Travel

[katie1859]

My ex and his wife live there since 2010

very quiet and older people

not a lot to do very slow paced

unfortunately gets hit with the storms often

and the heat is increasing

[riley1]

@beanie - As others have suggested a trip to Ocala would be a smart thing to do - do it in the summer so you see how hot and how high the humidity is.

Also you should check into the insurance companies still remaining in Fl and prices to insure home/auto.

You might also want to check into medical - are the doctors in close proximity or do you have to travel to them. Where is the closest hospital located - is this a good facility or would you have to go somewhere else for a real medical emergency.

[smoochy]

I'm in Lakeland about 37 mi east of Tampa and an hour and a half drive south of Ocala. Personally I think it's in the middle of nowhere. I would be bored to death there. Also it's important for me to be close to high quality medical care. I have that. 

Summers are brutal here. Temps in the nineties with high humidity. I consider it a fair tradeoff for not having to deal with Michigan winters 

Our home insurance is ridiculously high. even though we are not in a flood zone and dont need flood insurance. That is something you will want to know in advance.Auto is competitive, we pay $1400/yr for two vehicles. 

We have been through hurricanes in our six yrs here. However they tend to weaken as they move inland. We are far enough inland and so is Ocala, not to see the kind of damage they get on the coasts. 

[Zhills]

@smoochy I so agree with you.  However, I was reading that 

some of that may have changed.

The newest City Info states that there is entertainment available!  Who knew?

It is too far from anywhere for my liking!  But then, I am from Tampa where there is everything!

[smoochy]

@Zhills  you and I live in good proximity to big city amenities if we want them. For me Lakeland hits the sweet spot as far as size, couldn't be happier 🥰

[Hoovermom]

I lived in Lakeland for a good part of my life and absolutely loved it.  Beautiful city with lots of lakes and not horrible shopping.  Personally I would not want to move to Ocala at all.......horse country and not much else IMHO.

[birdQ13]

I visited relative who was a snowbird (end of Dec.-April) in an Ocala trailer park some 20 years ago. This lifestyle suited relative. I would not be happy there because of climate plus it felt run down at risk of blight. Good luck to you!

[Hopein24]

@beanie @I have been there several times on vacation in the Gulf. Beautiful to visit! Hotter than blue blazes in Summer and Fall with tons of severe thunder and rain storms out of the blue throughout the day. Beaches, Disney, Sun, humidity. Having said that, I have to also say bugs, crocodiles, huge spiders, love bugs that gum up your windshield in Summer, many foreign speaking folks depending on the area, ( not that that is a negative point). If I were moving there, I probably would look at Panama City, Fort Walton or panhandle area. Close to everything without all the congestion. Good luck, hope you find a perfect spot for you and yours!

[beanie]

Well, I did it!  We bought a home in Summerfield, Florida.  It's about a half hour from Ocala, and less than 5 minutes to The Villages.  We love the area.  We bought in a neighborhood where we have met many nice neighbors.  Most everyone has a golf cart that they use "often".  We have enjoyed the restaurants and shops in the village and also the entertainment.  Also Publix and our bank is nearby.  Thank you for all your advice!  beanie

[beanie]

Right now they are almost exactly what I pay in Rhode Island.  Once I live there fulltime, the taxes will be less.