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Florida’s Amazing Nature Coast
Being born and raised in Brooksville, Florida, I have a lot of knowledge about the Nature Coast area. Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus counties are amazing places to live. They offer a little more of a small town feel but are still close to some of the southeastern United States most vibrant cities. Tampa, Orlando, Ocala, and Gainesville are close by and offer all of the entertainment and big city life you may be looking for. Over the years in Brooksville, we have bought an sold real estate numerous times. Spring Lake, Brooksville, Southern Hills homes and land to name a few. There are some really great really great real estate agents in the are but choosing the right one really comes down to what you are trying to do. Are you looking to buy a home in rural Hernando county or are you trying to sell a home in Southern Hills Plantation. I am a referral real estate agent (I do not directly represent buyers or sellers) and have been in this region for over 50 years. If you are looking for a real estate professional in this area, please feel free to contact me and let me know what you are looking to do. I will recommend a real estate agent that I feel would be the best fit for your needs.
The Nature Coast is a region just north of Tampa, Florida. Hernando County is a beautiful representation of this area and is known for its rolling hills, majestic mermaids, and a real hometown feeling. The county is more rural on the east end (more inland portion) and more densely populated toward the coast. Coastal communities are Pine Island, Hernando Beach, and Aripeka. Hernando Beach has the most coastal homes with many of them situated on canals allowing boaters to easily activate the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re interested in buying or selling a home in Hernando Beach, I know the perfect real estate pro for you, just give me a call! Pine Island has fewer homes but features a public beach at the point of the peninsula. Aripeka is old Florida, a fishing village feel, and much more of a rural setting. Inland, going from the coast inland are the towns of Spring Hill, Brooksville (the county seat), and Ridge Manor. We will dive much deeper into the Hernando County Florida in an article just about that county. CLICK HERE to read more about everything Brooksville, Spring Hill, and the rest of Hernando County has to offer.
Just north of Tampa (which is located in Hillsborough county) is Pasco County. Once primarily farm land, Pasco county has quickly become a suburb of Tampa and a top choice for people working in Tampa but wanting to live out a little. Pasco county tends to be less expensive than right in Tampa and has many nice cities and neighborhoods. Some towns of note are Wesley Chapel (along I-75), Lutz / Land O’ Lakes (both along Hwy 41), and Trinity (off of the Veteran’s Expressway. Each of these areas are loaded with amenity rich communities that cater to families. There are even a couple of communities that feature Lagoon Pools (Mirada & Epperson) that have become so popular in recent years.  All of these areas offer malls, access to medical care, many restaurants, and entertainment options. Many people ask if Wesley Chapel or Trinity, both located here, are good places to live if you work in Tampa, FL but want to live outside of town. My opinion… yes! Living in a community like this on the northern edge of Tampa is a great choice. If you are considering a move to the Tampa Bay region of Florida, this is an are you must consider. However, I would definitely recommend working with a very knowledgeable real estate professional to help you zero in on the best neighborhood in Pasco County to fit your likes and needs. Each community has pros and cons and I know several amazing agents that are very good in this area. Feel free to reach out to me and let me know what you are looking for so I can recommend a great partner in your search.
Citrus County Florida is another amazing area north of Tampa Bay. Probably best known for some of its coastal attractions, Citrus County is the northernmost county we will discuss in this article. It pushes the limits of a daily commute should you work in Tampa but so do it. It is really attractive to work from home and retirees. Along the coast, just west of U.S. 19, you will find Homosassa River and Crystal River. Both of these are spring fed rivers that are well known for the cool, clear waters that flow out to the Gulf of Mexico. Manatee viewing, scalloping, fishing, or just boating with friends and family are some of the popular activities along the coast here. Many locals have also been certified to SCUBA dive in some of the area springs. Having a knowledgeable real estate agent in Citrus County can help you learn about things like flood zones, access to major highways for commuting, and which communities fit your lifestyle. Inland communities in the county include Inverness and Lecanto which offer a laid back, rural vibe with an old Florida feel.
List of Area to Live in Pasco County Florida (North of Tampa)
New Port Richey – Coastal Community of Pasco County Florida along U.S. 19
Land O’ Lakes – Along U.S. 41, this area is primarily residential with many commuting to nearby Tampa
Wesley Chapel – Right off of I-75, this is one of the fastest growing areas. Good mix of residential, retail, malls, restaurants, and medical
Zephyrhills – Eastern Pasco county community is more rural and low key
Dade City – A little farther north in Pasco County is this country gem with a real Florida feel.
List of Area to Live in Hernando County Florida (North of Tampa)
Weeki Wachee / Aripeka – Communities west of U.S. 19 with lots of nature and outdoor activities
Spring Hill – Many neighborhoods located between U.S. 19 and the Suncoast Parkway. Nice for Tampa commuters
Brooksville – County seat for Hernando with a rural vibes and a quaint downtown featuring local bars and restaurants
Spring Lake / Ridge Manor – Along I-75 in country settings with rolling hills and some open farmland
List of Area to Live in Citrus County Florida (North of Tampa)
Homosassa – River lifestyle along the springfed river. Headspring home to State Park which houses injured animals including manatees
Crystal River – Another boating community also popular with SCUBA divers and fisherman
Lecanto – Located in an area of farmland and natural lands. Close to hunting areas and not too far to take the boat to the coast
Inverness – Citrus County Seat and a rural setting. Fishing and boating in area lakes and along the Withlacoochee River are amazing
Jason Hood
Real Estate Referral Agent
352.247.1886Â Â /Â Â jasonh34601@gmail.com
Home-Land Real Estate
17806 Cortez Blvd
Brooksville, FLÂ 34601
