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Crystal River
By Alison Markham, Broker-Associate, GRI, Realtor® | February 16, 2008
Crystal River Florida and King’s Bay are world famous as the “Manatee Capitol of the World”. People flock here from all over the world to experience this one of a kind experience. There are many local tour guides, boat rentals, and snorkel or dive shops located right on King’s Bay in Crystal River. The mild, 72 degree waters are maintained by a constant flow of millions of gallons of water per day from the deep natural springs. The manatees migrate into these warm waters during the cooler winter months making it a natural haven where you can swim with the manatee.
If this type of activity sounds appealing to you then this seaside lifestyle could be yours year round. Waterfront property and waterfront homes are available in Crystal River at still reasonable prices compared to other Florida waterfront areas. Imagine kayaking to your neighbor’s house.
Crystal River offers docking as well as dry dock storage for boaters, world class tarpon fishing just off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico and some of the best fresh water bass, brim and catfish in Florida. You can also fish here for grouper, cobia, red fish and sea trout. There is even Fort Island Gulf Beach just 9 miles west of Crystal River for those who just wish to relax.
Nearby waterfront communities like King’s Bay Drive, Fort Island Trail and Ozello Trail offer secluded waterfront living at its best. A drive through some of these areas is like going back in time to what “Old Florida” must have looked like hundreds of years ago. The pristine, untouched wetlands abound with native wildlife including gray heron, blue heron and egrets. In fact, much of the county is protected by state and local parks, preserves and refuges like the Homosassa State Wildlife Park, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal River Wildlife Refuge, Citrus County’s 18 Birding trails, Withlacoochee State Forest, and Crystal River Archaeological State Park.
You cannot mention Crystal River without noting the palatial 232-acre Plantation Inn and Golf Resort with its meticulously manicured greens. There are in fact over a dozen world caliber gold courses in Citrus County including the prestigious Black Diamond Ranch, El Diablo, Seven Rivers Golf and Country Club and nearby World Woods practice facility.
Crystal River also has excellent dining and cannot be beat for great fresh seafood. Several restaurants, pubs and tiki bar
s on the water are boater friendly and you can dock right at the fine establishments. With seven rivers meandering through the region it won’t be hard to find just the right waterfront home for you. Be it bay front, riverfront or lakefront Citrus County has it all. And there are still many undeveloped waterfront lots in the county for new residents as well as prospective investors.
Crystal River, Florida is in the heart of the pristine Nature Coast! This beautiful area is one of the fastest growing in Florida, and there is no wonder. Crystal River has so much to offer singles, families, retired, and anyone else who is looking for a new, fresh, and exciting life.
Just a few minutes from anywhere in Crystal River is the sparkling and refreshing Gulf of Mexico, excellent for boating, fishing or just getting away from it all. There are also numerous rivers, lakes, and springs in the area including the Crystal River and The Homosassa River, both of which are spring fed. Along with the water comes many water activities including boating, canoing, kayaking, and don’t forget about swimming with the manatees. If underwater exploration sounds exciting to you, there are many local dive shops that rent boats, SCUBA diving and snorkel equipment as well as offer lessons.
One of the most popular activities in Crystal River Florida is swimming with the Manatees. Crystal River Florida is home to the endangered West Indian Manatee. Locals and tourists from around the world flock to Crystal River to swim with these giant, gentle sea cows. For just a small amount of money, you get gear, a guide, and a once in a lifetime chance to swim with these graceful creatures once mistaken for mermaids.
Crystal River
When you’re finished swimming with the manatees, grab some new friends and head out for a bite to eat. There are plenty of restaurants in the area. Some popular ones are Apple Bees, Chili’s, Cody’s Steakhouse, Fat Boys Bar-B-Q, Crackers on the Water and the Crystal River Ale House offering waterfront dinning.
There is a lot to do on the many sunny days that Crystal River has to offer. You can visit the Crystal River State Archeology Site, the Crysta River Wildlife Refuge, Fort Island Gulf Beach, or one of Citrus Counties 18 birding trails as well as an occasional outdoor concert at Rockcrusher Canyon. Crystal River Florida is truly a family fun community.
While Crystal River is away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, those large metropolitan areas are just a short car ride away. Take a day and drive to nearby Orlando or Tampa and go to huge malls and theme parks. Or go up the road about a half hour to Ocala, where you can go to Silver Springs Park or Wild Waters.
Crystal River is home to three schools, Crystal River Elementary, Crystal River Middle, and Crystal River High School. The Pirates of Crystal River High have won many sports and academic awards throughout the past few years. So come and cheer them on as they battle other area schools in various sporting events.
There are also several golf courses in Crystal River including Seven Rivers Golf Course and the near by Plantation Inn and Golf Resort.
With all that Crystal River has to offer, many people are calling this their new home
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