Waterfront living without the high price tag in Rainbow Springs
The neighborhood of Rainbow Springs gets its name from the large state park and winding river located within it. While only a small portion of homes back up to the water, Jeanne Herzig-Arena, a Realtor with Professional Realty of Ocala who sells throughout Marion County, says the whole area has the remote feel of a waterfront community, and residents get the same laid-back vibe without paying the inflated prices of coastal homes. “I think that’s the main draw,” she says. “You get that waterfront feel without having to live on the coast.”
Diverse housing options from condos to riverfront estates
On the neighborhood’s east side, houses sit a bit close together yet still boast large front and back yards. Most have three or four bedrooms and were built after 1980. Ranch-style homes are most common for older homes, and new construction boasts New Traditional styles. Prices range from $230,000 to $650,000, with higher-priced homes featuring recent renovations. Large homes, often with four or more bedrooms, sit along the Rainbow River. They average around $1 million and have backyard water views. West of Highway 41, lot sizes are bigger. Home sizes and styles are like those on the east side and range from $220,000 to $580,000. Higher-priced homes often sit on acre lots and were built in the 2020s or are newly renovated. A small selection of two-bedroom condos is available on the neighborhood’s east side, ranging from $175,000 to about $200,000.
While the Rainbow River doesn't often flood, there is still a chance during severe weather. Homeowners can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Regarding crime, Rainbow Springs has a 1 out of 10 on the CAP Index, three points lower than the national average.
Golfing, hiking, and equestrian activities nearby
Rainbow Springs State Park is on the neighborhood’s east side and is a popular outdoor recreation spot for locals and out-of-towners alike. Swimming, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking are allowed in the springs. Its nature trails are popular with hikers, runners and birders. The neighborhood HOA has a private park for residents on the Rainbow River with barbecue grills and gazebos. Juliette Falls Golf Course is open to the public and is loved for its challenging and picturesque 18-hole layout. While the Rainbow Springs Golf Course closed in 2014, the club is still open and offers a restaurant and community pool.
Blue Run Park is about 5 miles from the neighborhood, and Herzig-Arena says the proximity is a big perk for many residents. “You can launch your boat or go for a walk. There’s a trail that connects to the Florida Greenway where you can do your biking,” she says. For those who ride horses, Ocala’s many equestrian stables and facilities, including the notable World Equestrian Center, are less than 20 miles away.
Kayaking down the Rainbow River, you are surrounded by gorgeous subtropical greenery.
Standing alone in the middle of the Rainbow River is a lone cypress tree, the perfect rest stop.
1/2
Groceries in the neighborhood, dining in Downtown Dunnellon
Winn-Dixie is located within the neighborhood and is a convenient place to pick up groceries. Publix, Walmart, services and chain restaurants line Highway 41 just outside of the neighborhood. Downtown Dunnellon, about 4 miles away, has galleries, boutiques, and a mix of restaurants. Herzig-Arena says a standout is locally owned Paige’s off East Pennsylvania Avenue. “It’s a great place to grab a burger and a homemade root beer,” she says.
Students have many options through Marion County Public Schools
The schools zoned to the neighborhood are Dunnellon Elementary, Dunnellon Middle, and Dunnellon High. All three schools have a B-minus rating on Niche. Dunnellon High offers multiple clubs and organizations, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Literary Club, and Future Business Leaders of America. Marion County Public Schools, which the schools are a part of, offers controlled open enrollment, allowing families to choose any school in the state that isn’t at capacity.
Dunnellon Elementary School is a public school serving grades PK, K-5 in Marion County.
Dunnellon Middle School provides education in the neighborhood of
Dunnellon and serves Rainbow Lakes Estates.
Students continue their education at Dunnellon High School in Marion County.
1/3
Nearby highways get residents where they need to go
Highway 41 leads to Downtown Dunnellon. State Road 40 runs along the neighborhood’s north side and connects to Interstate 75 and Ocala. Marion County Airport is right outside the neighborhood, but it is only for private planes. The closest major airport is Ocala International, about 20 miles away.
Photography Contributed By
David Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Shultz,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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
Experience classic Florida magic tucked along the legendary Rainbow River — and yes, you just might want to stay forever.Built in 1953, this warm and soulful riverfront home offers 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms in the main house, plus an additional bedroom and bathroom in the detached guesthouse. Cedar walls throughout give the home its signature cabin-cool, river-relaxed character — the kind
Welcome to a beautifully reimagined retreat in the heart of the sought-after Rainbow Springs Country Club Woodlands community in Dunnellon, FL. This fully remodeled 4/3/2 POOL HOME is perfectly positioned on over an acre of lush Florida landscape and blends modern elegance with the serene charm of North Central Florida living. Inside, the home offers 2,387 square feet of thoughtfully updated
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
Welcome to Florida Living! This home has an oversized lot filled with beautiful mature trees, flowering plants and salt system pool with screened patio for entertaining. Looking for a home for your car collection? This home has a four car garage with air/heat/ electric and insulated. A man door that goes out to a 10 x 10 workshop with electric. The main home has formal living and dining rooms
Welcome to Rainbow Springs Community and Florida living! As you enter the home you experience the warm and cozy great room that has a fireplace, wood beams and skylights to allow lots of natural lighting. There is space in this room for a home office. You also have access to the screened Florida room for outside entertaining and relaxation. The kitchen has stone counters, breakfast bar, closet
Experience classic Florida magic tucked along the legendary Rainbow River — and yes, you just might want to stay forever.Built in 1953, this warm and soulful riverfront home offers 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms in the main house, plus an additional bedroom and bathroom in the detached guesthouse. Cedar walls throughout give the home its signature cabin-cool, river-relaxed character — the kind
Welcome to luxury waterfront living on the infamous Rainbow River. This stunning concrete block 2023-built residence offers 105 feet of pristine river frontage, complete with a seawall & existing boathouse, creating the perfect setting for boating, kayaking, and enjoying Florida’s natural beauty. Situated on 2.18 acres outside of a flood zone, this thoughtfully designed split-bedroom home
Welcome to a beautifully reimagined retreat in the heart of the sought-after Rainbow Springs Country Club Woodlands community in Dunnellon, FL. This fully remodeled 4/3/2 POOL HOME is perfectly positioned on over an acre of lush Florida landscape and blends modern elegance with the serene charm of North Central Florida living. Inside, the home offers 2,387 square feet of thoughtfully updated
Serenity is the theme of Golf View Villas. 2 bedrooms 1.5 bathrooms with mol 1364sqft under air for a total mol 1544aq ft under roof. FULLY Furnished Home except for your clothes & toothbrush. There are 3 screen covered porches, 2 are off of the bedrooms for peaceful views of some local residence, deer, fox squirrels, turkeys & the ground floor screen patio is off of the living room with the
Build your dream home on this beautiful 1.01-acre lot in the desirable Rainbow Springs community. Surrounded by natural beauty and mature trees, this property offers the perfect blend of privacy and space while still being part of a well-maintained neighborhood. Enjoy access to community amenities including the Rainbow River access, private park, walking trails, and more. Conveniently located
Move-in ready in the highly desired Rainbow Springs community! This well-kept 3-bedroom home with a dedicated office sits on almost 1.5 acres and features a NEW ROOF and NEW A/C (2022). Enjoy bright, comfortable living spaces, a split-bedroom layout, and a peaceful backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. All just minutes from Rainbow Springs State Park, the crystal-clear Rainbow River, and
Welcome Home to Rainbow Springs! Light, Bright & Beautifully Updated Home.Built in 1992, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 2,014 sq ft of light and bright living space plus an additional 315 sq ft of porch space, all situated on a desirable corner lot of approximately .34 acres just off a quiet cul-de-sac. The front porch has been thoughtfully enclosed to create a delightful sitting area
Why wait to build when you can own this better than new home for less than it would cost to build from scratch with the builder! Nestled in the picturesque Rainbow Springs Forest community, this 2023 custom-built home sprawls across 1.07 acres. Boasting 2202 square feet of living space, featuring 3 bedrooms plus a versatile bonus room suitable for a 4th bedroom, office, or craft space, and 2
Build your dream home on this spacious corner lot offering nearly one acre (37,897 sqft ) in Dunnellon. This residential parcel provides ample space for a custom home, outdoor living areas, a pool, garden, or additional storage for boats, RVs, and more. With its generous size and corner location, the property offers added flexibility for design, access, and privacy. Enjoy a peaceful setting while
Nicely furnished home in Grand Park North (Dunnellon next to Rainbow Springs State Park).Comes with two tv’s, Alexa, high speed internet, security cameras and more.$2000/mo for 1-3 months.
Enjoy the Florida lifestyle at its finest in this friendly upscale neighborhood of the Rainbow Springs country club! This exceptionally clean 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage has a roomy Florida room and an all-purpose room (under air/heat) perfect for crafts, a workshop, a den, a game room, or special projects! The master bath has a garden tub to soak in and a walk-in shower with room for two.
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Beautiful new construction home, ready to be enjoyed by its first tenant, situated on nearly half an acre in a peaceful natural setting. This property offers everything brand new, with modern finishes and a design focused on comfort. It features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a large two-car garage, located on a quiet cul-de-sac. Includes
Move-in ready! Welcome to this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath split floor plan home, offering both comfort and flexibility. Step inside to an open-concept layout with soaring cathedral ceilings and a separate dining area—ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is a standout feature, complete with granite countertops, a large island for prep or casual dining, and
Exquisite 3 Bed/2.5 Bath "Rutenberg Design" home located in top-rated Golf Course Community, Juliette Falls. This home is one of a kind,located right on the pristine golf course with sweeping views of #11 fairway. This home also has a spacious open floor plan with a chef's kitchen & walk-in pantry. The sliding glass doors in the living room lead to a travertine, screened-in patio with a
Kristi ClapperFUTURE HOME REALTY INC
$1,395 per month
Large 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath with large Den and Family Room in Rainbows End, Dunnellon, FL
Spacious recently painted home located minutes away from the Rainbow River. This large 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home sits on nearly one-half acre with a fenced back yard and concrete block shed. The Rental boasts a large Living Room and a Large Den that could easily be converted into a 3rd Bedroom. Ceiling fans throughout, and the Living Room, Kitchen, Bathrooms, and the large Lanai all have tile,
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Dunnellon, this 3/2/2 presents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a tranquil residential haven. This charming property exudes warmth and character, offering a comfortable lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. The interior spaces are thoughtfully designed, featuring cozy living areas and ample natural light that creates a welcoming ambiance.
Thomas HaitschASSET CAPITAL REALTY, LLC
$1,650 per month
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath , 2 Car Garage in Dunnellon, Florida
Welcome to your new home in Dunnellon, Florida! This charming 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house comes with a spacious 2 car garage, perfect for all your storage needs. Enjoy the beautiful Florida weather in your screened-in lanai, or take advantage of the large yard for outdoor activities. The roomy kitchen is ideal for cooking and entertaining guests. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to
Live in a beautiful gated, top-rated golf course community, located just minutes from Rainbow Springs State Park & the World Equestrian Center! This is a new home, built in 2021. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths with a fenced in yard to keep your furry family members safe! This home features an open floor plan, granite countertops throughout, tile showers, stainless steel appliances & vinyl flooring
Kristi ClapperFUTURE HOME REALTY INC
$2,325 per month
Must See Immaculate 3/2 Rainbow Springs with Lanai
Discover your dream home in Rainbow Springs! This beautiful property offers elegant living with French doors that open to an extra-large enclosed lanai perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round. Inside, you will find tile flooring in all wet areas and a spacious kitchen featuring granite countertops, a central island, and abundant cabinet and counter space. The living room boasts a built-in
Live in a beautiful gated, top-rated golf course community, located just minutes from Rainbow Springs State Park & the World Equestrian Center! This is an original Arthur Rutenberg designer home that feels and smells brand new! The house is a 3 bedroom 2 bath with an office that is currently setup to be used as a 4th bedroom. The home was just completely renovated in November 2023 with all new
Beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath single family home located in the highly coveted community of Juliette Falls. Located just minutes away from the world famous World Equestrian Center. This home is located on a large, private, cul-de-sac lot with beautiful preserve views. Features include a full 2 car garage with an additional golf cart garage AND a stunning pool with a screened in paver patio. Elegant
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
