A scenic Florida metropolis dubbed ‘Brick City’ has earned the title of the Sunshine State’s most affordable housing hotspot, with homes selling for half the price of those in coastal cities.

New research by Cinch Home Services has crowned Ocala in Central Florida as a bargain market in which property is going for $183.32 per square foot – a staggering 58 per cent cheaper than prices in Naples and Marco Island.

‘Ocala has quickly become one of Florida’s most desirable and affordable markets,’ Elisha Lopez, broker-owner of Ocala Realty World, told the Daily Mail.

‘With median home prices well below other metro areas, buyers are getting more home, more land and more value without sacrificing access or lifestyle.’

Ocala boasts a median home price of just $303,575 for generously-sized properties averaging 1,656 square feet.

Nicknamed the ‘Horse Capital of the World’, Ocala is known for its equestrian history and has grown in popularity since the opening of the $800million World Equestrian Center in 2021.

TIME magazine even listed it as one of the World’s Greatest Places in 2024. 

Ocala, once primarily seen as a retiree destination, was listed by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Greatest Places in 2024 

Ocala, the central Florida city, has now been revealed as the state’s most affordable housing market

A house located at 5327 SW 89th Street in Ocala for $279,900 by Ocala Realty World

A Cinch Home Services spokesperson told Southern Living that the study’s findings revealed a broader national real estate trend of more affordable inland homes versus premium coastal properties was being reflected in Florida.

‘Ocala has quickly become one of Florida’s most desirable and affordable markets,’ Elisha Lopez, Broker/Owner of Ocala Realty World, told DailyMail.com

‘While Naples and Miami command higher prices due to their location and luxury appeal, inland metros like Ocala offer significantly more house for your dollar without compromising on Florida’s core lifestyle benefits.

‘Additionally, Ocala’s housing market has remained relatively stable compared to the more volatile coastal markets, making it potentially less vulnerable to future market corrections.’  

It’s not just horse enthusiasts heading to Ocala. 

Now, as Lopez explained to the Daily Mail, the city’s affordability has sparked a demographic transformation.

‘Back in 2008, when the housing market crashed, Ocala and Marion County were just beginning a real estate boom,’ she says. ‘While that growth temporarily slowed, it laid the groundwork for the steady, strategic expansion we’ve seen over the last decade.

A house on the market located at 3312 SW 38th Place, Ocala FL, listed at $257,000 by Ocala Realty World 

The area, proudly dubbed the ‘Horse Capital of the World’, is known for its equestrian history and stunning oak-lined streets

Ocala boasts a median home price of just $303,575 for generously sized properties averaging 1,656 square feet

‘Today, new development, infrastructure improvements and increased buyer demand are accelerating growth across the region.

‘Where Ocala was once primarily seen as a retiree destination, affordability and proximity to major cities like Orlando, Tampa and Gainesville have made it a magnet for all generations – first-time buyers, young families, investors and remote workers.’

Thanks to the Suncoast Parkway/429 expansion, the Orlando commute is projected to be just 40 minutes. ‘That’s less time than many Orlando residents spend in traffic every day,’ Lopez adds.

For those struggling with inflation and housing costs elsewhere in the Sunshine State, Ocala offers an appealing alternative.

‘While inflation has tightened budgets for many households, Ocala offers a real solution: home ownership at roughly 40 per cent less than Orlando prices,’ Lopez said.

‘Buyers here enjoy peace of mind knowing they can build equity, save for a rainy day and break free from the rent cycle – all while enjoying a slower-paced, community-focused lifestyle.’

But that value is creating competition in the fast-growing market and bargain-hunters need to act fast.

New research by Cinch Home Services has crowned the scenic ‘Brick City’ as Florida’s bargain hotspot, with property going for a budget-friendly $183.32 per square foot

‘Homes around the median price point [$275,000 to $300,000] move quickly, often under contract within days,’ Lopez said. ‘As more people discover what Ocala has to offer, demand continues to grow.’

Located only an hour north of Disney World, the 68,000-population city punches well above its weight.

It has produced six Kentucky Derby winners and 52 national champions, according to Travel and Leisure, and lays claim to the largest equestrian complex in the US.

It also boasts Silver Springs, the largest spring grouping in the country. The crystal-clear water led to the invention of the glass-bottom boat, according to Travel and Leisure. 

Tourists and residents alike can float around Silver Springs State Park between November and March, and might just catch a glimpse of a manatee. Kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders enjoy the beautiful area, too. 

Ocala is also home to the oldest national forest in the Eastern US, which has 600 lakes and rivers to swim and fish in, the magazine said. 

And despite not being in a metropolitan area, the city offers a surprisingly vibrant food and culture scene – from upscale dining at 18 South to Indian, sushi, seafood and New York-style pizza. 

It also features art museums, historical sites, racing, farms and more to keep individuals and families entertained all year round.