Ocala FL Moving Companies

Ocala, Florida

If you like horses and glass-bottom boats, consider moving to Ocala, Florida. Home to the Florida Horse Park and the Silver Springs theme park, Ocala is where an estimated 54, 801 people live, work, and play in a scenic countryside setting. Boasting a moderate climate, diverse economy and excellent public education system, the city of Ocala, Florida, has the vitality and quality of life of a much larger city without the exorbitant cost of living. And if that’s not enough to inspire you to start calling Ocala movers, you must know that the cutting-edge Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition has chosen downtown Ocala to expand its research operations in 2010.

Economy:
Traditionally, Ocala has relied on the housing industry to push economic growth. When recession hit, the local construction-related industries was dealt a devastating blow and city’s third-largest private employer, mortgage giant Taylor, Bean & Whitaker, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Since then, the city has prioritized the diversification of its economic base.

Ocala is the seat of Marion County, widely considered as the “Horse Capital of the World.” The equine industry in Ocala/Marion County is one of country’s largest. The County’s 400 thoroughbred farms and more than 100 training centers generate more than 30,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in revenues. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector is another major employer. Other industries that fuel the local economy are warehousing and distribution, retail trade, manufacturing, and professional and business service sectors. Major attractions for people thinking of moving to Ocala are the city’s the proximity to major transportation arteries and lower costs of building, housing and labor. The establishment of a research facility by the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition in downtown Ocala is expected to attract more investments in the high-technology sector.

History:
In the 1500s, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon Florida claimed Florida and the area known as Ocala for the King of Spain. As result of the Treaty of 1763, Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain, which subsequently gave Florida back to Spain under the Treaty of 1783. By virtue of the Adam-Onis Treaty of 1819, Spain relinquished Florida to the United States. Florida was incorporated as a territory of the United States in 1821. In 1846, Ocala was established as the seat of Marion County. It was located near Fort King, a military outpost from the Seminole Wars. The arrival of rail service in 1881 encouraged the development and growth of the citrus industry. Ocala was an important center of citrus production until the “Big Freeze” of 1894-1895. The 20th century saw the rise of Ocala as a major tourist destination due to growing popularity of the Silver Springs, one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world, and the rising prominence of the horse breeding and training industry. From 1975 to 2000, the city’s population swelled from 100,000 to 250,000, partly due to retirees moving to Ocala which has become a favored retiree destination.

Tourism:
Set in a scenic countryside and surrounded by some of the world’s most spectacular horse farms, Ocala is the best place to experience exciting outdoor recreations, fun family attractions, and captivating history walks. Get a taste of Florida’s equestrian lifestyle at the Florida Horse Park where you can watch international horse-riding competitions or tour the park’s pristine riding trails on horseback. Tour downtown Ocala’s historic district and admire its charming tree-lined streets and exquisite Victorian and Tudor homes. Ride a glass bottom boat and behold the majesty of underwater life in the sparkling clear waters of Silver Springs. Spend a day camping, boating, or hiking in the Ocala National Forest. Truly, moving to Ocala means never having to say “I’m bored.”

Colleges/Universities:

• Rasmussen College
• College of Central Florida
• Central Florida Community College
• Webster University of Ocala
• Saint Leo University
• Marion County Public Schools – Community Technical and Adult Center

Interesting Facts:

• The name Ocala comes from the Timucuan Indian word “Ocali,” which means "big hammock.”
• In 1995, Ocala received All-America City honors from the National Civic League in 1995 for its anti-drug and crime program, annual waterway cleanup drive and downtown revitalization efforts.
• Silver Springs, one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world, pumps 550 million gallons of water daily, enough to supply the entire city of New York.