Hernando, FL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Located in Central Florida , Hernando is a small, residential town just under an hour from the Gulf Coast. It is known for its year-round warmth and access to plenty of outdoor recreation. In addition, its affordable housing and proximity to the amenities of Ocala make it a popular retirement destination.

Climate & Geography 

The climate in Hernando is characterized by two distinct seasons: a long, hot, and wet summer and a short, pleasant, and dry winter. Thunderstorms are frequent in the summer, resulting in higher-than-average rainfall. While winter temperatures can reach freezing in the early morning, this is rare and there is no snow. Residents can expect about 244 days of sunshine each year.

Hernando’s eastern border is the Tsala Apopka Lake, a network of lakes and wetlands that are part of the Withlacoochee River system. The terrain is mostly flat, with marsh and wetlands throughout, and the city is surrounded by national parks and preserves.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

With so many greenspaces surrounding Hernando, outdoor recreation is easy to find. The Withlacoochee State Trail is a large set of biking trails with campsites and recreational areas throughout. Residents can fish, hike, and boat at the Potts Preserve, Lake Hernando Park, Halpata Tastanaki Nature Preserve, and Henderson Lake. There are also two golf courses in Hernando, and several more in surrounding cities.

Hernando offers several locally-owned antique shops, boutiques, and eateries spread throughout the area. The Shoppes of Citrus Hills is a small shopping center for any daily amenity. For larger-scale shopping, dining, and art exhibits, residents can head to Ocala, under an hour away to the north.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Hernando’s cost of living is below the national average because of its affordable housing. Other factors like transportation, utilities, and groceries are just above average.

Florida is very tax friendly for retirees because it does not levy a standard income tax. In addition, property taxes are below average. Sales taxes generally match the national average.

Health Care

The Ocala metro area ranks in the top 30 communities on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, and scores especially well in the community and social factors of the survey.

There are no hospitals in Hernando, but the closest hospital that is rated high performing by U.S. News is Citrus Memorial Health System in nearby Inverness. In Ocala, two other high performing hospitals are Munroe Regional Medical Center and Ocala Regional Medical Center.