Questions on Ocala (The Villages, Davenport, Dunnellon: houses, buying, construction)

[Chris22]

lol i understand this area is very small but the drugs are extremely bad here.

My wifes uncle lives near the spivler spings golf course out on Silver Rd in Ocala, that is where we are looking to rent for the time being.

[just_being_myself]

Then you shouldn't have trouble in Ocala. You made a wise decision renting instead of buying because the realty is way overpriced and not really worth the money. When your children get older though you I assure you they will feel the miserable bordem that Ocala brings. There is next to nothing for young people to do. Just a tip: W Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala has the best places to rent. Nice location and quite a bargin!!!!!!

[Chris22]

Thanks, we figure we are going to rent, just because atthe end of our lease if we decide we dont like it as muc has we thought we can get out and come back here.

[normoma]

What apartment complexes would you recommend? Any one know of the Grand Resevre Apartments? What are they like and what area are they in,,, good or ok location? Any other info would help make my decision easier...

[newteacher]

Normoma, I just got back from visiting Ocala- I am moving from NJ to Ocala to teach ( I just graduated from college) . We looked at the Grand Reserve Apts. and found them to be very nice. I'm not sure how they are to live in, but the model was very nice, and I liked the security of the gated entrance. The rent is a little pricey, but it seems as though that is keeping out the riff-raff. I think it would be nice to live there, a lot of professionals and that type, and it is a good location, near the mall and such. I found a private rental on a horse farm, ( I need a yard for my dogs ) but if I hadn't found that, I would rent there. Hope this helps!

[just_being_myself]

Looks might be very deceptive because despite its nice apperance Grand Reserve Apartments have all the qualities of ghetto/barrio living. Know for me that's okay,and I personally don't mind,but if you want a drug free quiet place then don't select this apartment. You are basically sandwitched in between two ghetto areas that take in section 8 residents. Kids at night from Steeple Chase just hope right over the gate into the apartment complex.


Coming from upnorth its definately not very dangerous nor anywhere like a slum area but its definately not worth the heavy price tag of almost a 1000 dollars a month for rent.[two bedrooms yikes]


The location is wonderful and within walking distance and within a bus route. Still trying to walk on 200 in Ocala is like Russian roulette. Donot try to cross the road on 200 by foot unless you can run very fast!!!!!!


The apartment complex might be a nice temporary residence but not really as a long term residence. Also if you have a young daughter/son donot let them hang around at night or go around Steeple Chase or down the street. The apartment complexes around this area is known by many as a easy means to secure either weed or sex. Not the most family friendly place in Ocala.


Donot be fooled by the apperance of get a false sense of security. If you are a little adventerous try to venture down the road and explore the area not far from the apartment complexes. This area looks much like your quintessential suburbia but its definately not.

Know for me the biggest thing is the price tag. I would much rather live in these apartments then a rural area except paying $775 a month is too much for me.

[Jammie]

Several months ago the Ocala area seemed to get a lot of positive feedback. Recently it seems they're having the same crisis the rest of Fla. is having. Yesterday's newspaper was just discussing the sale of a plant there and discussed the possibility that 500 people would now be out of work. That's a lot of people for a town that size

[just_being_myself]

Would that plant happen to be E-One? The city of Ocala I think caved in to E-One's demands for more money to run the facility. Ocala was never known as a place of vast industry but as place to raise and train horses. Really its the only legitimate industry Ocala. E-One and some Chicken factory if you are lucky enough to get a job here. The other invovles some creative culinary with some pyrex pots.


Ocala does have a sizeable working class and a small middle class but its shrinking and will either grow or vanish depending on the future of Ocala. Ocala does not live up to the hype but its not a bad overall area. Just extremely boring with nothing much to do.



What's sad is alot of the construction crews around Ocala employ nothing but illegal Mexican workers. If you live in Ocala your best bet for a job right know would be construction. You have to compete with the illegals of course.

[MotleyCrew]

Which particular areas of Ocala would you consider better than most for building a retirement home? We took a tour of Marion Oaks and was not to jazzed by it.

[MyHomeIsInOcala]

Originally Posted by Jill Warner

Which particular areas of Ocala would you consider better than most for building a retirement home? We took a tour of Marion Oaks and was not to jazzed by it.

Jill,

You could look for lots in Summerfield, Belleview, Dunnellon, Anthony or even Reddick. They are all very close to Ocala.

Good Luck in your search!!!!