| Marion County is generally viewed as located in the | | | | National Civic League, as well as the nation's fifth most |
| crossroads of the sunny state of Florida. Its location in | | | | desirable place to live by Money Magazine. Ocala has |
| the north-central part of the state puts it within an hour | | | | also attracted a number of US and international |
| or two of major metropolitan areas. | | | | industries, which include Lockheed-Martin, Clairson |
| The city of Ocala is at the hub of the system of | | | | International, Golden Flake, K-Mart, Dayco Corporation, |
| federal and state highways that crisscross the county. | | | | Microdyne Corporation, Townley Manufacturing, |
| The area provides easy access to Interstate 75 for | | | | Signature Brands LLC, and Associated Grocers. |
| north/south travel,to U.S. highways 27, 301, and 441, | | | | The Housing Inventory Has Increased In This City |
| and every major State Road, which connect Ocala | | | | As housing inventory throughout the county increases, |
| with points east to the Atlantic and west to the Gulf of | | | | it appears that the local real estate market is |
| Mexico. | | | | becoming a buyer's market. Local and national housing |
| The Ocala Regional Airport is a general aviation facility | | | | analysts note that it's a shift in the local market , which |
| that offers private and charter flight services, as well | | | | followed the home building explosion of 2005. |
| as a business aircraft terminal. The expansion of this | | | | Housing observers surmise that it will be interesting to |
| general aviation airport has included an FAA Aircraft | | | | see real estate numbers in a few years which will |
| Rescue Firefighting Training Facility and an emergency | | | | better reflect market activity void of speculators who |
| response driver's training center. The city is also known | | | | entered the housing market in 2005. They also add |
| as a world-class center for its Thoroughbred horses | | | | that the national media is lumping Ocala in with the |
| and farms. | | | | entire state, and while the coastal areas and southern |
| Tourist Destinations Are within Ocala's Reach | | | | Florida have seen declines, Marion County still has |
| This city is easily reached by the numerous vacation | | | | positive values. However, observers note that |
| destinations throughout the State of Florida. The | | | | consumers are looking at national and state numbers, |
| majority of Florida's tourist attractions are within an | | | | and are still a bit cautious of delving into the housing |
| hour and a half drive from the city, however, popular | | | | market. |
| attractions such as Silver Springs, Wild Waters, Don | | | | Marion County And Ocala Offers A Wide Variety Of |
| Garlits Museum and the Ocala National Forest are | | | | Home Options |
| located in the immediate area. | | | | Ocala, as well as Marion County, offers homes in a |
| Ocala's Economy Is Diverse, And Growing | | | | variety of price ranges from starter homes to luxurious |
| Since the 1960's, Marion County has experienced | | | | upper-end housing estates. Many view that Ocala is a |
| significant manufacturing and industrial growth. This | | | | unique place for those looking for a starter home or |
| excellent economic diversity, combined with rich | | | | those wanting a second or third home. The median |
| agricultural and natural resources, has made Marion | | | | price of homes in Marion County for the second |
| County one of the fastest growing areas in the US. In | | | | quarter of 2007 was pegged at $170,900, a slight jump |
| 1995, Ocala was declared an "All America City" by the | | | | from $169,500 for the same period in 2006. |