From traditional neighborhoods, gated subdivisions to sprawling retirement communities, those in search of a home hopefully can find it all in Ocala, as well as throughout Marion County.
Districts like Silver Springs Shores and Marion Oaks, are older, more established residential communities, and are still experiencing robust growth. Other areas like Fore Ranch and Heath Brook are newer subdivisions. The southern portion of Marion County is also home to a selection of massive retirement villages, as well as other other gated communities and villages.
The Ocala/Marion County Building Department has noted that housing growth in the city and county as well has remained strong, ,and like most of central and south Florida, is being driven by the influx of new families and retirees, who are relocating from harsher and colder northern climates, as well as for the area's growing employment opportunities.
The Indicators For Robust Growth Are In Ocala
According to local housing experts, most indicators that would enable a healthy local new home sale market are reflected in Ocala. These factors, such as low interest rates, lower cost of construction products and services, strong commercial construction activity, and baby boomers reaching retirement age. Overall, the housing sector is optimistic that the new home market in Marion County will be healthy over the next 12 to 24 months.
Ten Reasons Why You Should Invest In Ocala Real Estate
- Availability Of Affordable Housing
Ocala, as well as Marion County, offers many affordable housing programs for income eligible households, and these include the State Housing Initiative Partnership or SHIP and the Community Development Block Grant or CDBG for home purchase or rehabilitation outside of the city limits of Ocala. In Ocala, the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program, which uses federal funds, is among the programs offered to income eligible residents within the city limits.
- Wide Array Of Employment Opportunities
The slowdown in the housing, credit and construction sector has led to higher unemployment in recent months, with the jobless rate rising to 4.8 percent. However employment in the manufacturing and service sector has risen, and the result is an availability of job options.
- The City Has A Thriving Retail Sector
Ocala's retail sector is expected to further grow. The new Market Street at Heath Brook mall is scheduled to open early next year, bringing new options to shoppers, including Dillards and Talbots. Paddock Mall, the county's first mall, is slated for a renovation and expansion in 2008, and newer centers are being developed nearby. A new shopping center, Berkshire Oaks, will add major retailers Kohl's and H.H. Gregg to the fold.
- Easy Access To Modern Medcal Facilities
Of the county's largest private-sector employers, two are in health care, three in retail sales, three in manufacturing, one in finance and one in support services. The Munroe Regional Medical Center is the county's largest single employer, with 2,427 employees, followed closely by Wal-Mart with 2,385. The proximity of the county health facilities to the city offers residents better, and convenient access to medical care.
- Presence Of High-Tech Industries
Ocala's high-tech industries are expanding too. Aircraft and tech firm Lockheed Martin continues to build missile control systems in its Ocala facility, and Intellon is expanding its line of integrated circuits into new products.
- Booming Tourism Market
As tourism continues to grow, the Ocala/Marion County Visitor and Convention Bureau recently authorized a feasibility study to determine whether the area can support a convention/meeting facility. New hotels have recently opened on both the east and west sides of Ocala. A new Holiday Inn Express opened near the Silver Springs attraction, joined by a Value Place extended-stay hotel nearby.
- The City Hosts A Number Of Housing Events Each Year
Each year, several home events are hosted to showcase potential home buyers to area builders. Two of the area's largest events are the annual spring Parade of Homes and the Fall Showcase of Homes. The Marion County Building Industry Association sponsors both events.
- It Is The Horse Capital Of The World
Carl Rose, who made millions in the limestone industry, opened his Rosemere Farm just east of Ocala in the 1930s, However, it was men like Bonnie Heath and Jack Dudley that began breeding Triple Crown champions in Marion as early as the 1940s and 1950s. Today, Marion, as well as Ocala, proudly calls itself "The Horse Capital of the World" because of the hundreds of farms that raise dozens of equine breeds.
- The City Offers Many Educational Opportunities
There are many educational opportunities in Marion County, and these range from public and private elementary schools to colleges and university opportunities. Among them are Central Florida Community College, and its main campus on State Road 200 not only offers associate degrees, but also features a University Center where students can earn bachelor's and master's degrees through online classes at seven universities.
- It Has A Vibrant Nightlife
The city has a healthy assortment of recreational, dining, and entertainment facilities. Whether you're looking to dance the night away, go have a few drinks with friends or just unwind, there are several nightspots here for individuals who are looking to have fun.
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