started building small ERs in Marion County because the hospitals don't have the most qualified people working there. Doctors are leaving hospitals because the conditions are subpar. The new VA clinic was built out on 200 (not exactly a short trip nor easy one) and just opened and a lot of doctors went there....my gp included. Now I have a new one and it is more expensive. So the whole booming is always a great thing is a lie. It has ruined lives, livelihoods,cost of living and to make it worse, Marion County has been a dumping ground for illegals being bussed or flown in (yes to the airport only for the rich) in the middle of the night. They gloat at it and they get housing before veterans that have lost their homes because they can't make ends meet on fixed incomes. That lie pissed me off the most. Fixed income cannot get a very small one bedroom apartment,much less a small house. Unless you inherit a home or are wealthy, you cannot afford housing or basic living. Then the Villages keeps expanding into Marion and Sumter counties, which makes it even worse. The average person cannot afford the Villages (high end community for older people that is extremely restricted) and most Ocala residents have to make the trek to work there since they have the higher end chain stores, etc. Ocala used to be the small town feel, God, family, and community , but those days have been long gone. The county is wide spread but only 200 is being focused on. That leaves slim pickings for the rest of Ocala. 40 east takes you to Daytona and that road was the 2nd main road when my parents were in high-school 70s. Now it is limited unless you go to Walmart (8 or 9 of them total for Marion County) and like I said very little mom and pops left. Now there are little pop up food trucks because the prices are too high and even those very rarely succeed...just not a food truck place. What was once a booming nature and animal attraction (silver springs) has been shut down. The water park (wild waters) not too far from silver springs was shut down as well....I graduated hs 2002 and just over a year later it shut down. Living all over the country for work, I can tell you, the people that run Ocala are delusional and treat Ocala like it is o town or new York. The Ocala civic theatre used to be booming (I worked there from 7 yr old right up until I went to college), but between the economy, pandemic and just less interested people, it is struggling. People like in this video hype Ocala up to be what is used to be, not what it actually is and that's a major factor in why it's not affordable nor small town or community anymore. This video neglected to tell you that the city council deemed it illegal to be homeless and started having people arrested. Thankfully, our mayor got that stopped. Yet they keep building sky rocketed housing rather than building shelters and affordable housing. Churches have been desperately trying to build,but idiots that run Ocala deny and fight them every single step. It may be more affordable for people that live in NY, CA, etc....but for locals....nope. in fact my old 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment in Orlando was only 780 per month and I lived there for 2 years. Then went to NY and other places...but now in ocala, a 500sq ft 1 bedroom apartment is on average 1450 month and that is only for the structure...so please do research before you rely on videos like this. The activities are great, but not many can afford to do them unless they walk or bike trails (those are free).I used to love Ocala because it was that nostalgic living, but no it is no longer that. It is a jammed packed rat race that average people can never win.
Wow, good to hear. Florida just got out of hand. I lived in Orlando back in 2001 to 2006. The homes are as much as New York. Politicians got their hands in everything and don't give a damn about people. Drugs and homeless is all over. I thought this was going to be a country type of town. Guess you did not get Home Depot in yet..lol that will be there soon. Thank you for all that info. Had my heart set on Ocala and now rethinking. The homes are a bit cheaper than other places not by much in Florida. I can not believe people would buy these homes in Florida with so little land. The homes in most places in Florida are on top of each other about 10 ft apart and cost so much. I guess I am use to living in New York about 15 mins from New York City and on a 1/3 of acre. I can not get use to the way florida is on top of each other and the price for that is so high. I feel the people who are buying these homes don't know much about land since they lived in an apartment all their life from NYC which I heard most of the people that are buying these homes. Guess the builders got them where they want in their pockets cause NYC people don't know much.
@@LcLceder you're correct about lining their pockets. Ocala does have home depot (only one that I am aware of) since mid 2000s and there are 3 Lowes. I also lived in otown 2006-2009. I worked in New York may 2009,but got severely injured on the job Jul 2, 2009. Driving back to FL was difficult and i moved back to ocala at that point since I left otown and didn't have my home anymore. I had to drive from Ocala to otown a lot since (surgeries happened there, but 1 was in north Miami) and the traffic is far worse now. It makes no sense what they do for roads and the new build on 408, I knew something bad would happen and sadly it did the other day. A car went off where the new build was and fell down onto I4. Housing wasn't as bad in otown when I lived there. Ocala, it is completely insane now, but I would take it over new York. They screwed me over big time and they caused more damage and surgeries for me...I will do my best to not go back. I lost everything because of them and right now FL is only slightly better....in terms of freedom, other than that, most places are corrupt,line their pockets and screw the people!
pros and cons to everything, coming from California and visiting Ocala it didn't feel to crowded, I guess it's all relative
integrity is everything
@@shouldimovethere my Dad is from San Diego and my mom is from Ohio. I know how bad Cali has become, but coming from there I can see why you don't think it's crowded here. However, it is overcrowded and not enough housing by any stretch. The city is only focusing on 1 area and screwing the rest. The continuous moronic "construction" is alive and making life that much more stressful. The back roads are so crowded and those morons are putting in crosswalks where no one is actually walking, traffic is so backed up that the intersection has a sheriff substation is the main cause and only 2 or 3 cars can make it through at a time....and that is where they are now putting in crosswalks (with lights) and there hasn't been anyone walking or biking across. So I guess it depends on the person. That is just one perspective from someone from and currently in ocala.
What about schools? Job market? Crime? Safety?
We are starting to incorporate this into our other videos, appreciate your comment!
HOW BAD IS THE HUMIDITY ?
Its a little hi....and generally its 10 degrees hotter in the summers and 10 degrees cooler in the winter 😎
it's Florida so Humidity is a thing but you get used to it as a Florida Resident 🌞
Your question should be "how bad is the county"? IT IS BAD. Drugs, Crime, Low Education, hateful people. Do your research before moving here. I have been here 40 years in Florida. Took me 30 years to get out of Marion County. Just a word of advice.
Ocala is in the lower temperate zone. Much better weather than even down at the Villages which is sub tropic and swampy. We strike a more moderate climate. We do have hot humid days inthe summer but we have abundant trees and breezes all year. We have lived here for almost 5 years having moved from coastal New England. Much much less humid here than coastal Rhode Island for certain. Green all year with mildly cool winters.
All of Florida is like a sauna from May thru October, with Aug-Sep being brutally oppressive with humidity. There’s no way around it.
If you want to know something about Ocala ask Rock Hooker.
There are not many alligator's here either. And we have seen the rockets at night even though we are many miles away
Yes!! The rocket launches are highly visible. We watch from our lanai. No gators but lush forests prevail over the swampier land of the sub sropics. Remember, Ocla is still in the lower temperate zone. Hard wood forests here on every side.
See you in a year or so 👊
Interesting, how. No one ever mentions the “Sinkholes”….. the limestone rocks are probably part of the sinkholes…….also the Alligators, Crocodiles, Mosquitoes, other reptiles, and bugs…..⁉️⁉️⁉️
I didn't see to many sink holes when I visited in March 2022
Mostly a place for Retired people
Oklawaha is nice
Shhh!
I don't know Ocala. I seethe fotos and i like. Is beurifull and I wish moved to Ocala.
If you want to retire in the State of Florida STAY AWAY FROM THE CITIES. very simple.
Ocala is the ticket for the very bet of Florida!
@@georgenadineescobar295 seriously Ocala is really nice, I want to visit ASAP
@Sharon Edwards USA Stay away from Jacksonville. High high crimes and murders and it’s too spread out. Duval County is the largest county in the USA, yes the largest. 164 square miles. Definitely not the hometown feel.
@@georgenadineescobar295 has
don't need the music background
Paul, really appreciate the feedback! I'll keep that in mind for future interviews, I really want to continue interviewing professionals and chatting with them about their areas of expertise. have an awesome day!
We have nightlife?
The problem with any fresh water area is alligators. I'd never swim or paddle board there.
honestly that's probably wise
70 bucks wow kind of a lot is in it?
I go on the internet and I see a lot of run-down places?
Cos. Ppl are not very friendly. Lots druggies.
The only thing is the city is not big enough for a Trader Joes!!
lol that's amazing
the nearest Trader Joe's is in Gainesville not to bad of a drive (:
Be patient...it is growing with professional retirees combining in droves. We are young and vital and have money to spend. Trader Joe’s is only about 25 minutes north in Gainesville which does have a traffic flow issue. Still worth the scenic drive there!
Thank you so much for this information. Next time turn the music off. It’s a total distraction.
appreciate the feedback!
Con - No Vegan, How about Gluten-Free??
Publix Grocery Store I heard is a nice store, I would start there :D
Ocala is a horrible place to move. Lots of druggies, schools are horrible, no growth, nothing to do, no opportunity here. Orlando and Tampa would be a WAY better option
Hagan un video en español también please
100% eventually we would like to have them done in Spanish
Move a little north west of Evansville and I will sell you a 1/2 lot in a nice area and there are 3 home places on 19 that will put a nice manufactured home with no money down and Gainesville has the best medical.
I understand people have problems, but nobody really want to deal with those kinds of problems
Everything sounds good except the lack of vegan options.. I'm vegan and I wanna buy a land and rescue wildlife. Ocala would be perfect cause the land is cheap there and plenty wildlife.. There is no beach but you have springs with crystal clear water so if those are warm enough to swim, it can replace the beach.. They need to start open vegan restaurants there.. What about wholefoods, is it enough wholefoods there?
If you care so much for animals stop eating their Food 🤣🤣🤣
There are plenty of cons that live there.
I grew up in Ocala its beautiful,but the people there are like zombies no one talk's.Its a great place if your into Zombies😂😂😂
Not the case inDel Webb Stone Creek community. Lively, active people who have come to retire after years of success. People travel, play and interact. Now with the new World Equestrian Center, we have even more to enjoy. Short trips to Tampa, Gainesville, Orlando and even Daytona. Far less traffic and all new shopping. Taxes, utilities, and insurances are all very low. Check out 55+ Stone Creek. We have loved here almost 5 years having moved from coastal NewEngland. This is the best!!
@@georgenadineescobar295 yes, have a friend who lives in Stone Creek and she absolutely loves it! My hubby just shot his all time golf record there, a 65, so he loves the course.
@@georgenadineescobar295 is there a reason so many people move to Ocala from New England?
that was a year ago prices for rent an everything else has soared in Ocala.It has a City that extorts it's citizens taxes are through the roof lots of Guns an people who love guns.Lot of nose in the air Politics that border arrogance.They are systematically eliminating struggling poor chances to get into a better life.Prices an cost of living might just be the new crime wave, the wealthy are buying up all the real estate do the math not hard to figure out.Enslaving parts of population.Mojos haven't been but think it is a great place
Ocala is not very nice unless you live out on the horse properties. The health care is awful. It's not inexpensive to live here anymore. Lots of crime, drugs, homeless. Lots of people moving in and traffic is getting horrible. The springs and forest is nice but I would say ocala is a nice place to visit, but not to live in.
that inflation, it's real
The music annoyed me!
The bars and local band. Are dead.
You forgot to say fresh air not like down south all polluted and stink
you are spot on about that one!
i lived in ocala my entire life 36yrs......please don't make people move to Ocala we like our size an politics demographics etc also there is absolutely nothing to do after your first few weeks here everything else is a drive away hr or more for most places he says we have night life lmfao we have one club on pine and its a mix of rap and country music we have no rivers springs or campgrounds as he mentioned lol unless your in the forest that in the county def not city were talking 22 plus miles for a campground from Ocala off 40 east some parts of Ocala you should def stay out of unless you know people in there also all these people from up north are getting scammed on real estate because they expect the prices higher which in turn crank up artificially inflate our real estate prices which will up our taxes etc go to Gainesville or Orlando or st Augustine please leave your northern attitudes up there or over there in the west
@Clifford Dombrowski … I was born in Florida and moved to the north for decades. I find northerners much more friendly than some areas in Florida. Northerners are used to living in close proximity to a diverse group of people and thus they are more welcoming snd accepting in general. Growth of your city is inevitable. You should welcome it. Look at growth in a positive way, not negative. Welcome those “northern attitudes”. There are many nice ones!
Lived here all my life , couldn't agree more
I don't like the city life lol
Cons: sinkholes capital of the world
yikes, I didn't notice any more than in California while I was there just last month :D
Sinkholes are a big factor that he didn’t mention. According to Google Marion county which Ocala is in has the highest rate of sinkholes and people should know that before they buy property, it’s not a joke!!
I did appreciate the video otherwise. I love hearing about places but it’s important we hear the full picture 🖼