Marion County · Local guide
Living in Ocala, Florida
Ocala is the county seat of Marion County in north central Florida, about 80 miles northwest of Orlando. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World", it is surrounded by horse farms, springs and forests.
Getting around
- Orlando: about 80 miles via Florida's Turnpike and I-75
- Gainesville: about 40 miles via I-75
- Tampa: about 100 miles via I-75
- Main roads: I-75, US 27, US 441, SR 200
Rough driving distances; times depend on traffic.
Things to do
- Silver Springs State Park and its glass-bottom boats
- The World Equestrian Center and horse farm country
- Ocala National Forest: springs, trails and lakes
- Rainbow Springs State Park nearby in Dunnellon
Homes in Ocala
Established neighborhoods, horse properties and acreage, golf and 55+ communities, and many newer communities, especially southwest of the city. Many communities have an HOA.
Costs to plan for
- Homes on acreage may have wells and septic systems: ask for inspections
- Check HOA rules and fees in 55+ and golf communities
- Marion County has its own property appraiser and school district
Florida homeowner costs guide →
Work out the true monthly cost →
Get Ocala homes sent to you
Tell us your budget and must-haves. We'll set up an MLS search so new Ocala listings come straight to you, including homes coming soon.
Selling a home in Ocala?
See what your home could sell for and what you'd walk away with after costs.
Buying in Ocala: what to check
Check any home with these official sites
- Marion County Property Appraiser (value, taxes, homestead)
- Marion County Public Schools (school zones)
- FEMA flood map search (is the home in a flood zone?)
- Our Florida schools guide (types of school, scholarships and official grades)
- Marion County school grades and rankings (every public school, official 2025-26 results)
What to look for when you view a home, plus a printable checklist →
Example: the loan part of the payment
A $380,000 home with 5% down ($19,000) and a 30-year loan at 6.5% works out at about $2,282 a month for principal and interest.
On top of that come property tax, home insurance, mortgage insurance and any HOA or CDD fees, which vary a lot from one home to the next in Ocala.
Work out the full monthly cost for a home you like →
Example only, not a quote. Rates change daily, and your rate depends on your credit, down payment and loan type.
Nearby areas
Common questions
How far is Ocala from Orlando and the theme parks?
Orlando: about 80 miles via Florida's Turnpike and I-75. Gainesville: about 40 miles via I-75. Tampa: about 100 miles via I-75. Main roads: I-75, US 27, US 441, SR 200. Times depend on traffic.
What costs should I plan for when buying a home in Ocala?
Homes on acreage may have wells and septic systems: ask for inspections. Check HOA rules and fees in 55+ and golf communities. Marion County has its own property appraiser and school district. Our Florida homeowner costs guide explains property tax, homestead, insurance, HOA and CDD fees.
Can Bill help me buy or sell a home in Ocala?
Yes. Bill McElhill is a Realtor and a licensed mortgage loan originator who works across Florida, so he can help with the home and the loan. Call or text 352-988-4900, or use the form on this page to get matching homes sent to you.
How can I lower property taxes on a home in Ocala?
If it's your main home, apply for Florida's homestead exemption with the Marion County property appraiser by March 1 of the year after you buy. It takes up to $50,000 off the taxable value (the second $25,000 doesn't apply to school taxes), and the Save Our Homes rule then limits yearly increases in the assessed value to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.
General information for 2026; check details such as fees, flood zones and rental rules for any home you're considering. In line with fair housing law, we describe places and homes, not the people who live there, and the choice of where to live is always yours.
Educational information only. This page gives general information to help you learn and plan. It is not legal, tax, financial or other professional advice, or an offer to lend. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed professional. Terms of use