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    • Home
    • About Us
    • Why Ocala
      • Ocala
      • Retirees
      • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Español
      • Nosotros
      • Ocala
      • Retirados
      • Youtube
      • Blog
      • Política de Privacidad
    • Measurement conversions
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Why Ocala
    • Ocala
    • Retirees
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Español
    • Nosotros
    • Ocala
    • Retirados
    • Youtube
    • Blog
    • Política de Privacidad
  • Measurement conversions

Your Guide to Retiring in Ocala, Florida

A comprehensive resource for retirees or soon-to-retire looking to enjoy their golden years in one of Florida's most charming hidden gems.

Why Ocala?

Climate

Laid-Back Lifestyle

Affordability

Enjoy 233 sunny days per year with mild winters averaging 70°F, making outdoor activities possible year-round without the extreme heat of South Florida.

Affordability

Laid-Back Lifestyle

Affordability

Housing costs 23% below national average, with median home prices around $245,000 – significantly less than coastal Florida cities.

Laid-Back Lifestyle

Laid-Back Lifestyle

Laid-Back Lifestyle

Experience "Horse Capital of the World" charm with a slower pace, friendly community, and natural beauty without the tourist crowds.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Housing

Taxes & Insurance

Healthcare

  • Average home: $245,000


  • 55+ communities starting at $180,000


  • Rental options: $1,100-$2,300/month

Healthcare

Taxes & Insurance

Healthcare

  • Medicare supplement: $150-$300/ month


  • Prescription costs: 5% below the national average


  • Out-of-pocket specialist visits: $100-$250

Taxes & Insurance

Taxes & Insurance

Taxes & Insurance

  • No state income tax


  • Property tax: ~$2,000/year on median home (after homestead exception)


  • Average Homeowners insurance: $1,500-$3,000/year

Your retirement dollars stretch further in Ocala, with overall costs running    8-12% below the national average while maintaining an excellent quality of life.

Healthcare & Senior Services

Instalaciones médicas

  • AdventHealth Ocala (Level II Trauma Center)
  • Ocala Regional Medical Center (Joint Commission Gold Seal)
  • West Marion Community Hospital
  • Ocala VA Clinic with specialist referrals

Specialists & Services

  • Over 200 board-certified specialists
  • Renowned cardiac care programs
  • UF Health partnerships for complex care

In-Home Support

  • 15+ home health agencies
  • Meal delivery programs
  • Senior transportation services
  • Marion Senior Services assistance

Lifestyle & Activities

Golf Paradise

Social Connection

Arts & Culture

60+ courses in Marion County, including Ocala Golf Club, Golden Hills Country Club, Candler Hills, with affordable senior memberships starting at $1,800/year.

Arts & Culture

Social Connection

Arts & Culture

Appleton Museum of Art, Ocala Civic Theatre, and regular outdoor concerts at Tuscawilla Art Park keep your cultural calendar full.

Social Connection

Social Connection

Social Connection

Thriving senior centers, 100+ clubs for retirees, and volunteer opportunities with organizations like Marion County Literacy Council.

Types of Communities for Retirees

55+ Communities

Traditional Neighborhoods

Golf Communities

  • Age-restricted neighborhoods with amenities like pools, clubhouses, and planned activities.


  • Popular options: On Top of the World, Del Webb Stone Creek, Oak Run, JB Ranch


  • Price range:

   $180,000 to $500,000

Golf Communities

Traditional Neighborhoods

Golf Communities

  • Luxury developments centered around championship courses with country club amenities.


  • Popular options: Ocala Preserve, Golden Ocala, Candler Hills, Stone Creek


  • Price range:

$300,000 to $6MM

Traditional Neighborhoods

Traditional Neighborhoods

Traditional Neighborhoods

  • Mixed-age communities with large lots and privacy.


  • Popular options: Waterways, the beautiful Historic District, Golden Hills 

Pros & Cons of Living in Ocala

Pros

Pros

Pros

  • Affordability compared to coastal Florida
  • Lower population density and traffic
  • Strong sense of community
  • Natural environment (springs, preserves, farms)
  • Central location (1-2 hours to beaches, Orlando)
  • Excellent healthcare infrastructure
  • Three international airports ((Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville) within 2 hours

Cons

Pros

Pros

  • Fewer direct flights (Ocala International focuses on private aviation)
  • Summer humidity (May-September)
  • Limited high-end dining and shopping
  • Distance from major metropolitan areas: Orlando 75 minutes, Tampa 90 minutes, Jacksonville 120 minutes

Ocala isn't perfect for everyone, but its benefits outweigh the limitations for many retirees looking for a better, affordable lifestyle and community building.

Taxes & Financial Planning

No State Income Tax

Asset Protection Benefits

No State Income Tax

Keep more of your retirement income with Florida's constitutional prohibition on state income taxes—meaning no taxes on Social Security, pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s, or other retirement income.

Homestead Exemption

Asset Protection Benefits

No State Income Tax

Save up to $50,000 on your primary property's assessed value for tax purposes, potentially reducing your annual property tax bill by $750-$1,000.

Asset Protection Benefits

Asset Protection Benefits

Asset Protection Benefits

Florida offers strong creditor protection for your primary residence (unlimited under homestead laws) and protection for annuities and life insurance cash values.

Next Steps & Get Personalized Help

Ready to explore Ocala as your retirement destination?

Discover the Retirement Lifestyle You Deserve in Ocala, Florida
Enjoy sunny days, serene landscapes, and a vibrant community perfect for your next chapter. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet retreat or an active lifestyle, we’ll help you find the perfect home.

Contact Us

Meet the team

Diego Bravo

Gloria Zapata

Gloria Zapata

Real Estate Agent with Professional Realty of Ocala. I moved to Ocala in 2003, and this is “My Dream Land”

Gloria Zapata

Gloria Zapata

Gloria Zapata

Real Estate Agent with Professional Realty of Ocala. Your dream home isn’t just a property – “it’s a lifestyle”

Contact us now!

Contact DiegoContact GloriaE-mail

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