Pine Ridge

Just 9 miles east of Crystal River sits Black Diamond. “It’s a beautiful, gated community with world-class golf designed by Tom Fazio,” says Nadeene Horak, a Realtor with Sail Home Realty. The community has a variety of ranch-style and new-traditional homes and, along with golf, offers amenities like a pool, fitness center and tennis courts. One of the golf courses, the Quarry Course, was recognized by Golf Digest. Nearby Crystal River’s restaurants, recreational opportunities and community events add to the neighborhood’s appeal. As homebuyers pass through the gates of Black Diamond, they’ll find ranch-style and new-traditional homes with some sporting Mediterranean influence. “Black Diamond is known for its privacy, luxurious homes and gorgeous landscaping,” Horak says. Some homes back up to one of the golf courses, giving residents a picturesque view. “These homes are anywhere from 1,500 square feet all the way up to 6,000 square feet,” says Linda Thomas, a Realtor with Century 21 and a neighborhood resident. Homes here have sold for between $300,000 and $900,000. Residents of Black Diamond also pay an HOA fee. “There are nearly 50 miles of paved trails at nearby Withlacoochee State Trail,” Thomas says. Withlacoochee State Trail is 23 miles southeast of the neighborhood. Inside the community's gates is a pool that requires a separate membership, along with a fitness center and tennis courts. Residents can head to Crystal River, 9 miles away, to kayak or paddleboard. Three miles east of Black Diamond is the Beverly Hills Community Park, where athletes can get their competitive fix on the baseball or soccer field. The park also has a skate park and is right next door to the Boys & Girls Club of Citrus County. Those with boats in the area can rent a slip at Pete’s Pier at King’s Bay Marina. Residents of Black Diamond can get golf memberships to play the 45 holes of championship golf in the community. The club includes two regulation 18-hole courses, Quarry and Ranch, and a nine-hole Highlands course. Golf Digest has recognized the Quarry Course as one of America’s 100 Greatest Courses. Other golf course options nearby include the Brentwood Farms Golf Club and Twisted Oaks Golf Club, both open to the public. “Black Diamond is a very active community,” Thomas says. “They have golf tournaments and special events with music playing.” While the community has member events throughout the year, nearby Crystal River also has its events each week. For Independence Day, Crystal City hosts a 4th of July Celebration at Kings Bay Park, including live music and activities for kids and food and market vendors. The event is capped off with fireworks at the end of the night. “Crystal River has a lot of good restaurants, especially seafood,” says Donna Dorsey, a Broker with Citrus Realty who has been selling in the area for 18 years. Cajun Jimmy’s Seafood Seller & Café in Crystal River serves seafood caught on its own boats. “I love their clam chowder,” Thomas says. As residents exit Black Diamond, they’ll hit Lecanto Highway, which has a few popular restaurants, including the Breakfast Station. The breakfast and lunch spot serves a variety of breakfast combos. “5 minutes from the gate of Black Diamond, there is a major shopping center going in,” Thomas says. “It will have a Target, Hobby Lobby, PetSmart, Starbucks, Panera, Texas Roadhouse and Glory Days. Residents used to have to travel to Ocala.” For groceries, residents can stop by Winn Dixie on Lecanto Highway. Students in Black Diamond are assigned to attend Citrus County Schools. Starting in Pre-K, children attend Central Ridge Elementary School, which earns a C-plus grade from Niche. From there, students attend B-graded Citrus Springs Middle before moving on to Lecanto High School, which earns a B-plus. The high school has a Lecanto School of the Arts program for students who are highly interested in pursuing art. The program can lead to college credit. Private school options nearby include Seven Rivers Christian School, which serves Pre-K through 12th grade and receives a B mark from Niche. Black Diamond is 59 miles from Gainesville, 85 miles from Orlando and 80 miles from Tampa. Public transportation is not available in the area. Those looking to catch a flight can head to the Tampa International Airport, 74 miles south of the neighborhood. The nearest hospital is the HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, 15 miles away.