Ocala

[omni550]

I'm thinking about buying a pre-construction 3bdrm/2 bath house is Ocala, FL. and was wondering if anyone here is familiar with the area and would have any insights to share.

Thanks,

omni

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

If you like rural living and ranches, there are some gorgeous areas up there. Gainesville close by, though other than the U. of Fla, nothing unusual.

I've generally heard good things about the area but know that it is a bit remote if you regularly like trips to the big city (in this case Tampa and Orlando). I know a guy who owns a llama farm up there, and he loves it.

I actually lived there for 2 years but that was over 30 years ago. Oddly enough, it was as Rich described. I am surprised. I thought it had grown more. Yes, I think you would lack the resturauant and amenity choices that larger cities have to offer.

Pretty hot and humid for 6 months. A/C is mandatory. I also lived in a brand new place. The bugs moved in before we did. Exterminator is also mandatory.

Every afternoon from about May through Sept. is a 1 hour thunderstorm with terrific lightning. May be the most lighning in the country.

When I first moved to Ocala in 1973, I got a welcome letter from the white aryan nation welcoming me to the area and wanting to know if I shared their views about my white children wanting to play with other white children :

A few miles east of Ocala is Silver Springs - Scenes from Tarzan and African Queen were filmed in this area.

Lots of Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Cottonmouth and Copperhead snakes in the wooded areas around there. - I was always a bit nervous walking in the 'sticks'. Probably some of the best Largemouth Bass fishing within a 100 mile radius of Ocala.

[kowski]

Very nice city. Lots of restaurants. Nice Mall. All the chain stores are there. Anywhere in Florida requires A?C. It is subtropical so it does drop below freezing about 8 days a year. But usually back into the 70s on winter days. And yes it is the lightning capitol of the United States. Way better in my opinion than Tampa or Orlando which are overcrowded and crime ridden. I live 35 miles south of Ocala in the country.