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Dade City Florida Homes

The county seat for Pasco County, Dade City is set amidst the rolling hills on the county’s eastern border. The Dade City area, with a population some 50,000, encompasses St. Leo, St. Joe, San Antonio, Darby, Ridge Manor, Trilby and Lacoochee.

Dade city was awarded Florida’s Outstanding Rural Community of the Year in 1994, by Governor Lawton Chiles, and as a result of community involvement in the Streetscape Plan, it has been recognized as a Main Street community. People love to come to Dade City for its small town atmosphere. Visitors also love the proximity to Orlando, America’s vacation capital, and all the excitement of the Tampa Bay area.

But the award that has pleased residents most is the 5-star top of the list rating from the “Where to Retire in Florida” committee. Of the 100 towns and cities visited by the committee, special reference was made to Dade City’s friendly people, welcoming attitudes, and the region’s general quality of life.

The oak tree-lined boulevards of Dade City add an old-world charm to this historic town, that still moves to a slower Southern rhythm. Shoppers love to stroll through the antique shops and discover treasures at the seasonal sidewalk sales.

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The area’s economy is still strongly influenced by cattle production and citrus farming. The region is the country’s largest producer of kumquats, and Dade City is the home of the annual Kumquat Festival in late January. This weekend of arts and crafts, cooking contests, live music and displays of local produce re-establishes each year, the town’s rural roots.

And as part of the of Florida’s Nature Coast, there are hundreds of acres of wilderness parks and unspoiled lands for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and camping close to Dade City. Here much of Florida’s wildlife …alligators, flamingoes, black bears, pelicans, manatees and sea turtles…still thrive in a natural habitat.

A trip to Homosassa Springs where you can swim with the manatees in the wild, is remembered by many as the highlight of their visit to Florida—much more memorable than a visit with Mickey! These creatures have remained unchanged from ancient times and are said to have evolved from plant-eating mammals. They graze in underwater herds in the warm waters and estuaries from of Florida’s Nature Coast from December to March.

King’s Bay, a wildlife sanctuary, has the heaviest population of manatees in the world and is a unique marine environment especially suited for these peaceful creatures of the sea, often called sea cows.

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Yes, this is a wonderful area to retire, and many have moved here from northern climes to enjoy the region’s wonderful amenities and weather. In more recent times, however, Dade City has become a magnet for residents who commute to work in the thriving Tampa Bay region. Many younger people establish home-based business and commute electronically while raising their families in this charming and friendly region of Florida.

Dade City and the surrounding environs now cater to every demographic and lifestyle. There are ten golf courses in the region---ranging from championship to beginner standard---tennis courts, highly active service clubs, theatre groups and wide variety of restaurants. And there are 64 churches to provide for every spiritual need.

The Dade City region has a number of excellent health care services along with two hospitals and three nursing homes, while education is recognized as a vital sign of our community’s health. In the Dade City area, there are 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and one high school, under the control of the Pasco County school board.

And when your children are ready for college, they’ll have a wide range to choose from, including the 27,000 student University of South Florida just 35 miles away in Tampa, or the well-regarded University of Tampa. Closer to home, the Pasco Hernando Community College, St. Leo University and the Florida Southern College offer two and four-year degrees in numerous, diverse disciplines.

Although average house prices now exceed $100,000, there are still opportunities for investors and first homebuyers as well larger residences with a pools, great rooms and all the conveniences of a gated community for mature buyers.

Contact Rigler Realty, and let us find your ideal Dade City home. The team here at Rigler Realty knows the Dade City area we will and can save you money.