Withlacoochee Heights is a small neighborhood cradled by its namesake river in rural Sumter County. The wooded landscape offers beautiful scenery and a slower pace of life. Horticulturalist Buck Fuller and his wife, Dell, own Fuller's Nursery down the road. He says his mornings start around 5:30 a.m. Like clockwork, he hears trucks and tractor-trailers on the road as roosters wake up the countryside. “More and more people are moving in, but we’re still quiet,” he says. “They’re buying acres. They get one horse, a dog and a pickup truck.” Fuller says the people here like their new neighbors and will often make a point of meeting them. But Withlacoochee Heights is growing alongside Sumter County, and while it still has that hometown charm and outdoorsy lifestyle, Fuller admits some worry is creeping in. “Just tell people to stop coming because we like it how it is,” he says, laughing.
Withlacoochee Heights homes are scattered amongst sets of mature trees.
Residents in Withlacoochee Heights have family farms with goats, horses and chickens.
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Vacant lots and ranch-style manufactured homes
With only one property sold in the last year, Withlacoochee Heights doesn’t have much turnover. Most of what comes up for sale are vacant woodsy lots and properties that have fallen into disrepair. There are less than 50 houses in the neighborhood, most of which are ranch-style manufactured homes that cropped up in the 1990s. Multiacre lots are no rarity in Withlacoochee Heights. Still, those interested in less land to manage can find smaller plots, less than an acre. Prices range from $50,000 to just over $100,000.
Homes in Withlacoochee Heights usually are set amongst mature, shady trees.
Neighbors in Withlacoochee Heights have a close community bond.
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“Tradition never dies” at South Sumter High
Withlacoochee Heights is served by the Sumter County School District. Lake Panasoffkee Elementary and South Sumter Middle both receive a B-plus from Niche and are just under a 20-mile drive from the neighborhood. South Sumter High, graded B, is home to the Raiders. Sports are big at South Sumter High. During football season, the Raider Athletic Booster Club — a group of alumni, local business owners, family and friends — meet up to support the team and uphold tradition because, per their motto, “Tradition never dies.”
South Sumpter High has just over 1,000 students with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1.
South Sumpter Middle School has almost 900 students with a 18 to 1 student-teacher ratio.
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Lake Townsen Preserve
Lake Townsen Preserve, managed by Hernando County, is a regional park near Withlacoochee Heights. Its landscape is full of towering oaks and pines. The playground can be seen from the road. Other amenities, including the boat ramp, fishing pier and equestrian trails, are hidden behind the trees. The park is popular among local anglers, boaters, birders, hikers and equestrians alike. It’s also a stop on the Withlacoochee State Trail, a 47-mile-long paved trail that stretches across Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties.
Locals let their dogs play at the Lake Townsen Boat Ramp on the Withlacoochee River.
American Alligators also call Withlacoochee Heights home as well.
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The New Riverside in Nobleton
Nobleton is a small, unincorporated community on the Withlacoochee River. It’s a couple miles down the road from Withlacoochee Heights, so it’s the closest place to get gas, buy stamps from the post office or grab a bite in a homey restaurant. Riverside Restaurant opened in 1963 and quickly became a staple in the community. In 2015, the restaurant switched hands and changed its name to The New Riverside. However, its hometown hospitality, mouthwatering Nobleton Burger and ice-cold beers remained the same. There is a Dollar General around Nobleton, though Buck says most day-to-day shopping takes folks about 12 miles west to Bushnell. Grocery shopping options in the small city include Walmart and Winn-Dixie. However, the freshest produce around Withlacoochee Heights is, of course, at Fuller’s Nursery. Locals head to this fruitful enclave for whatever the season brings, from grapes and strawberries to broccoli and cabbage. Longtime Bushnell local Summer Alvis, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group, describes Fuller’s Nursery as a “welcoming” and “wonderful” small-town farm. “Buck and Dell are well-known in the community. They’ve been here for decades,” she says.
Enjoy the NobleTON burger and a beer with friends with live music at the Riverside Restaurant.
Guitar Mike and Friends play every Saturday at the Riverside Restaurant in Nobleton.
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Sumter County Road 575
Sumter County Road 575 is the only way in and out of Withlacoochee Heights. According to Buck, traffic has picked up a bit, “but it’s not nearly as bad as Pinellas [County]. I still have some business there, but I’m always glad to get back.” The neighborhood is approximately 16 miles south of the nearest hospital, HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. Access to Interstate 75 is about 10 miles away.
Many of the tree canopy roads in Withlacoochee Heights could be a park in their own right.
Many of the roads near Withlacoochee Heights double at horse trails.
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Pre-Construction. To be built. Welcome to your dream home! This beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brand-new manufactured home offers a spacious, open floor plan ideal for modern living. From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the high-quality finishes and attention to detail with vinyl flooring throughout. The spacious living room seamlessly flows into the kitchen and dining
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
105
Median Age
45
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$61,500
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,322
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.3%
College Graduates
14.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.2%
% Population in Labor Force
43.4%
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®
23/ 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.
