The city of Ocala is located 90 minutes north of Tampa and Orlando in Florida. The city is considered as the heart of Florida's horse country.
With its rolling terrain, cool climate and quaint estates and ranches, it is the perfect backdrop to the wide expanse of beautiful horse farms that make one feel as if they're in the bluegrass country of Kentucky. Ocala has a unique climate that is not often felt in other Florida locations. Ocala is probably 10 degrees colder in the wintertime than Orlando, although there is not much difference in the heat index, since it's very much the same all over Florida.
The only difference is that the city does not get the ocean breeze other coastal cities have, because Ocala is located in the center of the state. It's usually in the 90's during the summer months, and February is the coldest month in the city. The city's population is close to 294,000 and is very much a diverse mix.
It's Considered As The Racehorse Capital Of The World
Ocala is the county seat for Marian County, which was named in honor of Francis Marian. Ocala goes back to the early 1900's when the city burned to the ground and was rebuilt in bricks. The city has made its distinguished mark in the history of the horse racing industry.
At present, an estimated 3,500 to 5,000 race horses are born there each year, which is around 10 percent of the nation's total output, enough for Ocala to bill itself as the Horse Capital of the World. The whole town revolves around the horse industry, which is clearly seen even in the tourist sights seen around town.
Horse Fever, a public art project that displayed 51 artist-inspired full-size horses around town until their auction, raised over $800,000 for animal-related charities. There are about 1,000 farms, of which 600 are estimated to be Thoroughbred farms, and are located within a 50-mile radius. The farms attract thousands of visitors annually.
The City's More Than Just Horses
Aside from the wonderful farms, breezy conditions and rolling terrain, the city offers a healthy offering of cultural and sporting attractions, aside from its world-famous horses and Thoroughbred farms. Combine this comfortable and exciting lifestyle with good public and private schools, a 120-acre community college campus, over 185 churches and temples throughout the county, excellent hospital and medical facilities, and one of the most appealing tax structures in the nation.
The real estate picture is thriving here too, and there are a lot of housing options to choose from, whether one's looking for single-family homes, large estates, or a villa complete with stables for horses. You could even buy a whole acre, and start a vegetable farm. The options are aplenty, and prices are still competitive, as based on the current property prices statewide.
Ocala, and the whole of Marion County as well, is blessed with a diverse and vibrant economy. Its manufacturing base is strengthened with the growth of the commercial and service sectors. The growing population and excellent training programs supply a steady workforce for employers.
The mild climate, its close proximity to universities and international airports, and an available workforce blend together to attract new and expanding businesses to the community, and contribute to making Ocala and Marion County a great place for both business and leisure.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
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