Located in the north central area of the "Sunshine State" (Florida), the city of Ocala is a jewel that continues to shine to the world. Residents enjoy an exceptional lifestyle with all the advantages of the country life: wide green areas, nature preserves, horse and cattle farms, clean air, lakes, springs, rivers, and abundant wildlife. At the same time, we have all the benefits and comfort of a city: excellent roads, supermarkets, stores of all kinds, restaurants, hospitals, private and public schools, colleges, movie theaters, gyms, recreational state parks, sports complexes, golf courses, churches of many denominations, dealerships of more than fifteen brands of cars, including most American and Japanese brands, some European brands (Porsche, BMW, Land Rover/Jaguar, and Volkswagen) and Korean brands ( Hyundai, Kia). Boat and/or motorcycle dealers (Yamaha, Harley-Davidson), and agricultural and construction machinery dealers.

When looking at the entertainment options found in most cities, they are going to restaurants, shopping, going to the movies or the theater, practicing sports and/or going to the gym, going to sporting events, going out to dance, participating in artistic activities, or going on a picnic in a park out of the urban area. And, for a few people, going to the social club.

Although in Ocala and its surroundings you can enjoy almost all the activities on that list, this privileged area offers additional incredible alternatives to have fun that most cities do not have. For example, going to the nearby springs, rivers and/or lakes to navigate in a kayak, canoe, jet ski, or boat, skiing, fishing, swimming and/or diving in caves, depending on the place chosen.

Or going to the nearby parks in natural preserves with well-marked trails for walking, cycling and/or horseback riding, which also have large parking areas, restrooms, picnic tables, and camping areas. Other forest spots have trails to practice motocross and ride ATVs.

There are various state and private parks to enjoy nature. Also, the Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park offers cable riding through the canopy, guided horseback rides, mining, kayaking, etc.

And when the residents of Ocala want to experience other environments to have fun, our beautiful city is the epicenter of a variety of cities to choose from, some of which are on the beaches of the Florida’s Atlantic coast or the Gulf of Mexico.

LET'S TRAVEL TO SOME CITIES AROUND OCALA

Orlando, at about 1 hour and 10 minute-drive from Ocala to the Southeast, is the most touristic city in the United States, boasting an impressive international airport and a beautiful central park around a lake. Its nickname is "The City Beautiful". It is famous worldwide for theme parks like Dysney (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center), SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Gatorland, Legoland, Aquatica, etc. Also, for the many outlets, shopping malls, resorts, hotels, restaurants, places to dance and stadiums.

*Note: Orlando, Kissimmee, and  Sanford conform the third largest metropolitan area in Florida, with a population of over two and half million inhabitants.

Gainesville, at about 40 minute-drive from Ocala to the North, is the city where the University of Florida is located, with more than 50,000 students. Home of the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Butterfly Museum where hundreds of these beautiful creatures fly freely mixed with some varieties of birds. This city is famous for having excellent hospitals and medical research. There are also numerous restaurants for all tastes and nightlife, as well. Between Gainesville and Ocala there is a natural park - The Prairie, where there are wild bisons (American buffalos) and horses, deer, alligators, etc., as well as places for bird watching.

The Villages, at about 35 minute-drive from Ocala to the Southeast, is the largest city for retirees in the United States. It has 3 town squares: one with Spanish style, the second with a lake, and the third with Western style; each of them surrounded by restaurants and shops. There is a theater where famous singers and the Villages Philharmonic Orchestra perform, a dancing hall, and a polo field.    

Cities on the Gulf of Mexico:

Cedar Key, at about 1 hour and 15 minute-drive from Ocala to the West, is made up of small islands where there are wildlife refuges with many bird species. It is a tourists’ preferred area because of the restaurants, most specializing in sea food. There is a pier for watching the amazing views and for fishing. Also, a boat ramp and beautiful beaches. This area produces clams at large scale. There is also a museum that shows the historical value of this town, as it was an important port and train station in the 19th century.

Crystal River, at about 55 minutes-drive from Ocala to the Southwest, is a coastal city with a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity, because the river merges the sea. It is a fabulous area for boating, fishing, and swimming. There are two wildlife refuges and is home to groups of manatees the entire year. There is also an archaeological park.

Tampa, at about 1 hour and 25 minutes-drive from Ocala to the Southwest, is a city with great historical, cultural, and business importance, characterized by the abundance of palm trees. It has a commercial international airport and seaport. Famous for the wide variety of restaurants and its nightlife. Residents and tourists enjoy the beautiful beaches, the horse racetrack, the outlet and shopping centers, the Zoo, Bush Gardens theme park, the stadiums, and marina.

Saint Petersburg, at about 1 hour and 45 minutes-drive from Ocala to the Southwest, is a city of great beauty, with an architecture that mixes the  modern with traditional from the coastal areas. It has beautiful beaches, museums, marina, restaurants, hotels, theater, and the Florida Orchestra is based there. South of Saint Petersburg, over the waters of Tampa Bay, is the impressive Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge. It is impressive to see it from the distance at night due to its beautiful lights, as well as to cross it through. And North of it, there is a pier for fishing.

Clearwater, at about 1 hour and 50 minutes-drive from Ocala to the Southwest, is a touristic city famous for its paradisiacal beaches, the stunning Pier 60, and the marina. There are excellent restaurants and hotels. Suitable for family enjoyment and, also, for those who like nightlife.

*Note: Tampa, Saint Petersburg, and Clearwater conform the second largest metropolitan area in Florida (with a population of over three million inhabitants).

Anna Maria Island, at about 2 hours and 15 minutes-drive from Ocala to the Southwest, is a beautiful island with paradisiacal beaches, incredible scenery, coastal-style mansions, restaurants and small hotels, and a pier for observing wildlife.

Cities on the Florida’s Atlantic Coast:

Ormond Beach, at about 1 hour and 20 minutes-drive from Ocala to the East, is a very touristic city. The shortest route from downtown Ocala to Ormond Beach is Highway 40, which crosses through the beautiful Ocala National Forest. Like most beaches on the Florida’s Atlantic Coast, the swell in Ormond Beach is stronger than it is on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, so playing with the waves is part of the fun here. In addition, 4x4 vehicles can enter some of the beaches, which allows having everything required for fun on hand without having to carry it from the regular parking areas (chairs, parasol, tent, drinks, food, games, bicycles, etc.). The Tomoka State Park is also a great place to enjoy nature in this area.

Daytona Beach, at about 1 hour and 30  minutes-drive from Ocala to the East, is famous for the Nascar car races, the Daytona Lagoon water park, and for the "motorcycle week" in which thousands of motorcycle fans gather there to celebrate and share. This favors an excellent hotel and restaurant infrastructure. 4x4 vehicles can enter some of its beaches.

*Watch video of a visit to Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach.

Saint Augustine, at about 1 hour and 45 minutes-drive from Ocala to the Northeast, is a tourist city with spectacular colonial-style buildings. Founded in September 1565 by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, is considered the oldest city in the United States. One of the most visited buildings is the Castillo de San Marcos from the 17th century. Thousands of tourists walk everyday through its picturesque streets to enjoy the good weather, the large number of restaurants and shops, and the outlet. From the imposing Lions Bridge, you can see a large part of the city; next to it is the marina. Additionally, Saint Augustine has beautiful beaches, some of which allow entering 4x4 vehicles. The Anastasia State Park is a refuge for wildlife protection.

Jacksonville, at about 1 hour and 45 minutes-drive from Ocala to the Northeast, is the fourth largest metropolitan area in Florida with over 1.5 million inhabitants. It has a commercial international airport and seaport. It has great beaches, hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. Places to visit include the Zoo, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Talbot Islands (small and big), the Museum of Science and History, and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.

And those who enjoy the snow activities during the winter, can drive North from Ocala (to different states) about 6 hours or less. They can rent cabins or stay in hotels in those areas. And, after getting tired of the snow, they return to Ocala where we enjoy excellent weather.

THE RESIDENTS OF THE AREA

Ocala is a true "Horse Lovers’ Playground", with a great equine infrastructure: veterinarians, farriers, horse trainers, farm workers, horse feed stores, equine hospitals and rehabilitation centers, tack stores, equestrian competitions and activities with horses throughout the year.

In fact, Ocala is registered as the "Horse Capital of the World", where there are more than 1,000 horse farms. In fact, the equine industry makes an impact of over 2 billon dollars to the economy of Marion county a year. In recent years, some large farms have been split into equestrian subdivisions, many of them for jumpers and dressage enthusiasts. This has been accelerated by the construction (with private resources) of the recently opened World Equestrian Center (WEC). Its impressive facilities designed with the highest standards of safety, quality, and luxury include a five-star hotel. The WEC is projected to be the premier equestrian complex in the USA when completed.

The Florida Horse Park is another iconic place for Marion County's important equine industry. In front of the Ocala International Airport, the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. owns a horse racetrack where is held a traditional annual race. Adjacent to the racetrack there is a building for the various Thoroughbred horse auctions that take place during the year, which total tens of millions of dollars in sales.

Of course, Ocala is not just for horse lovers. It is also a “Retirees’ All-in-One Paradise” for the great weather, the many options for outdoor activities the entire year, and the cost of living lower than average in Florida. That is why there are at least 20 subdivisions for people over 55, most in gated communities that generally have a golf course and excellent facilities to practice multiple sports and have fun.

Ocala is also a "Family’s joy field", first, because children, teenagers, and adults can enjoy a countryside environment without the hassles or stress of the larger cities. Second, because there are many options and places for the families to enjoy a wide variety of adventures together. Therefore, the city is preparing very well to welcome many more families in the years to come, as there are currently several construction companies working at full speed in the development and construction of newly well-located subdivisions with thousands of high-quality houses.

Of course, after seeing so much progress, Ocala has become a complete "buffet for Investors", where all those who like to invest in real estate are having a feast with the many opportunities that are still available and the projections for the future.

For all the above and much more, Ocala is "My Dreamland" and here is how I found it.

When you feel ready to enjoy this exceptional lifestyle, I will be ready to help you choose your little piece of paradise here. Contact me at (352) 266-2782. 

                          Because YOU DESERVE OCALA