Coastal and outdoor living at North Weeki Wachee
With a name that means “little spring,” visitors to North Weeki Wachee might be surprised to learn that the area is home to a natural spring so deep that the bottom has never been found. North Weeki Wachee has an eclectic housing stock and is known for the abundant local recreation opportunities and natural habitats. “People like it here for the laidback, peaceful atmosphere, the lack of traffic and the clear waters,” says Ralph Paulsen, a Realtor and a top producer at RE/MAX who has sold 843 homes in Spring Hill.
From starter homes to lakefront estates in North Weeki Wachee
Starter homes from the 1970s that are around 1,000 square feet typically list for $200,000, with recent builds that are over 2,000 square feet reaching $400,000. Older properties range from cottages to modest ranch styles, and new constructions are mostly New Traditional and Spanish ranch-style homes. Sprawling lakefront properties and estate villas in gated communities may be priced between $500,000 and over $1 million. Two-bedroom condo units range from $150,000 to $170,000. “The pool of homes for sale is so diverse, you almost can’t compare; there are mobile homes and upscale homes and golf communities. There is something for everyone,” says Helen Spanos, a local Realtor with Exit Bayshore Realty. “Lake Hideaway is North Weeki Wachee’s newest and largest community development; it’s going to have 2875 single-family homes and townhouses and the second largest man-made lagoon in the country,” says Paulson.
Outdoor recreation at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
“North Weeki Wachee is surrounded by thousands of acres of forested woods, state parks and lakes. You can do fishing, boating and water activities; you can walk or bike the trails or go to Hernando Beach to watch the sunset; this area has all types of nature things and people don’t have to go far to find relaxation,” says Paulson. The Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area has over 24,000 acres of preserved land that includes forests, wetlands and local flora and fauna for residents to enjoy. Golfers may visit one of the numerous courses in the area, including the GlenLakes Golf and Country Club, Oak Hills Golf Club and Hernando Oaks Golf Club. Residents may also kayak or canoe in the Weeki Wachee River and possibly spot wildlife animals such as river otters and manatees. Enjoy a fun-filled outdoor experience at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where families with children can catch the famous mermaid show. Home to the deepest freshwater cave system in the country, visitors can experience marine life on kayak excursions or splash in the water slides. Additional activities include hunting, hiking, biking and bird watching.
Hernando County School District
Area students may attend Winding Waters K-8, which is a public school serving students from prekindergarten through eighth grade with a B-minus Niche rating. Weeki Wachee High School has a B score and offers dual enrollment courses to its students. Additional prospective schools include Pine Grove Elementary School and Central High School, both receiving a B.
Restaurants and grocers in North Weeki Wachee
Neighborhood restaurants include Outback Steakhouse and Gators Dockside, or take on the 6-foot cheesesteak at Richie Cheesesteak. Residents can find Asian classics at Masa Asian Bistro and Bar or Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse, and then pick up groceries at Winn Dixie, Publix, Walmart or Walgreens.
Events around Weeki Wachee
Area events include an Easter egg hunt at the state park, holiday happenings such as a winter waterland and Veterans Day celebrations. The Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest, which is an annual costume contest for the best-dressed swamp monster contestant. Music Festivals include the Latin Music Festival and the Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.
Navigating into Tampa and Orlando
Residents enjoy the convenience of the nearby HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, which offers a comprehensive cardiovascular program and is the largest medical facility in Hernando County. The neighborhood is about 80 miles away from Orlando via State Route 50. North Weeki Wachee is also 50 and 56 miles to Tampa International Airport and Tampa, respectively, through Florida State Road 589.
