Might move to Ocala from Miami

[just_being_myself]

I have been in Ocala since at least 97 and seeing that you are long time resident you should know the areas to stay out of. Most people in Ocala know that the worst areas of the Westside are from Park Side Gardens to N.H. Jones.

My advisory was to the person moving to Ocala from Miami. I simply advised them to stay away from the Westside of Ocala. If you do choose to live on the Westside stay on the southwestside. I wouldn't recommend the apartment complexes behind Ross(depending on wether you are single or have a family) I would definately stay away from the Steeple Chase and any adjacent apartments due to their promixty to N.H. Jones.

I am sure the original poster does not want to move to a run down area in Ocala.


The forest is not a place I know much about. Much of what I heard is that very little non-whites live there and it was an area off limits to any black people. My impression from going there it was rural but not backwards.

[kshe95girl]

Originally Posted by just_being_myself

The forest is not a place I know much about. Much of what I heard is that very little non-whites live there and it was an area off limits to any black people. My impression from going there it was rural but not backwards.

What I am trying to point out is a lot of this are preconceptions, not based on whats really going on in any of these areas.
There are a lot of decent people that live in the areas you speak of.
The night of the Presidential election, I walked down 40 from 441 to MLK Drive, encountered nothing but joy from the people dancing on the street corners, and I was NOT the only white person there.
Thats not to say one shouldnt practice a bit of common sense, but I have never felt fear in any of the areas of town that you mentioned. Perhaps its because I grew up in St Louis, and there are REALLY scary areas there, makes the aforementioned areas you speak of look like the burbs.

[just_being_myself]

None of my views is based on preconceptions. I mentioned in my previous statements that most of the residents are decent people. Infact, I mentioned that the great majority of my friends come from this area.

I am privy to what goes on in these communities because I have been there. I have been to Parkside,N.H. Jones and everywhere within these communities. These areas are not places I would want to raise children. Definately not the worst but still open to influences from the bad element. That can be said of anywhere but the elements are noticable.

[floridadragon]

I live across from Ocala waterway and it is beautiful here. Everything is close to new and schools are rated A.

[snocookie]

Can anyone tell me where in Ocala there is a Good Italian grocery? or even one close to Dunnellon? I've lived here in Dunnellon since the early 80's, I moved up here from Lighthouse Point, which is near Deerfield Beach..(originally from New Jersey)...I avoid every opportunity to go back. The only thing I miss is a Good Italian grocery and Italian Pastry shop....(I've been to Magnolia Bakery).... I love the country here, we live on the Withlacoochee River, and every day I'm amazed at the wildlife..... We make the Ocala trip for Doctor visits and to maybe go to a restaurant. So all in all this was the BEST move we ever made.

[Migsly]

If you are moving from Miami to Ocala, it definitely will be a culture shock. You will find that people have manners in Ocala. Others who have moved from Miami to the northern parts of Florida have been pleasantly shocked. The friendliness of folks in the area will be so refreshing.