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WHY MARION
COUNTY?
Marion
County’s location in the center of the state makes it almost unavoidable
to travelers. Ocala is crisscrossed by a number of major thoroughfares,
and is a little more than an hour north of the theme park capital of the
world, Orlando and only an hour from Daytona, “The World’s Most Famous
Beach” and the west gulf coasts on the west. Many travelers passing
through the area fall in love with the majestic farms, the scenic
rolling hills and the stately moss covered oak trees and end up becoming
full-time residents.
Appealing
Place
to Live
The evidence is in the thousand of new residents who join us each year
swelling the local population by 33% in the last ten years and placing
it in the top 20 in percentage growth nationwide. Ocala has been
recognized as All American City and the fifth best place to live in
America as well as the 11th Most Livable Small City by Money Magazine.
Flow of New Homes an Ever-Rising Tide
Housing is perhaps the main reason Marion County residents enjoy such a
high quality of life at a very affordable cost. The National Association
of Realtors ranked Ocala third most affordable housing in all
Metropolitan Statistical Area in the nation at $71,500 for the year
2000. Our affordable standard of living helps keep the cost of doing
business down, since the cost of living differentials account for much
of the differences in wages between local economies. The cost of living
index is listed below the national index record at 93.75, ranking Marion
county 42nd out of 67 Florida counties.
Diverse Economic Base
Local employment figures paint an accurate picture of the diverse
economic base. Service and manufacturing provide the majority of
employment opportunities, although agriculture is also important to the
area.
The horse farms of Ocala feature more horses than any other county in
the nation, including any in the famed Bluegrass state and was named
Horse Capital of the U.S. by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Tourism, anchored by the famous Silver Springs and its glass bottomed
boats, contributes to the local economic base.
This diversification along with a central location, mild climate, close
proximity to universities and international airports and an available
workforce are all factors which have contributed to the expansion and
attraction of new businesses to our county.
Marion County’s mild climate allows businesses and schools experience a
minimum of lost productivity due to inclement weather. The summer days
average 90º, and the other six months of the year average a very
pleasant 53º. The warmth and sunshine also allow residents to enjoy
outdoor activities all year round.
So
Much to Experience
The abundance of outdoor sporting opportunities is evident with the
numerous public and private golf courses, tennis courts and recreation
facilities that populate our countryside. Those who enjoy the great
outdoors will appreciate the many lakes, rivers, crystal clear springs
and nature parks found throughout the county.
The Ocala National Forest makes up almost one-third of the landmass of
Marion County and offers a vast range of outdoor activities including
hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing and camping.
Marion County is a lively cultural center with a wide variety of leisure
and cultural experiences. The local museums provide outstanding cultural
exhibits, while the orchestras and dance companies provide an outlet for
plays, musicals, ballet and symphonies.
There are plenty of family fun activities for indoor and outdoor
adventures. A selection of movie theaters, arcades complete with go
carts, rock climbing and laser tag, roller skating, and bowling centers
await you. There’s even a 350-acre nature theme park in the county and a
water park featuring a wave pool and eight waterslides.
Marion County is the heart of Florida with its scenic rolling fields,
majestic horse farms, unique environment enriched by its historical,
cultural and recreational centers. In short, this All American city
offers something for everyone.
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