Ridge Manor

Secluded yet inviting, Ridge Manor offers prospective homebuyers a community-minded rural destination in Hernando County.

The types and styles of housing are plentiful and span a wide spectrum of options, from small manufactured homes in self-contained communities to large acreage homes occupying the farmland that covers much of Ridge Manor. “Property values do appreciate, but not at the same rate as other areas,” says Bobby Welbourn, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty New Tampa. “When people look at moving to Ridge Manor, they have to factor in the cost of travel with home ownership. Most folks who live here commute to Brooksville or Dade City.” Ranch-style homes are common among a diverse mix of small to mid-sized established homes, while the angular designs of midcentury-modern homes stand out in a traditional subdivision setting. The community also includes a collection of waterfront homes, some featuring private piers, along pair of residential lakes. Typical established homes list between the low $200,000s and the low $400,00s. Acreage homes on 2-plus acre lots typically list in the $700,000 range. “Versus other areas, you can find homes with larger lots,” says Welbourn, “and there’s a severe shortage of those in this area.” Manufactured homes at Fort Dade Mobile Home Park and Ridge Manor Campground list from the low $100,000s to the high $300,000s. Much of the land adjacent to Ridge Manor is undeveloped, and many of the lots are for sale. Per-acre prices typically range from $50,000 for lots in areas yet to be developed to $100,000 for lots closer to town.

Anchored by a community park and a community center, Ridge Manor offers its residents plenty of opportunity to stay busy and get to know one another. At Ridge Manor Community Park, youth baseball and softball games are the biggest draw at a sports complex that offers an array of recreational and athletic activities. Adults can take relaxing walks around a paved trail, while children can run around the playground. Additional athletic amenities include basketball and sand volleyball courts. Families can take advantage of the picnic shelters and gazebo. The Ridge Manor Community Center hosts a busy schedule of social events. Every Tuesday is dinner and bingo, with each week’s menu posted to the center’s website. Every Thursday is Fun Day, a morning gathering that includes cards, games and snacks. Other regular events include jam sessions on select Saturdays. The center also is the site of monthly community meetings and occasional updates on legislation that affects Ridge Manor residents. The Withlacoochee River, which runs through the community, provides additional recreation, and hikers have easy access to the nearby Cypress Lake Preserve Trailhead. The Cypress Lake trail connects to the Withlacoochee State Trail, which runs parallel to the river for several miles north of the community. Ridge Manor and the surrounding area provide an array of what Welbourn calls “natural resource recreation.”

Younger students can attend Eastside Elementary, the closest Hernando County public school. Older students can attend D.S. Parrott Middle School and Hernando High School, which offer connected courses in agritechnology, finance and applied cybersecurity. D.S. Parrot and Hernando High are roughly 15 miles west on U.S. Route 98 in Brooksville. U.S. Route 301 bisects the community and connects directly to Dade City less than 10 miles south. U.S. 98 connects directly to Interstate 4 roughly a mile west of the community. It becomes State Road 50 heading east and connects to Orlando. “It’s a pretty easy drive to get to all the attractions,” says Welbourn.

Retail and dining options are concentrated at the U.S. 98/I-4 interchange, where residents can shop at Winn-Dixie, sit down for a meal at the popular El Sol de Mexico Bar & Grill or grab a quick bite at the many chain restaurants nearby. However, if you’re looking for the highest-rated restaurant in the area, you’ll find it in Ridge Manor. Southern Harmony Café is an eclectic Florida eatery that serves up comfort food classics with a Cajun twist.

Written By

Matt Pallister

Photography Contributed By

David Hall

Video By

Pasha Chichagov