| While a lot of retirement communities are springing up | | | | has been revitalized during the past years, and |
| almost everywhere in the US, the state of Florida | | | | significant improvements have also been made to the |
| remains one of the most popular destinations for | | | | city's town square, and nearby historic buildings as well. |
| retiring baby boomers,because of its favorable climate | | | | This was done through the efforts of a group of |
| and a wide variety of active senior lifestyle villages | | | | concerned citizens, property owners, and public |
| and developments. | | | | officials. These individuals are continuing to work for |
| The city of Ocala is one of the areas in the state | | | | the economic renewal of the downtown area. |
| where not only retirees are flocking into, but also | | | | The City, As Well As Marion County, Continues To |
| tourists, young families and single folk, who are coming | | | | See Rapid Growth |
| here as they consider this area to be conducive for | | | | Marion County, to which Ocala belongs, has seen |
| buying homes, raising families, getting better | | | | burgeoning economic growth and development in the |
| employment opportunities, and investing their funds into. | | | | 1970s, with the completion of projects such as the |
| Ocala Prides Itself In Having a Good Mix Of Urban | | | | Interstate 75 and the opening of nearby Disney World. |
| And Rural Comforts | | | | In the past ten years, the metropolitan Ocala area has |
| The city prides itself by being in close proximity to | | | | seen of the highest growth rates in the US, particularly |
| surrounding farms that re world-famous for their | | | | for a city its size. |
| thoroughbred horse farms, which lie in rolling green | | | | The area's residents in 2000 was registered to be |
| terrain. The city is also known for having plenty of | | | | over 250,000, which was up from just around 100,000 |
| natural attractions for families and outdoor or | | | | in 1975. Many attribute the area's rapid growth to it's |
| adventure seekers to go to,such as the Silver Springs | | | | fast rising reputation as a retirement destination, |
| Nature Theme Park, which was one of the first tourist | | | | especially in areas that are situated in the city's |
| attractions in the state. | | | | southwest and southern districts, where there are a lot |
| Also located near the city area the Ocala National | | | | of newly developed retirement communities. |
| Forest, lush green fields of horse farms and historic | | | | New Home Construction Has Risen Too |
| sights, as well as golf courses and other sports and | | | | According to the National Association Of Realtors |
| recreation facilities. The county's subtropical climate | | | | (NAR), the median price of homes in Marion County |
| makes it a perfect year-round vacation and leisure | | | | for the third quarter 2007 was pegged at $170,900, |
| destination. | | | | which represents a slight increase from $169,500 for |
| The City Has A Revitalized Downtown Historic District | | | | the same period in 2006. The National Association of |
| Ocala's historic district has many well-preserved | | | | Realtors norted a U.S. median home price of $223,800 |
| neighborhoods of lovely Victorian homes, and this | | | | for the second quarter of 2007, as compared to |
| attracts a lot of tourists. The city's downtown district | | | | $227,100 in 2006. |