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Moving to Ocala in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Ocala.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Ocala.

Planning to move to Ocala?

Moving needs detailed planning and you must have basic information about the city. Ocala is a city in Florida, which is known for its world-class equestrian facilities and thriving horse culture. The city is surrounded by natural beauty like Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs State Park, and more. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to other cities in Florida. It is a small town with a family-friendly community. The city's economy is growing with numerous jobs in healthcare, education, and technology. But you need some more information to experience a smooth transition to Ocala. We have provided all such details in this moving guide-

Quick Facts of Ocala

Learning some unique and interesting facts about your new city will encourage you to explore it-

Sliver Springs is famous for its crystal-clear waters.

Several movies including Tarzan and The Creature from the Black Lagoon” were filmed in Silver Springs.

Ocala National Forest is home to diverse wildlife including bears and deer.

The city was once known as the “Brick City” because of its brick-paved streets and historic brick buildings.

Ocala Breeder’s Sales Company is one of the largest thoroughbred auction companies in the world.

The Historic Marion Theatre hosts a variety of live performances and movie screenings.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. know the top-rated moving companies in Ocala.

Top reasons to move to Ocala

Moving is a huge step and there must be some strong reasons to move to a new city. Ocala is a city that offers many things to its residents and here is the list of these factors-

Cost of living—Ocala offers lower costs of living with affordable housing options. The city's property taxes are low, and there is no state income tax.

Job Market- The economy of the city is growing with numerous job opportunities. Ocala has a supportive environment for small businesses.

Natural Beauty- The city is filled with natural beauty that offers opportunities for outdoor fun like hiking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Horse-capital of the world- The city offers world-class equestrian facilities, horse shows, and opportunities in the horse industry.

Sense of community- The city has a small-town charm with a tight-knit community. The life in the city is relaxed. Ocala has a historic downtown with unique shops.

Climate- The residents of Ocala enjoy warm, sunny weather most of the year. The winters are mild and pleasant.

Pros & Cons of Living in Ocala

Before you move to a new city, learn about all the features it has and also explore the challenges that you might have to face. Ocala is no different city, it has some pros and some cons, and here you can learn about them-

Pros of living in Ocala	Cons of living in Ocala
Lower cost of living with affordable housing options	The nightlife scene in the city is limited compared to other large cities
The city is Horse Capital of the World	Public transportation is limited, people rely on cars
Ocala is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes	Some areas can feel quite rural which is not ideal for everyone
The city enjoys warm sunny weather year-round	Summers are hot and humid that can be uncomfortable for some people
The economy and job market both are growing	Job market is growing but it is limited to a few industries
Plenty of outdoor recreational activities	The city is prone to hurricanes and tornadoes

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Ocala, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Ocala

The neighborhood is the first place in the new city where you find new friends and family. So, before you move to Ocala, research the neighborhoods and pick the best suited to your budget and lifestyle. Here, we have listed some of the best neighborhoods in Ocala-

Historic Downtown Ocala- This is a charming historic district with a vibrant art scene and beautiful architecture. The locality has a mix of historic homes and modern condos. There are shops, cultural attractions, and more recreation opportunities.

Bellview Heights- This is an upscale neighborhood with beautiful landscapes and large homes. It is quiet and offers peaceful surroundings. The neighborhood is located near the World Equestrian Center.

West Ocala- This is a well-established neighborhood with newer constructions and older homes. There are a variety of housing options with variable costs. The neighborhood has good schools, and shopping centers and is connected to major highways.

Forest of Golden Hills- This is a gated community with high-end amenities including a clubhouse, golf course, and more. It offers a luxurious living environment and is ideal for retirees and families.

Maricamp- This is a waterfront community that has access to Lake Weir and more. The location offers opportunities for boating, water sports, and fishing. There are a variety of housing options at affordable pricing.

Cost of living in Ocala

The cost of living in a city is one of the deciding factors for your move. It will help you evaluate the moving budget and manage your finances. Ocala offers a relatively affordable cost of living and housing is one of the affordable parameters. There are some other costs included while calculating the cost of living and here is the breakdown-

Category	Ocala (in USD)
Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center)	$1,182
Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom apartment in the suburbs)	$922
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)	$195.79
Groceries (Monthly)	$584
Transportation (Monthly Pass)	$45.00
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant	$17.50
Meal for Two at a Mid-range Restaurant	$60.00
Cappuccino (Regular)	$3.24
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	$4.50
Gasoline (1 gallon)	$3.37
Monthly Salary After Tax	$2,870

Housing Market in Ocala

Currently, the housing market in Ocala is experiencing moderate growth. The median home price in Ocala is approximately $375,734, which is significantly lower than any other city in Florida. There are a variety of housing options available in the city including single-family homes, condos, and townhomes.

Average rental cost in Ocala

The average rental cost in Ocala ranges between $925-$1,845 per month. The rental cost depends on the type, size, and location of the property.

Ocala job market

Ocala's economy has shown steady growth with a less-diverse steadily growing job market. The city is known as the “Horse Capital of the World” and this significantly contributes to the economic growth. There are several industries in the city working as significant employers like healthcare, retirement community, manufacturing, and more. The job market is growing but offers fewer high-paying jobs than any other city in the state. In this section of the moving guide, we have provided data related to the job market in Ocala-

Top Career Options in Ocala

Before you move to Ocala, learn about the employment opportunities in the city, and explore the job market data and top career options. Here, we have provided the data for career options available in Ocala-

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary	Number of Employees
Registered Nurse	$83,634	$40,000	1,500
Pharmacist	$140,294	$60,000	300
Physician	$282,899	$180,000	50
Personal Trainer	$52,605	$25,000	200
Bank Teller	$31,564	$20,000	400
Automotive Mechanic	$45,914	$30,000	600
Bartender	$27,822	$10,000	1,000
Social Work Care Manager	$38,780	$25,000	150
Warehouse Associate	$20,000	$15,000	2,000
Retail Associate	$18,000	$10,000	3,000

Median Salary in Ocala

The median salary in Ocala is $50,618 per year. The median salary depends on factors including experience, job role, and more.

Transportation And Navigation In Ocala

Transportation and navigation in the city can be considered as one of the major factors that decide about your move. In Ocala, the transportation system primarily relies on personal vehicles. However, the city has public transportation options that have good connectivity. Public Transportation- There is a primary public transit system in Ocala known as SunTran which provides bus services to various locations. Rideshare services- The city has ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, considered flexible transportation options. Navigation- The city is easy to navigate by car as the city has a well-maintained network of roads and major highways. There are GPS navigation systems like Google Maps and more.

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Major industries in Ocala

The economy of Ocala is driven by a range of industries including-

Equine Industry

Healthcare

Tourism

Manufacturing

Retail and Services

Agriculture

Retirement community

Education System in Ocala

Finding the right school or college for your children in a new city can be challenging. However, ensure their education will not be compromised with moving hassle. So, before you move to Ocala, explore some of the top schools, colleges, and universities online and decide what’s best for your children-

Elementary Schools in Ocala
Eighth Street Elementary School
Madison Street Academy of Visual & Performing Arts
Dr. N.H.Jones Elementary School
Saddlewood Elementary School
Ocala Springs Elementary School

Middle Schools in Ocala
Osceola Middle School
Fort Kind Middle School
Liberty Middle School
Howard Middle School
Ocali Charter Middle School

High Schools in Ocala
Vanguard High School
West Port High School
Forest High School
Bellview High School
North Marion High School

Colleges and Universities in Ocala
College of Central Florida
University of Florida Online
Florida State College at Jacksonville Online
Keiser University
Santa Fe College

Best things to do in Ocala

Ocala offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages-

Experience the horse riding adventure as the city is the “Horse Capital of the World”.

Explore the cast forest, hike, bike, or more at Ocala National Forest.

Visit Silver Springs State Park to take a boat tour to see crystal-clear springs.

Stroll through the charming historic downtown area.

Plan a day out with kids and explore a hands-on science and nature museum at Discovery Center.

Attend local events like the Ocala Arts Festival or the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Taxes in Ocala

Taxes are considered an essential expense while evaluating the cost of living in a city. So, before you move to Ocala, learn about different taxes applicable in the city-

Sales Tax- The sales tax in Florida is 6% and the local sales tax in Ocala is 1%, so you have to pay 7% tax rates in the city.

Income tax There is no state income tax in Florida, but you have to pay Federal income tax depending on your income.

Property Tax- The property tax in Florida is based on the assessed value of your property.

Social Security Tax- There is a tax in Ocala that funds the Social Security program.

Excise taxes- There are taxes imposed on specific goods in Ocala including gasoline, alcohol, and tobacco products.

Business Taxes- These taxes may apply to businesses, including corporate income tax, sales tax, and property tax.

Type of insurance required in Ocala

Buying the right insurance means securing yourself, your family, and your valuables from damage or loss. When you move to a new city or state, you buy moving insurance to protect your belongings from damage or loss. Before you move to Ocala, learn about different insurance required in the city-

Auto Insurance- Florida is a no-fault state, meaning you are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)

Homeowners Insurance- This insurance will protect your property and belongings from various risks such as fire, theft, and natural disasters.

Renters Insurance- If you rent a home or apartment, this insurance will protect your belongings from theft, fire, and other covered events.

Health Insurance- This insurance will cover medical expenses, but it is not legally required.

Life Insurance- This insurance will assist your family financially.

Disability Insurance- This insurance can work as an income replacement if you cannot work due to illness or injury.

Umbrella Insurance- This coverage will provide extra liability protection beyond your auto and homeowners insurance policy.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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