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
Keith Packey,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Dunnellon, FL sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Dunnellon, FL over the last 12 months is $285,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Some places don't just welcome you — they claim you. Nestled within Rainbow Springs Country Club Estates, along a quiet cul-de-sac and a driveway canopied by beautiful oak trees, this home has a way of making the rest of the world fade quietly into the background. Tucked away on a generous .44-acre parcel, this 3/2/3 home offers 1,970 square feet designed for whatever the day calls for — lazy
This classic WATERFRONT home is perfectly situated along the stunning banks of the Rainbow River in downtown Dunnellon, Florida. Upon entering, your eyes are immediately drawn to the crystal-clear water beyond the lanai, where you can envision yourself sipping morning coffee while enjoying the soothing sounds of nature and watching the sun's golden rays dance upon the water in the early dawn.
Welcome to this beautifully updated home in the Rainbow Springs Country Club Estates — a true standout that will leave you doing a double-take. This charming 3/2/2 home has been transformed from top to bottom with a level of care and quality that is genuinely rare. From the moment you step inside, the upgrades speak for themselves: brand-new luxury vinyl plank flooring flows seamlessly
Charming Retreat – Fully Remodeled 3BR/2BA on .28 Acres, located in River Retreats in Dunnellon, Florida. This recently remodeled 1997 mobile home offers 1,542 square feet of comfortable living space, featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on a spacious lot that backs up to a picturesque farm — giving you gorgeous open views and a true sense of privacy and tranquility. Step inside to find a
Welcome to one of the Rainbow River’s most desired locations, just north of KP Hole Park, where the water settles into that unmistakable turquoise the river was named for. Across the bank, preserved in perpetuity, protected state park land rises in a skyline of cypress, mirrored on the water’s surface — a view of beauty you’ll never tire of looking at. Full of love and appreciation for its
Luxury Country Retreat on a Fully Cleared Private Acre! Welcome to your dream home—an exceptional 2025-built, 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence perfectly positioned on a private, fully fenced 1.02-acre cleared lot with breathtaking farmland views. This stunning property offers the rare combination of modern luxury, thoughtful design, and peaceful country living. Wake up to the beauty of nature, with
4.65-acre mini farm. TRUE 4-BEDROOM HOME in one of the most sought-after areas of Rolling Hills, Dunnellon, FL. This almost new 2,827 Sq Ft home built in 2023 offers lots of privacy and is centrally located 7 minutes from Ocala and 11 minutes to Dunnellon's Rainbow Springs for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Property is fenced and zoned A1 (agricultural) for your horses. Modern luxurious
MOTIVATED SELLER! HISTORIC HOME ZONED RESIDENTIAL BUSINESS IN DOWNTOWN DUNNELLON! This isn’t just any property — it’s a place where stories have been written, businesses have grown, and relationships have flourished. Now, it’s ready for someone new to step in and create the next chapter. Whether you envision restoring it as a charming residence, reopening it as a salon, transforming it into a
Experience luxury waterfront living on the renowned Rainbow River! Built in 2023, this concrete block home offers 105 feet of river frontage with a seawall and existing boathouse, all situated on 2.18 acres outside of a flood zone. The split-bedroom floor plan features soaring cathedral ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring, new carpet in the bedrooms, abundant natural light, a separate dining
Welcome home to this charming, completely refurbished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-wide manufactured home built in 2017. Nestled on a level 0.19-acre lot in the peaceful Circle M Ranchettes / Backwaters Heights community, this property offers a serene setting with absolutely no HOA fees, no lot rent, and a highly desirable "No Flood Zone" designation! Step inside to an inviting, open-concept
Welcome to Rolling Ranch Estates — where nearly 5 acres of peaceful Florida landscape meets an unbeatable central location. Tucked between Dunnellon, Ocala, and the Crystal River area, this property puts you minutes from the Rainbow River, Juliette Falls Golf Club, local dining and shopping, and endless outdoor recreation — all while enjoying the privacy and space that acreage living provides.
Some homes you tour. This one, you fall for. Tucked inside the charming Rainbow Springs Country Club Estates — with coveted private access to the crystal-clear Rainbow River — this beautifully updated pool home is a love letter to easy Florida living. From the moment you arrive, the landscaping, brick paver curb appeal (freshly sealed in 2025), and a crisp, newly painted exterior (also 2025) set
Beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home on a spacious 0.62-acre lot in desirable Rainbow Lakes Estates! This move-in-ready home offers 1,388 square feet of comfortable living space and has been thoughtfully updated with a new roof (2022), HVAC (2021), energy-efficient windows (2019–2021), screened lanai (2022), and brand-new kitchen appliances (2025). Den can be turned into a 3rd bedroom.
Completely renovated and ready to impress! Situated on 2.23 fully fenced acres with NO HOA, this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath Dunnellon home offers 1,503 square feet of fresh, comfortable living space surrounded by mature shade trees. The extensive renovation includes new flooring throughout, fresh interior paint, updated electrical outlets, new lighting and ceiling fans, and beautifully
Completely remodeled, New kitchen with quartz countertops, wood cabinets - all new stainless steel appliances - tiled backsplash. Completely remodeled master bath with new double vanity, toilet and lighting. Inside laundry with new washer and dryer and laundry sink. Plantation shutters in living room. All new laminate flooring. Florida room under heat and air (22x10) plus covered patio. All the
NO HOA -- Move in READY. With over an acre of land, this is a Stunning, modern 3/2 block construction with a den/Office that could be used as a 4th Bedroom. Home is ready for your family and all your toys. Ride the ATV through the neighborhood, park the rv on your large 1.2 acre property. Located in Rolling Hills, close to Supermarkets, Restaurants , WEC, HITS, Rainbow River and more.**
The advertised rate of $9,873/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of July 25, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
With over an acre of land, this is a Stunning, modern 3/2 block construction with a den/Office 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. Enter the home through the beautiful wide & Tall entry into the open living/dining space with an extra room/ den to the right. Stunning views from sliding glass
Property Id: 1947339 This 2024 home is a great space for any family. Upgrades include inside laundry, spacious kitchen, and granite countertops. Clean and bright. Within minutes of the Rainbow River, restaurants and shopping. Quiet but growing neighborhood. Pictures shown are from a previous new construction home with same layout. This home has no carpet. First, last and deposit due at
Beautifully renovated while retaining select elements of its historic charm, this unique Dunnellon home offers the perfect blend ofcharacter and modern convenience. Featuring an open kitchen, decorative fireplace, two bedrooms, two fully renovated bathrooms,and a flexible bonus room that could serve as a third bedroom, office, nursery, or hobby space, this move-in-ready property
Be One Of The First To Call This Beautiful 2023-Built Home Yours! Thoughtfully designed with modern finishes and a functional layout, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect combination of style, comfort, and convenience in the peaceful community of Citrus Springs.Inside, you'll find a bright, open-concept floor plan with durable luxury vinyl plank flooring throughoutno carpet
5/3 Newly renovated on 3+ acres Dunnellon***** Discover this newly renovated 3-bedroom, 3-bath home on just over 3 acres in Dunnellon, FL. The large open-concept living area provides flexible space for daily living and entertaining, and the expansive screened-in lanai extends usable living outdoors. Interior updates include no carpet throughout for easy maintenance. The property features a fenced
Tucked away in the peaceful surroundings of Citrus Springs, this beautifully built new construction home offers the perfect balance of modern style and relaxed Florida living. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and contemporary finishes throughout, this move-in ready home was designed with comfort, functionality, and low-maintenance living in mind.Inside, the open-concept layout creates a
Be the very first tol ive in this stunning brand-NEW Home, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath designed for comfort and modern living. This beautifully carfted property offers spacious interiors filled with natural light and open concept layourt perfect for entertaining and thoughtfully designed bedrooms that provide both privacy and funcionality. Step outside to enjoy and exceptionallly large backyard- ideal
Beautiful New House, offering confort, space and a serene natural setting. This property features four spacious bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a modern layout. Surrounded by lush greenery it boast a large backyard perfect for oudoor enjoyment, privacy and entertaining. The home also includes two car garage, aboundant natural light and well -designed living spaces ideal for confortable
Fully furnished rental in the heart of Dunnellon! This updated unit offers comfort, convenience, and flexible lease options for short-term, mid-term, or long-term occupancy. Ideal for relocation, traveling professionals, seasonal stays, or anyone looking to enjoy Rainbow River, Blue Run Park, kayaking, dining, and downtown Dunnellon nearby. Clean, stylish, and move-in ready. Lease terms and
This unit has 1 bedroom, and 1 bathroom. This is a part of Triplex. It is located in the heart of the city of Dunnellon with easy access to downtown shopping, restaurants, Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers, bike trails, and only a short drive to Ocala or Crystal River.
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