12 Top Reasons to Retire in Citrus County, Florida

1. Pleasant Year Round Weatherfrom future development. While much of Florida
With comfortable winters and breezy summers thesuffers from near critical water shortages, we're in
Terra Vista area offers ad ideal setting for enjoyingthe enviable position of having an ongoing supply of
all your favorite outdoor sports and activities. Here,high-quality water from the largest collection of major
you'll find a range of temperatures that allows you tomagnitude springs of any county in the state.
comfortably enjoy the Florida experience season7. Amenity-Rich Suburb
after season. In addition to its balancedCitrus County offers the full range of amenities your
temperatures, Citrus County offers historically lowactive lifestyle demands. From nearby shopping and
hurricane risks compared to other coastal locationsdiverse restaurant choices to local theatre
statewide.productions and area festivals, you'll find Terra Vista
2. Attractive Cost of Livingis an exciting, convenient place to enjoy great
When compared to many Florida destinations,suburban Florida living.
particularly in the southern parts of the state, Citrus8. Excellent Health Care
County offers an escape from excessive costs. AsOffering a wide range of outstanding health care
highlighted in comparative price index reports, Citrusoptions right near home brings peace of mind. Living
County ranks among the most affordable places inin Citrus Hills, you'll have convenient access to two
Florida to live. Here, you'll enjoy a high-quality lifestylehospitals, hundreds of highly regarded family and
where lower costs are prevalent, not only inspecialty physicians and dozens of outpatient surgery
everyday purchases such as dining out andand diagnostic centers. And just a short drive away
entertainment, but also for major expenses includingawaits the world-class health care services at Shands
housing. Plus, there's the added savings of no stateHealth Care in Gainesville.
income tax and benefits of today's Homestead9. Low Crime
Exemption laws and the long-term real estate taxOf the 67 counties in Florida, Citrus County boasts
stability they provide.one of the lowest crime rates. In keeping with our
3. Balanced Locationgreat suburban setting, residents enjoy a lifestyle
From its vantage point north of Tampa Bay in thefree from the threats and worries often experienced
heart of the Nature Coast, Citrus County offersin more populated parts of the state. Plus, our
uncluttered beauty accentuated by towering oaks,Sheriff's Department has earned national accolades
pristine spring-fed rivers and the rolling hills thatand accreditation for its unwavering pursuit of safety
founded the area's unique "Alps of Florida" reputation.and diligent crime-prevention efforts.
This is uniquely balanced by the wealth of cultural,10. Educational Opportunities
fine dining, shopping, and urban pursuits found just aWith a long-standing tradition for excellence, Citrus
short drive away in metropolitan Tampa Bay,County offers a comprehensive array of educational
Orlando, Ocala, and Gainesville.opportunities to meet the needs of our diverse
4. Outstanding Outdoor Recreationpopulation, ranging from educational enrichment
Aptly referred to as Mother Nature's Theme Park,courses for retirees to outstanding pre-schools. Our
Citrus County has 22 miles of lakes, 7 rivers and apublic schools boast one of the lowest
Gulf of Mexico coastline. Enhanced by our beautifulstudent-teacher ratios in the state, and there are
weather, residents enjoy world-class golfing andseveral private school options. Our community college
fishing; diving and snorkeling; boating and kayaking;and technical school offer local higher educational
and the many hiking, biking, and horseback ridingopportunities at very affordable rates.
opportunities provided in the area's many parks and11. Poised for Florida's Future
preserves, including the sprawling WithlacoocheeCitrus County lies in a unique position along the
State Forest.coastal edge of Florida's Central Belt, a region where
5. Not Crowdedthe real focus of future growth lies. In terms of
Citrus County offers an escape from the crowdsbustling hubs of commerce, Citrus County is
increasingly found in many parts of Florida, especiallyadvantageously located just a short distance from
the Southeast and Southwest regions. Here, you'llthe flourishing metro centers of Orlando, Gainesville
enjoy a more balanced pace of life without theand Tampa Bay. Located even closer, is the
stress caused by heavy traffic, long lines, andblossoming city of Ocala.
overcrowding.12. Amazing Quality of Life
6. Preserved & Ecologically BalancedSet amidst gently rolling hills in the heart of Florida's
While south Florida grows more and more cluttered,Nature Coast, this northern suburb of Tampa Bay
Citrus County offers a pristine and picturesqueoffers all the amenities you desire to live life to its
lifestyle. Its home to the many state forests andfullest. Balanced year-round weather, idyllic natural
preserves, some of the most productive saltwaterbeauty, great schools, advanced medical care and
estuaries in Florida, as well as seven of the state'ssuperb golf, tennis, boating, and fishing all combine
outstanding crystal-clear waterways. And this natural,with a rare spirit of community to create an
untouched beauty will remain unspoiled because theenchanting place few places can rival.
County has protected about 50 percent of its land