Possible relocation to the Ocala-Gainesville, FL area -- In need of advice (sales)

[DritAaro]

Hi, I'm Aaron; this is one of my first posts on this forum. I am a 21 year old African-American male (Just turned on February 12th) and I am planning to relocate from my hometown in Upstate NY during the Spring of 2016 (Essentially, in another year). The reason is, with my career plans and interests, there is not enough of a market to possibly further advance my career. At that point, I would be 22. I have my Associate's Degree in Business Administration & will have my Bachelor's Degree in Management & Economics in December 2015. My background is in Automotive; particularly: Sales, Sales Management, Marketing Management, Business Development, Internet Sales, Dealership Accounting (Books, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Billing, Payroll, etc...) and service writing/advising. I was blessed to land an internship when I was 17 with my local chamber of commerce who helped in getting me my first experience at a dealership and live the dream of working in Automotive I always had. I currently work as a Business Development Rep & Internet Sales Specialist for the largest GM (General Motors) dealership in the Northeast.

I gave a lot of background, I know. I thought it would be helpful for the question I have. I have been considering the Ocala-Gainesville, FL area as one of the major contenders in where I want to relocate. With that said, I was wondering about the area from its local citizens. How is the job market down there? How is the market for dealership jobs in the area? What is income and pay like in this area, do you think, compared to other areas? What is the cost of living like? I would be renting a place. What is rent prices like? I've seen that their could be possibly crime in some areas. Which ones should I stay out of? Also, I know it's not 1950s, but from friends who have recently lived down there, they say that a little prejudice in certain areas may exist against African-Americans? Is this true? If so, what areas do you think it's present? Also, do you think it's a good area from someone like me? (22, Essentially fresh out of college, working in automotive, etc...) Any information you have about the area will be extremely helpful for me in planning to relocate. Thank you!!!