By Jessica Ryan
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Editor
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
527 movers in Ocala
"Bait and switch, they will post your personal information online if you disagree or unhappy with the service. Unethical, garbage business. Stay away from them. They violated customer-business confidentially. They will take your money and tell you,..."
"The salesman lied about the cost of a quote. Long story short, no matter how many times I told him I have more smaller items than what he asked me about. He stated no problem the price is the same. The price was actually $8000 more! And after I ca..."
"Avoid Top Tier Moving like the plague. Here's my experience. The pickup driver (Igor) took the postal money orders off a table without me handing them over and ran off with more than we were supposed to pay. This was theft. They failed to provid..."
"We moved furniture from Aventura, Florida, to Bethesda, Maryland in October 2018. We signed the contract with American Moving Partners, LLC, which said it included up to $10,000 in insurance. American Moving Partners then subcontracted a Florida c..."
"Owner operator gina ricchiuti pulled a gun on me with her friend check out value van lines house hold logistics abs in motion movers"
"WARNING: Terrible Value, Hidden Fees, and "Lowball" Scams (Job # 5470123) Do not use Amerisafe Moving. If you are looking for good value and reliable service quality, you will absolutely not find it here. I have since learned that moving brokers ..."
"I researched 5 moving companies and decided upon 1 and provided a deposit. I changed my mind after they reviewed my submitted inventory list and wanted and additional $6 thousand which I figured would increase on the day of the move plus tipping t..."
"I was scammed by this company told they would handle my 5x10 unit storage i gave exact amount items. Given a binding quote took my deposit then gave my move to nonaccrecited movers without telling me. Who began adding fees claiming the charge by c..."
"Lie about cost, hold your items hostage, destroy things and never even consider an insurance claim/will just ignore you. Do not hire!! Move from TN to MN. Used Allen's Moving and storage out of Florida, another total crap scam company."
"SCAM! Do not hire these movers. Alisha, the saleswoman underquoted at $5k for a long distance move, to get my business. I was quoted $10k by another company. I asked her why the discrepancy in price. She LIED and said the other company did not spe..."
"If you see Brightside Moving you need to start running as they are the worst moving non moving brokers ever!! Deceptive at so many levels absolutely nothing they said or promised was true. Promise to deliver within 48 hour then changed to 3-10 day..."
"I don’t suggest anybody who is looking for shipping services in this company.They have very poor service. Overpriced customer and don’t do correctly their services. I had bad experience with them and to add the customer service lady is totally ter..."
What to know when moving to Ocala, FL
Ocala at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A city where 38.2% of residents are renters and the median household income is $49,592.
- The Major Draw:
- Enjoy the outdoors at Silver Springs State Park, rated 4.7 by over 12,800 users.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 13.5%, the cost of living may be a concern for some.
- Commute:
- Only 0.4% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,124 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Ocala is a city with a population of 21,521, where the community appears to be moderately educated, with 22.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The housing landscape shows that a sizable portion of the population, 38.2%, are renters, which may appeal to those looking for flexibility in their living arrangements. Coupled with a median home value of $171,500, this can create a dynamic housing market.
Probably not your spot if you are concerned about a higher poverty rate of 13.5% or the reliance on cars for commuting, as public transit use is very low.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,124, making it accessible compared to many urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $171,500, indicating a reasonable price point for homebuyers.
- 22.7% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting the educational landscape of the community.
- The poverty rate stands at 13.5%, which could impact local services and amenities.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Schools & Higher Ed
Ocala has access to several educational institutions, providing options for higher learning.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 4
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 4
- Notable schools include: College of Central Florida and Marion Technical College.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Marion County experiences about 44.6 inches of rainfall annually, with 117 rainy days each year, so plan for some wet weather. The area does not see snow, making it a warm climate ideal for outdoor activities.
- Silver Springs State Park - 4.7 stars (12,831 reviews)
- The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park - 4.9 stars (7,877 reviews)
- Tuscawilla Park - 4.6 stars (3,205 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Marion County, the unemployment rate is 5.6% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 161,307.
- Unemployed individuals: 9,084
- Total employed: 152,223
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.