Living in Florida has plenty of advantages, but very few people want to live in the big cities with so much traffic, noise, and commotion. If you are looking for the ideal Florida lifestyle without the big city problems, we have a great location for you – Crystal River. Come swim with the manatees!
Fast Facts About Crystal River
Population (2018): 3,162
Distance from:
- Tampa, FL: 79 miles (1 hr. 15 minutes)
- Orlando, FL: 86.5 miles (1 hr. 32 minutes)
- St. Petersburg, FL: 93.1 miles (1 hr. 25 minutes)
Nearest airport:
- Tampa International Airport (74 miles)
Median income (2020):
- Individual: $35,503
- Household: $58,398
County: Citrus
Type of location: small town
Why is Crystal River a Nice Place to Live?
When living in Crystal River, you are able to enjoy the small town, suburban life with all of the natural beauty and excitement of larger areas. The population is not high, and there are always things to do in and around the city. If you are a nature-lover, Crystal River is an ideal place because you can explore and enjoy everything offered by these fantastic attractions:
- Three Sisters Springs
- Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
- Hunter Springs Park
- Crystal River Preserve State Park
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park
And if you ever want to get out of the city and go visit one of the larger attractions in nearby Orlando, you are not far from Disney World and Universal Studios.
What is Crystal River Known For?
If you have not heard of Crystal River, Florida, before, you will never be able to forget it once you read through this guide! The city of Crystal River has dubbed itself “Home of the Manatee,” and it certainly lives up to its name. Because the city is situated around Kings Bay, it is spring fed and is able to remain at the same 72F temperature all year long.
During the winter months, Crystal River is taken over by 400 manatees who have migrated there from the Gulf of Mexico. Since the waters in the Gulf cool, the manatees want to stay warm, so they head for the spring-fed warm waters of Crystal River. This is the only city in which human interaction with the manatees is deemed appropriate and lawful by law enforcement, rather than harassment. Imagine being able to swim with manatees every day!
If manatee interaction is not enough for you, the city is also very historical. When the Crystal River Nuclear Plant was being built in 1969, scientists made a discovery of rhinoceros bones, mastodon bones, giant armadillo shells, and the shells of large land tortoises. This tells us that the area we know as Crystal River was much different during the Pleistocene Era.
What Are the Best Restaurants in Crystal River?
When you are looking for a great place to sit down for a family meal, living in Crystal River has plenty of options that are sure to please the whole family. Some of the top rated eateries include:
- Cracker’s Bar & Grill – casual seafood restaurant with a waterfront deck
- Granny’s Country Cookin’ Restaurant – family-style breakfast and lunch options
- Vintage on 5th – Southern cooking, steak, and seafood with full wine selection in a renovated 1940s cottage church
- The Crab Plant – restaurant located across from a fish market to guarantee the seafood is fresh
- Cody’s Original Roadhouse – comfort food in a roadhouse-themed Americana restaurant
With so many places to eat, we are sure you will find something for every hungry palate.
Find a Great Home in Crystal River, FL
Does Crystal River, FL, seem like a great place to call home for you and your family? Contact our experienced real estate agents at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty – Coldwell Real Estate Services to find out more about this small city as well as the types of homes that are available. Give me a call at 352-290-3512 or fill out the form below with the requested information.