Citrus Springs

Citrus Springs is located in Citrus County, one of the most beautiful areas in Florida, rich with picturesque waterways and hardwood forests. Located in an area known as the Nature Coast and the Suncoast of Florida, crystal clear springs, rivers, and lakes make Crystal Springs a paradise for water lovers. Here you’ll find friendly people, warm hospitality, and some of the finest features nature has to offer.

Amenities

In and around Citrus Springs you’ll find

• 3 hospitals within 26 miles
• 10 medical facilities and 11 adult care centers located in Citrus County
• Over 130 churches located in Citrus County
• At least 7 colleges and universities within 75 miles
• At least 20 golf courses within 15 miles
• 3 daily newspapers and 5 major radio stations
• One regional airport and two international airports
• Low cost of living
• Relaxed Florida living, unspoiled by overcrowding
• Pleasant year-round climate
• Convenient shopping

The climate of Citrus Springs is ideal, with summer days averaging 82 degrees and winter temperatures averaging 62 degrees. The summer heat is tempered by warm breezes from the Gulf and other waterways. Annual rainfall averages 45 to 52 inches, with most rain falling during the summer months. Over 152,000 acres of Citrus County’s 683 square miles has been designated as wildlife preserve.  

Citrus Springs’ population is made up of a healthy balance of retirees and young families. The community is located near three popular resort towns. Dunnellon, situated between the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers, is located just 10 minutes north, with restaurants, antiques, and shopping.  Crystal River, 20 miles southwest of Citrus Springs, is located on Kings Bay (the headwaters of the Crystal River), and Inverness, the county seat, is just 20 minutes to the southeast.

Large cities nearby include Ocala (29 miles), with a population of 48,901, and Tampa (72 miles), population 321,772. In addition, Orlando, with a population of 205, 648, is only an hour away. Located near the center of Florida’s Golden Triangle, the Orlando area is home to world-famous attractions such as Cape Canaveral and Walt Disney World.

Economy

Tourism, retail, construction, services, and agriculture are the main forces driving the economy of Citrus County. Light industry is also growing steadily, and boats and electronics are manufactured and lime rock and dolomite are mined in the region.

Employment and business opportunities are plentiful, with most experts forecasting sustained economic growth for the area. The Florida Power Corporation, one of the county's largest employers, operates five generating plants along with a museum and an information center at its Crystal River Complex.

Florida residents enjoy one of the lowest overall tax burdens in all 50 states. The state imposes no income tax, and the state sales tax rate is six percent.

Recreation

Opportunities for recreation abound in Citrus Springs, and there is something for everyone. Whether you prefer hiking rugged trails or relaxing on a sunny beach, you’ll find your pleasure in Citrus Springs.

Golf

Florida is a golfer’s paradise, and at least 20 golf courses are located within 15 miles of Citrus Springs.

Hunting

Citrus County is home to three public wildlife management areas where game animals such as deer, wild boar, beaver, coyote, rabbit and squirrel can be found. Native and migratory game birds include turkeys, ducks, and quail.

Nature

Federal-, state- or county-protected land totals 682 square miles (one-third of the entire area of Citrus County). This area is the natural habitat of over 170 species of mammals, reptiles, fish, and birds. Twelve of these species of birds and mammals are designated as “threatened” or “endangered” by the state or federal government—a list including the Southern bald eagle, the manatee, and the Florida black bear. Strong wildlife protection practices allow magnificent birds, such as egrets and herons, to be seen in residential areas and seaside settings.

 
Bird watchers: if you’re new to Citrus County, you’ll be thrilled with the variety of birds you’ll find when exploring the area. Take your notebook, camera and field glasses, and pick up a Field Checklist of the Birds of Citrus County, Florida, available from the local Chambers of Commerce.

Rock Crusher Canyon, Florida's largest natural amphitheater is located in Citrus County. A 90-foot sheer wall of rock serves as a backdrop to the myriad of festivals and concerts that take place in the canyon. The amazing acoustics of this stunningly beautiful setting draw music lovers from far away throughout the year.

Hiking

Hikers will find a variety of terrains in Citrus County, including sandhill, scrub, hardwood hammock, hydric swamp, prairie, and marsh. Many hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, include several of these land types in their paths. Combine hiking adventures with a number of other activities, such as bird watching, camping or fishing.

Fishing

To the west of Citrus County lies the Gulf of Mexico, with some of the finest sport fishing to be found anywhere. Saltwater fish to be found in the area include grouper, snapper, sea trout, Spanish mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, redfish, whiting, and tarpon.

Freshwater fishing thrives in the 10-mile Tsala Apopka Lake chain, Lake Rousseau, and the Withlacoochee River. Sunshine bass, speckled perch, catfish and Florida largemouth bass are among the fish to be found in these waterways.

Fishing licenses are required for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Licenses may be purchased at most fishing camps, marinas, sporting goods stores, or bait and tackle shops.

Boating

Whatever your choice in watercraft—outboard, canoe, sailboat, jet ski, or pontoon—Citrus County has a waterway to accommodate you. Citrus County maintains a number of public boat ramps throughout the area, and you’ll also find several privately owned marinas and boat storage yards.

A number of local boat rental businesses will allow you to rent a vessel for a few hours, a day, a week, or more. On the water, you can enjoy sightseeing, fishing, water sports, or snorkeling. And if you want to enjoy the open water and the fun of boating as a passenger, you’ll find a number of tours and operators ready to guide you around the waters.

Find Your Place in Citrus Springs

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