3 Things to Consider When Looking for a Place to Retire
As I get closer to retirement I want to find a suitable place to settle down in that is not only affordable but also in a nice area. At the present time I live in a suburb that is very congested. It wasn’t always like this but over time it has grown worse.
I think this is a problem most people have. When considering a new location people often have trouble imagining what their new lives will be like. What will the town be like? How are the people there? Will I be too far from my children. There is a lot to consider.
I currently live in South Florida and the weather is something incredible. Being here all my life has made me apprehensive in leaving. But the traffic is very bad and the population continues to rise. Just too many people! I’m looking for less congestion but still have the great Florida weather. A place I am considering is Ocala.
I took a weekend to drive up to Ocala because I heard it was a really nice place.
Central Location
The central location of an Ocala residence is an important feature for me. Because of Ocala’s central Florida location and its easy access to major highways, Ocala is an excellent starting point for experiencing all of Florida. Less than a couple of hours from Florida’s many well-loved theme parks is wonderful simply because it would be a terrific place to meet up with my kids and see the grandchildren.
A great aspect of a Ocala home is its closeness to all these locations without the downsides- the Ocala area features privacy, light traffic, low crime, and a small town way of life. This very important to me. No more congestion for me.
Beautiful Homes
Traveling to Ocala I noticed a variety of home styles. Ocala properties are found in a wide range of designs, from south west influenced villas to the vibrantly colored stucco residences that come with gorgeous turquoise swimming pools and outdoor dining and relaxing.
When you are searching for a more conventional style residence, that can be accommodated too. Everything I saw was so appealing and represented just what I was looking for. When I go back again I will look for an Ocala home builder that will build me the perfect house in the traditional Florida style.
Among Florida’s more recent options of home style is Florida Traditional architecture. These homes were first constructed in the 1800’s. They feature metal roofs, raised floors, and most famously, wrap-around verandas in both the front and back of the residence. These old style homes are being constructed by builders today for customers that want that traditional looking Florida home.
Golf Courses
I love to play golf and finding a place where there are great courses is important. Year round golf is one of the Ocala areas main attractions. Lots of folks continue or become involved in this lifetime game upon moving to the area.
I am trying to get my wife to learn so we can have more to do together. It’s great that the Ocala area showcases many public courses along with private and semi-private courses. Most of west central Florida’s golf courses are designed by former golf pros. They have cream of the crop landscaping and greens you will not find anywhere else in the world. I checked out a few, noting which ones I would like to come back too later.
The Outdoors and Nature
Every where I looked I saw trees, trees, and trees. I was impressed by the amount of open undeveloped areas. I took a look at a nature trail, a gorgeous park, the Ocala National Forest, as well as one of Ocala’s well-known equine ranches. Ocala’s 360,000 acre national forest features a 75 mile hiking or biking trails. Ocala is one of only a few areas in the world designated a “Horse Capital”.
Indeed non-riders take pleasure in the rolling hills that dot the surroundings through the Ocala area horse farms. Just outside the Ocala area lies Silver Springs, a nature park well known for its glass bottom boats, a great way to allow visiting friends see the attractions of the Florida you will come to know and love. It all looked so appealing to me.
I must admit I am really tempted to go back again on an extended vacation to get more of a feel of the area. It could be a possible place for me to retire to. The beautiful summers, mild winters and gorgeous vistas make Ocala a great destination anytime of year.
Category: Family Finances, Housing, Recreation, Retirement, Uncategorized
