OCALA, FL (352today.com) – More people are moving to Ocala than anywhere else in the U.S., based on newly released data.
Ocala landed in the #1 spot in a ranking of move-to cities in the U.S, according to the Moving Trends Report for the 1st quarter of 2024.
The Brick City has moved up a few spots since last year when it ranked #4 for in-moves.
Top 10 Move-to Cities (Q1 2024)
- Ocala, FL
- Cary, NC
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- Katy, TX
- Eugene, OR
- Knoxville, TN
- Wilmington, NC
- Henderson, NV
- Greenville, SC
- Pensacola, FL
The report says Ocala’s moves-in to moves-out ratio has soared to 3.30 for Q1 2024. That ratio means for every 100 people moving out, 330 plan to move in this year.
The study says Ocala’s move-in rate is 32% higher than Cary, North Carolina, the #2 ranked city on the 2024 list.
More insights from the latest Moving Trends Report:
• Ocala joins other growing retirement hubs (#3 Myrtle Beach, #4 Knoxville, #8 Hendersonville, #10 Pensacola) in top 10 move-to cities on the 2024 list
• While Ocala rises, Florida dropped from #2 to #3 state for net inflow in 2024, behind #2 North Carolina
• Ocala outpaces U.S. and Florida growth, projected to reach a population of 724,000 by 2040
Ocala residents won’t be surprised by the reasons why so many people are moving to the area.
The report points to Ocala’s proximity to The Villages retirement community and the University of Florida in Gainesville as a driver.
It says Marion County’s rolling farmland and equestrian heritage as the Horse Capital of the World are attractive to people moving from other places.
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The report also points to relatively affordable housing in Ocala as another reason for the upward trajectory. It cites Ocala’s average home price in May 2024 is $274,312 which the report says is 47% lower than the national average.