| The city of Ocala lies in the central Florida region, an | | | | construction within the city limits. This figure represent a |
| area that is famous for the abundance of horse farms, | | | | 40 percent increase from the 1,260 issued over the |
| where visitors will be surrounded by large, elegant | | | | same period last year. For those same months, the |
| estates and lush greenery, and are only a few minutes | | | | figures for the sale of existing single-family homes in |
| from the nearest shopping malls, interstate access, | | | | the Ocala area was placed at 1,423, which was down |
| airport, and commercial and as well as medical facilities. | | | | by more than 18 percent as compared to the ,743 sold |
| In 1995, the prestigious 'Money' magazine named the | | | | during the same period last year, based on the data |
| city as the fifth best place to live for a city its size, in | | | | provided by the Florida Association of Realtors. |
| the United States. | | | | The Local Housing Market Has Shaken Off The Slump |
| The Warm Climate Serves As A Nice Spot For | | | | Lately |
| Buying Homes | | | | According to local housing market analysts, a modest |
| The city is comfortably located just 72 miles from | | | | slump was noted in the new home market a few |
| famous attractions such as Walt Disney World in | | | | months ago, however the industry has been viewed |
| Orlando. Along with the proximity to major tourist and | | | | as having been able to rebound back, and construction |
| commercial attractions, the climate is as beautiful, | | | | is back at previous levels. The temporary problem for |
| warm and filled with excellent sun-filled days and cool | | | | new construction came about, in part, when |
| nights. As compared to other regions in Florida, the city | | | | construction speculators built homes with no particular |
| is around 80 to 90 feet above sea level, and generally | | | | buyers in mind, and were only hoping to cash in on the |
| experiences balmy weather during the chilly, winter | | | | recent housing boom. Those homes bought by |
| months. | | | | speculators flooded the market for a short time, but |
| According to the Marion County Building Department, | | | | have now been absorbed by new buyers. As a whole, |
| the number of builders queuing for permits to construct | | | | Marion County is still seen as a viable housing market, |
| single-family homes is creating new local records. The | | | | because of its location and since housing is still |
| department has already issued 1,765 permits for new, | | | | cheaper here than in many other areas in South |
| single-family homes from April through June of this | | | | Florida and in northern states as well. |
| year, and this does not include those slated for | | | | |