Ocala?

[DollyM]

After another awful Illinois winter and losing my job in the last month, I am fed up! I have found my dream job in Ocala Florida but wondering about the area. What is the economy like, housing, cost of living etc. I checked out the city of Ocala's web site but of course all I get from that is how wonderful it is, so I would like some honest answers. Any help would be appreciated.

[glowing]

1. Old People Mecca of Florida. Lots of retirees in the area. Everything

closes at 10pm. Its old rural farms bought up and turned into HOA. My husband's grandparents live there.

[DollyM]

2. Perfect!

The job is with a hospice so with many elderly people, there is some job security there. That is my biggest fear is getting someplace far away and then having the job go by the wayside. That happened to my husband when we moved to Wisconsin several years ago for his dream job. The job lasted 7 months and left us stranded there with a long term lease on an apartment and no job opportunities. I am going to be a lot more careful before I make a move this time.

[Mojorabbit]

3. My favorite place to camp

is in Ocala Nat'l forest. Welcome to Fl!
H

[dmallind]

4. Can't help with first hand info but in similar position - resources

I found useful are www.city-data.com for overall info in great detail (don't skip the discussion threads but be aware everywhere has fans and detractors - check your own town to get a feel) zillow.com for housing info. realtor.com for housing searches.