Located among gentle, rolling hills in the heart of Central Florida, Ocala is known worldwide for its champion Thoroughbred horses. More than 75 percent of Florida's 600 Thoroughbred horse farms are located near Ocala, making it one of only four major centers for Thoroughbreds in the world. With its mild winters (January lows average just 52 degrees) and scenic beauty, Ocala has drawn tourists for more than a century. Generations of visitors have enjoyed glass-bottom boat rides at the nearby Silver Springs attraction. The park celebrates the natural wonders of Florida, and also plays host to a busy concert season. To the east of Marion County is the Ocala National Forest, the southernmost National Forest in the United States. The nearly 400,000 acres of sand pine, scrub oak and wetlands provide plenty of opportunity for camping, hiking, hunting and some of the best canoeing opportunities in the southern United States. Marion County is among Florida's most populous counties, but it is also the state's fifth largest in terms of size. Most residents live in rural, unincorporated areas and the population density of 160 people per square mile falls far below the state average of 288 people per square mile. The cost of living also falls below the average for the State of Florida, and housing in the area has been ranked 11th most affordable in the United States, according to the National Association of Realtors.