What is with Ocala? (Jacksonville, Tampa: home, school, college)

[AmericanLeader]

A friend of mine moved to Ocala and he says that some of the people that live there are a little off. I have been told that there are a lot of unhappy people living in Ocala that try to make other people unhappy. I was also told that the only normal people in Ocala are the retired folks who moved there or spend winter time there temporarily.

I did research on Ocala and the average income is low. The percentage of college educated people is also low.

Is this the reason why so many people in Ocala have such an irritable and cynical disposition?

[ferret111]

Originally Posted by AmericanLeader

Is this the reason why so many people in Ocala have such an irritable and cynical disposition?

It could be the same reason why a lot of people bash Florida. They do minimal research and assume every city is on the beach and has a tropical feel. They forget that they have to earn an income, or they come down without jobs lined up. The worst of all is that some people move here and expect everything here to be like it was back home (the best example being when people move to Florida from New York City and then complain about our lack of comprehensive public transportation in most areas).

[Dr Rich]

Nail on the head bro. The only thing I can think of is the fact that Ocala is so isolated. Its surrounded by woods and had no real connection to other cities. So after a few generations...the inbreeding really starts to show. Its like Deliverance meets The Village.

[dontaskwhy]

Don't forget that when you mix a cesspool and a septic tank, you don't get Evian (bottled water). Just kidding of course.

Been in Ocala for over 30 years and I do like the area. It is a wonderful place to live, despite all of the routine stereotypes. The community has it's unique elements but it is very nice. Not much more than 90 minutes away from several major cities (Tampa, Orlando, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Daytona) due to it's central location in North Central Florida. I say, don't judge it until you have had lived here.

[Dr Rich]

Originally Posted by dontaskwhy

Don't forget that when you mix a cesspool and a septic tank, you don't get Evian (bottled water). Just kidding of course.

Been in Ocala for over 30 years and I do like the area. It is a wonderful place to live, despite all of the routine stereotypes. The community has it's unique elements but it is very nice. Not much more than 90 minutes away from several major cities (Tampa, Orlando, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Daytona) due to it's central location in North Central Florida. I say, don't judge it until you have had lived here.

I've lived here for 7 years. I really do like the show pace and its quiet for the most part. But the OP's friend does have a point. Some of the people here are completely unhinged. I've never met so many bi-polar people in my life.

[kshe95girl]

Originally Posted by Dr Rich

Nail on the head bro. The only thing I can think of is the fact that Ocala is so isolated. Its surrounded by woods and had no real connection to other cities. So after a few generations...the inbreeding really starts to show. Its like Deliverance meets The Village.

Gross generalization much?
Perhaps you should start hanging out with a better class of people.

[Dr Rich]

Originally Posted by kshe95girl

Gross generalization much?
Perhaps you should start hanging out with a better class of people.

ZING!!

Is this your way of extending an invitation?

[=^..^=]

Originally Posted by AmericanLeader

A friend of mine moved to Ocala and he says that some of the people that live there are a little off. I have been told that there are a lot of unhappy people living in Ocala that try to make other people unhappy. I was also told that the only normal people in Ocala are the retired folks who moved there or spend winter time there temporarily.

Your friend may be the one with a problem. We were there part of last winter and found the people friendly and warm.

I did research on Ocala and the average income is low. The percentage of college educated people is also low.
Is this the reason why so many people in Ocala have such an irritable and cynical disposition?

Since when does an education and income make people happy or unhappy. Some of the happiest people I've met in my life were those with the least material possessions and educations and vice versa.

[AmericanLeader]

Originally Posted by =^..^=

Your friend may be the one with a problem. We were there part of last winter and found the people friendly and warm.



Since when does an education and income make people happy or unhappy. Some of the happiest people I've met in my life were those with the least material possessions and educations and vice versa.

My friend is a very likeable person.


I did not say anything about material possessions.


People with an education are more well rounded.

[Loudclear]

Here's how I will answer about Ocala. I went through 12 years of school in Ocala. Served in the Navy and was stationed in several cities, both north and south, and have been to European cities. I have lived and worked in several states. When I retired I could have lived any place, I moved back to Ocala and will never leave. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." "Everyone has an opinion." We all have different taste." "Some people never have friends or a good word about anyone." "I never met a man I didn't like." We each decide how our lives will turn out. We're lucky that we live in a big country and can move at will.