Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Florida’s Premier 55+ Lifestyle
Choosing the right retirement community is an important decision, and we know you have questions. This FAQ covers everything about the Villages of Citrus Hills — from neighborhoods and home options to fees, amenities, healthcare, and lifestyle. Explore clear answers to discover why so many choose Citrus Hills for the perfect 55+ Florida experience.
About Citrus Hills
What is the Villages of Citrus Hills?
The Villages of Citrus Hills is a premier master-planned retirement community on Florida’s Nature Coast. More than just a neighborhood, it offers an elevated lifestyle where residents enjoy award-winning amenities, resort-style living, and a strong sense of community. With everything from golf and fine dining to nightly entertainment and world-class fitness centers, life here is designed to help you live happier and healthier.
Where is Citrus Hills located?
Citrus Hills is located in beautiful Citrus County, Florida — just over an hour from Tampa and Orlando, and minutes from the Gulf of America. Set on rolling terrain more than 200 feet above sea level, the community combines Florida’s natural beauty with the convenience of nearby shopping, dining, healthcare, and outdoor recreation.
How large is the community?
Spanning more than 10,000 acres, Citrus Hills offers plenty of space to live, play, and explore. The community includes championship golf courses, multiple resort-style fitness centers, pools, walking and biking trails, parks, and a vibrant collection of social and recreational venues. Every detail is designed to support an active lifestyle that keeps residents healthier, more connected, and more engaged.
What neighborhoods make up Citrus Hills?
Citrus Hills is made up of 14 unique neighborhoods, each offering its own character and lifestyle. Terra Vista is a gated, resort-style neighborhood; Belmont Hills features larger homesites; and our newest neighborhood Davis Reserve offers new amenities and modern home designs. No matter which neighborhood you choose, every home comes with access to the award-winning amenities that define Citrus Hills.
Who typically lives at Citrus Hills?
Residents are active adults, generally aged 50–75, who want more than just a house — they want a community. Many are recent retirees or professionals seeking a healthier, more social way of life. With access to multiple fitness centers, hundreds of clubs, and a year-round calendar of entertainment, Citrus Hills attracts people who value wellness, friendship, and an active, fulfilling lifestyle.
Homes & Designs
What types of homes are available?
Citrus Hills offers a wide variety of homes to fit different lifestyles — from care-free villas and stylish single-family homes to spacious estate residences. Each home is thoughtfully designed with modern features, open floor plans, and quality craftsmanship. Buyers can choose from move-in ready homes or build and personalize one of our 30+ floorplans to their exact liking — with the ability to move walls, add windows, and select finishes that make the home truly their own.
How is the quality of construction at Citrus Hills?
Every home at Citrus Hills is built with a focus on quality craftsmanship, modern building standards, and lasting value. From energy-efficient materials to attention to detail in every finish, homes are designed for comfort, durability, and low maintenance — ensuring peace of mind for years to come.
Can I personalize my home?
Yes! Buyers can choose from more than 30 professionally designed floorplans and then personalize them to their exact liking. Options include moving interior walls, adding windows for more natural light, expanding lanais, and selecting custom finishes. This flexibility allows every homeowner to create a residence that truly reflects their lifestyle and taste.
What is the design process like?
Our design process is guided and stress-free. Homebuyers work directly with our experienced team to review floorplans, select finishes, and explore customization options. From the first consultation through final walkthrough, you’ll receive personal attention and expert guidance to ensure your new home not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
How long does it take to build a new home at Citrus Hills?
Build times vary depending on the home style and level of personalization, but most new homes are completed in 9 to 12 months. Throughout the process, our team provides regular updates and guidance, ensuring your experience is smooth and stress-free. Many buyers also choose from our selection of move-in ready homes for an even faster transition to life at Citrus Hills.
Amenities & Lifestyle
What amenities are included?
Residents of Citrus Hills enjoy access to an impressive collection of award-winning amenities designed to support an active, healthy lifestyle. Highlights include the 50,000-square-foot BellaVita Spa & Fitness Center, indoor and outdoor resort-style pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a 20-court pickleball sportsplex, walking and biking trails, dog parks, and four golf courses. You’ll also find a full-service spa, activity centers, and a year-round schedule of fitness classes and wellness programs — all included with your Social Membership.
What clubs and social activities are available?
With hundreds of clubs and activities, Citrus Hills makes it easy to connect with neighbors who share your interests. From fitness and dance classes to bridge, photography, and art clubs, there’s something for everyone. The community calendar is filled with live concerts, comedy shows, cultural events, educational seminars, volunteer opportunities, and travel programs. It’s all part of the vibrant social atmosphere that helps residents live happier, healthier, and more connected.
Is golf included or optional?
Citrus Hills is home to four golf courses — three 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course — each designed with elevation changes, scenic views, and challenges for all skill levels. Membership is optional. With organized leagues, tournaments, and a variety of social golf groups, players of every level can enjoy the game in a setting that combines natural beauty with a welcoming community atmosphere.
Are there restaurants and on-site dining options?
Yes! Citrus Hills offers exceptional dining right within the community. The Skyview Restaurant & Bar provides an upscale experience with sweeping golf course views, while The Grille offers casual dining, and the lively Tiki Bar delivers island-inspired fun with weekly entertainment. These options make it easy to enjoy a night out with friends, celebrate special occasions, or simply grab a quick bite without ever leaving the neighborhood.
What new amenities are planned for the future?
Citrus Hills continues to expand its offerings to match the needs of today’s active adults. New additions include the Rockwood Sportsplex, featuring 20 professional pickleball courts, padel, bocce, and beach volleyball, as well as the upcoming Davis Reserve community complex. These new spaces further enhance the community’s reputation as Florida’s top destinations for fitness, recreation, and social living.
Location, Healthcare & Access
How far is Citrus Hills from Tampa and Orlando?
Citrus Hills is located about an hour from both Tampa and Orlando. Tampa International Airport is about 75 miles away (~1 hour 10 minutes), while Orlando International Airport is roughly 86 miles (~1 hour 25 minutes). This makes it easy for residents to travel, welcome family, or enjoy big-city amenities while living in a peaceful, uncrowded community.
How close are the nearest beaches?
The Gulf of America is just 12 miles away, making waterfront activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking easy to enjoy. For world-famous beaches, residents can reach Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach on the Gulf Coast or Daytona Beach on the Atlantic — all within about a 90-minute drive. This gives you the best of both coasts, from soft white sand and vibrant boardwalks to quiet natural shorelines perfect for a day trip.
What hospitals and healthcare facilities are nearby?
Residents enjoy exceptional peace of mind thanks to world-class healthcare access right outside the community. Tampa General Hospital — consistently ranked among Florida’s top hospitals — has broken ground on a $1.2 billion, 400-bed hospital located directly across from the Terra Vista entrance. A Tampa General Emergency Center is already open across the street, ensuring immediate access to urgent care. In addition, Citrus Memorial Hospital and Bayfront Health are just minutes away, offering comprehensive services and specialty care. For everyday convenience, CVS, Walgreens, and Publix pharmacies are located right outside the front gates, making prescriptions and health essentials quick and easy to access.
How safe is the community during Florida’s storm season?
Citrus Hills sits more than 200 feet above sea level, well outside Florida’s flood zones and coastal storm surge areas. This elevated location provides added safety and peace of mind compared to many other Florida communities. Strong infrastructure and a responsive maintenance team further ensure preparedness during storm season.
To see the full story, click here to watch the video and explore more details on our Ideal Micro-Climate page.
What local services (shopping, dining, airports) are available?
Within minutes of Citrus Hills you’ll find everything you need for daily life — from supermarkets and pharmacies to local restaurants and farmers markets. Exciting new additions at the Shoppes at Black Diamond include Target, Starbucks, PetSmart, Texas Roadhouse, Panera, Hobby Lobby, Firehouse Subs, and Chipotle, adding even more convenience just outside the community. Residents also enjoy access to many of Central Florida’s top shopping outlets and dining destinations. Plus, with Tampa International and Orlando International airports just over an hour away, global travel is always within easy reach.
Surrounding Area & Lifestyle
Is there fishing near the Villages of Citrus Hills?
Yes! Citrus Hills is located on Florida’s Nature Coast, home to some of the best freshwater and saltwater fishing in the state. Nearby rivers, lakes, and the Gulf of America offer endless opportunities for bass fishing, inshore fishing, and offshore charters. Popular spots like Crystal River and Homosassa are just minutes away.
How safe is the area around Citrus Hills?
Citrus County is known for its low crime rates and peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the safest places to retire in Florida. Combined with the elevated location of Citrus Hills — well outside flood zones and storm surge areas — residents enjoy both personal and environmental peace of mind.
Is the area good for cycling?
Absolutely. Citrus County is home to the Withlacoochee State Trail, one of Florida’s longest paved biking trails, stretching over 46 miles through scenic countryside. Within the community, miles of quiet roads and trails make it easy for casual riders and cycling enthusiasts to enjoy year-round rides.
Are there hiking opportunities nearby?
Yes! Citrus Hills is surrounded by state parks, conservation areas, and natural preserves perfect for hiking and exploring. From the Withlacoochee State Forest to Crystal River Preserve State Park, residents can enjoy everything from easy nature walks to more adventurous trails — all just a short drive away.
What other outdoor activities are popular nearby?
In addition to fishing, biking, and hiking, residents love exploring the area’s kayaking, manatee encounters, birding, and boating opportunities. With seven spring-fed rivers flowing into the Gulf, plus abundant wildlife and natural beauty, the Nature Coast provides endless ways to stay active and connected with Florida’s outdoors.
Families & Age Requirements
Is the Villages of Citrus Hills a 55+ community?
Some neighborhoods within Citrus Hills are age-restricted, while others are not. This gives buyers the flexibility to choose the lifestyle that best fits their needs. While most residents are active adults aged 50 and better, families and individuals under 55 are welcome in many villages. This balance creates a diverse mix of homeowners, while still maintaining the resort-style, active-adult lifestyle that Citrus Hills is known for.
Are families with children welcome in Citrus Hills?
Yes, families with children can live in Citrus Hills. Although the community is designed primarily for active adults, many neighborhoods welcome families, and children are able to enjoy amenities such as pools, parks, and walking trails. Some activities and events are adult-focused, but the overall environment is friendly and inclusive.
What is the community lifestyle like for younger residents?
The heart of Citrus Hills is its active, resort-style lifestyle — with golf, tennis, pickleball, fitness, dining, and social clubs. While most programs are geared toward adults, families benefit from the abundance of outdoor recreation in the surrounding area, including biking trails, springs, and beaches. The community provides a safe, welcoming environment for all ages.
Are there any restrictions on long-term residency for younger adults?
No. Unlike age-restricted 55+ communities, Citrus Hills places no long-term residency restrictions based on age. Whether you’re a retiree, working professional, or raising a family, you can enjoy all the benefits of homeownership and membership in Citrus Hills.
Can grandchildren or younger family members visit and use the amenities?
Absolutely. Families love that Citrus Hills is welcoming to grandchildren and younger relatives. Visiting children can enjoy pools, parks, and outdoor spaces throughout the community, while still respecting that most activities and clubs are designed for adults. This makes Citrus Hills a perfect place to host family while enjoying an active, resort-style lifestyle year-round.