A Sumter County enclave with plenty of space left to create
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.”
Homes both established and modern
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 ramblers and manufactured homes to around $900,000 for larger new-construction.
Withlacoochee State Forest is part of the area’s charm
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.
Webster offers a web of popular attractions
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 one of the state's largest flea market at 35 acres. The neighboring Sumter County Farmers Market offers fresh produce each Saturday.
More shopping is available at Bushnell’s Walmart and Winn-Dixie, 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.
Sumter schools facilitate targeted programming
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.
Arteries like Route 301 make commuting easier
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.
Ride to the fairgrounds for community fun
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.
GreatSchools:
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This remarkable 2-acre agricultural parcel offers endless possibilities for small-scale farming, hobby agriculture, sustainable living, and the opportunity to build the home of your dreams. Featuring well-maintained, fertile land, this property is perfect for cultivating a variety of crops, raising small livestock, or establishing a self-sufficient homestead.With plenty of space to design
Welcome to the country! Bring your livestock, tractor, outdoor toys, and love of a country-living lifestyle! This beautiful 10-acre rural property in Sumter County, Florida, is fully prepared for your dream home. The land is cleared and build-ready, with essential utilities including underground electricity (plus electrical panel), running water (private well), and septic-ready infrastructure
Escape to your own private paradise with this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom custom home, built in 2015 and nestled on 5 acres at the end of a quiet dirt road. Offering 2,440 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this property combines luxury, functionality, and total privacy — all just minutes from I-75.Step inside and fall in love with the cathedral ceilings, open floor plan,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lise Wosick,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
356
Median Age
42
Population under 18
22.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$52,916
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$72,117
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
79.8%
College Graduates
11.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.3%
% Population in Labor Force
50.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
