Florida's Most Cost-Effective City for Home Purchasers is Ocala
Hey there! Let's dive into Ocala, Florida—a city living up to its charm with its green landscapes, towering live oaks, and lively equestrian vibe. But it's not just the scenic beauty that's making waves; this humble Central Florida town has been catching attention for its real estate game too!
According to insights from Cinch Home Services based on data from Realtor.com, Ocala boasts the priciest square footage in Florida at a staggeringly low $183.32 per square foot. With a median list price of $303,575 and an average property size of 1,656 square feet, it's no wonder Ocala stands as one of Florida's most budget-friendly metros, beating out swanky spots like Naples-Marco Island by a whopping 58%.
Why so cheap? Well, as Cinch says, Florida displays a broader national trend of less expensive inland real estate compared to glitzy coastal properties like Miami. While Naples and Miami command higher prices due to their luxury vibes, inland metros like Ocala give you more bang for your buck without sacrificing the core Sunshine State lifestyle.
Furthermore, Ocala's housing market has been, let's say, less turbulent than its coastal counterparts, making it perhaps less exposed to future market turbulence.
Now, let's talk horses! Marion County, known as the "Horse Capital of the World," means living in Ocala isn't a compromise for horse enthusiasts and fans of a more laid-back, countryside lifestyle. With the $800 million World Equestrian Center—one of the largest equestrian facilities in the country featuring the luxurious Equestrian Hotel, multiple restaurants, a spa, tons of boutiques, and more than 20 competition rings—Ocala brings in a global horde of riders, breeders, and spectators, making it a horse-lover's paradise.
In 2021, after the World Equestrian Center's debut, this "city within a city" was hailed as one of TIME's World's Greatest Places in 2024. It's no surprise, as this equestrian hub has contributed significantly to the city's recent growth and development, earning Ocala a spot on U.S. News & World Report's list of fastest-growing places in the U.S.
Ocala isn't just about horses, though. The next most budget-friendly metros in Florida include Lakeland-Winter Haven, Homosassa Springs, Sebring, and Pensacola. For those who prefer a different pace, the dream of living in Florida doesn't have to break the bank, and you don't even need to wait for retirement!
In a state where sunlight doesn't come cheap, off-coast or inland areas like Ocala make the Florida dream a reality—no beach required!
Sources:1. Cinch Home Services, Real estate study2. Realtor.com, Ocala housing data3. Southern Living, Insight from Cinch Home Services4. U.S. News & World Report, List of fastest-growing places in the U.S.5. TIME, World's Greatest Places in 2024
- The priciest square footage in Florida can be found in Ocala, as reported by Cinch Home Services, with a per square foot rate of $183.32, making it a budget-friendly metro compared to luxury spots like Naples-Marco Island.
- Ocala's housing market, as cited by insights from Cinch Home Services based on data from Realtor.com, has shown less turbulence compared to its coastal counterparts, potentially offering protection from future market instability.
- Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," living in Ocala offers opportunities for horse enthusiasts, with the World Equestrian Center, one of the largest equestrian facilities in the country, attracting a global audience.
- In addition to being a popular equestrian destination, Ocala offers affordable living, with other budget-friendly metros in Florida including Lakeland-Winter Haven, Homosassa Springs, Sebring, and Pensacola.
