[mrs.frog]

Hi.
We are heading down to Ocala next month to tour the city and hospitals. We will be moving a few months after that. We want to rent instead of buying to make sure we like the area 1st and not get sucked into some place we don't like.

Does anyone have any info on Marion Oaks in Ocala? Best middleschool and high schools? Best place to work?
Would appreciate your help!

Thanks a bunch!

-Brenda

[mrs.frog]

No one live in/near Ocala????

[katkat75]

I'm not in the Ocala area but grew up about an hour from there. I'm not familiar with the particular area you're asking about in but didn't want you to feel ignored. I do know it's a lovely area.
I hope someone can answer your questions soon.

[Pinkster]

Ocala is growing like mad crazy. I live 30 miles south of there and attend some classes at CFCC Ocala campus, but only if I have to. The traffic is too much for me, but much better than Tampa or Orlando lol. They have been doing a lot of road improvements, on St. Rd 200 but are finishing up I think. Except where the part of 200 where MArian Oaks is located, its a long 2 lane road.
Anyways I don't actually live in Ocala so I don;t know how much help I am. But there is more than just Ocala, if you wanted to probably spend a little less in renting, Marion County is pretty big, and they just built a new development almost right across from it, some spanish name, it looks fancy.
The area is great if you like golfing or horseback riding. But there are other places much cheaper to rent from than a golf course community.

Here is the web site for schools in Marion County. http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/

Good luck!

[jeepdude]

Hi There,

I live in Ocala. It can be a great place to live. However, I would strongly reccommend NOT living in Marion Oaks. It has become a heavy drug/crime area. Its beautiful out there, but they have recently had alot of crime. To the point the sheriff's office has had to set up a gang patrol unit. The SW area is nice, thats where I live. It is close to everything, and I am only 5 minutes away from the hospital where I work.
Depending on what you are wanting to rent, there are plenty of housing choices. If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.

Chris

[HolliT]

Hi,
I live in Ocala too. Like the previous poster stated, please avoid Marion Oaks. It has really turned into a high crime rate community.

Check out www.marionso.com It is the link to the Sheriff Dept for the county. You can check with them regarding neighborhoods and crime rates.
Here are some other sites to get you started!!!

www.ocala.com is the website for our local news
http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/ public school district
http://www.marioncountyfl.org/ Great county info website
http://www.pa.marion.fl.us/ property appraisers office
http://www.munroeregional.com/ hospital
http://www.ocalaregional.com/ hospital
www.gocfcc.com local community college



Also, feel free to PM if you want with more specific questions.