Reviewed movers in Ocala
"Initial quote $4100 for 3 bed 2 bath. Was told I had a lot of furniture and bumped it to $6100 before they would begin loading. I felt trapped, new owners took possession in 2 days. Broker driver said I could use debit card to pay $2000. About 1/3..."
"My cousin is moving from Michigan to Texas and hired Pan America they are fraudulent price causing moving is hard enough the stress and the overpayment they overcharged her by almost four grand don't go with them"
"Given that the within Brazil moves were great, I hired them to move back to Saint Louis, MO. 1. They packed carefully.2. They were flexible. 3. They kept changing your contact person and often took weird days off the office 4. Their bargaining pow..."
"This company claims to not be a broker but the drivers, drive for multiple moving companies. The guy on delivery showed me all his stops with various companies and said he did not work for Safeway directly. The move started poorly with an attempt ..."
"I and a neighbor had the same problem with the actual cost was almost $1000 more than the quote. As a senior citizen it striped my meager savings If you check the BBB they are out of business."
"When purchasing services from PODS, be aware that if you have medical equipment/devices, and/or medication that you are transporting and reliant on, PODS is completely unbothered and unempathetic to your needs. They have delayed my equipment by ov..."
"This company showed up a week late from the estimated date, then drove the price up $2200, so I asked for a different set of movers and they were suppose to come the next day. Their window was from 9-11am, I never received a call or text or anythi..."
"Just Don't.... Don't hire this company if you value you your mental health, family belongings or a penny of your money. First contact was with "Mark" who is an EXCELLENT liar(I mean, salesman) He told me his company has a spotless record, spoke of..."
"THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM. I am filing a complaint with the FMCSA and reaching out to an attorney who specializing in consumer protection. They quoted us $3,200 for a move. After contracting Rhino, I saw these reviews but they already had our deposit..."
"This moving company received my deposit money but did not render service. People should watch out. Do not use them. They would take your deposits money and tried to ask for more service fees instead of agreeable contract. They have scammed lots of..."
"I have used Your Best Move two years in a row. This company is very professional. They send polite and prompt young men to do the job very efficiently and quick. They charge by the hour and you do not have to worry that they will take more time th..."
"I am submitting this to document my extremely poor experience with Coastal Moving Services and to warn others considering using this company. There has not been a single aspect of this process that has gone well. Moving is already a stressful expe..."
"I paid Move Smart a deposit of $1148 via electronic check on 6/11/21 for a move from Rochester NY to Houston TX. I cancelled on 6/12/21 within the 72 hours guaranteed for a refund. On 6/14/21 I received an email from the company that I would recei..."
"This was my family's first move to another state (Indiana to Wisconsin). I have moved countless friends and family members myself and really thought that was how we'd do it. But it became evident that we needed assistance. Plus, I was to receive f..."
"I have been trying to get a hold of this company for a while now. We have broken as well as missing things. They are heirlooms and nobody will get back to me. DON'T USE THIS COMPANY!! We are heartbroken."
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.