5 Reasons You'll Love Living in the Liberty Triangle Area of Ocala

The Liberty Triangle area, also known as The Triangle, is a thriving suburban area in southwest Ocala with a population of around 25,000 residents, and it’s quickly becoming one of Ocala's best places to call home. What makes living in The Triangle so special? From outdoor adventures at your doorstep to an affordable cost of living, here are five reasons people love living in this dynamic corner of Ocala.

1. The Great Outdoors at Your Doorstep

Living in Liberty Triangle means incredible outdoor recreation right in your backyard. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking your next adventure or simply enjoy getting out in the sunshine and fresh air, living in Ocala delivers a diverse range of outdoor activities you can enjoy year-round.

Trails for Hiking, Biking, and More

Between the Cross Florida Greenway, the Florida Trail, and local, state, and national parks, Ocala is home to an astounding 200 miles of trails, making it a great home for outdoor explorers!

The Cross Florida Greenway traverses through Ocala and spans more than 100 miles from the east to the west coast of Florida. Part of the Florida Trail, a 1,500-mile scenic hiking path that winds through the state with 72 miles of trails through Ocala, the 49th Avenue Trailhead and Marjorie Harris Trailhead are in Liberty Triangle, providing opportunities for a day hike or a long-distance backpacking trip - the Ocala section of the Florida Trail takes about a week to hike, while a thru-hike of the entire Florida Trail takes 60-90 days.

Just south of Liberty Triangle, the Ross Prairie State Forest offers 3,542 acres of public conservation land featuring wetlands, freshwater basin marsh, and open areas of wetland grasses surrounded by live oak hammocks. The forest attracts various species of wading birds and provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, camping, and hunting.

West of the Triangle, Halpata Tastanaki Nature Preserve offers even more recreation opportunities, including bicycling, equestrian trails, fishing, and hiking through floodplain forests along the Withlacoochee River. The preserve’s isolated wetland systems and extensive upland areas create diverse ecosystems perfect for wildlife viewing and photography.

Slightly further from home, but well worth the drive, the Ocala National Forest is a popular destination about 25 miles NE from The Triangle for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, ATVs, and more, as well as recreation areas, dozens of lakes, and four first-magnitude springs (keep reading for more on Florida's springs).

Ocala is even home to what some call the best mountain biking in the world - quite a feat, since Florida does not have mountains! The Santos mountain biking trails include 80+ miles of single-track bike trails for riders of all skill levels, with the Vortex trails and freeride area designed with jumps and vertical drops for experienced riders.

Ocala Parks in Your Backyard

You don’t have to venture far for outdoor recreation. Liberty Community Park is located in the heart of the Triangle, and it includes pavilions, a playground, paved walking trail, and an open play field. The park is also dog friendly, making it perfect for both human and four-legged friend outings. 

The Greenway Triangle, an ecological park on the east side of the Liberty Triangle along I-75, provides excellent birdwatching opportunities and quiet trails for walking and running.

Equestrian Paradise

Ocala is known as the Horse Capital of the World, and Liberty Triangle residents enjoy easy access to world-class equestrian facilities. The World Equestrian Center, named one of TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places for 2024,” brings top jumping teams from all across the globe and hosts non-equestrian events like the Ocala Food & Wine Festival. For local horseback riding, numerous trails and facilities throughout the area welcome riders of all skill levels. 

Golf Courses

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate Royal Oaks Golf Club right within Liberty Triangle, and Ocala as a whole is home to an impressive 18 golf courses!

2. Affordable Cost of Living Meets High Quality of Life

One of Liberty Triangle’s most compelling advantages is the exceptional value it offers. You can enjoy a high quality of life without the financial stress that comes with living in many other Florida destinations. 

According to BestPlaces.net, the cost of living in Ocala is 13% lower than the national average and 15.6% lower than the Florida average. In addition, average home costs in the area are 17.6% less expensive than the national average and 23.2% less expensive than the average home in Florida. 

What does this mean for your wallet? Significant savings on everything from groceries to utilities to your new home in Ocala, allowing you to stretch your income further and enjoy more of what matters to you. 

Liberty Triangle residents also benefit from two major financial advantages: the Florida Homestead Exemption, and no state income tax. These savings add up to thousands of dollars annually that stay in your pocket, allowing you to invest in your lifestyle, save for the future, or simply enjoy life.

The combination of affordable housing, lower living costs, and tax advantages creates an environment where you can thrive financially while enjoying a lifestyle that feels premium in every way.

3. Convenience That Simplifies Your Life

Liberty Triangle’s strategic location and growing infrastructure create a lifestyle where everything you need is easily accessible. 

Growing Retail and Dining Scene

Most residents can access all daily necessities within a five-minute drive, with State Road 200 serving as the main commercial corridor. The brand-new ALDI, as well as the Publix Super Markets at Cherrywood Market or Canopy Oak Center, provide convenient grocery shopping experiences close to home. 

Ready for a weekend shopping excursion? Market Street at Heath Brook is the place to be! Located in the northern point of Liberty Triangle on SR 200, this outdoor shopping center features an array of options, including Dillard’s, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, HomeGoods, DSW, Ulta, and so much more. It’s also home to numerous health and fitness spots, dining options, and business services.

When you’re ready for a meal that doesn’t require doing any dishes, there are plenty of local dining favorites nearby:

• Mama B’s Diner or Breakfast Station for Southern breakfast comfort food,
• Little Joey’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant and Marcelina’s Italian Restaurant for tasty dinners,
• The Secret Kitchen Latin Fusion for authentic flare,
• and Hiatus Brewing Company for weekend pub fare and award-winning craft beers.

Commute-Friendly Location

For those working in Ocala or surrounding areas, Liberty Triangle’s position near major roadways such as State Route 200 makes commuting manageable. In fact, the average commute time for Triangle residents is under 30 minutes! 

4. Central Location for Fantastic Day Trips and Weekend Getaways

Living in Liberty Triangle positions you perfectly for exploring some of Florida’s best destinations. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, theme park excitement, or coastal relaxation, incredible experiences are within easy reach.

Natural Florida Attractions

Some of Florida’s most charming small towns and natural wonders are just a short drive away:

• Dunnellon and Rainbow Springs – Crystal-clear spring-fed waters perfect for kayaking, tubing, and swimming.
• Silver Springs State Park
• Crystal River and Homosassa – Famous for manatee encounters and year-round water activities next to the original Florida fishing village.
• Cedar Key – A Nature Coast community with fantastic seafood and laid-back vibes.
• Ocala National Forest – The world’s largest scrub forest with expansive botanical diversity, varied wildlife, and more than 600 lakes, rivers, and natural springs, with opportunities for camping.

Major Metropolitan Areas

Orlando, Tampa, and Gainesville are easily accessible for work meetings, cultural attractions, sports events, and entertainment.

• Gainesville’s sprawling UF campus, cultural attractions, and strong culinary scene make it a great place to visit for a Saturday excursion or a staycation less than an hour from home.

• Orlando’s theme parks, world-class dining, and shopping destinations are approximately 70 miles southeast, making them perfect for day trips or weekend adventures.
• Tampa-area beaches, museums, and urban amenities are 1.5 hours from home, offering a wide range of ways to spend a long weekend.

Beach Getaways

When the ocean calls, Florida’s stunning coastlines are within comfortable driving distance. Daytona Beach on the Atlantic Coast offers wide sandy shores and a lively boardwalk atmosphere. On the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach provides powdery white sand and spectacular sunsets. Both destinations can be reached in about 2 hours.

5. Growing Urban Center with Arts and Culture

Liberty Triangle isn’t just about nature and affordability – It’s also developing a vibrant cultural scene that adds depth and richness to daily life. 

The community’s crown jewel, the Freedom Public Library, has quickly become a beloved gathering place for residents of all ages. Offering more than just books, the library is a hub providing programs, events, and resources that bring neighbors together.

Within a 20-mile drive, you’ll discover a surprising array of cultural destinations in Ocala:

• Appleton Museum of Art – Features European, American, Asian, African, and contemporary art collections in a beautiful building surrounding by sculpture gardens.
• Tuscawilla Art Park – An outdoor venue celebrating creativity with permanent sculptures, rotating installations, and community arts events.
• Ocala Civic Theater – Live performances ranging from classic plays to contemporary productions.

Ocala’s calendar includes holiday activities, music festivals, and art shows throughout the year:

• Light Up Ocala rings in the holiday season with live music, vendors, and a downtown lighting ceremony. 
• The Florida Springs Fest celebrates Ocala’s freshwater springs with glass-bottom boat tours, food and craft vendors, live music, and even mermaid appearances at Silver Springs State Park.

This growing cultural scene means you don’t have to choose between small-town affordability and big-city amenities. Liberty Triangle offers the best of both worlds!

Discover New Homes in Ocala at Copperleaf

Ready to call the Liberty Triangle area home? Highland Homes invites you to discover Copperleaf, a beautiful community located in the heart of The Triangle, off SE 103rd Street Road, approximately one mile east of SR 200.

Copperleaf offers single-family homes priced from the $290’s that are designed with the features you are looking for, offering three to six bedrooms, up to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and 1,545 to 3,162 square feet of living space, along with a two- or three-car garage. Enjoy homes designed for entertaining, flexible-use rooms that allow your home to suit your needs, and outdoor living spaces that mean you can enjoy Florida’s sunshine year-round. Choose from quick move-in homes available now, or build your personalized new home from the ground up. 

With homesites just shy of a quarter-acre, you’ll enjoy space between neighboring homes, as well as a backyard with ample room to create your private oasis. Open spaces and sparkling ponds throughout the community add tranquility, with select homes adjacent to these areas enjoying additional privacy and enhanced value.

To learn more about Copperleaf, visit the model home open daily, located at 10538 SW 76th St. in Ocala. Schedule your VIP tour by calling or emailing our Ocala New Home Specialists today!