Get excited, coffee drinkers, because it looks like two new Starbucks stores are likely opening in Marion County.
The company has recently submitted plans for building two new locations in Ocala, including one store in downtown and the other in On Top of the World. While a spokesperson for On Top the World said no plans for the coffee shop had been confirmed, Tampa-based developer Ocean Bleu Group confirmed the plans for South Pine Avenue in downtown Ocala.
Beautiful Ocala was once considered to be home to just endless cow pastures. However, not only is it a great place to live in, but it is also a destination town. It is an ideal spot for anyone looking for a bit of adventure set among rolling hills, a national forest and Silver Springs State Park, which is one of Florida’s oldest tourist attractions.
Strawberry season is upon us, and with so many strawberry farms in Florida, strawberry festivals are an inevitable and delicious occurrence. This past Saturday, March 3rd, marked the Third Annual Habitat Strawberry Festival, which took place at McPherson Government Complex at 601 SE 25th Avenue in Ocala.
Live Oak International will be taking place in Marion County this weekend, marking the prestigious event’s 25-year anniversary. This annual event, which is certainly one of the largest in the equestrian world, features some of the best combined driving teams, attracting top drivers, riders, trainers and coaches from around the country and from 17 nations worldwide.
If you are looking for something to do this weekend in Ocala while taking advantage of this beautiful February weather, look no further. From carnivals to cattle drives, you are sure to find something that fits the bill. And if you prefer to be indoors for a little art and culture, we have got you covered there, too.
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, now is the time to get in those last-minute romantic weekend plans.
Downtown Ocala is chock full of art, history, wonderful dining and entertainment. There are so many experiences worth exploring, including Marion Theatre, which offers an old-time movie-going destination, The Wine Experience, which is a great spot for those who like to imbibe, and so much more. The night life, downtown restaurants, and events on the square offer something for all ages to enjoy.
There are some seriously promising market stats for buyers in Bellechase, so, let’s check in with this beautiful neighborhood and see what it’s all about. It is a private, gated community in the heart of Ocala and is home to some of the most magnificent homes in town. Lot sizes start at a 1/4 acre and only go up from there, and home prices typically range from $300,000 to $1.8 million. The neighborhood not only boasts beautiful homes, but an absolutely stunning landscape, as well. The natural beauty of Florida’s foliage is evident throughout the community, with plenty of space for paved walkways allowing residents to enjoy the surroundings.
With only 1.7 homes selling per month on average and 28 homes currently on the market, inventory is high at 16.8 months. With six months of inventory representing a balanced market and greater than six months indicating a buyer’s market, it is evident that we have a buyer’s market on our hands here.
Horse Shows in the Sun, also referred to as HITS, kicked off its Ocala Winter Circuit today at HITS Post Time Farm near Ocala. It is a 10-week hunter/jumper show and attracts thousands of riders and horses each year. The show, which was once only regional, has become one of the largest in the country.
Get your new year’s resolutions on track by shopping local and fresh!
Now that the holiday dust has settled and people are getting back into their routines, local farmers’ markets are resuming their regular schedules, as well, and there is plenty to check out in the new year!
Ocala can get excited about what is on the horizon with the national food scene for 2016, as its restaurants will likely follow suit.
The National Restaurant Association (NRA), in predicting its food/restaurant/consumer trends for the coming year, has forecasted yet again a focus on locally sourced meat and seafood, as well as sustainability.
The market in Ocala is balanced, with 6.4 months of inventory, indicating neither a strong buyer’s nor seller’s market. However, in The Magnolias, there seems to be a slight shift towards a seller’s market, where the inventory is at 3.8 months with only seven homes on the market.
The downtown square that currently hosts the Saturday morning Ocala Farm Market is going to be the new site of an upscale hotel that is going to help serve as the foundation for a revived downtown.
For all of you horse enthusiasts out there, have you checked out our horse property page? With well over 300 properties currently on the market, there is sure to be something that suits your needs.
The Rasmussen School of Nursing is finally getting the space for expansion that it has been desperately needing.
The almost 500 nursing students come from Marion, Alachua, Putnam, Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Levy counties. In addition to needing more space, the school needed more computers, skill labs and clinical simulation activities.
A national cable TV program, “Best of America by Horseback," had their cast and crew camp out in Southwest Marion County this past weekend, to film a feature on the horse trails on the Cross Florida Greenway.
Look at the buyer’s market we have in Stone Creek! This private, active adult retirement community has lots on the market and tons of neighborhood amenities.
With 43 homes currently listed, we’re looking at 18.3 months of inventory.
It’s been a while since we've checked in with Ocala Waterway, a wonderful community in a great location. The market here is fairly balanced with 4.5 months of inventory and 21 homes on the market.
Get ready for fun this Saturday, as Ocala hosts the Marion County Chili Cook-Off. There will be plenty of food and entertainment, with local teams cooking and competing or the best chili in town. There will also be a car and truck show, and the cook-off benefits Cornerstone School.
Let’s check in with Woodfields, a beautiful, established neighborhood with homes dating back to the 19th century. Home sales have been non-existent for the past six months, and even over the past year, home sales have only averaged one per month.
