Military Life in and Around Ocala: What to Know Before You Relocate

Moving to a new city can be exciting but overwhelming. Ocala, Florida, is known as the "Horse Capital of the World." It has natural beauty, rich history, and a friendly community. If you are attracted to its scenic views, equestrian culture, or welcoming neighborhoods, this guide will help you. It will assist you in settling in smoothly and enjoying your new surroundings.

A Strategic Central Florida Location

Ocala is uniquely positioned—far enough from the coasts to avoid the intensity of hurricane season, yet close enough to larger cities and bases when needed. It’s within driving distance of several key military sites:

Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, just over an hour to the northeast, is a major hub for the Florida National Guard and Army Reserve.
MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa—home to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)—is a little over two hours southwest.
Naval Air Station Jacksonville, about two hours north, serves as one of the Navy’s busiest air installations.

For veterans seeking access to health care, the Gainesville VA Medical Center and The Villages VA Outpatient Clinic are both within easy reach, offering full-service medical and support programs for former service members.

Why Veterans and Military Families Are Choosing Ocala

Ocala offers a kind of breathing room that’s hard to come by in Florida’s more densely populated regions. There’s no sprawl, no rush-hour gridlock, and no inflated housing markets. Instead, you’ll find equestrian trails, golf courses, quiet neighborhoods, and local businesses that remember your name.

It’s also a place where budgets go further. Whether you’re using a VA loan to buy a home or planning for retirement on a fixed income, Ocala’s real estate market has options—many well under the state average.

For military families, Ocala provides a stable home base for those between assignments, during transitions to civilian life, or while attending school under the GI Bill.

Making a Local Move or Deployment Easier

Whether you're downsizing in Ocala, waiting for housing, or temporarily deployed, finding flexible storage near your home base matters. Many military households find themselves with a mix of long-term items, seasonal gear, or excess furniture—especially during PCS moves, deployments, or home renovations.

That’s where local self-storage in Ocala can help. Easy, short-term options let you stay organized and mobile without worrying about clutter or last-minute storage issues.

At Ocala Storage Park, we’re proud to serve our military community with a $20 discount on the second month’s rent for active-duty members, reservists, and veterans who provide valid military ID. It’s a small gesture of thanks for those who’ve served and sacrificed—and it’s available whether you’re storing for a few months or settling in long-term.

If you're part of the military community and looking for a safe, affordable, and reliable place to store your belongings in Ocala, we’re here when you need us.

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