Paradise at Home: Why Florida’s Nature Coast is the perfect place to raise a family or retire

Florida is widely known for its sandy beaches, theme parks, humidity, and palm-tree-lined streets. What fewer people know about is the more rural, scenic wonder of Northern Florida. The eight counties that make up Florida’s Nature Coast are a mecca of dense forests, blackwater rivers, and prairies, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle of city life. We’re spotlighting the gem among them - Citrus County - because it’s the perfect place to build your own piece of paradise. 

Located 35 miles southwest of Ocala and 65 miles northwest of Orlando, Citrus County is known for its unspoiled natural surroundings and breathtaking waterways. Dotted with green forests and a labyrinth of seven spring-driven rivers, the county has endless aquatic recreation and year-round outdoor activities. With the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Withlacoochee River to the east, this is a county defined by water. While natural springs occur throughout the state, none are quite like the sparkling blue, crystal clear springs that make Citrus County legendary. The Homosassa, Seven Sisters, and Three Sisters Springs are so enchanting they’ve affectionately been referred to as the “Fountains of Youth”. The Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes covers 22,000 acres of the county and includes 15 beautiful and bountiful lakes that draw boating and fishing enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and swimmers to the fresh waters. 

Citrus County covers 683 square miles, of which more than 152,000 acres are public and protected lands. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is fed by more than 30 natural springs, the headwaters of the Crystal River. It’s the only refuge in the United States dedicated to the preservation and protection of a single species - the Florida manatee. In fact, Citrus County is revered as the “Manatee Capital of the World'' because every winter hundreds of the gentle giants shelter in the warm waters that flow from the Crystal River into Kings Bay. It’s the only place in the country where people can swim with manatees. 

Photo Credit: VisitCitrus

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park has an underwater manatee observatory and also protects animals native to Florida that can no longer survive on their own in the wild. The park is a permanent home for panthers, black bears, red wolves, alligators, bobcats, and flamingos. 

With 20 miles of trails, undisturbed islands, salt marshes, and forests, the Crystal River Preserve State Park is a year-round destination for hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching. Nearby conservation area, St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve, is fed by both the Homosassa and Crystal Rivers from first-magnitude springs. Salt marshes, mangrove islands, oyster bars, and seagrass beds are home to white pelicans, star coral, and loggerhead sponges. 

Famous for its whooping cranes, the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge - The Chaz - provides a safe harbor for more than 250 species of birds, including endangered and nesting bald eagles. You’re also sure to come across more than 50 species of reptiles and amphibians like endangered sea turtles, and at least 25 different species of mammals like river otters and dolphins. 

Nature’s beautiful countryside meets old Florida southern charm when it comes to the cities and towns of Citrus County. From historic downtown areas to waterfront restaurants, cozy boutiques, eclectic galleries, and inviting pubs and restaurants there is something for everyone here. The county has three major cities - Crystal River, Homosassa, and Inverness - along with the communities of Beverly Hills, Black Diamond, Citrus Hills, Citrus Springs, Floral City, Hernando, Homosassa Springs, Inverness Highlands North, Inverness Highlands South, Lecanto, Pine Ridge, and Sugarmill Woods. All in the same day you can get fresh seafood right off the boat, go river tubing, catch a live theater performance, and breathe in a stunning sunset along the unspoiled Gulf coastline. The county boasts a multitude of diverse festivals, a range of golf courses, equestrian riding trails, and has one of the longest paved rail-trails in the state for cyclists, joggers, walkers, and skaters.

Photo Credit: VisitCitrus

Not only does Citrus County offer a unique blend of nature and civilization, but it also has one of the most mild year-round climates in the state. With breezes from the Gulf and nearby lakes, summer temperatures average in the low 80s, while winter temperatures sit in the low 60s.

Your paradise awaits. The only question you have to ask yourself is, “When can I move?”