FL - Why is THIS Florida city a 'safe haven' from hurricanes while others in the state struggle to insure their storm-battered properties?

• In the wake of the damage Hurricane Idalia gave Florida, residents in the city of Ocala remain thankful their area remains a relative 'safe haven'
• Ocala - located at the state's center - is considered one of the state's lowest risks for coastal flooding due to its location and being 100 feet above sea level
• Even when there was worry that Hurricane Idalia would hit Ocala, the city suffered no major damage and only minor power outages

Although the hurricane brought significant damage and led to at least seven direct deaths at the end of August, experts cautioned that the damage could have been far worse.

In Tallahassee, home to about 200,000 people, Florida State University and Governor Ron DeSantis' mansion - which was struck by a falling tree in the storm - residents saw significant damage but were spared the eye of the storm.

However, Ocala - located at the state's center - is considered one of the state's lowest risks for coastal flooding in a state that takes 40 percent of the nation's direct hits from hurricanes.

In addition, only Lake City and Tallahassee have less risk of suffering from high winds, drought and inland flooding in the state, according to Climate Alpha, which uses analytics to predict climate volatility.

While Hurricane Irma hit the region fairly hard in 2017, residents tell the Wall Street Journal that the powerful storms lose momentum by the time they reach Ocala, which is 100 feet above sea level.  

Even when there was worry that Hurricane Idalia would hit Ocala, the city suffered no major damage and only minor power outages, that were quickly restored.

The city and its surroundings also have lower housing costs and - perhaps most importantly - lower insurance premiums during a time when some insurance companies refuse to operate ion the state.

Marion County, the home of Ocala, had an average insurance premium of $1,894 per year, second lowest in the state behind neighboring Sumter County.

By comparison, on the Florida Keys in Monroe County, you'd be paying $7,584 on insurance premiums.

In other trendy areas, the premiums are almost as high, including in Palm Beach ($5,710 per year), Broward ($5,519) and Miami Dade ($5,665).

Home prices also make the area appealing, with a median luxury residence going for an average of $710,000, whereas Tampa will run you $1.5million and other areas in the state cost upwards of $3million.

'People want to find an easier life,' where they don't want to deal with the storms all the time, according to Ocala House Properties broker Matt Varney.

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