Ocala Singles: How to Find a Slow but Steady Path to Love

Nestled in the north-west corridor of Florida and not too far from gorgeous Silver Springs, Ocala offers singles the best of both worlds – city amenities matched with the easy pace of life in a small town. Even if you’re not a horse person, there’s plenty to do in Ocala to meet and bump into new people, including exploring the many state parks in the area, enjoying its growing food scene, or taking in a show downtown.

Why traditional dating in Ocala is a challenge for the City’s singles

While singles make up 62% of the population, dating here can still be challenging. To start, a big chunk of that single population is made up of retirees who’ve chosen Ocala for its relatively low (by Florida standards) property prices.

Secondly, if you’re not a fan of horses, dating here might be challenging, as the city is known as the Horse Capital of the World – for a good reason as much of life here revolves around these beautiful animals.

That said, in recent years, more and more companies have chosen to set up in Ocala, bringing diverse jobs and more younger people with them.

Hot spots for singles in Ocala

Our recommendations for the best places to connect with new people:

• Even if you’re not a horse person, attending one of the many stallion preview parties or horse events in town is a great way to meet someone new.
• Take a class at the College of Central Florida’s Ocala campus and further your education while meeting fellow singles.
• Or head to the Ocala Singles Club, which has been bringing together local singles for food, events, and companionship since 1972.

eharmony helps Ocala singles navigate finding love online

It’s true, there’s a lot to be said for a romcom-worthy meet-cute in a bookstore or a bar, or even being set up by friends or family. But as time goes by, more and more singles in Ocala and elsewhere are finding that dating apps are a great way to find their next relationship.

With online dating, Ocala natives don’t have to worry about taking time away from their beloved horses, or if their boots and jods are bar-appropriate. It also allows singles to find potential partners that match their values no matter where they are rather than having to pick from whoever’s close by.

Go deeper than a selfie

With eharmony, first impressions go far deeper than just a profile picture, thanks to the detailed user profiles on the site. Photos let you show readers several different aspects of you, and a ‘Personal Quote’ section gives them a quick idea of who you are. You can also let them know what you’re thinking with the appropriately-named ‘What’s On My Mind’ section.

When dating on eharmony, there’s far less stress over the exactly what to say in your profile. The ‘Who Am I’ section lets members answer four important questions – ‘I’m Thankful For’, ‘Best Life Skills,’ ‘Things I Can’t Live Without’ and ‘My Friends Describe Me As…’ – all great things to know! eharmony also asks its users to answer 23 short prompt questions that both reveal their personalities and can be used to start a conversation.

Last but certainly not least on your Personal Profile is the Compatibility Wheel. When users register on the dating site or app, they’re asked to fill in a detailed Compatibility Test. The results are then used to create the Personality Profile. Your Profile is what eharmony’s Compatibility Matching System uses to compare your personality, desires and requirements in a relationship. It finds you compatible singles that conform to your other search criteria, and increases your relationship’s chances of success.

Picks for the best first date ideas in Ocala

• Pack a picnic and head to Shalom Park for a low-stress, low cost first date that’s also nice and private.
• Do dinner and a movie with a twist with a first date at the Ocala Drive-In.
• Or get some art appreciation in with a walk around the Appleton Museum – this is also a fantastic idea for a rainy day date.
• If you or your date love horses, a riding date is a perfect way for you and your four-legged companions to get to know each other.

Love is the neigh-me of the game in Ocala, singles

Ocala may be the Horse Capital of the World, but it’s hardly a one-trick pony when it comes to things to see and do. People thinking of dating in Ocala can choose between gorgeous natural parks, a great (and growing!) food scene, a downtown that’s getting busier every year, and of course, horses. So, sign up for eharmony and find someone to ride into the sunset with today.