Hurricane Ian and the Villages of Citrus Hills

As you all know, Hurricane Ian impacted South Florida a few weeks ago. Many of you have been asking what this storm meant for the Citrus Hills area, so we wanted to send out a quick update.

Hurricane Ian's Impact On Our Area

In Citrus County, we were spared most of the impact of Hurricane Ian and came out the other side extremely well. Our thoughts are with our Southern neighbors who did not have such luck.

In Citrus County, the rainfall wasn't reported much over 1 inch, and the wind gusts didn't exceed 40 mph. There were no reports of flooding or injuries. There were, however, reports of a couple of downed trees and smaller debris in some areas, but seemed to be an easy cleanup for the most part. Some locals lost power as well but were soon restored. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office Captain Troy Hess stated that our county was "extremely blessed."

Within the community of Citrus Hills, amenities did shut down for the storm, and a few planned events were canceled while Hurricane Ian made its way across the state. The VP of Sales and Marketing of Citrus Hills, Jake Tamposi, stated that "no damage" was reported within our community, and that we are "fortunate to live in such an elevated part of Florida."

We have high hopes that the 2022 Hurricane season is finished!

Hurricane History and Efforts of Citrus Hills

In the over 150 years of historic NOAA hurricane data, the eye of no major hurricane has made landfall in Citrus Hills. We are fortunate, but we are also fortunate by design. A number of unique features of our community make us extremely resilient to hurricanes and severe weather events:

1. Elevation:

We are just 10 to 15 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico—but rest easy knowing that as one of the highest points in Florida, the Villages of Citrus Hills is protected from flood and storm risks. With elevations exceeding 260 feet above sea level, none of the homes in Citrus Hills require flood insurance.

2. Comprehensive Drainage and Utility Planning:

The Villages of Citrus Hills has an established comprehensive drainage plan meeting the highest standards of the South West Florida Water Management District. The drainage design and infrastructure for each neighborhood and homesite have been thoroughly vetted to protect homeowners. Terra Vista’s underground utility system insulates the community from storm-related power outages. Each home’s natural gas utilities also provide plentiful options for generators for homeowners seeking extra peace of mind.

3. Exceptionally Built Homes:

Our community goes above and beyond industry standards to construct outstanding homes. Unlike wood frame homes, each Citrus Hills home is constructed with reinforced concrete masonry exterior walls that provide unparalleled strength and resiliency. Built to the most up-to-date codes and standards, Citrus Hills' new construction homes are engineered and constructed with critical load paths and structural connections that protect our homeowners from even the most severe weather events!

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NEW - 3D Virtual Tour of BellaVita Wellness Complex of Citrus Hills

Take a tour of the spectacular 50,000 Sq Ft BellaVita Fitness and Private Spa of Citrus Hills!

A little bit about BellaVita….

Throughout your life, you’ve strived for that balanced lifestyle. At the Villages of Citrus Hills, helping you obtain that balance is one of our goals.

One of the places many residents find that healthy mix of staying active while enjoying the good life is at the BellaVita Spa and Fitness Center. This 50,000-square-foot world-class complex includes a full-service spa, indoor lap pool, 150 pieces of exercise equipment, dozens of classes, racquetball courts, and elegant men and women’s locker rooms with sauna and steam rooms.

When you enter BellaVita’s luxurious lobby, you immediately know this is a fitness center and spa unlike any other you’ve seen. The equipment is state-of-the-art, from free weights to the Tour de France spinning cycles, and our fitness training staff is always on hand to help you create a realistic exercise plan, reach a new goal, or try something new. If group fitness is more your liking, BellaVita offers everything from aerobics to Zumba. And, with 250 fitness classes offered each month, you’re sure to find ones that fit with your interests and schedule.

While some days call for getting the heart rate up to feel invigorated, a little pampering does the trick on other days. The BellaVita spa professionals provide a full-service menu of services and treatments for women and men in a luxurious, serene setting. Appointments are available seven days a week.

Fitness

Our fitness center provides everything you will need to stay in top shape and feel great. You’ll find the latest equipment, experienced health club staff ready to offer advice and work with you to develop a workout plan, and hundreds of classes offered each month. From beginner to advanced, you’ll find everything you want right here in our extensive facilities.

Spa Services

An elegant, soothing environment is just the beginning of an exceptional experience. BellaVita’s exquisite setting and premium spa services are second to none. Our offerings include a variety of massages, facials, body treatments, micro-treatments, complete waxing, manicures and pedicures, permanent makeup, as well as luxurious spa packages. The elegant locker rooms for men and women include saunas, steam rooms, and towel service.

Indoor Lap Pool

A six-lane, heated indoor lap pool can be found in its own wing at BellaVita. A large whirlpool spa is also in the pool area, both just steps from the locker rooms. Water aerobics fitness classes are located at the Activity Center Pool. 

Specialty Studios

Three separate studios provide great space for specific activities. A spinning studio hosts classes for novice, intermediate and experienced cyclists. Studio B is dedicated to a variety of training programs. This is where personal trainers conduct one-on-one training with clients looking for specific results. The third studio is home to various activities, including aerobics classes, yoga, Pilates, and more.

Racquetball

Off the main fitness area are two racquetball courts where everything from competitive racquetball matches to team wallyball. Spectator seating affords a great view of the action. Reservations are made at the fitness desk for one-hour intervals. Racquets are available.

Outdoor Courtyard

At the center of BellaVita is an expansive outdoor courtyard that one might find at a luxurious Mediterranean villa. Beautiful flowers, a large fountain, and quiet surroundings make this a perfect place to read, relax and reflect.

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Sunrise Vs. Sunset: Comparing Florida's East and West Coast for Retirement

Some people considering Florida for retirement already have their minds made up about whether they will live on the east coast or the west coast of Florida.

Maybe they've vacationed or visited a certain area enough to make their minds up. Or maybe they have friends and relatives that live in a certain area, and they want to live near them.

But for others, the decision can be a tough one and certainly much more nuanced than simply choosing between sunrise and sunset.

In this article, we hope to give you a better understanding of the differences between Florida’s east and west coast living and help you decide what best fits your needs and desired lifestyle.

Understanding Florida Migratory Patterns 

Before we get into the differences between the two coasts, a little history lesson is in order.

When people first began moving to Florida, people from the Northeast predominately drove south on I-95. They settled along the east coast of Florida, and people from the Midwest headed south on I-75 and settled on the west coast of Florida. 

While this isn't as true today as it once was, it’s important to understand that this historical migratory pattern helped to shape the different lifestyles and cultures you'll find on the east and west coasts.

Fast Paced vs. Laid Back

The cities on the east coast of Florida, particularly in the Southeast part of the state, are considered by most to be intense and fast-paced.

On the west coast of Florida, things tend to be more laid-back and slower-paced. Even the bigger cities like Tampa and St. Pete are much less crowded than the major east coast cities while still offering all you could ever want in the way of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.

Florida's population numbers shed light on this story, with the Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach Metropolitan Area (South East Coast of Florida) having an estimated 5,670,125 people as of the last Census, and the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater Metropolitan Area (West Coast of Florida) only has an estimated 2,824,724 people.

Affordability

With more people living along the east coast of Florida, home prices and the overall cost of living tend to be higher as the forces of supply and demand kick in.

While there are some well-known pockets of higher home prices and higher costs of living on the west coast, particularly in areas like Naples and Fort Myers, home buyers are learning that in a lot of cases, their dollar stretches further on the west coast, especially in the Nature Coast area where the Villages of Citrus Hills is located.

The Atlantic Ocean vs. the Gulf of Mexico

Something else to consider is that the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast has bigger waves and is much more active than the calm coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast.

And then, of course, there are those sunrises and sunsets. Both are beautiful in their own right, but people tend to prefer one versus the other.

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The September/October Club Newsletter for Citrus Hills

View our most recent "Connections" Club Newsletter, which is our monthly publication for members.

You'll find news about what's happening throughout the community, including upcoming events, entertainment, and of course, all the great offers and special theme dinners available in our restaurants.

VIEW IT HERE

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The Discovery Day Visit at Citrus Hills

The Tiki Bar of Citrus Hills

The best way to figure out if the Villages of Citrus Hills is right for you is to participate in our Discovery Day-Visits!  

Our Day Visits are a full-day event for those considering a new home purchase at the Villages of Citrus Hills within the next two years.

It will cover a tour of our amenities, homes, and surrounding areas!

Space is limited, especially during our busy season, so we suggest you reserve your visitation date as soon as possible.

But today we want to give you a better idea of what to expect when you come for your visit!

Before You Arrive at the Villages of Citrus Hills 

Once you choose the day that is best for you to come for a visit, whether it be driving or flying here, you can schedule your date on our website at the link above, or call our information center here: 800-511-0814 to book by phone with a representative.

Skyview Tennis Center in Citrus Hills

Once you book your date, you will then coordinate your arrival time ahead of time with your sales executive.

Your sales executive is who you will be speaking with before you come, as well as meeting with once you arrive. 

They will be there for you every step of the way, whether you need directions from the airport, to know the best airport to fly into, or the best places to stay when you visit!

Your Arrival at the Villages of Citrus Hills

Whether you are driving or flying, you should plan on arriving at the Citrus Hills Welcome Center (2400 N Terra Vista Blvd, Citrus Hills, FL 34442) as early in the morning as possible.

Letting your sales executive know exactly what time you plan on arriving will allow them to be waiting for you at the Welcome Center when you arrive.

Rockwood Dog Park in Citrus Hills

Once you arrive at the Welcome Center, you will watch a brief informational video and short map orientation covering our community and surrounding areas of Citrus County.

You and your sales executive will be discussing the plans that they have scheduled for you that day.

After your orientation, you will have the opportunity to visit your favorite Citrus Hills Amenities; Such as our three on-site restaurants, multiple fitness centers, including our 50,000 Sq Ft BellaVita Fitness and Private Spa, Central Activity Center, Championship Golf Courses, Tennis Centers, Pickleball Courts, and Community Park and Dog Park!

Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River

Time allowing, you will then head back to the Welcome Center for our “County Tour.”

Our county tour is a guided two-hour tour of Citrus County. This will give you a chance to see what our area has to offer its residents, including “small towns done right,” local shopping, fine dining, waterside hangouts, waterfront parks, and other points of interest.

Following the tour of Citrus County, you will return to the Welcome Center once again, and you will meet back with your sales executive to walk through our designer homes, premier neighborhoods, and home sites!

After seeing everything that Citrus Hills has to offer, you may be ready to make a decision at this point. If so, your sales associate will be available to prepare the necessary paperwork for you to purchase your new home in our community!

As you can see, our Discovery Day Visit is highly structured and is designed to give you a good understanding of and appreciation for not only the Villages of Citrus Hills but also the surrounding area.

We look forward to showing you around and helping you make your decision.

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