Ocala is a city in Marion County, Florida. The county is one of the major Thoroughbred centers of the world, and has over 1,200 horse farms in total and about 600 Thoroughbred farms. Ocala began undergoing rapid growth in the 1970s with the development of the Interstate 75 and the construction of Disney World.

In recent decades, the greater Ocala area experienced one of the highest growth rates in the country for a city its size. The population of the county in 2000 was over 250,000, which was up from under 100,000 in 1975. A large part of the county's growth is attributed to the area's growing popularity as a retirement haven, primarily in two areas southwest and south of the city, which are the SR 200 corridor and The Villages, respectively.

Marion County Has Thriving Housing Market

While the housing markets in the coastal areas and southern Florida have seen major declines, Marion County, including Ocala, has seen positive values maintained, however since most consumers are looking at national and state numbers and are being a bit cautious, these have quite affected the movement of home sales in this area. Marion County however, offers homes in a variety of price ranges, from single-family starter homes to luxurious upper-end estates.

According to housing observers, Ocala is a unique place for those looking for a starter home or those wanting a second or third home. Home buyers coming to this place will find a wide array, ranging from traditional neighborhoods, gated subdivisions to sprawling retirement communities, those in search for homes can find it all in Marion County, specifically in areas like Silver Springs Shores and Marion Oaks, which are older, more established residential communities and both are still experiencing growth. Others areas like Fore Ranch and Heath Brook are newer subdivisions.

The county's southern portion is also home to a section of the massive Villages retirement community, along with several other gated retirement communities nearby. Just west of the city, the State Road 200 corridor is also a retiree haven, with On Top of the World, and Oak Run to name a few.

The City's Economy Is On The Upswing

Ocala, as well as Marion County's economy has had its ups and downs over the past decades, however, it still remains relatively strong. The area's economic diversity helps to effectively insulate the area from the worst shocks. No single sector dominates the economy, which ranges between tourism, manufacturing, equine, construction, health care, retail and service industries.

Technology and a stable manufacturing industry sector were major factors in the recent decision by California-based Milken Institute to rank Ocala as 2007's top city in the nation for job growth. The city's median income for a household is $30,888, and the median income for a family was $38,190.

Males had a median income of $29,739 versus $24,367 for females. The city's per capita income was $18,021. Around 13.2% of families and 18.1% of the population live below the poverty line, including 28.6% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over. In 1995, the city was named the winner of the All-America City Award.

http://www.fountainsatgolfpark.com/fountains/index.htm - Ocala Real Estate

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