With strong buyer demand and limited properties for sale, working with dedicated realtors gives you the best chance of finding everything you’re looking for in a competitive market. That’s even more important when you’re moving with a young family and looking for a location with the best schools is high up your priority list.
Benefits of Relocating to Florida
If you’re thinking about relocating to Florida but are still on the fence, there are a few things to keep in mind that could nudge you towards a move to the Sunshine State. We’ll start with the most obvious–the weather!
If warmer climates are more your style, you’ll enjoy year-round sun and balmy days when you make the move to Florida. There’s no snow to contend with and while it can get fairly hot and humid in the summer months, there’s plenty of shady palm trees and air-conditioned homes with beautiful pool areas to keep you cool.
You’ll also get to visit some of the best beaches in the world as much as you’d like, particularly if you choose to live in a coastal area. There’s no state income tax either, which means you get to spend more of your hard-earned cash on making your house a home, taking your family on adventures to one of Florida’s local attractions (there’s more than just Disney to see here!), or saving for your retirement years in the sun.
Benefits of Marion County
Now that you’re sold on Florida life, it’s time to pick a location for your new home. With so many great options to choose from, it can be difficult knowing where to start. That’s why we’d recommend considering houses for sale in Marion County, a picturesque spot in Central Florida that has plenty to offer.
For residents of Marion County, outdoor life is one of the highlights. Towns like Ocala and Dunnellon offer homebuyers of all ages and lifestyles the chance to own luxury yet affordable properties in neighborhoods that border state parks, nature trails, and scenic rivers. These communities are the perfect blend of suburban and rural, a safe location to raise a family or spend your retirement years.
Ocala is known as the horse capital of the world, so talk to your Marion County REALTORS® about equestrian properties if you’re looking to add a four-legged friend to the family. There are numerous horse trails throughout the county and local stables for both budding and experienced equestrians to compete at or simply enjoy a hack around the countryside.
Like most counties in Florida, there’s also a large number of hiking trails, natural springs, and prime spots for water-based activities like fishing and boating. Interested in dusting off your clubs and hitting the fairways? Marion County is home to several golf courses where you can practice your putting at any time of the year (one of the perks of Florida’s year-round sun!).
Of course, recreational activities are important, but when you’re relocating with a young family, finding a local school that fits your and your children’s needs is crucial. Marion County Schools are some of the best in the state, with a wide range of educational opportunities from high-performing public schools, religious and secular private schools, and nationally-ranked colleges and universities.
Marion County Public Schools
When you’re looking for houses near Marion County schools, public schools will likely be your first point of interest. As of the 2021-22 school year, there are 66 K-12 public schools in the county and the county has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in the state.
Some of the top public schools are:
• Dr N H Jones Elementary School
• Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts
• Osceola Middle School
• West Port High School
Private Schools in Marion County
If you’re interested in sending your child to a private school in Marion County, there are several options to choose from. Unlike public schools, the number of students enrolled in private schools is significantly lower and allows a student-to-teacher ratio of around 12:1.
For private Christian schools, Belleview Christian Academy, Blessed Trinity School, and First Assembly Christian School and Daycare are some of the top choices. The Cornerstone School, Crossroads Academy, and the Montessori Preparatory School of Ocala offer non-religious teaching with an emphasis on special education, Montessori, or Waldorf education styles that may differ from conventional schooling methods.
Colleges and Universities
For students who would prefer to stay close to their new home (and save money with in-state tuition fees), Marion County is home to or closely located to several colleges and universities.
The College of Central Florida’s largest campus is based in Ocala and offers both associate and bachelor’s degree programs, alongside professional certificates, in over 150 academic disciplines. Consistently ranked as one of the nation’s most affordable colleges (often in the top 1%), the College of Central Florida has low tuition rates and awards over 85% of its student body with financial aid each year.
The school also offers partnerships with the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University to provide guaranteed admission with an associate degree, giving students the chance to save nearly half the cost of tuition by attending the College of Central Florida for their first two years. With 95% of their graduates working in their chosen field or continuing their education within a year of graduation, the College of Central Florida is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue additional education opportunities.
The University of Central Florida is also closely located nearby Marion County and provides the “big school” experience that many students are looking for. UCF was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2019, with nearly 20% of their faculty and staff identifying as Hispanic and serving a 27.8% Hispanic student body. The school has more than 230-degree programs to choose from at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate level, and almost 72,000 students across all of their Florida campuses. University students relocating to the area should check out our Freshman moving guide.
Finding Your Dream Marion County Home
If you’re still thinking about expanding your family, or have children younger than school-age, Marion County is also home to several excellent preschools. The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Capstone Academy and Preschool, and Kids Kampus of Cala Hills all offer childcare and preschool education for children in the county to help prepare your little ones for their future education journey.
Begin your search for the perfect Marion County home for your family by browsing the current residential listings in Marion County, or let our Marion County real estate agents help you find a home that’s right for you in the Marion County school district. Contact Showcase Properties today to get started.
