7 Reasons to Invest in Ocala Real Estate

Updated May 15, 2024

Are you searching for a gorgeous new home located in a desirable Central Florida location? If you’re imagining your home in an area of tree-lined streets evoking true Southern charm, surrounded by magnificent natural attractions, and fulfilling a laid-back lifestyle, then look no further than the city of Ocala, Florida.

This city is home to approximately 65,000 people and is generally considered neither too big nor too small, but just right! Known as the Horse Capital of the World thanks to the more than 600 thoroughbred farms around town, Ocala is a quaint locale that offers all of the expected city amenities with easy access to daily necessities.

Choosing to invest in real estate is an overwhelmingly sound decision, and selecting Ocala as the location is a smart option, too. Here are 7 reasons to invest in Ocala real estate.

1. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation Abounds

Ocala has unique landscapes with stunning natural beauty, including rolling hills, lush pastures, and crystal-clear springs. The area offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, and living here allows you to enjoy these picturesque scenes and an active outdoor lifestyle – every single day!

Just a few of our favorite natural attractions and outdoor recreation destinations in Ocala include:

• The Ocala National Forest is the world’s largest scrub forest and southernmost forest in the continental U.S., with more than 430,000 acres of botanical diversity, incredibly varied wildlife, and over 600 lakes, rivers, and natural springs. Here, you’ll enjoy activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping, horseback riding, and four-wheeling.
• Florida’s natural springs bubble up from underground aquifers at a refreshing 72-degree year-round temperature. These crystal clear waters are a natural wonder and offer amazing swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving opportunities – Some of our favorite springs in Ocala include Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, and Silver Springs State Park.

• Hiking and biking trails, including the Santos Trailhead and Campground, a mecca for mountain biking, and the Baseline Trailhead Park, which includes bicycle trails, dog-friendly walking areas, and disc golf.
• Horseback riding among the rolling hills dotted with picturesque horse farms, as well as the World Equestrian Center, a world-class equestrian event center.
• Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area on Lake Weir, where you can enjoy the day at a lakeside beach as well as boating, fishing, swimming, volleyball, picnicking, and more.
• Golf courses, including Baseline Golf Course, an 18-hole course located adjacent to Summercrest, our community of Ocala new homes.

2. Affordable Home Prices

Compared to both the national average and other popular Florida destinations like Miami, Sarasota, or Orlando, Ocala real estate prices are much more affordable, and it’s considered to have a balanced market, meaning the market is equitable for both home buyers and home sellers.

According to Zillow.com, the average price of homes in Ocala is about $267,000. This is well below the national average of $343,000, lower than the average Florida home value of $389,000, and far more affordable than homes in other popular Florida metropolitan areas:

• Naples - $593,000
• Miami - $554,000
• Fort Lauderdale - $515,000
• The Villages - $407,000
• Sarasota - $455,000
• Tampa – $378,000
• Orlando - $373,000
• Fort Myers - $367,000

Floridians are taking note of all Ocala has to offer, with Orlando, Miami, and Tampa all within the top U.S. cities that people are relocating to Ocala from. 

3. Affordable Cost of Living

Not only is housing affordable, but Ocala boasts an affordable cost of living compared to other Florida and U.S. cities. Like the rest of Florida, having no state income tax is hugely beneficial to residents, and that’s not the only thing that makes Ocala an affordable place to live!

According to BestPlaces.net, the cost of living in Ocala is 16% lower than the national average, 23% cheaper than living in Orlando, and 23.5% cheaper than living in Tampa. Home prices are the largest factor in this cost-of-living difference, though Ocala also ranks cheaper for groceries, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses such as clothing, entertainment, and restaurants.

4. Growing Population and Economic Development

Ocala has experienced consistent population growth in recent years, fueled by a strong economy and attractive quality of life. Investing in a market with a growing population adds potential for appreciation, meaning your home is a sound investment.

The region has witnessed significant economic development, with new businesses, job opportunities, and infrastructure projects emerging. According to the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, the Ocala metro area has one of the fastest growing economies and highest annual wage growth in the nation. Major companies now calling Ocala home include FedEx and AutoZone, and industries such as logistics and manufacturing are seeing explosive growth. And with the addition of a new interchange off I-75 in Ocala, the growth is certain to continue in the area!

5. Retiree Paradise

Florida is known for attracting retirees from across the country thanks to its warm climate, abundance of golf courses, minimal taxes, and exceptional healthcare. That’s why it’s no surprise that Ocala is ranked as the #26 best place to retire in the U.S. according to a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking.

And it’s not just retirees that love Florida – everyone does! Ocala was also named one of the best places to live in Florida overall, coming in at #11 on this year’s list from U.S. News & World Report’s annual list.

6. Proximity to Major Cities and Amenities

Ocala feels like your tucked-away paradise, but it’s only a short drive from major metropolitan areas and Florida’s famed beaches. Whether you’re accessing an international airport or spending the day discovering cultural attractions and entertainment venues, here are some of the big cities near Ocala.

Gainesville

Gainesville is located 37 miles to the north of Ocala. Perhaps best known for being home to the University of Florida, UF’s campus is home to the Florida Museum of Natural History, loved by locals and visitors alike. Like the rest of Florida, outdoor activities abound here, with attractions including Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, and the Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation.

And, you can’t visit Gainesville without spending time in the Instagram-worthy downtown! Home to everything from old-fashioned movie theaters and new shopping centers to local breweries and top-rated restaurants, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Gainesville.

Orlando

Located 75 miles southeast of Ocala, I’m sure you know what Orlando is popular for – theme parks! Home to some of the world’s top theme park resorts including Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Orlando Resort, spending the day in Orlando is anything but boring.

If theme parks aren’t your scene, don’t worry – there’s plenty more to do! Orlando is known as ‘The City Beautiful’ thanks to an abundance of parks and trees, both towering and flowering. Strolling downtown Orlando’s parks and lakes is a delight, from Lake Eola Park to the Harry P. Leu Gardens.

For cultural opportunities, Orlando is home to a multitude of museums, including the Orlando Science Center and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. And Orlando is home to NBA basketball (the Orlando Magic), a professional ice hockey team (the Orlando Solar Bears), and arena football (the Orlando Predators).

Tampa

Tampa is located 97 miles south of Ocala and is well-known for its nightlife, beautiful beaches and water activities, and attractions.

• Several of Florida’s best beaches are located in the area surrounding Tampa, making it the ideal destination for a weekend of fun in the sun.
• When you're ready to get out on the water, many cities on the Gulf Coast near Tampa offer opportunities for day cruises, from fishing charters to pirate boats. And, cruise ships sail out of the Port of Tampa to sunny destinations in the Caribbean and beyond.
• Wander around downtown along the Tampa Riverwalk while popping into local shops, stopping at delicious restaurants, or perusing art, from local installations to the world-class galleries at the Tampa Museum of Art.
• Some of Tampa's most popular attractions include Busch Gardens, Zoo Tampa, the Florida Aquarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).
• Ybor City is the place to be with for fun after dark with its many bars and nightlife hot spots. During sunlight hours, it's equally enjoyable with delicious dining (Cuban sandwiches are a Ybor specialty) and annual events such as the Gasparilla Pirate Festival are sure to keep you entertained.

7. New Construction Homes in Ocala

With so many great reasons to invest in real estate in Ocala, let us introduce you to the final one - New construction homes in Ocala situated in peaceful locales convenient to the best of this city!

Why new construction, you ask? Because you will benefit from modern home designs, with state of the art and energy efficient features providing lower maintenance and operation costs - meaning you have more time and money to enjoy all Ocala has to offer! Not only that, but your investment is protected by a full builder warranty and ten years of structural warranty coverage. And, you can choose from multiple neighborhoods to suit your lifestyle, a variety of home layouts to suit your needs, and a large selection of home design options to personalize your dream home to your style - or, choose a quick move-in home and rest assured knowing your home was professionally designed by Highland Homes' award-winning design team.

Find Your New Home in Ocala

Now that you know some of the great reasons to invest in real estate in Ocala, our Ocala New Home Specialists can help you find the perfect home! Quick move-in homes are available, as well as the opportunity to build your personalized dream home from the ground up. Browse our Ocala new homes online, and call or email us today to start planning your Ocala real estate investment!