Ocala Florida VLOG Part 1 - Am I Back in Illinois?

I seriously thought once I arrived in the town square of Ocala Florida that I was actually back in Belvidere IL. The towns are strikingly similar in design and architecture as well as the overall vibe as well. Lets take a walk around downtown Ocala!
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[@MichaelBordenaro]

I offer 1 on 1 calls, book one if you'd like! michaelbordenaro.com/services/

[@anthonygambitta6220]

Another advantage of living in N. Central Florida is the lower risk of land falling hurricane storm surge, wind and flooding, low home insurance rates, taxes and cost of living. We didn't even have any TS force winds with TS Elsa last week. Along the coast, they had flooding, 65mph winds, power outages and just a big mess. That is why I choose to live inland Florida. I can drive to St. AUG beach, Daytona or Flagler Beach anytime I want. Mount Dora, Eustis and Lady Lake are a few other lovely towns near Ocala.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Very good point Anthony and that's probably one of the biggest advantages of living in land in Florida 👍

[@markhankins3023]

Ocala has worked hard to clean up downtown area, and give people a place to congregate, listen to music, have farmer’s market, upscale hotels, to good pubs and restaurants. I say they have succeeded. 4.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I would say so too. I'm not sure what it was like before but it sounds like not as nice as it is now

[@markhankins3023]

@@MichaelBordenaro much like small town USA anywhere, between strip malls, big box retail, and the loss of American manufacturing, small towns were decimated after NAFTA. Ocala was wise to work hard to (rebuild) and refurbish their downtown. Giving all folks something to be proud of.💫

[@jbsilberhorn4842]

I was born in Belvidere, and lived in rockford most of my life... And am now here in Ocala (about 6 yrs) It's great being away from the freezing weather...

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Wow what a small world ! I hear you I don't miss the winters either

[@AlexandraPasoFinos]

The new World Equestrian Center is huge and has fine dining and shopping and it's free to attend events there. There are also numerous places to kayak, tube, etc. at one of the nearby rivers. Real estate prices are rising quickly and rents are high. We also recently added Fed Ex, Chewy, Amazon, Autozone, and Dollar General warehouses and have another going up soon.

[@mattymoo]

yes, one reason I came here was due to low rents and they are already rising and pricing people like me out.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Finally, I appreciate you and other great tour people letting others know in general what us attractive in their part of the US. And to get a feel of the different scenes in great cities is so grateful. Again that you for your travels there in Florida.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

My pleasure Lemard👌

[@Jzed_David]

5:43 my car is just chilling in the parking lot haha, but yes Ocala is very “home-y”. I’ve lived here for 16 years and i wouldn’t change a thing

[@bostonchopper4343]

I have a pretty good idea what music would be playing in the town square if you were the Mayor!

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Haha yeah things would be a little different 😉

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for going to this small town. With you begin from Illinois living in a small town, I have a small as well very close to me and that is Evanston, Illinois. Even though Evanston is the first small town north of the Chicago, it is up scale with the big outstanding university Northwestern University being there.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Of course! Even though I was only here a brief time I did enjoy my time here and and me feel nostalgic of home😊

[@CrisChico]

are you are filming with on this video?

[@hawkeye5829]

Mike I live in Ocala. Not the most exciting place but it's home. People are friendly. I love it here. I feel comfortable, and as you said its affordable.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I agree it is comfortable and affordable. Nice to know you enjoy living there Henry😀

[@TheGoldeyFamily]

We are growing at a very fast rate as well. They call it the "Horse Capital of the World". This is a great place to live.

[@Wbrundog]

Ocala seems affordable. Maybe I’ll get a condo there in retirement. I can drive to the beaches

[@MichaelBordenaro]

It is still one of the most affordable areas in Florida, and its about 1 hour and 40 mins to the beach👍

[@mjgalante1]

Thanks Michael. I've been waiting for this video.. Ocala seems very nice.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

You're welcome! It is a pretty nice area👍

[@TheGoldeyFamily]

Man I love this town. Some of the kids call it Slo-Cala, but that's fine by most adults.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Nothing wrong with that, if the slow pace of living is good the vibe fits then its perfect

[@alejandrarivera1087]

Ocala is one of the places we are considering because of the small town feeling, not crowded and very affordable 😎

[@MichaelBordenaro]

That is exactly why you'd want to move here, good choice in that regard👍

[@AylaSpry]

You might enjoy the Micanopy area as well :)

[@alejandrarivera1087]

@@AylaSpry Once we move to Florida , we are planning to visit different areas and see how we like it. Thank you , I’ll do some research on that area 😁

[@who_is_asking]

Someone gave you the wrong idea of Ocala.

[@reb203]

This is coming from someone who has grown up in Ocala, and lived here for 20 years now. Please do some research on some of the downsides of Ocala before moving here. Its not the magical small town paradise that's being sold to you.

[@PastorTom2009]

There are a lot of great things about small towns and the Midwest.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Never said there wasn't👌

[@davidc.najarian9988]

You are missing the recreation in Ocala National Forrest for campers, hikers, ATVs, trail riders, horseback riders, and the Croom MX/ATV park, and Marion County Fairgrounds flat track. Lots to do for outdoor recreation

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Yes thats true too, but not really what this video is about. Its just a simple first impression of the town

[@nanatexidor5313]

Equestrian,,,

[@Bellelives81]

Great video, you should do Jacksonville 😆

[@MichaelBordenaro]

One of these days I will 😀

[@stevewalther2293]

I'm from Iowa and live in Florida. Yes, I do miss the quiet simple life of the MidWest.

[@jillmorton3096]

I bet the Panhandle is going to be the next happening place in Florida. 😊 I have been through Ocala, beautiful horse country, maybe I would do well there as I love country music😊

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I think it already is based on my impressions being there! Yes you might like it here then Jill, it certainly has that country western feel

[@wildmanjay9391]

I live in Burlington WI and this looks just like my town square. Very neat.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Thats cool! I would imagine it probably looks a lot like the towns squares built in this time period

[@mariebee3146]

I've been to Burlington. I loved it there.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Furthermore, Michael, Florida down there where you live in Miami has nice small towns areas. But I do like the beaches along with the cool places to that Florida has. Here with Evanston and the prestigious Northwestern is very nice for here. Our other prestigious university, The University of Chicago is in a small town area which is Hyde Park. So, I have live in Hyde Park years ago and I have worked in Evanston. That has been a nice experience for me. So, now I with additional career travel experience I would like to be by a great length if beaches to enjoy.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I can't remember if I have been to Evanston before or not. Usually when I used to go the Chicago, I would go downtown or by the lake. I never spent much time exploring the smaller surrounding towns. Sounds nice though!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

@@MichaelBordenaro Yes, downtown is very very nice. As well with the North Side going all the way to Evanston and the further north to the wealthy northern small towns are very cute.

[@manjawarner3162]

How were the people in that town? Were they friendly and welcoming or aloof and closed off? We once spent five years in a small rural town and we're never welcomed into the community. We were treated like outsiders and never felt at home. I've since learned to spend a little time visiting the local grocery stores, banks, and post office before considering a move there. It also doesn't hurt to say hello to the local law enforcement and ask what they think of their community and of they have any concerns they'd be willing to share with you. Every town had it's own vibe. The people in it are what bring that forth and that has a direct affect on the quality of life there, IMO.

[@jgreek]

I appreciate this thanks!

[@mrmotorcarsrs2034]

Good advice. This could apply to any place one may be considering to move.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

At the few places we went to, which was dairy queen and publix people were pretty friendly, but I don't think we spent enough time here to get a real grasp on the overall personality of the locals. I was more interested in exploring the town and what it has to offer. But no doubt, that is extremely important and excellent advice to make sure you check that part out as well, before making a move👍

[@who_is_asking]

Ocala is not a small town. It is actually the 3rd largest county in Florida I believe. Downtown Ocala basically city square has been the focus of upgrade. Even recently putting in a hotel. And a parking garage. Which was a waste of time, money, and land. Surrounding that area is trashy old ugly buildings. A homeless shelter with drug addicts and felons roaming the streets. Low rent motels with prostitutes and drug addicts. It is not an everybody knows everybody small town. It is very spread out

[@reb203]

This isn't a small town. It is a city of 60,000 people

[@melissafoster5869]

So strange and correct. I lived in belvidere and Woodstock IL. Now I live in Ocala fl. It does feel just like home.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

So you know exactly what I'm talking about Melissa. Nice to meet an old neighbor

[@mrmotorcarsrs2034]

Another good video. Lots of insight into small town life in Florida. Florida is so diverse in terms of the types of cities. It seems to be able to accommodate almost any lifestyle. Thanks for all you are doing. I have started reading more of the comments as they are a good source of information as well. It looks like you are gaining subscribers. I remember when you were much lower about the time the pandemic came. I started researching Florida with you around that time.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Thanks a lot ! I love reading the comments too and I certainly learn things from my viewers as well. Thanks for always being a part of the comments and I'm happy the channel is growing 😀

[@Traci_Carlson]

Wow that totally does look like all the small towns in IL…other than the palm trees. We had considered Ocala for our move because of the prices, but didn’t get a chance to check it out on our trip. Would like to still visit there eventually though. Hopefully our next trip.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I know right! You should definitely visit here if you've even thought about moving here, bc overall its seems like a good place to live

[@y_yy_2844]

The plaque at 7:34 talks about a group of farmers who held a political meeting where they outlined a platform called the Ocala Demands. These were later incorporated into the platform of what became the Populist Party, which was influential in the early 20th century in the US. The Populists opposed the big industrial interests of the East Coast "robber baron" types. Things like anti-trust laws regulating big business as well as the direct popular election of US senators (they used to be chosen by the state legislatures) were some of the Populists' achievements.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Thanks for filling me in!

[@colleenkenney7146]

Lol. I lived in Woodstock in the 00s. Moving to Inverness soon.

[@donjuan914]

Out of curiosity do you have any videos in Clearwater Beach or St Pete Beach?

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Yes I have some coming up on that area as well👍

[@paulamarie]

Woodstock is really nice now. Ocala needs a little more work lol

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Thats interesting, I havent been to Woodstock in a long time!

[@btmcgovern]

Ocala has a nice town square - I was impressed. Mike, I enjoy your videos. Will you be traveling over to Dunedin to do a video....that is a really cool town.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Yes it is a nice little spot. Funny you should ask, I DO have a video coming on Dunedin. Stay tuned!

[@timbye3753]

Small world..I moved to Ocala area from Belvidere in 1991..also, my brother painted that mural on the side of the building you showed at the start of this video.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Wow that is a small world! That was a nice job your brother did on the mural. Any chance he painted any of them in Belvidere too?

[@timbye3753]

@@MichaelBordenaro none in Belvidere. He didn't get into painting until a few years after we moved to Fl.

[@anthonygambitta6220]

LOL, yeah it is not the typical Florida town. Most people settle there (me) because of the large lots and horse ranches.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

NO its definitely not! I have never been anywhere like this in FL, but I am glad I visited just to know that places like this exist here👍

[@michellep4873]

Exactly why we are moving to Ocala!

[@TheRalphie2020]

That town center looks exactly like the town center in a town I lived in Massachusetts! Looks like something straight out up North, lol.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

That is so funny right! A lot of these small towns do look the same 😄

[@TheRalphie2020]

@@MichaelBordenaro that is correct 😆 I find it interesting actually. The same layout from about the same time-period.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

@@TheRalphie2020 Yep something I was not expecting to find down here in FL

[@zipadeedooda7938]

If you get back to Ocala, you should visit Silver Springs, one of the original tourist attractions before Disney. Also the Appleton Museum is something you'd expect in a much larger city. There's Fort King, a National Historic Landmark. A lot of neat old Victorian style homes along Fort King Street. The downtown plaza really gets done up nicely for Christmas. If you visit Gainesville, drive up US 441. Very scenical with several old Florida towns, including Micanopy where they filmed the movie 'Doc Hollywood'.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I wanted to go to the Silver springs, it was literally just down the street from my hotel, just not enough time, was covering the whole state in the span of about 17 days. But I appreciate your suggestions here for next time!

[@zipadeedooda7938]

@@MichaelBordenaro Certainly! There is a lot of state to cover, as you found out. It took me a good 3-4 years to visit all the state parks and historic sites that i wanted to see. If you do the state parks, get the passport book as well as the pass. You get stamps just like a regular passport. I managed to get all the stamps. I stapled my pass inside the passport cover, so I'd have both with me at all times. It's a cool extra incentive to visit all the state parks.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

@@zipadeedooda7938 Thats super cool with the park passport, didn't know about that!

[@novadhd]

It seems like a pretty nice sleepy town where a lot of people can enjoy. Not everyone wants to live by the beach. Thx for sharing.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

It sure is and if the beach is not a priority, then Ocala is a great option

[@jeanpalumbo3411]

The town Center of Ocala is. Very busy and a lot of traffic, and lots of second-hand shops. Summer is too hot to stay in town, I find the only time the town center is beautiful is Christmas. As for the rest of Ocala and Marion County plenty of traffic especially on Rt 200 because that's where all the stores are. I've been there many times and there isn't that much to do and if there is, it usually at night and most retirees don't like driving at night. Unless, You live in a development where they have a community Center with activities and outdoor and indoor swimming pool. Top-of-the-world is one of them, Del Webb homes is another one. Food at Publix and Winn-Dixie and most supermarkets are very expensive. If you like Walmart you'll be happy there's three of them. Your homes may not be very expensive your taxes might not be expensive your HOA, Could be more than your taxes. If you like horses Ocala is the place to be its horse country. If you like to walk on sidewalks you'll find very little in Ocala. It's not a walkable City you need a car. Orlando and Tampa are an hour and a half away, Daytona Beach is an hour away. Stay away of Silver Springs Shores and Marion Oaks. High crime. One thing Ocala has is their beautiful Library. .. look into Saint Augustine but, whatever you do don't buy Rent First!. Good luck

[@mariebee3146]

Not to mention the crowds that come with coastal cities. I've been in Sarasota for 2 years now. Looking to move to Ocala. I am over the crowds and the dirty feeling I get from Sarasota, Tampa, St. Pete, etc. Can't wait for a quiet town. And I'm from northern Illinois. All I need is a few palm trees to remind me I'm not in the midwest anymore and of course no snow. HUGE bonus!!

[@Jeffreykum]

I lived here from 1988 or 1987 too 2007 . im in Savannah Ga The doctors in Ocala are not too great .

[@kaaren8196]

Great video! I'd have to agree. I've lived in a place like this my whole life. Wauwatosa,WI will always have a special place in my heart! So excited to make new memories and adventures in Florida!!!!

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Thanks Kaaren! Funny how some of these small towns all look / feel the same!

[@congregation_]

Cool 😎

[@jimg518]

Love the midwest feel, coming from Monroe, MI and now living in Aurora, OH. I’ve been to a lot of cities in FL, but have not seen Ocala. This looks like a place I would want to be. Having been to St Augustine twice, that would be my other choice.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

You should definitely come check it out then Jim, it has a lot of the midwestern feel you get back home. St. Augustine is great too, but much more expensive and compact

[@beckywelker2438]

Trust me.....it's super humid in Ocala too!

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I figured it probably is sometimes. Although that day I was there the heat was actually pretty dry and I just came from the coast earlier that day and it was much more humid by the water

[@caroljeanne1]

Good morning Michael, go visit Rainbow Springs. You will love it

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Next time I will 👍

[@Jeannified]

Great video! I’ve never we been to Ocala. Looks like a nice place to raise a famously or live a quiet life.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Thanks Jeannie! I think so too👍

[@TheGoldeyFamily]

The farmer's market is right around the corner from there. You should have went to the world equestrian center too!! It is wild!

[@StreetViking]

I appreciate you doing this 🤙

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I appreciate you watching it 👌

[@johnadam3707]

I HAVE A CONDO IN DOWNTOWN OCALA FEW MINUTES WALKING DISTANCE. TO THE SQUARE OCALA IS A BOOM TOWN AND IT REASON I DO NOT WANT TO SELL I LOVE IT THERE ALSO HAVE A HOME IN WINTERGARDEN DOWNTOWN

[@coyoteheartdestinythesylph5902]

Thanks 💟

[@MichaelBordenaro]

You're welcome 😊

[@sunspot4069]

You are spot on about the midwest feel, good analogy. Hour and half to the Gulf or Ocean, and either way is a beautiful drive. Would be much better if Hwy 441 could be expanded !

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Yes I felt like I was right back in my hometown as soon as I arrived here. The whole area is beautiful driving through the forest is nice 😊

[@lauralampe1664]

I just found out you are originally from Belvidere. I have lived in the Chicago area since 1979, and in Schaumburg since 1984. I was just in The Villages for 2 weeks in July. I am looking to move to Florida in a few years when I retire. Illinois...second highest property taxes in the U.S. Mine went up $1,000 last year for a 1,000 sq ft , 2 bdrm townhouse. 😪

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Yes I am! I don't blame you for leaving, taxes going up, and you get nothing in return. I'm sure retirement can't come soon enough

[@jimwolfe4286]

Nice little town, a good place to live , if one wants to leave the " rat race" behind.....Another, real good video, Michael....You are now 98% above 10K !!

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Absolutely! Yes thanks for always reminding me Jim on the sub count😄 Probably wont reach the 100k goal for the end of the year, but this is still pretty good progress, so I'm not complaining😀

[@bradleypost8971]

Do a town that feels like the Northeast, specifically suburban NY/North Jersey area. Delray Beach, Maitland, Winter Garden, and Winter Park remind me of the North.

[@apdaniel3735]

Downtown Kansas City is similar to Midtown Miami.

[@kingmfdripp1099]

It's boring here in Ocala fl I've been here since 2003 and next year will be my last year here.

[@joeo1168]

Midwest Florida sounds fantastic. You make it sound like Siberia. Its OK to be not be so cool. Florida can learn from the Midwest. Not as backward as you say.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Hey like I said its not for me, since I am from there, but a lot of people will probably like it

[@snootie69420]

I live in Anthony fl

[@losonamission]

When you go to north Florida it’s very southern. For instance like Ocala, is very southern. But I guess you being from the Midwest it gives you a Midwestern feel.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Like after traveling around a bunch of different areas in Florida I can definitely say that being from the Midwest is not all that different than being from the south

[@losonamission]

@@MichaelBordenaro I’m not sure about that

[@Chatsworth1979]

Thanks very enjoyable and informative, really liked it, +1

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Atem_S.]

A place I would like to visit is either Jacksonville, Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale or Daytona Beach. I need to be close to the water... =)

[@MichaelBordenaro]

You totally should 👌

[@seesee7157]

after NYC... Ocala is heaven!!!!!!!

[@gailbarejka77]

I see what you mean about the “ small town feel”… l do prefer that over bustling beach area… but were l to head to Florida, my choice would be Mount Dora… also small town feel, but, idk… MD just seems more “eclectic”… great little shops, antiques, beautiful old buildings… but…. I love these videos; u r doing a great job! Love to see all the subtleties of Florida without having to hop on a plane and show up there…😃

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Yes it is a small town and feels like one too! Glad I can give you the feel of FL without you needing to come👌

[@johncrace911]

I live here. It is a boring town and you are 100 miles away from any major events or concert venue. It also has outgrown all the roads.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

At least someone is on my side here!

[@kenmdem]

Ocala isn't a small town. It's a small city with a population of over 60,000. Yes, Ocala is the best place to live. Warren Ohio also has a town square.

[@brendanigg154]

It reminds of Kankakee Illinois

[@randalllevy5307]

I'd have to say it's nothing like KC. Country music isn't big in Kc, maybe the rural areas of Missouri but not the city. And Kc is a major city with world class amenities and attractions and a skyline. As well as the National WW1 memorial.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

It was just a guess, never been there lol! You would know much better than me

[@imDanoush]

Interesting town. Would be cool to also talk about the overall crime rate and safety of the towns if feasible. :)

[@chrisklest1238]

I am curious too. I would need to confirm, but I thought I read that crime might seem higher in touristy areas because they are counting the total crime of the area, but basing that per 100,000 residents and not including tourists. So, let's say 1500 of x crimes out of 100,000 residents, but maybe many crimes are not happening to the locals and if they included tourists, it might be 1500 of 1,000,000 people, so much less dangerous.

[@who_is_asking]

Crime in the Shores is high. Crime in Marion Oaks is high. Our public parks are full of drugs an violent shootings. But you won't find any of it on the news. They try to keep it quiet. An our high speed chases are on the rise. Guy had to do a go fund me last week. He got hit by fleeing suspect. Put his kids in the hospital an totaled his truck.

[@nat3dgr34t]

Is there good movie theaters and best buys good malls..?

[@josephsmith9130]

We moved here from Miami Beach. We purchased a nice house in the Marion Oaks area in 2010. Yes, we are retiree's however I can tell you that it is a small city that provides everything you need. The video really failed to point out the great new residential single family homes in the area, employment opportunities, recreation, museums, The new World Equestrian Center and even the beautiful new downtown hotel Michael just walked pass. Michael, you should do your homework before shooting down Ocala.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I did not shoot it down. Its just a first impression, as I only spent a little bit of time there. It was not meant to be a full blown video on every detail of Ocala

[@danabarrish]

Thank you for pronouncing "Ocala" correctly .......and you should see the square at Christmas :-)

[@MichaelBordenaro]

No problem Dana. I’m sure it’s beautiful at Christmas time!

[@George-nn8ui]

We have been living here for four months bought a trailer with mold but we go to the dunnelon rainbow 🌈 springs every other week. Our property we bought first is Interlachen turned out to be a saw palmetto farm (45 minutes away) just needs land clearing. The world horse center is here, but expensive to sell stuff there. Marion flea market one of the largest upscale, and silver springs as well as national forest, Alexander springs, Appleton art museum come back!!’

[@CPDLee]

Drop Blow-Tube and use Rumble.

[@TheGoldeyFamily]

I'll be moving north eventually. When the earth decides to rid itself of us, the oceans will wash right over this peninsula.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

One day for sure...

[@smurfygoodtimes8148]

Horse capital of the world baby yeehaw 🤘

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Oh yeah! It sure is

[@tammieflemal7871]

Grew up there not much to do then seems to be even less now. You caught the square on a good day… didn’t see any panhandling going on. Yes it gets humid there and it does get hit by hurricanes

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I actually did not see any bums in Ocala at all. Maybe just a good day like you said

[@jimagent1826]

Belvidere just had a tornado rip through there. Apollo Theater was ripped apart. 1 person died. I like the quieter life, so Ocala would appeal to me.

[@TheClayone]

Down town is the only area that may look like Illinois, the rest of the area won't. This is a tiny spot of Ocala, jess saying as a local, I never go downtown.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Driving past all the ranches looks a lot like Illinois too. We have a ton of ranches and farms up there as well.

[@raybosflorida4928]

ALL new home costruction up 60%

[@MichaelBordenaro]

That is the case everywhere

[@lynnepeyton554]

Try the west coast Tampa St Pete area or Orlando

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Been to both of those areas too

[@Gary65437]

Your skipping Tampa? You're going to miss the huge fish kill that got washed up after the last storm... All residents are highly pissed off with the sight and the stench in their backyards.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Thats not something I would want to see anyhow! How sad...😔

[@nancyclark677]

I moved here back in 78 when it really was a small town. Doing one little section can be very miss leading. I do not consider this a small town any more and I come from just out side of chicago (Woodridge, Downers Grove area). You should really do more research first before hand.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Its still a small town, especially compared to everywhere else I went to in FL

[@nancyclark677]

I'm not complaining, I'm just saying that that one section isn't all that there is and it is expanding so much every day. In the past 40 some years it has gone from 2 main roads ( Pine and Silver Springs Blvd) to so much more. Coming from Chicago I didn't even think Ocala was on a map. I sometimes feel it's getting to big and want it back to the way it was years ago.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

@@nancyclark677 I hear you, but when you live on the outskirts of town its pretty rural in Ocala at least. Still much less populated than surrounding Chicago area. But I'm sure there are other areas in FL even smaller than Ocala that might be a good fit for you

[@carlbausemer4077]

If you love cows, horses, donkeys and goats Ocala is the place for you!!

[@papafish186]

Ocalas great

[@mitchd434]

Soudned like I herd a lambo!

[@MichaelBordenaro]

It might have been, I didn't see it

[@mitchd434]

@@MichaelBordenaro Yeah, I've been dying to move to Florida, still stuck over here with a freeze warning now in affect for tomorrow morning and my honda fit, man, the tires squeak even with the slightest rain. You see why. I want a simple life, I think somewhere in Davenport will suit me just fine! :D

[@MrGoodaches]

What he totally missed is the nearby tropical forests and crystal clear rivers. If you think there is no fun outside city limits then you'll find his commentary useful. If you love being able to do physical activities in tropical forests and on crystal clear rivers year round this beats everything else we could find. Coincidentally I also lived near Belevedere in the 90s. It was a pleasant town and a nice area for a young family. Unfortunately my job at the time was 55-70 hours per week so I didn't get to explore recreation there much. Mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and paddlers need to look up other sources about Ocala besides this downtown focused video.

[@buckeye8480]

I couldn’t agree more! In the next week I’ll be a full time Ocala resident. Moving from a small town in Ohio I love the small town atmosphere of Ocala. Being a active outdoors person I’m absolutely blown away with the year round outdoor activities of the surrounding area of Ocala. I’m gaining 6 months a year of life not being stuck inside. With fishing, kayaking, tubing boating, biking, hiking, camping, 4x4 trail riding (Ocala Nation Forest) there’s a lifetime of activities within a 45 min circle of ocala. For our family with children I don’t think there’s a better place in the state. Lots of great food (seafood) in the area.

[@MrGoodaches]

@@buckeye8480 You sound like our kind of person! Hopefully we’ll find a way to connect. Within Marion County we’re frequently mountain biking, bikepacking, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and paddle camping. We’re also going to start doing some car camping with a cabin tent. Less than 3 hours drive there’s dozens more places where we can bring the MTBs and kayak for several days of out and back rec. BTW, I grew up in Toledo. Wife is from SE Mich.

[@Michelle-ez3er]

That's what is charming..

[@thetruth9415]

You need to go to the world equestrian center.

[@CarterBuilds]

ive lived here 15 years built a business family and friends but don’t let the small town feel fool ya it’s got some shit people and places

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I believe you bc we did see some sketchy characters hanging out in certain areas

[@jaronsmith4274]

You pick the best part of Ocala to show buddy I live in Ocala right now buddy and you're in the Square Ocala is a dangerous place I'm telling you Ocala Belleview Summerfield the areas around Ocala or dangerous there's some crazy people here so don't get it twisted

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I believe you, we did see some sketchy characters in some areas

[@jaronsmith4274]

Its ok villiges 55 and up have orgeys here lol its called the villiges

[@joni5571]

Very bad description of Ocala so much happens here great vacation spot

[@MichaelBordenaro]

If you say so...

[@lindsey9678]

I literally live in Ocala 🤣🤣 there’s absolutely nothing to do there we leave Ocala for something fun. It’s just cheap leaving. It’s for the rich horse people now basically. I don’t know why you didn’t go to the world equestrian center and tour around there. THATS the tourist spot. Along with the springs. You missed out if you didn’t make it through either place. And I laughed when you said we don’t have to worry about flooding bless your heart

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I really wasn’t there to be a tourist. Was more to just check out the town and the atmosphere for my viewers.

[@analugo4299]

Ocala is for rehabilitation and retirement

[@pandemoniumx5999]

Florida's Governor is really awesome!

[@MichaelBordenaro]

Yep we're pretty lucky!

[@hookie3476]

My hometown it’s definitely a retirement place I recommend no young ppl move here

[@beautyover6018]

Dude🤣 where to begin🤣 First off if you have spent any time studying Ocalla at all you would be familiar with the crime rate- it may look like Belvedere, but it’s not Belvedere in terms of safety in the city- overall belvedere has average to less than average crime rate when compared to the United States as a whole! Ocala is safer than 4% of the cities in the United States. In Ocala you have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. The number of total year over year crimes in Ocala has increased by 3%. SECOND, Ocala does flood!!! I’m not even going to continue on with that subject to your research on that one. Also being in Marion county is VERY active for sinkholes!

[@analugo4299]

Ghost town

[@who_is_asking]

Don't move to Ocala. Go somewhere else. Or stay where you are. Florida is being over run almost as bad as Texas. Something like 840,000 people have moved to Florida in the last year or so. Or housing market for rentals is extremely high. Because the supply is low an the demand is high. 3 bedroom 2 bath will cost you $1,200 - $1,800.

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I'm not moving there but others might think its interesting

[@jaronsmith4274]

Why move now mfers making everything high

[@teeteesdoublewidedreamfarm4829]

Please don’t move here.........it’s horrible !

[@MichaelBordenaro]

I'm not moving there, but others might be interested