Quality of Life
Enhancing our current quality of life is one of the four elements in the Ocala/Marion County EDC’s Strategic Plan. We all know there is more to life than business. Employers are looking for locations where they and their employees can enjoy life while away from work to bring a renewed focus to the workplace each day. Ocala and Marion County can meet those needs.
Culture
Ocala/Marion County is a community rich in cultural and natural resources. The arts flourish in Marion County through the Appleton Museum, with its outstanding cultural exhibits, and the Ocala Civic Theatre with a wide array of award-winning dramatic and musical productions. Opportunities exist for music appreciation through the Central Florida Symphony Orchestra and the Marion Civic Chorale. West Port High School serves as a magnet school for the arts. The Marion Cultural Alliance is a community-sponsored agency that encourages art programs and appreciation of all cultural activities in the community.
Recreation
Forget shoveling snow! The mild climate of Ocala/Marion County is ready to host your best round of golf. Both public and private golf, tennis and recreation facilities populate the picturesque countryside. The area is renowned for its natural beauty with many lakes, rivers, crystal clear springs and nature parks throughout the county. If the beach scene sounds enticing, either coast is within a scenic drive less than 60 miles away.
2003 Cost of Living
| Marion County Price Level Index Value of Major Items Weighted State Average = 100 | |
| Marion County | 95.13 |
| Rank - 44th of 67 Counties | |
| Population Weighted State Average = 100 | |
| Food | 99.76 |
| Healthcare | 92.42 |
| Housing | 85.34 |
| Transportation | 95.66 |
| Personal Goods and Services | 97.34 |
Source: 2004 Florida Statistical Abstract
Climate Averages
| Average Annual Temperature | 82.7° |
| Average Maximum in July | 92.2° |
| Average Minimum in December | 47.4° |
| Days with 90° or Higher | 113.3 |
| Days with 32° or Lower | 10.8 |
| Annual Precipitation (inches) | 52.53” |
| Annual Snow Days | 0 |
| Earthquake Zone | 0 |
Source: 2005 SE Regional Climate Center
Healthcare
The reassuring factor of an outstanding medical community is available in Ocala and Marion County. The area attracts world-renowned physicians specializing in cardiology and stroke care. The caliber of physicians and medical support staff is exceptional. Both of Ocala’s premier hospitals, Munroe Regional Medical Center and Ocala Regional Medical Center, were nationally recognized by HCIA-Sachs as recipients of the 100 Top Hospitals Award for 2003 and 2004. Additionally, Ocala’s close proximity to the University of Florida’s Shands Teaching Hospital, has given our community a wealth of expert health care providers.
Medical Professionals
| Chiropractors | 62 |
| Dental Hygienists | 150 |
| Dentists | 105 |
| Medical Doctors | 453 |
| Nurses, Practical | 855 |
| Nurses, Registered | 2,900 |
| Opticians | 70 |
| Optometrists | 23 |
| Osteopathic Physicians | 35 |
| Pharmacists | 189 |
| Podiatrists | 15 |
| Psychologists | 29 |
| Therapists, Massage | 217 |
| Therapists, Occupational | 69 |
| Therapists, Physical | 126 |
Source: 2004 Florida Statistical Abstract
Religious Diversity
| Faith | Houses of Worship |
| African Methodist/Episcopal | 8 |
| Apostolic | 7 |
| Assemblies of God | 8 |
| Baptist | 118 |
| Catholic | 9 |
| Christian | 8 |
| Christian Science | 1 |
| Church of Christ | 8 |
| Church of God | 14 |
| Episcopal | 8 |
| Islamic | 1 |
| Jehovah's Witness | 10 |
| Latter Day Saints | 3 |
| Lutheran | 15 |
| Methodist | 26 |
| Nazarene | 3 |
| Non-Denominational | 20 |
| Orthodox | 2 |
| Pentecostal | 24 |
| Presbyterian | 12 |
| Scientology | 1 |
| Seventh Day Adventist | 6 |
| Synagogues | 3 |
| Wesleyan | 1 |
| Other | 24 |
Source: Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation
Child Care
| Program | Number of Facilities | Now Serving |
| Licensed Family Child Care Homes | 126 | 1,218 |
| Registered Family Child Care Homes | 13 | 130 |
| Licensed Child Care Centers | 52 | 4,732 |
| Head Start Program | 31 | 527 |
| Early Head Start | 12 | 92 |
Source: Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation
The Marion County School Board works closely with the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County to develop and implement programs to intervene with students in need prior to entering kindergarten.
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