Hernando County is located on the central-west coast of Florida north of Tampa Bay. With the Gulf of Mexico on the west, Citrus County to the north, Sumter County to the east, and Pasco County to the south. Hernando County is 37 miles east to west, and 18 miles north to south for a total of 506 square miles.
Hernando County is part of the 9-county "Nature Coast" and lies within the census-designated Tampa Bay metropolitan area. Construction, dairy/cattle production, distribution, electronics, forest resources, health care, lime rock mining, manufacturing, retail, and tourism fuel the economy of the county.
As part of the Nature Coast, vast tracts of public land have been preserved in Hernando County. These include the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Chinsegut Hill National Wildlife Refuge, Withlacoochee State Forest, and Weeki Wachee Preserve. Recreation area in the Withlacoochee and Weeki Wachee Rivers as well as at the Silver Lake Recreation Area, and Weeki Wachee Springs offers numerous outdoor activities.
With a mild average January temperature of 60 degrees, outdoor recreation is abundant in Hernando County. Hunting, fishing, camping, paddling, birding, biking and hiking are just a few of the many recreational opportunities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Numerous championship golf courses, paved or wilderness bicycle trails, and the Croom Motorcycle Recreation Area offers, additional recreational opportunities for visitors and residents of the County.
The Census 2000 population for Hernando County was 130,802. Spring Hill is the largest Hernando County community with a population of approximately 80,000. Brooksville is the county seat with a population around 7,000. The only other city within Hernando County is Weeki Wachee with a small population of less than 20. It was incorporated many decades ago to appear on Florida maps but is mainly a tourist destination for its world famous mermaid shows.
In 2001 the Suncoast Parkway was opened to connect Hernando County with the Tampa International Airport. The toll way allows for easier commutes between Hernando County and Tampa Bay. Other major roads such as Interstate 75, US 19 and US 301 run north and south providing other routes to the Tampa Bay area. The main east and west road is US 50 the runs from County Line on the East to Weeki Wachee on the west coast.
Hernando County's location allows for short commutes to both Tampa Bay and Orlando, which provides a countless number of entertainment options. Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios and countless of other entertainment venues are located within an hours drive to the east. Bush Gardens in Tampa Bay can be reached within 45 minutes from most locations in the county. Other area surrounding Hernando County such as Cyprus Gardens in Lakeland, Silver Springs in Ocala and Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral are other great locations.
Hernando County's official population grew from 17,004 in 1970 to 130,802 in 2000. The last estimate on the County population is 165,034. With the growth in population the county real estate market has dramatically expanded during the past 5 years. Hernando County proximity to the Tampa Bay area offers more affordable homes and a easy daily commute. Hernando County offers a quiet and relaxing country lifestyle within close proximity of the cites of Tampa and Orlando. For more information of Hernando County Real Estate at Hernando County Real Estate
