Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Employment
In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.
Ratings
AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Located in the state of Florida, Ocala is a moderately-sized city with a population of 60,021 people. At 73%, the majority of the Ocala population is White; this is followed by 19% Black and 3% Asian. Ocala is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 48%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Ocala. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Ocala is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Florida, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Ocala and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Ocala has received a livability score of 67/100. This score is ranked in the 71st percentile when compared to all other cities. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Ocala ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). There are some categories that Ocala scores poorly for, including: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Ocala can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Ocala is real estate affordability. The median home price for Ocala homes is $149,800, which is 10.2% lower than the Florida average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ocala, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 2.9% higher than the Florida average.
| Statistic | Ocala | Florida | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.1% | 79.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.3% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 2.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.2% | 1.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.2% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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