Dunnellon marks the confluence of the Withlacoochee and Rainbow rivers. The city of 2,000 lies deep in the verdant hammocks of Central Florida, about 20 miles off the coast and 25 miles from Ocala, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Mark St. Germain, a Realtor with LPT Realty, says folks make the drive to Ocala regularly for more extensive healthcare, dining and shopping options, but nothing is better than coming back home to two beautiful rivers and a quiet rural atmosphere. “I live on the river, and there’s some real peace in looking out on the water, seeing the world and the wildlife around you,” he says.
Dunnellon is a boon for outdoor recreation. Miles of trails wind through its dense forests. Rainbow Springs State Park is on the city’s north side. “I love all the opportunities on the water – kayaking, fishing, swimming,” St. Germain says. “And I love that it’s not too crowded here. It’s like old Florida.”
The main modes of getting in and out of Dunnellon are Highways 41 and 484, which intersect downtown. Nearby Highway 40 is a straight shot to Ocala. The closest commercial airport is Gainesville Regional Airport, which is 50 miles away.
The scenery is endless amongst the century years old oak trees in Dunnellon.
There are a variety of retail and dining options in Fellowship, Florida.
Relax and refresh at your home on the Withlacoochee River in Dunnellon.
Soak in the sun on a lazy kayak float along the Rainbow River.
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The Dunnellon Trail and Rainbow Springs State Park
St. Germain says traffic picks up in the summer when out-of-towners flock to area rivers and parks. The Dunnellon Trail runs about two miles along a Boomtown-era railroad and the Withlacoochee River on Dunnellon’s south side. The popular pathway bridges the 110-mile Cross Florida Greenway and the 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail. Rainbow Springs State Park spans almost 1,500 acres along Dunnellon’s north side. The park is famous for its spring-fed pool, an attraction since the 1930s. The crystal blue water averages around 72 degrees year-round, and depth varies from 10 to 18 feet. Visitors enjoy glass-bottom boat rides, as well as snorkeling and swimming alongside turtles and stretches of seagrass. Another popular activity is paddling or tubing down the Rainbow River, surrounded by gorgeous subtropical greenery. The river is about 6 miles long and, much like the spring, is crystal clear and great for snorkeling. KP Hole Park is another river access point featuring a boat ramp. It's a popular banking spot for tubers and kayakers.
Residents enjoy miles of riding on the Withlacoochee Trails in Hernando.
Follow the hiking trails to amazing waterfalls at Rainbow Springs State Park.
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear water at Rainbow Springs State Park.
KP Hole Park features a boat ramp, kayak ramp, and perfect access to Rainbow River
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Boomtown Days and the Dunnellon Boomtown Historic District
The discovery of quality phosphate rock in Dunnellon's landscape put it on the map and earned it the everlasting moniker Boomtown. The small city was established in 1890, and mining pits were soon dug out around the Rainbow River. Dunnellon quickly became a transportation hub thanks to the mines, railroad and Withlacoochee River. However, the phosphate began to dry up in the 1920s, and – just as fast as it began – the city’s boom quieted. The city’s primary industry has since shifted to manufacturing, followed by transportation and warehousing. Today, Dunnellon celebrates its founding annually with Boomtown Days. The day-long festival fills the city center with delicious food, beautiful art and high spirits. Car shows, beauty pageants and concerts are among the main events.
Remnants of the bygone era can be found around the city’s downtown, officially known as the Dunnellon Historic Boomtown District. It’s home to around 70 historic buildings, several of which have been transformed into local shops, such as Grumbles House, an antique and garden store, and The Station Nutrition, a charming cafe. These local businesses – including community staples like the waterfront Swampy’s Bar and Grille – cluster around the district's quaint main strip on Highway 484. Walmart, Tractor Supply Co. and other big-box chains are north of downtown along U.S. Highway 41.
Beautiful Dunnellon nestled between the Withlacooche, and Rainbow Rivers.
The Grumble House is a memory of times past, it's a favorite antique shop in Dunnellon.
With plenty of retail shops, Dunnellon has everything you could need.
Dine amongst nature while at Swampy's Bar & Grill and watch fish swim by.
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Private docks, vintage cottages and leafy lots
The median price for a single-family home in Dunnellon is around $280,000, about $100,000 less than the national average. Midcentury ranch-style homes sit on midsized waterfront lots along the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers. The Dunnellon Boomtown Historic District features vintage cottages and bungalows. Houses on the city’s outskirts sit on larger, leafier lots by vast expanses of farmland. New construction properties can be found in Dunnellon Oaks, a subdivision currently being built out with New Traditional properties.
Dunnellon is 20 miles off the coast, and most properties have a minimal flood risk. However, flood insurance is recommended – especially for waterfront properties – due to the unpredictable nature of hurricane season, ranging from June 1st to November 30th.
A modest contemporary style home in Dunnellon.
Wake up in the morning to see this amazing nature out your window and pinch yourself in Dunnellon.
The classic quaint downtown cottages are having a revival in Dunnellon, as new people come to town.
A large modern farmhouse style home sits on manicured lawn in Dunnellon.
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Dunnellon schools have small class sizes
Dunnellon is served by Marion County Public Schools, which earns a B from Niche. The district has three public schools in the city – Dunnellon Elementary, Dunnellon Middle and Dunnellon High – each graded B-minus. Because the community is small, students benefit from small class sizes. Of the three schools, Dunnellon Elementary has the smallest student-teacher ratio of 16-to-1. Dunnellon High, home of the Tigers, offers various sports ranging from weightlifting and football to cross country and volleyball. The high school also has dual enrollment courses and two magnet programs: the Advanced Studies Program and the Power Generation Academy.
Dunnellon Elementary School is a public school serving 560 students in grades PK, K-5.
The student population of Dunnellon Middle School is 678 and the school serves grades 6-8.
Dunnellon High School is a public school serving 1,186 students in grades 9-12.
Student love to play on the fields at Dunnellon High School.
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Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
David Hall
Video By
Alex Finneran
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Javier Rojas,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Dunnellon, FL sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Dunnellon, FL over the last 12 months is $289,900, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty with this 1-acre wooded lot in the desirable Rainbow Lakes Estates of Dunnellon, located in scenic Levy County. With dimensions of 73x146, this Residential Single Family zoned property offers an excellent opportunity to build your dream home surrounded by nature. Situated on a quiet patched and paved, this parcel offers seclusion while
1.25 Acres – A1 Zoned Land Near Ross Prairie State Forest! Discover the perfect blend of country charm and modern convenience with this 1.25-acre partially cleared lot, zoned A1 Agriculture—ideal for horses, farming, or a manufactured home. This versatile rectangle lot offers plenty of space to create your dream homestead. Enjoy peaceful, rural living while being just steps from Ross Prairie
Discover the perfect opportunity to design your ideal Florida lifestyle on this spacious vacant lot in the desirable Citrus Springs community. Tucked away on a quiet street, this homesite offers the best of both worlds—peaceful suburban living with quick access to endless outdoor adventures and modern conveniences. With no HOA and plenty of space to build, this lot is ready for your
Available NOW! Very PRIVATE Annual Unfurnished Pet-Friendly Rental! This nearly ONE FULL ACRE residential CORNER LOT surrounded by PINES and CEDARS has endless possibilities - plenty of room for your BOAT, RV, and GOLF CART! Move right in this charming 3 BEDROOM home and rest confidently knowing the AC and ROOF are both BRAND NEW. This modern-finished country home retains its original character
MOVE IN READY___Over an acre of land__ This is a Stunning, Modern 3/2 PLUS a BONUS ROOM that could be used as a 4th Bedroom. The elegance in this home boosts over $15k in upgrades and is located in the beautiful Rolling Hills. (Block construction) ** Builder offers extended 2-10 warranty. The kitchen features solid 42" Shaker wood cabinets, soft close, Quartz Island, European Modern Faucets,
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Scenic lakefront homes and sprawling wetland forests define the landscape of Halpata Tastanaki Preserve. The area was named for a renowned Seminole leader and features an ecologically diverse geography, from oak scrub and floodplain swamp in the south to dense pine and turkey oak forests to the north. "People love having all that nature while being close to Ocala," says Leonard Sellers, a lifelong resident of the area and employee at the Dunnellon Public Library. Home communities surrounding the preserve feature established houses and new construction with views of nearby lakes and rivers, all just minutes away from nearby Ocala.
Locals live along paved and dirt country roads fringed by dense wetland forests and dangling Spanish moss. Quiet neighborhood homes sit along the edges of the preserve’s forests or the Rainbow River and Withlacoochee River, which meet on the western end of the neighborhood. The residential landscape features a range of established homes from the late 20th century and contemporary homes built in the last ten years. The size of the home lot and the surrounding nature are some of the main draws to this community, with home lots ranging from a quarter-acre to four acres and even more for those looking to build on undeveloped lots. Prices in the area range from $200,000 for a modest but established ranch-style home to $470,000 for a recently built contemporary style house.
The expansive Halpata Tastanaki Nature Preserve supports a variety of plants and endangered animal species visible along 17 miles of multi-use trails. Local campsites and waterways provide residents with tranquil spots for wilderness retreats. State-sponsored feral hog hunts are also supported in the preserve to protect the ecosystem from what is considered an invasive exotic species. Locals kayak and cast out fishing lines along the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers. Locals bring their children to Dunnellon Park and parks overlooking the nature preserve. Locals play pickleball and practice their backswing at Water Oak Country Club.
Swampy’s Bar & Grille is located along Rainbow River, serving fish tacos and Cajun fare on a scenic waterfront patio. "Swampy's is a pretty popular spot, they've got great food and great views of Rainbow River," says Leonard Sellers, a resident of nearby Dunnellon and employee at the Dunnellon Public Library. North along State Road 200 is Canopy Oaks Center, where locals can pick up household necessities at grocery stores like Publix. Further north in Ocala, locals can spend the day shopping in the stores at Paddock Mall.
Public school students are served by Marion County Public Schools, beginning their academic careers at primary schools like Dunnellon Elementary. This school has an overall B-minus rating on Niche and teaches from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Students move on to intermediate and secondary institutions such as Dunnellon Middle and High School, which both have at least a C-plus Niche rating. Dunnellon High gives students a head start in their careers through vocational programs such as agriculture, healthcare and digital media.
Getting around the neighborhood is mainly dependent on cars and trucks. Locals utilize Withlacoochee Road, State Road 200 and Southwest Highway 484 as the main roads around the community. Ocala International Airport is 22 miles northwest along Highway 40, and the West Marion Hospital is 20 miles to the east along State Road 200.
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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.
