Ocala’s justly earned titles of “horse capital of the world” and “horse country” rest on the quality and abundance of our vibrant equestrian communities. For decades, Ocala and wider Marion County have been home to some of the best equine neighborhoods in the nation, offering a home to all breeds and levels of horsemanship. Whether you’re a hunter-jumper, barrel racer, thoroughbred breeder, or just want a relaxing, beautiful place to trail ride, Ocala has a horse-friendly community that’s perfect for your needs, including gated equestrian communities. Read on to explore some of the area’s diverse equestrian communities!
Meadow Wood Farms
This 1800-acre, deed-restricted community in west-central Marion County is comprised of mini-estates ranging from 1.25 to eight acres each. Founded in 1971, Meadow Wood Farms is a family-friendly equestrian community with its own park and property owners’ association. Membership in the association grants residents access to the neighborhood directory, monthly newsletter, and affinity groups such as the exercise club and horse club.
The Meadowlands and surrounding neighborhoods
The Meadowlands typifies what it means to live in horse country: rolling hills, green pastures, and sprawling oaks comprise the deed-restricted neighborhood tucked away in north Marion County. This diverse equine community contains thoroughbred farms, paso fino farms, hunter-jumper farms, carriage drivers, even mini-brahmas! The nearby neighborhoods of Cardinal Hill, and Winner’s Turf are also excellent equine communities and all have access to beautiful riding trails. There is even an underground tunnel that allows safe access to Ocala Downs across Highway 441. Winner’s Turf and its adjacent neighborhoods are located only half an hour away from downtown Gainesville and are close to historic Cross Creek.
Hunterdon
This gated community in the heart of Ocala horse country contains some of the most beautiful horse farms in the area. Locally known as “Millionaire’s Row”, Hunterdon boasts a wealth of equine amenities including a community barn, two riding arenas, and beautiful bridle paths. Homes in Hunterdon range from 2500 to 4000 square feet and parcels are available from 2.5 to five acres. It’s the perfect place to experience the luxury and privacy of Florida horse country living without sacrificing the big-city benefits of nearby areas like Gainesville and downtown Ocala.
Via Paradisus
A neighborhood that really lives up to its name! Via Paradisus is a gated equestrian community located just across the street from Florida Horse Park in south-central Marion County that features gorgeous, oak-shaded drives and serene bridal paths. Parcels in the community are from three acres and up and most homes are built on elegant, old-world designs. A unique feature of Via Paradisus is its access to the Florida Greenway. Residents can access the trailhead from two private entrances, one specially designed for horses and one for vehicles. The private trailhead features fenced trailer parking, tie-outs, round pens, a wash area for horses, and a picnic pavilion. Another noteworthy element of the neighborhood is its one-of-a-kind entrance gate: built to resemble opulent 18th century French designs and created by metal sculptor Jack Klahm, it stands over 20 feet tall at the crown and allows wide passage for horses and cars alike.
Read more about the benefits of living in an equestrian community.
For a complete list of equestrian communities in Marion County visit our Equestrian Communities Page.
Whether you want a small getaway for you and your horses or dream of running your very own thoroughbred farm, Ocala has just the equestrian community you’re looking for. Contact us and we’ll put our team of equestrian realtors to work for you. We’ll help you on your way to calling “Horse Country” home.