[CarolynB]

Originally Posted by jenrein

Are there any smaller towns around Ocala? I cannot seem to find any info on this site when I randomly look them up from a map

Go to this website and click on SiteMap then go to Marion County; it will give you the surrounding towns.


http://www.wearefla.com/ocala_real_estate_site_map.htm (broken link)

[jenrein]

Originally Posted by CarolynB

Go to this website and click on SiteMap then go to Marion County; it will give you the surrounding towns.


http://www.wearefla.com/ocala_real_estate_site_map.htm (broken link)

Thank you!

[KimoJimo]

Originally Posted by jenrein

How about hurricane season there?

jenrein... Sorry, I missed your question to me re New Port Richey. During those two years of seemingly non-stop hurricanes, one was headed (can't recall the name of the storm) directly toward Tampa, then would have come to NPR. It swerved at the last minute, skipping Tampa, and went across FL and caused terrible damage. Tampa has not had one hit it for a lot of years.

The following year one lost all its strength but sailed right over us and into the Gulf, causing little damage.

You must realize that the storms can hit any part of Florida. We left NPR because of very high insurance and also not wanting to sweat out any more hurricanes. I still miss Florida, however.

[Hadleigh]

Parts of Ocala are beautiful. There are a lot of smaller towns around there. Belleview, Summerfield and out in the county near the National Forest.

Belleview is a popular choice for families with school age children. The schools are rated quite highly among the parents. Not sure about the official rating. Most Florida schools compare rather badly with up North.

You will find that the cost of owning (and renting) a home in and around Ocala will be a lot less than places closer to the coast. On an average home your insurance will be about 1/10th of that on a comparable home within a couple of miles of the coast. There are plenty of new homes for sale (just like everywhere else) Just be careful to check out the builder before you buy. Some of them have reputations for cheap/poor construction practices. Good luck to you. Florida is a fab place to live.

[jenrein]

Originally Posted by KimoJimo

jenrein... Sorry, I missed your question to me re New Port Richey. During those two years of seemingly non-stop hurricanes, one was headed (can't recall the name of the storm) directly toward Tampa, then would have come to NPR. It swerved at the last minute, skipping Tampa, and went across FL and caused terrible damage. Tampa has not had one hit it for a lot of years.

The following year one lost all its strength but sailed right over us and into the Gulf, causing little damage.

You must realize that the storms can hit any part of Florida. We left NPR because of very high insurance and also not wanting to sweat out any more hurricanes. I still miss Florida, however.

Thank you for that insight. I just am afraid to settle somewhere that is a prime target for those hurricanes

[jenrein]

Originally Posted by Hadleigh

Parts of Ocala are beautiful. There are a lot of smaller towns around there. Belleview, Summerfield and out in the county near the National Forest.

Belleview is a popular choice for families with school age children. The schools are rated quite highly among the parents. Not sure about the official rating. Most Florida schools compare rather badly with up North.

You will find that the cost of owning (and renting) a home in and around Ocala will be a lot less than places closer to the coast. On an average home your insurance will be about 1/10th of that on a comparable home within a couple of miles of the coast. There are plenty of new homes for sale (just like everywhere else) Just be careful to check out the builder before you buy. Some of them have reputations for cheap/poor construction practices. Good luck to you. Florida is a fab place to live.

Belleview? Thank you- the schooling for me is the most important factor in deciding. How would I find info for near the National Forest? Is there a specific town listing?

[Jennster31]

Hi Jen, My family and I are a total of 5 also and my name is Jen...too weird! Anywho, we are moving to Ocala. My husband is actually leaving tomorrow and staying for a few days. He has a few job interviews and will be securing a place to live. I know if you click on images under google and type in Ocala florida you will find photos of downtown.

I also know Silver Springs is next to it. Not sure what that entails other than the glass bottom boat trips.

[jenrein]

Originally Posted by Jennster31

Hi Jen, My family and I are a total of 5 also and my name is Jen...too weird! Anywho, we are moving to Ocala. My husband is actually leaving tomorrow and staying for a few days. He has a few job interviews and will be securing a place to live. I know if you click on images under google and type in Ocala florida you will find photos of downtown.

I also know Silver Springs is next to it. Not sure what that entails other than the glass bottom boat trips.

How wierd! We might have to get in touch when we get there! I had an interview today for a job that is pretty much gauranteed to me. I just have to wait until the kiddos are done with school in June to go!