Your thoughts on northeast Ocala close to Silver Springs area? (renting, crime)

[lwillis67]

We are long distance researching the Ocala area which can really be tough. There are some neighborhoods close to 40 between the historic district and Silver Springs that look good to us, but as we are unable to be there in person right now, was hoping to get some opinions of the area. One particular neighborhood is close to the library headquarters, Bob Evans, Publix, Outback, etc. It is north of 40 and the cross streets are NE 36th Avenue and NE 21st Avenue. If you currently live, shop and/or work nearby, please let us know what you think. Thank you!

[rjm1cc]

Look up the Marion County Fl sheriff's web site and you can get some ideas on crime in the county. They also have a Facebook page. It is hard to research so spending a few weeks in the area maybe a lot of help or renting for a year.
Google Earth has a street view and this might help. Also utility costs can vary a lot so once you pick a spot check on the utilities if cost is important.

[dudenamedric]

I've lived in Ocala for almost 30 years. That area is basically middle class. As far as safety, it's fine over there. I don't hear much about crime in that particular spot, but I'd check out the stats just to do your DD.

Development is mostly happening away from that area toward the SW side of town/county, so it's fairly old looking around there but not decrepit, tho it's right down the road from an empty Kmart that was supposed to become an indoor flea market but, for some reason, never did. It's literally right down the road from 2 different Publix markets (one of which is getting a major update/facelift), a WaWa, Walgreens, etc, and of course Walmart is like a 5 minute drive. Not a bad area if the price is right and the place isn't in bad condition.

Ocala Electric is notoriously expensive and crappy but what can you do lol. If you have any other questions about it, I'd be happy to answer.

[rjm1cc]

Try asking about and searching on some communities or neighborhoods. Surprising that you are not getting a better response. If you are open to other areas look in the SW. If you are in the city pay attention to taxes and utility costs.