What is with Ocala? (renting, unemployment, landlord)

[k9s4life]

Originally Posted by kshe95girl

Theres been nothing said here that sint true about Ocala.
Are you perhaps employed by the Chamber of Commerce?

Really? So we are all inbred, sheltered, unedumacated, creepy hicks?

I am not employed by the Chamber of Commerce. Not even a member.
Just a person who sees my glass as half-full...most of the time.

I love Ocala. The hiking and equestrian trails rock! And I will have
a refill, please!

[steven r.]

I'm from New York and can honestly say Ocala is a much better place to live. It's not a rat race, can own a home at an affordable rate, peaceful. As far as education goes there are a few colleges in the area that one can enroll and pursue their interest. If you don't wish to do something with you're life it will suck no matter where you live. I was in the Army and went to tech school and can make a little over 20 bucks an hour in Ocala. I also went to college for 2 years but enjoy working with my hands more. I would say if you're happy then that's where you should reside. Opinion is just a personal point of view, it's not based on fact.

[TD*]

Steven, good points. Its all perception and perspective.

[steven r.]

Well thanks TD* The only warning I would give for Ocala, and this is based on fact, is just be sure that what ever job offer you recieve that is a solid. A few years ago Ocala had one of the highest unemployment rates on the whole east coast. Now one could argue why it was that way, was it high for the uneducated and unskilled or was it high for everyone? College is not a bad thing but the cost's of college have sky rocketed and in today's job market a degree does not guarantee instant success. On the flip side we have technical/vocational and those type jobs seem more stable and easier to get then the college degree type jobs. But again you don't always need a degree to be succssful but you do have to learn to do something. Not everyone has the ability to be a lawyer but by the same token not everybody has the skill to be a plumber either.

[marliz]

What area of Ocala is the safest for retirees? What is the difference in the crime rate between inside gated communities vs outside?

I don't mind people who struggle with bi-polar. Have a touch of it myself. But my husband is very social and wouldn't be happy unless he could find motorcycle buddies and guys to have coffee with. We both like people in general, but are concerned (especially me) about safety and crime rates.

[Babyyyblue61]

Originally Posted by marliz

What area of Ocala is the safest for retirees? What is the difference in the crime rate between inside gated communities vs outside?

I don't mind people who struggle with bi-polar. Have a touch of it myself. But my husband is very social and wouldn't be happy unless he could find motorcycle buddies and guys to have coffee with. We both like people in general, but are concerned (especially me) about safety and crime rates.

marlinz,
city-data lists all sorts of information, including crime data. You might want to take a look by typing in the city name, state & look at the information posted. Good luck!

[dudenamedric]

Originally Posted by marliz

What area of Ocala is the safest for retirees? What is the difference in the crime rate between inside gated communities vs outside?

I don't mind people who struggle with bi-polar. Have a touch of it myself. But my husband is very social and wouldn't be happy unless he could find motorcycle buddies and guys to have coffee with. We both like people in general, but are concerned (especially me) about safety and crime rates.

On Top of the World on 200 is really nice and safe for retirees. It's a gated community with a guy that checks in every car that enters the property. There's quite a few like that on 200 west of I75, that area is pretty much retiree heaven. I doubt you'll find a much safer area.

[dontaskwhy]

Originally Posted by dudenamedric

On Top of the World on 200 is really nice and safe for retirees. It's a gated community with a guy that checks in every car that enters the property. There's quite a few like that on 200 west of I75, that area is pretty much retiree heaven. I doubt you'll find a much safer area.

Well said and is absolutely true. Good advice.

[marliz]

Thank you. We've stayed in the area before and do like it. My one concern is that it will be hotter and more humid than the more northern areas since we hope to spend most of the year now. On the other hand, it would be colder in the winter in northern parts, except close to the Atlantic, so I guess we have to decide which is the best way to go. Maybe since we know the Ocala area and liked it, that is where we should look first.

Wish us luck, please!

[=^..^=]

Originally Posted by marliz

What area of Ocala is the safest for retirees? What is the difference in the crime rate between inside gated communities vs outside?

I don't mind people who struggle with bi-polar. Have a touch of it myself. But my husband is very social and wouldn't be happy unless he could find motorcycle buddies and guys to have coffee with. We both like people in general, but are concerned (especially me) about safety and crime rates.

You would be safer in Gated Community if you can live with the sometimes suffocating rules and regulations. Make sure you know what they are before you buy.