New, modern conveniences in a small historic town
Dade City's red-brick downtown streets and historic farmhouses remind residents of their neighborhood's rural beginning, but Lorynn Gavin says the small town has completely changed over the last three to five years. The Dade City native and local Tampa Realtor explains, "I like to joke that the town finally started to get cool as soon as I moved away." Along with new family-owned shops and restaurants, she says a new MedSpa opened up downtown. "If you told me a few years ago that you could get Botox in Dade City, I would have said you were crazy." While the rural town center of just over 7,000 residents has undoubtedly seen some new commercial and residential developments, Gavin explains, "It still reminds me of a small town like the one in Gilmore Girls but with a southern feel."
Historic farmhouses and new craftsman bungalows
Modified grid pattern streets track through the center of Dade City, branching off into organized subdivisions further out of town. "You can get a good mix of homes," Gavin says. "There's been a lot of new development that way – you can buy a new home in an HOA community if you want, but there are some early 1900s homes downtown, too." She adds, "You can also get rural with the older houses on the outskirts of town." These older ranch-style homes sit on tree-covered lots, most at or above 1 acre. Historic farmhouses with large front porches center around downtown. A bit further out, ranch-style homes with retro carports sit next to traditional split levels with large picture windows. The newer subdivisions feature colorful craftsman bungalows and stucco-walled Spanish Revivals. Throughout Dade City, most older three-bedrooms cost between $200,000 to $300,000, while the recently built homes can list upwards of $450,000.
Family-owned businesses along the new Main Street strip
Most local shops and restaurants are between Summer and Howard Avenues in Main Street-style buildings. At the north end of the downtown strip, Steph's Southern Soul is a favorite hometown restaurant serving mouth-watering fried chicken and collard greens in a cafeteria-style setting. After some good ole' Southern cooking, residents can walk to Uptown Creamery for a scoop of ice cream on a handmade waffle cone. Dade City Brew House just opened down the street and has quickly become a local favorite for Friday night beers after work. One of the city's most popular longtime staples is Kafe Kokopelli, where locals can enjoy more Southern soul food in a historic building decorated with moose antlers and a collection of taxidermy mounts. For a casual dinner at home, residents head to the neighborhood Publix or Bravo Supermarkets to find everyday groceries and other pantry staples.
Stand-out marching band at Pasco High School
Students can attend Pasco County Schools. Pre-schoolers may begin at Pasco Elementary or Rodney B. Cox Elementary, both of which score a C on Niche. Receiving a C-plus, Pasco Middle is where students can transition after fifth grade. Pasco High School scores a solid B on Niche and offers a stellar Music and Colorguard Program. In 2023, the marching band traveled to Washington, D.C., to play at the Capitol's annual Memorial Day Parade.
Grow fresh produce at the Watson Park community garden
Thanks to the city's partnership with the University of Florida, locals can grow fruits and veggies at the Watson Park community garden throughout the year. Parents can walk kids just a few blocks over to play on Price Park's modern see-saw and climbing structures. Less than half a mile away, Agnes Lamb Park has a regularly-stocked Little Free Library, so locals can pick out a book and read under the shade of moss-covered oak trees. Residents can walk to the paved Hardy Trail from the park and enjoy an evening stroll through the neighborhood. John S. Burks Memorial Park sits across Dade City, drawing crowds of families each weekend in the spring for Little League baseball games. For a unique historical experience, locals recommend checking out the living time capsule at the open-air Pioneer Florida Museum.
Try a slice of famous pie at the annual Kumquat Festival
Dade City's balmy winters allow residents to celebrate at annual events year-round. Locals can try a slice of the Famous Kumquat Pie every January at the Kumquat Festival or ride on the Ferris Wheel at the Pasco County Fair in February. Around mid-November, the annual Florida Bug Jam brings hundreds of Volkswagen buggies and thousands of car enthusiasts to Dade City's fairgrounds.
Longer car rides to Downtown Tampa
U.S. Highway 98 runs north-south along the east border of Dade City. From here, locals can quickly access U.S. Highway 301 and arrive in Downtown Tampa in about 40 miles. Residents are 45 miles from Tampa International Airport via Interstate 75, just a few miles west of Dade City. While the neighborhood is quite far from major cities, AdventHealth Emergency Room is conveniently located along Fort King Road.
Photography Contributed By
David Hall
