The Shultz Team welcomes you to Ocala, Florida! Ocala FL Information Links Over the years, MONEY, PEOPLE and other national publications have rated Ocala, Florida as one of the best places to live in America. Various factors, including overall quality of life, are programmed into the theorem. That's the good news. Here's the better news: The quality of life and living have been getting even more attractive. That's one reason why Marion is among the fastest growing counties in the nation. Now for the cream on the strawberries: Marion County offers some of the most incredible real estate values - in many cases, half of what similar properties go for in South Florida, and one-third of the West Coast and the Northeast. Many of the communities are setting the standard in innovation and design, and are recognized nationally. Some are for active adults, some cater to all, and yet others are setting the standard in upscale living. Take your pick! Come visit us and find out why we're voted one of the "Best Places To Live." (Information provided by OCALA MAGAZINE) Ocala (Indian village name meaning "Big Hammock" ) is the largest city within Marion County which is the fifth largest county in the state of Florida.  Hernando de Soto passed through a Timucua village or province named Ocali or Ocale near the present site of Ocala during his famous expedition through what is today the southeastern United States in 1539. Greater Ocala is known as the "Kingdom of the Sun."  Rail service reached Ocala in June 1881, encouraging economic development. Two years later, much of the Ocala downtown area was destroyed by fire on Thanksgiving Day, 1883. Buildings were rebuilt with brick, granite, and steel rather than lumber. By 1888, Ocala was known state-wide as "The Brick City." In December 1890, the Farmers' Alliance and Industrial Union, a forerunner of the Populist Party held its national convention in Ocala. At the convention, the Alliance adopted a platform that would become known as the "Ocala Demands." This platform included abolition of national banks, low interest government loans, free and unlimited coinage of silver, reclamation of excess railroad lands by the government, a graduated income tax, and direct election of United States Senators. Most of the "Ocala Demands" were to become part of the Populist Party platform.  Ocala was an important center of citrus production until the "Big Freeze" of 1894-1895. Silver Springs, Ocala FL In the twentieth century, Ocala increased in prominence as a center for tourism in Florida. Important attractions included the Silver Springs, Wild Waters water park, and the now-defunct Western-themed Six Gun Territory, all in nearby Silver Springs, Florida. Silver Springs is a 350 acre nature theme park that surrounds the headwaters of the Silver River, the largest artesian spring formation in the world. The population of Marion County is approximately 271,096 of which 50,000 live in Ocala.  Ocala is the heart of Marion County and serves as the county seat. Ocala is ideally located between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico - affording it substantial protection from harsh weather.  Although centrally located, commuting to either coast for boating, fishing or swimming in readily accessible.  Unlike the hot climate in South Florida, Ocala's climate is moderate and even experiences a change of seasons (as opposed to some other tropical climates).  The average low in January is 52.2 degrees and the high in July is 91.9 degrees. Horse Country In 1956, the Ocala area Thoroughbred industry received a boost when Needles became the first Florida-bred to win the Kentucky Derby. In 1978, Marion County bred and raised Affirmed won the Triple Crown. Today, Marion County is one of the major Thoroughbred centers of the world, with over 1,200 horse farms in total and about 600 Thoroughbred farms. One of Ocala/Marion County's greatest assets is it's unspoiled beauty.  Residents of Ocala/Marion County enjoy the proximity of numerous lakes, rivers and parks.  The most impressive example of this is The Ocala National Forest. There are many campgrounds throughout the forest, as well as hiking trails, horseback riding trails, boat launches, fishing piers and much more. Water Recreation The 110 mile long Ocklawaha River flows north from Central Florida until it joins the St. Johns River near Palatka, Florida.  Marion County is also home to the Ocala National Forest which was established in 1908 and is now the second largest national forest in the state & covers 382,000 acres, is bordered by two rivers (St. John's and Ocklawaha), has 23 streams, crystal clear springs and approximately 600 natural lakes. The Florida Trail, also known as the Florida National Scenic Trail, cuts through Ocala National Forest.  Silver River State Park was established in the early 1990s to preserve the areas around the Silver River to the east of Ocala near Silver Springs. Lake Weir is a beautiful 5,685 acres of boating, swimming and fishing fun!  Proficient in largemouth bass, shellcracker & bluegill, and lots of places to explore - you can guarantee a full day's worth of fishing.  The lake is surrounded by tall hills to the east and south which were once covered with citrus groves.  There are several public access ramps to the lake, and boaters can even glimpse amphibious planes landing and taking off from the water.  There are many water sport activities including water skiing, jet skis, wakeboarding, sailing, snorkeling and swimming at the public beaches.  The county recently finished a large boat ramp facility with large floating docks, a play ground and beach area and complete with concession stands.  This lake is very large and not only borders Summerfield but also north to Ocklawaha as well.  Lake Weir also boasts Hope Boat Park is a public access ramp with plenty of room for launching and parking (including an over-flow lot), four cement ramps and large docks.  Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area is famous for it's beautiful swimming area - located in Ocklawaha and also has three walking trails.  Hampton Beach has plenty of room for swimming and sunning and a great spot for a picnic.  Eaton's Beach has a restaurant located right on the lake and has a large sandy beach area for water access and swimming.  Gator Joe's is another hot spot on Lake Weir, accessable by car or boat to have food and drink and also offers a large outdoor beach area. Marion County is mostly rural consisting of several incorporated cities, among them are Belleview, Dunnellon, and Ocala (the largest and one of the fastest growing areas in the country),  additional towns include McIntosh & Reddick, other communities in Marion County are Anthony, Candler, Citra, Eastlake Weir, Emathla, Eureka, Evinston, Fairfield, Fellowship, Flemington, Fort McCoy, Huntington, Kendrick, Lowell, Lynne, Marion Oaks, Martel, Martin, Moss Bluff, Ocklawaha, Orange Lake, Orange Springs, Rainbow Lake Estates, Salt Springs, Santos, Shady, Silver Springs, Sparr, Summerfield, Weirsdale & Zuber.  Ocala is a very welcoming community with it's small town atmosphere yet it also has the vitality of a small cosmopolitan city.  Ocala is home to a wondeful cross section of people, races, religions and backgrounds.  Ocala is a family oriented community offering all types of activities for children or families to participate in.  The Appleton Museum is one of Ocala's jewels displaying one of the most impressive collections in the state.  Silver Springs Natural Theme Park is one of the oldest attractions in the state where one can enjoy a boat ride in a glass-bottomed boat on the world's largest artesian spring, take a safari ride, enjoy a wonderful concert series featuring famous singers and groups, holiday festivals and so much more.  Ocala's Social calendar is always full and impressive as this is a community that is very civic minded and continually raising money for very worthy causes.  If golf if your game, then we have world class golf courses featured in many different magazines.  The Fort King and Tuscaweilla Historic Districts with their Victorian and Tudor homes are a must-see.  Ocala is known as the Horse Captial of the World so it stands to reason that if it has anything to do with horses, it can be found in Ocala/Marion County on a grand scale.  The horse farms range from the world famous to private famility facilities.  World class beauty and athleticism of these most wonderous creatures are ongoing events throughout the county.  It is very peaceful to just go for a drive through the scenic countryside with it's miles and miles of breathtaking farms and oak tree-lined roads with their graceful spanish moss flowing in the breeze.  Historical preservation Many historic homes are preserved in Ocala's large residential Historic District, established in 1984. A focus of this district is East Fort King Street, featuring many excellent examples of Victorian Revival architecture. Ocala structures on the National Register of Historic Places include the Coca Cola Building, the E. C. Smith House, East Hall, the Marion Hotel, Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, the Ritz Historic Inn, and Union Train Station. Ocala began undergoing rapid growth in the 1970s with the development of the Interstate 75 and the founding of Disney World.  In the last decades of the twentieth century, the greater Ocala area experienced one of the highest growth rates in the country for a city its size. The population of Marion County in 2000 was over 250,000, up from under 100,000 in 1975. Much of the county's growth is attributable to the area's growing popularity as a retirement destination, primarily in two areas southwest and south of the city: the SR 200 corridor and The Villages, respectively. With all that Ocala and Marion County has to offer in it's wonderous beauty...there are many other reasons people choose to move here.  Along with it's ideal location, welcoming atmosphere, scenic beauty, Marion County offers an affordable lifestyle from new gated communities, golf/country club living, single family homes, horse farms of every style and size, grand estates, townhouses, condos, apartments and all are always convenient to shopping, schools, health care, churches, government centers, community centers, recreational activities and downtown Ocala.  Just a short drive away! Religion is an important part of the lives of Ocalans and throughout Marion County as evidenced by the 277 places of worship.  For a complete list please visit our Community Links page.  Education is another important aspect of life here as we lead the state in raising student performance and our schools rank among the highest in Florida.  There are 47 Public Schools, 9 Middle schools, 7 High schools, 2 Charter schools, an Alternative Education Center, an Exceptional Student Education Center, a Community Technicial and Adult Education Center, a Community College with University classes available and we are fortunate enough to be located approximately 30 minutes away from the University of Florida and the newly added Rasmussen University.  The Marion County Public School System is the largest employer in the county.  For a complete list of schools please again refer to our Community Links page for more in-depth information.  Ocala has a diverse and robust economy.  Among the largest employers are those in the medical field, school system, industy and service related areas.  State of the art healthcare is evident in Ocala's 3 major hopsitals and throughout the county's multi-service health care system and numerous private and public clinics.  Famous Ocalans have included: C. Farris Bryant, 34th governor of Florida; Kenneth H. "Buddy" MacKay, Jr., 42nd governor of Florida; actor Patrick O'Neal; Tony Award-winning actress Elizabeth Ashley; the bands Underoath and A Day To Remember; and pro football quarterback Daunte Culpepper. Other noteworthy residents have included: Arthur Jones, Tom Petty, John Travolta, Deanna Wright, NFL defensive back Drayton Florence, science fiction writer Bruce Boston, Puerto Rican singer Daniel Santos, rock band The Royal Guardsmen, PBA bowler Walter Ray Williams Jr and country singer Chad Brock. Also notable is satellite-dish dealer John MacDougall, aka Captain Midnight who, in 1986, overrode the Eastern feed of HBO with a message protesting the scrambling of their signal and a $12.95 per month fee for dish subscribers. The following is a list of honors bestowed upon Ocala over the past few years: 1995 Fifth Best Place To Live In America - All American City (an honor which is rarely given) 1998 Eleventh Most Livable Small City 1999 Top 50th (36th) Best Small Metro Area (INC Magazine) 1999 Ocala/Marion named Horse Capital of the USA (USDA) 2000 Third Most Affordable Housing (National Association of Realtors)

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