moving to Ocala? (The Villages, Dunnellon: rentals, hotels, homes)

[candy parker]

My husband and I are looking at retiring to Florida within the year. Have never been to the Ocala area, but it sounds like what we want-country-like, medium size town....We would like to live 5-20 minutes outside of town. Are there any areas around Ocala that you would recommend? Also, we will be visiting Ocala in June. Any medium range hotels you would recommend? Thank you.

[jbevard1]

Are you looking to buy or rent?

We are not retired (fairly young family), but about half of our neighborhood is. There are also many 55+ communities in my area of Ocala, plus there is Top of the World close by. Let us know what you are looking for.

For hotels, there are several right off the interstate at SR200 close to our Sam's Club that seem to be okay. It depends on what you consider reasonable, since it seems that all hotels have gone up in the past decade. I would stay away from the motels in town off of Pine Ave. (441).

[candy parker]

Thank you for the motel info. We are looking at buying-down sizing to a small, one level retirement home under $100,000. NOT interested in a retirement community, because of restrictions. We have 3 dogs, cats...would love to live outside of town a bit in a more country-like setting. We are moving from a 70 acre horse farm in rural northern Maine, and while we want an easier lifestyle, we don't want to lose that country feel completely. Not interested in alot of land; an acre or under. Any help is appreciated.

[Dax13]

Perhaps the Dunnellon area would work for you as a place to purchase. I would definitely look west/southwest. Pass on anything that has the "Shores" in the title or location, or anything that has Ocala Electric

[candy parker]

Ocala electric? Why is that? Also, do you mean south/sw of Ocala?

[Dax13]

There are several different electric providers in the area. Your location determines who you will use. Ocala Electric is most expensive, SECO being the least. Location will also determine whether you have a well and septic tank of your own. With the exception of Marion Oaks, almost any area in the south/southwest area is desirable and serviced by SECO. if you want or need gas, more than likely it will be propane, as natural gas pipelines are generally not available outside Ocala city limits. Also insist on proof of a property not being in a flood zone. Most homes were built before the 2006 revisions using elevation as a determining factor, not necessarily approximation to water. This can be found at the Marion County Property Appraiser site. Trust but verify anything and everything.....with an emphasis on the verify.

Dunnellon is more rural, with deals to be found. Location is within your stated parameters, and SECO services much of the area.

Hope this helps.

[candy parker]

Originally Posted by Dax13

There are several different electric providers in the area. Your location determines who you will use. Ocala Electric is most expensive, SECO being the least. Location will also determine whether you have a well and septic tank of your own. With the exception of Marion Oaks, almost any area in the south/southwest area is desirable and serviced by SECO. if you want or need gas, more than likely it will be propane, as natural gas pipelines are generally not available outside Ocala city limits. Also insist on proof of a property not being in a flood zone. Most homes were built before the 2006 revisions using elevation as a determining factor, not necessarily approximation to water. This can be found at the Marion County Property Appraiser site. Trust but verify anything and everything.....with an emphasis on the verify.

Dunnellon is more rural, with deals to be found. Location is within your stated parameters, and SECO services much of the area.

Hope this helps.

Thanks so much for the info. It is a big help. I've heard to stay away from the Rainbow Park area because of this flooding issue.

[amber76treas]

We moved to Ocala a year ago and I LOVE it!!!
You might want to look into 34479. Nice homes, nice area, nice yards and nice people. It's very laid back. We're about 15 minutes out of downtown but still in the country by the northeast horse farms. There are lots of homes under $100,000. They are mainly concrete block, small ranch types. Good luck!!

[candy parker]

Originally Posted by amber76treas

We moved to Ocala a year ago and I LOVE it!!!
You might want to look into 34479. Nice homes, nice area, nice yards and nice people. It's very laid back. We're about 15 minutes out of downtown but still in the country by the northeast horse farms. There are lots of homes under $100,000. They are mainly concrete block, small ranch types. Good luck!!

Thanks for the info. Are there any specific subdivisions you would recommend? Or any specific streets?

[rjm1cc]

You might want to look at the Top of The World Communities. They have sections that were build in the 80's up to sections currently being built. Thus good opportunity to buy used or new and at a lot of different price points.
You should try and rent in the area if you have the time. You might want to visit the Villages. About 20 miles away. You can rent homes there from a week to several months so it could be a good base to work out of. The Villages 4 Rent, Rentals in The Villages.
Talk of The Villages - The Villages, Florida. From what you are looking for I do not think the Villages are for you as it probably has 100,000 residents or soon will have.