Inverness Highlands North offers a small-town feel close to many parks
Sandwiched between Inverness Highlands South and Hernando, and 16 miles east of Crystal River, is Inverness Highlands North, a neighborhood appreciated for not having deed restrictions and mostly having no homeowners’ associations. “It gives a small-town, done-right feeling,” says Geri Gaugler, a Realtor with ERA American Realty. “It’s centrally located and near everything.” The neighborhood is near the Main Street of Inverness, which has restaurants, shops and the courthouse. “It’s desirable for that reason,” Nadeene Horak, a Realtor with Sail Home Realty, says. Inverness Highlands North is also close to an array of parks, making it an attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ranch-style and contemporary homes sitting on a quarter of an acre
As residents drive down the streets of Inverness Highlands North, they’ll find ranch-style and contemporary homes that have sold for between $120,000 and $390,000. “Most homes were built in the 1970s,” Gaugler says. “People are getting them at a great price and then renovating.” These homes commonly sit on a quarter of an acre of land and have palm trees in the front yard. Surrounding nature adds to the privacy of many of these residences. Sidewalks are not typical in the neighborhood, so residents rely on cars to get around.
School choices include tech programs and faith-based learning
Students in Inverness Highlands North are assigned to attend schools with Citrus County Schools. Starting in pre-kindergarten, children may attend Hernando Elementary School, which earns a B-minus grade from Niche. From there, students move on to Inverness Middle and Citrus High, both receiving a B-minus. Citrus High has an academy of computer science, which students can use to get college credit and enter competitions and contests. As for private options, Solid Rock Christian Academy is just north of the neighborhood, serves pre-K through 12th grade and earns a B from Niche.
Major highways offer easy access to nearby cities and the airport
Florida State Road 44, which runs from Crystal River to New Smyrna Beach, cuts through the bottom of Inverness Highlands North. U.S. Route 41, which goes from Miami to Michigan, runs nearly parallel to the neighborhood on the east side. These roads make it easy for residents to access much of Florida. As for nearby cities, Ocala is a 30-minute drive, and Tampa is 72 miles away. The Tampa International Airport is a 77-mile drive. The closest hospital is the HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, 4 miles south. There is no public transportation available in the neighborhood.
Withlacoochee State Trail runs near parks and green spaces
Highland Park is in the neighborhood, offering a playground and basketball court. Whispering Pines City Park has baseball fields, tennis and pickleball courts, and a pool just east of the neighborhood. Hillcrest Park is 4 miles away and offers views of Henderson Lake, picnic tables and grills. Visitors also use the park to fish. The Withlacoochee State Trail runs near the neighborhood. “The Withlacoochee State Trail is a biking, jogging and walking trail; it’s 47 miles long,” Horak says. “They have places where you can rent electric bikes.”
Main Street restaurants offer surf and turf, sushi and burgers
When residents want a bite to eat, they can head to Main Street in Inverness. The downtown-like area has Oscar Penns, which offers steak, sushi and seafood. “It is really well known,” Horak says. “It’s good for date nights and celebrations.” Right down the street is Stumpknockers Restaurant, known for its burgers. “It’s a come-as-you-are burger place,” Horak says. “They have cool décor in there.” Right across the street is Twysted Vyne Wine & Beer Bistro. “It has trivia on Wednesdays; there’s always something going on,” Gaugler says. “They are also trying new things with the menu.” There is a Walmart Supercenter just west of the neighborhood for grocery shopping.
County fair brings rides, livestock shows and pageants each March
The Citrus County Fairgrounds are 6 miles south of Inverness Highlands North. They are home to the Citrus County Fair every March. The event includes rides, food and market vendors, a flea market, livestock shows, contests and pageants.
Photography Contributed By
David Hall
