Should I Retire in Ocala, Florida?

The “All American City” of Ocala is known for its horse farms and scenic countryside. With shady forests and crystal-clear waterways, Ocala is a retirement destination both beautiful and relaxing.

Throughout the city and its nearby suburbs, new developments have grown. For those who long for country life, Ocalay offers many possibilities from newly built country communities to weathered farm houses, horse farms, and grand estates. The region’s highway system makes outlying areas particularly convenient.

Ocala is famous for its huge oaks, festooned with Spanish moss, and the towering sand pines of the Ocala National Forest. Flowers bloom in every season of the year, filling the landscape with color and the air with their fragrance. The subtropical climate makes Marion County a vacation land year-round. It’s little wonder why residents spend so much time outdoors.

Ocala is the official Horse Capital of the World, with the largest number of horses and ponies in residence. Anchored by the Florida thoroughbred breeding and training farms with more than 70,000 acres, Ocala/Marion County’s horse industry is represented by virtually every breed of horse. Horse lovers will enjoy local horse & carriage tours, trail riding, and equestrian special events.

Things For Retirees To Do In Ocala

Ocala Historic District

The Ocala Historic District offers the opportunity to take a walking tour through stately neighborhoods of lovely Victorian homes. The Downtown area features a diverse and exciting shopping area located around the Historic Downtown Square.

National Forest

Ocala National Forest has over 380,000 acres of unique ecological sites, trails, and natural springs. There are hundreds of camping sites, horseback riding trails, and hiking trails. Hunting is even permitted in designated areas.

Water Activities

Opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and other water sports abound in a region covered by hundreds of fresh-water springs, lakes, and rivers. Captain Tom’s Custom Charter Systems offers freshwater pontoon boat sightseeing and fishing trips on the Ocklawaha and Silver River.

The Appleton Museum of Art

The crowning jewel in Marion County’s multi-faceted cultural scene is The Appleton Museum of Art. The Appleton is open daily and offers tours, films, concerts, lectures, and family programs.

Ocala 55 + Retirement Communities

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Del Webb Stone Creek

Stone Creek is one of the largest new Del Webb communities in the country. Stone Creek features resort-style amenities including tennis, an outdoor swimming pool with a spa, a heated indoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a softball field.

Fairfield Village

Fairfield Village is a lushly landscaped 55+ retirement community located in Ocala, FL. At Fairfield Village, you’ll enjoy a peaceful neighborhood community with numerous amenities to keep you active at your own pace. Features include a spacious plantation-style clubhouse with a heated pool and spa, shuffleboard, a billiards room, fitness room, and media room

On Top of the World

On Top of the World is an active-adult community for the 55-plus resident located near the Ocala National Forest. Here you will find resort-style amenities with hundreds of activities including golf, tennis, swimming, clubs and organizations, shows, dancing, and more. On Top of the World offers 13 energy-smart home designs priced from the $130s, built with the highest quality construction featuring unlimited ways to customize. Residents will enjoy three 18-hole, par-72 championship golf courses, a lifelong learning program that boasts its own education center, and 200-plus resident clubs and organizations.

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Need help with retirement planning? Then check out Bob Carlson’s Retirement Watch!