Bushnell

In Saint Catherine, a rural area on the outskirts of Bushnell, green lots line quiet country roads like a blank canvas. Popping up among the oak trees is the occasional house, typically sitting on several acres of land. This pocket of Sumter County, about 60 miles northeast of Tampa, may still have plenty of undeveloped land, but buyers are grabbing up parcels at an increasing rate. “It’s just the opportunity for land. And the value of land is increasing every day,” says Michelle Glantz, a local Realtor with CENTURY 21 Circle. “Everything is migrating north, out of the big city of Tampa. People that are coming from out of state are looking for peace and quiet and not congestion.” Properties in Saint Catherine are often many acres — sometimes more than 10 acres for parcels used as ranch land, says Erica Wood, a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker Tony Hubbard Realty. The housing inventory is very limited, made up mostly midcentury ranch-style houses and manufactured homes. But Wood, who has more than 20 years of industry experience, has noticed an increasing trend of buyers purchasing open lots and building a brand-new home themselves or enlisting a local builder. There are no HOAs, so buyers have plenty of flexibility when it comes to their property. “Right now would be a good bet to buy something,” says Glantz, hinting at rising values in the area. Home prices range from around $150,000 for modest midcentury rambler to around $900,000 for larger new-construction. A home in Saint Catherine’s places part of the Withlacoochee State Forest at arm’s reach. This state-protected park stretches more than 160,000 acres and offers opportunities for camping, fishing and hunting. The trails are particularly well-used by everyone from horse riders to those training for triathlons. Iron Bridge Park is one of the nearby spaces in the state forest where people can relax for a picnic or take a leisurely paddle down the Withlacoochee River. Outside of a Dollar General along Route 301, Saint Catherine has no commerce, but Webster is less than 10 miles away for dining, grocery shopping and more. Webster's offerings include Dough J’s Chicken & Donuts, where patrons can chow down on the popular fried chicken before grabbing a glazed or maple bacon doughnut. Up the road is Jackie’s Market for groceries. And those seeking some hidden treasure can plan a visit to Swap-O-Rama's Webster Westside Flea Market, which is open on Mondays and is the state's largest flea market at 40 acres. The neighboring Sumter County Farmers Market offers fresh produce each Saturday. More shopping is available at Bushnell’s Walmart and Winn-Dixie, only about 5 miles away. The Villages, meanwhile, offers a more robust selection of chain restaurants and big-box stores, like Bonefish Grill and Marshalls, and is about 30 miles away. Houses of worship including Providence Baptist, St. Catherine United Methodist and Croom-A-Coochee Baptist are all just off of 301 in the Saint Catherine area. The Sumter County School District serves Saint Catherine and gets an A-minus rating on Niche. Kids here benefit from a music program at the B-rated Webster Elementary that includes not just instrumental and vocal work but also music theory instruction. The B-plus-rated South Sumter Middle has elective courses in disciplines including art and STEM. South Sumter High, a B-rated campus, takes it further with academies in topics including agriscience, business, childcare, criminal justice, healthcare and teaching. Maranatha Christian Academy is a private school affiliated with neighboring Croom-A-Coochee and offers instruction for kindergarten through 12th grade. Saint Catherine combines rural seclusion with transportation access. That’s because U.S. Route 301 cuts right through it, an artery drivers can use for trips north into communities like Bushnell, Sumterville and The Villages. The Villages is a rapidly growing 55-and-over community full of commercial amenities and has increased traffic in the area, influencing an ongoing road widening project along 301, Wood says. Saint Catherine residents are also close to Interstate 75, which leads to Tampa, roughly 55 miles away. The Sumter County Fairgrounds, less than 10 miles outside of Saint Catherine, is a hub for local programming, including the popular Sumter County Fair in March, packed with rides, music and livestock shows. Locals can find events ranging from a ceramics show to monthly car swap meets at the fairgrounds at other times of the year.