Citrus County Neighborhoods

Citrus County Florida is located on the west coast of central Florida, approximately 68 miles north of Tampa. Citrus County was created in 1887 and was named for its citrus trees, which were devastated after the Big Freeze of 1894. The County Seat is located in Inverness and according to the U.S. Census Bureau; Citrus County has a total area of 773.15 square miles with 189 square miles consisting of water. Current population is estimated to be 138,143 with a population increase of 17%, from April 2000 to July 2006.

The County is known for its Rivers; The Withalcoochee flows north into Lake Rousseau and discharges into the Gulf of Mexico. Crystal River & the Homosassa River are spring fed and flow into the Gulf of Mexico. Both are excellent for freshwater/saltwater fishing and serve as a winter home for the West Indian Manatee. For those who enjoy freshwater fishing, the Tsala Apopka lake chains on the east side of the County, offer some of the best Bass & Speckled Perch fishing in the region.

Citrus County is a nature lover’s paradise where residents can enjoy scalloping, boating, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, & golf. Popular residential communities located throughout the County, include Homosassa, Sugarmill Woods, Citrus Springs, Floral City, Citrus Hills, & Pine Ridge. Incorporated areas are Inverness & Crystal River.

Homosassa, Florida is a small fishing village with an estimated population of 3,000 and home to one of the State’s more impressive wildlife parks & rehabilitation facilities. The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is often a winter home to large numbers of the West Indian Manatees. The head waters of the Homosassa River are spring fed and offer a year round water temperature of 72 degrees. The Homosassa arts, crafts, and seafood festival is an annual event, enjoyed by locals as well as vacationers. Waterfront residential areas in Homosassa include Riverhaven Village, Volonte Springs, Spring Cove, & Mason Creek. There are plenty of establishments accessible by boat or automobile; Charlie Brown’s Crab House, Margarita Grill, MaCrae’s, The Freezer, Yardarm, & Seagrass Pub.

Crystal River, Florida is an incorporated coastal Town, located on Florida’s Nature Coast. Crystal River is the winter home for the West Indian Manatee. Population is estimated to be 3,581 full time residents. Crystal River is known for its spring fed crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and record breaking catches of Tarpon, Redfish, & Trout. Other outdoor activities enjoyed here include kayaking, boating, snorkeling, fishing, & golf. The Plantation Golf Resort & Spa is located in Crystal River, offering 27 holes of sloped greens & challenging fairways. Crystal River Airport is located approximately 2 miles south of Town, runway 9/27 is a paved 4500 foot runway, and night operations are allowed, airport identifier, CGC. Waterfront residential areas include, Dixie Shores, Woodland Estates, Pretty Springs, Palm Springs, Indian Waters, Montezuma Waters, & Crystal Shores, just to name a few. Establishments accessible by boat or automobile; Crackers on the Water, Crystal River Ale House, & Plantation.

Pine Ridge Estates, Florida is a deed restricted community, with residential lot sizes ranging from 1 to 8 acres, rolling hills with elevations up to 200 feet above sea level. Other amenities include an Equestrian Center with stables, corrals, & paddocks. Approximately 30 miles of riding trails, wind their way through the community. A large number of lots in Pine Ridge are certified for the stabling of horses. Pine Ride Golf & Country Club offers 27 holes of challenging play with rolling fairways and protected greens. The community center offers a variety of activities including tennis, horse shoes, & shuffleboard. A new fitness center is proposed to be built in the near future. Pine Ridge Estates is only minutes away from shopping, medical, dining, entertainment.

Citrus Hills, Florida is a deed restricted community located in the heart of Citrus County, with unique villages, catering to those seeking an active country club lifestyle. There are 3 distinct 18-hole championship golf courses. The Oaks course offers tight fairways, water hazards, and lots of oak trees. Meadows course offers a more open space layout and challenges both novice & experienced golfers. Skyview course is known for its beauty and meets the demands for the most discriminating golfers with elevations as high as 250 feet above sea level. Additional amenities include lighted tennis courts, swimming pools, and a brand new 42,000 sq. ft. fitness center in Terra Vista. Village Communities just to mention a few are; Clearview Estates, Fairview Estates, Meadowview, Terra Vista, Fenway, & Hillside.

Sugarmill Woods, Florida is a deed restricted community located in the southwest corner of Citrus County. It is conveniently located to the Suncoast Parkway, which allows easy access to the Tampa International Airport. Sugarmill Woods Golf Course offers 27 holes of championship play along and Southern Woods 18 holes. Recreation facilities include putting greens, driving ranges, clubhouses, pro shops, tennis courts, swimming pools, & restaurants. Sugarmill Woods is unique with its design concept, where each lot overlooks a golf course or natural vegetation of native pine, oak, & palm trees. This allows privacy from neighbors for each residential lot. In addition, underground utilities are in place along with central water & sewer.

Floral City, Florida is a true slice of old Florida, still intact. The area is known for its rural setting with private horse & cattle ranches, ranging in size from 5 to several hundred acres. Farms, ranches, and large acreage tracts are scattered throughout the area. County Road 48, leading out of Floral City, is bordered by huge grandfather oaks creating a canopy over the road. Withlacoochee State Forest borders Floral City on the west side, which offers numerous recreational activities including hiking, camping, & trail riding. In addition there’s the rails to trails park, which is the longest paved trail for biking/hiking in Florida. Tsala Apopka Lake chain lies on the east side of Floral City and is the largest freshwater resource in Citrus County. Tsala Apopka is an Indian name meaning “many waters” and there are about 50 small lakes in the “chain”.

Citrus Springs, Florida is a master planned community located in the northeastern part of Citrus County. The famous Rainbow Springs State Park, just outside of Dunnellon Florida, is a short 20 minute drive. Rainbow Springs is Florida’s fourth largest spring, popular for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and Kayaking. Citrus Springs is also home to El Diablo Golf & Country Club, known for its dramatic elevation changes. In addition there is Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club, famous for its sharp doglegs. Citrus Springs contains over 32,000 homesites, a brand new 2 million dollar Community Center, elementary & middle schools, and the Withlacoochee State Trail, for biking/hiking.