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.