A growing Florida Nature Coast community surrounded by nature
Once forested wilderness and rural farmland until the 1960s, Spring Hill has grown to become the largest community in Hernando County. The Suncoast Parkway's 2001 expansion increased accessibility around the Tampa-St. Pete area, bringing major residential development to places like Spring Hill, which sits about 40 miles north of Tampa. Today, it has a population of around 120,000, a 6% increase since 2020. Residents are attracted to Spring Hill's semi-rural character, with nature preserves, hiking trails and lakes nearby and the Gulf Coast a short drive west. "People like it here for the laidback, peaceful atmosphere, the lack of traffic and the clear waters," says Ralph Paulsen, a Realtor with RE/MAX who has over 16 years of experience. But they also appreciate Spring Hill's other, more practical advantages. "It's centrally located, and we're 45 minutes from Tampa," says Thomas Homan, a Realtor with The Homan Group, Inc. "Everything's here, and we're constantly growing."
Growth includes more job opportunities in the region. Tourism is a big economic driver in the county; tourism revenue for fiscal year 2024 was $4.3 million, up 45% from 2023. The Brooksville–Tampa Regional Airport, which services private planes but also is an aerospace tech hub with over 120 businesses, is a leading employer. Hernando County Public Schools, Walmart and HCA Oak Hill Hospital are other major employers.
The Suncoast Pkwy has helped the growth of Spring Hill.
Beautiful Sandhill Cranes, like staues in the yard in Springhill.
The Weekie Wachee preserve has miles of trails for hiking and biking near Hernando Beach.
Hunters Lake is a great spot for boating and fishing in Spring Hill.
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Nature preserves, lakes and live mermaids
Spring Hill is a haven for those who enjoy the outdoors. "It's surrounded by thousands of acres of forested woods, state parks and lakes," says Paulsen. "You can do fishing, boating and water activities; you can walk or bike the trails or go to Hernando Beach to watch the sunset." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the area's biggest attraction, home to Florida's sole spring-fed water park and the famous live mermaid show, which has drawn spectators since 1947. The neighboring Weekiwachee Preserve is a vast conservation district with cycling and hiking trails, and fishing and boating areas. Nearby, Linda Pedersen Park has swimming areas and a 40-foot observation tower with Gulf views. The closest Gulf beach is at Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park, on Spring Hill's northwest coast. The Suncoast Trail, a 54-mile paved trail runs through multiple counties, is accessible just off State Road 50. For golfers, the semi-private Silverthorn Country Club features an 18-hole course and a driving range. Hernando County YMCA has a community fitness center and youth sports and classes.
Everyday is a great day for fishing in Hernando Beach.
Buccaneer Cove and the main spring at Weekie Wachee State park Springhill.
The Suncoast Trail is just outside the gate at Brookridge, and you can enjoy a nice long ride.
Large shady oak trees and rolling fairways is a great way to spend the day in Brookridge.
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Master-planned communities, lower median home price than Tampa
Spring Hill has a median home sale price of $320,000, about 35% lower than Tampa's median sale price. Much of the community is made up of single-family homes, most of which date from the 1980s to the present. Master-planned communities and large-scale developments are becoming more common, while rural farm properties have become rarer. Many upscale developments tend to be close to Weeki Wachee State Park, where homes in communities like Lake of the Woods and River Country Estates are priced in the $500,000 to $800,000 range. Gated country club communities like Silverthorn have similar prices. More affordable options can be found in the Forest Oaks subdivision, where three-bedroom ramblers start in the mid-$200,000s to mid-$300,000s. There are also 55-plus communities, such as Weeki Wachee Acres, with manufactured homes ranging from the low-$50,000s to the low-$200,000s.
Neighbors enjoy the neighborhood on the quiet streets in Springhill.
A quaint cul-de-sac is nestled in North Weeki Wachee.
The larger estate homes have lush landscaping in Heritage Pines.
North Weeki Wachee has homes with an oasis of land to call home.
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Local craft brewery and blueberry farms, plus big-name retail
Restaurants and shopping in Spring Hill are primarily along Highway 19 and Highway 589/Suncoast Parkway, as well as on Spring Hill Drive and Mariner Boulevard. They include big-box retailers like Best Buy and Walmart, Publix supermarkets and other national chains. Spring Hill offers a diverse array of locally owned restaurants that serve Dominican, Greek, Italian and Chinese cuisine. Tidal Brewery is a Spring Hill-based craft brewery that offers cider and wine in addition to beer on tap. There's a weekly Spring Hill Farmers Market, which is open seasonally, and in spring, area farms offer blueberry picking.
There is a wide variety of shopping options in Brookridge.
At Nature Coast Commons shopping plaza near Hernando Beach, is a Walmart for daily needs.
Publix is a fabulous grocery store with all your daily needs near Heritage Pines.
Tidal Brewery is a Spring Hill-based craft brewery that offers cider, wine, and beer on tap
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Served by well-rated Hernando County School District
Hernando County School District serves Spring Hill and has a B rating on Niche. Its 28 schools cater to over 24,000 students. They include the Gulf Coast Academy of Science & Technology, an A-minus-rated charter school for grades 6-8 featuring frequent off-campus learning experiences. Five private schools are in the community, including the A-rated Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School.
In Spring Hill Deltona Elementary has 719 students in grades PK, K-5.
Gulf Coast Academy is a public charter elementary school (grades 3-5) serving 110+ students.
In Spring Hill Fox Chapel Middle, has a dedicated staff that is committed to preparing students.
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School is a highly rated, private, Catholic school.
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County fair and local Swamp Fest
Every April since 1950, the Hernando County Fair has taken place at the county fairgrounds, about 10 miles east of Spring Hill. The two-week family-friendly event includes a demolition derby, alligator exhibits and traditional carnival games and rides. The Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest has been a favorite local event for over 30 years. Attendees dress up as swamp monsters for the festival, held every March at Linda Pederson Park and featuring costume contests, art vendors and entertainment.
In Florida’s Sinkhole Alley
Spring Hill experiences a typical Florida subtropical climate, with humid summers, mild winters and an average of 248 sunny days annually. Spring Hill is part of Florida’s Sinkhole Alley and has the most sinkholes in the state. Due to the area's limestone, sinkholes occur when the soil washes away, which is most often in the rainy season. They pose a risk for homebuyers, and homes with unrepaired sinkholes can depreciate by 50%. Sinkholes can be located before purchasing a home using county-provided maps, and sinkhole insurance is typically additional. Spring Hill is also at risk for high winds and hurricanes, given its proximity to the coast. Hernando County's emergency alert program communicates with locals, and the county offers a downloaded disaster planning guide.
In 2020, violent crime in Hernando County was down 12% from the previous year. It was also 49% lower than Florida overall for the same year.
Tampa is about 40 miles south, public buses serve the community
U.S. Route 19 runs along Spring Hill's western edge, and State Road 50 runs directly north. State Road 589, known as the Suncoast Parkway, passes through the community. These routes connect to Interstate 275, providing access around the region. Downtown Tampa is about 40 miles south, and Tampa International Airport is about a 45-mile drive. Hernando County Transit provides public transportation with four routes in the community. It also connects to the Pasco County Bus System.
Justin Hess is a leading real estate agent and mortgage broker in Central Florida, boasting nearly a decade of experience in the Central Florida real estate market. Serving clients in Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Nona, and surrounding Central Florida communities, Justin specializes as both a buyer's agent and a seller's agent. His dual expertise as a real estate broker and mortgage loan originator provides a seamless experience for first-time home buyers, experienced investors, and those looking to sell their property. A UCF Economics graduate, Justin leverages his understanding of market trends to provide insightful guidance for all your real estate transactions. Whether you are looking for residential properties, need assistance with property valuation, or require expert negotiation skills, Justin is your trusted partner. For fast pre-approval and personalized service, contact Justin today.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
