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October is almost here, and Ocala is ready for it. Costumed runners take over the Baseline Trailhead, downtown galleries stay open late, and a Queen tribute rocks the Reilly. Here's what's worth your week.
Local Events
First Friday Art Walk | Downtown Ocala Square | Friday, Oct 2, 6:00-9:00 PM
Stroll downtown galleries and shops after dark for one of Ocala's favorite monthly nights out.
For: Adults and Families
Haunted 5K, 10K and Half Marathon | Baseline Road Trailhead, Ocala | Saturday, Oct 3, 8:00 AM
A Halloween-themed race on the Baseline trail, and costumes are more than welcome.
For: Adults and Families
Queen: A Royal Tribute | Reilly Arts Center, Ocala | Saturday, Oct 10, 7:30 PM
All the big Queen anthems, live on the Reilly's main stage.
For: Adults
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Explore Florida
Saddle Up at Westgate River Ranch
Out in the heart of the state, Westgate River Ranch Resort offers horseback riding, glamping, and a professional rodeo every week. It's Old Florida cowboy country, and a fun overnight when you want a change of scenery.
Grab Your Quarter: This Week's ALDI Deals
Fresh produce, weekly meat specials, and those fun ALDI Finds you didn't know you needed.
Retirement and Money
How Real Families Are Handling the Great Wealth Transfer
Kiplinger talks with families about how they're passing wealth to the next generation, from gifting early to having honest money conversations around the kitchen table.
Key Takeaway: Talking about it now makes the handoff easier on everyone later.
Healthy Living
Why a Good Laugh Matters More as You Age
Deseret News looks at the real physical, emotional, and mental benefits of humor as we get older, plus easy ways to bring more of it into your day.
Key Takeaway: Laughter is one healthy habit that never feels like work.
Seasonal / Homeownership
Big Plans Proposed Near Ocala's Buc-ee's
A developer has shared plans for a mixed-use project near the Buc-ee's site with 535 homes, a 500-room hotel, and retail shops. If you live or drive near that corridor, it's one to watch as it moves through the county's review process.
Your Florida Home News
Real estate commissions are always negotiable.
Some homes sit for months while others go under contract in the first week. Nancy walks through the five steps that make the difference, including one slightly controversial tactic that appeals to buyers feeling the pinch of higher rates.
Thinking about selling? Call Nancy Deichman at (352) 427-5704 or email [email protected].
Luxury Living
$780,000 | Room for Everyone in Lady Lake
4BR / 3BA Lady Lake home with space to spread out, whether you're hosting the whole family for the holidays or enjoying a quiet evening at home.
Listed by Catherine Gavin-Larive.
Market Pulse
Active / Pending / Sold, week of 9/20/26-9/26/26:
County | Active | Pending | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
Marion | 237 | 184 | 149 |
Median and average SOLD price, last 30 days (8/29/26-9/28/26 MLS report):
County | Median Sold Price | Average Sold Price |
|---|---|---|
Marion | $270,000 | $310,432 |
What it means: homes that sold this past month closed at about 98% of list price after roughly two months on the market, so buyers have time to shop carefully while well-priced homes still sell close to asking.
Based on information from Stellar MLS and sourced by RE/MAX Premier Realty for the period 9/20/26-9/26/26 (Active/Pending/Sold) and 8/29/26-9/28/26 (median and average sold price), for Residential properties in Marion County.
Sponsor
Baymont by Wyndham Ocala Suites
Hosting fall guests? Baymont by Wyndham Ocala Suites has comfortable suites right off I-75, so everyone gets a good night's sleep.
Closing
That's it for this week. Providing the Ocala community with clear, data-driven home insights. Know a neighbor who'd enjoy this newsletter as much as you do? Forward this email or have them sign up right here: sign up here.