An outdoor lover's paradise, Inverness, Florida is surrounded by lakes, rivers and forests. The town received its unique name from a Scotsman who visited the area in the late 1880's. He became so enamored with the town's Lake Tsala Apopka, that he compared its beauty to his native Scotland. He quickly dubbed the town 'Inverness' after his home of Inverness, Scotland.
A small town, Inverness stretches for seven square miles and boasts a population of under 7500 residents. The county seat of Citrus County, Inverness appeals to anyone with a love for nature, but the town has become known affectionately by locals as a bicycle lover's paradise. The Withlacoochee Rails to Trails sits only blocks from the heart of downtown. It spans 46 miles and is fully paved, being a dream trail for joggers, walkers or bike riders. Inverness also takes its bicycle enthusiast population seriously, and provides bike lanes for safety on all main roads.
Moving to Inverness
Approximately 29 percent of homes in Inverness are either home rentals or apartment complex rentals. There is no shortage of rental variety in the area. You can choose from something as simple a studio apartment, or opt to find large houses for rent. When it comes to property rentals, just give yourself a bit of time to explore and learn the town, so you know what area you want to call home. A small town, it should only take you a few days to learn the various neighborhoods and see what catches your eye. Generally, people choose a home that is close to their work, school or other amenities such as shopping. Inverness is also a hot spot for people seeking vacation rentals or premier apartments. Sometimes in the off-season - which is the the summer months of June through September -- you can find a reasonable vacation house or apartment rentals that will get you by until you find a more long term housing for rent.
Neighborhoods in Inverness
Inverness is well known for its small, historic neighborhoods. Each one has its own flavor and appeal.
Wyld Palms: A gated community, Wyld Palms is comprised of several villages that hold more than 900 homes. One of the city's newest neighborhoods, it integrates the lush natural vegetation of the region to form a neighborhood that has a strong focus on the area's ecology.
LaBelle: LaBelle was once its own tiny town, but was quickly absorbed by the booming city of Inverness. Few people, even locals, remember that LaBelle was even its own distinct burg. Located between West Main Street, Lowndes Street, Hendrix Avenue and Cherry Avenue, the neighborhood of LaBelle covers approximately 100 acres and holds 81 homes.
Azalea Island: Azalea Island offers lakeshore living to its residents. The neighborhood is located along the banks of Little Lake Henderson and is made up of only 32 homes. A coveted location, its only minutes from downtown and less than 50 yards away from the Withlacoochee Rails to Trails. The Gum Slough Water Path also winds its way by the neighborhood and is favorite for canoeing, kayaking and air boat enthusiasts.
Tompkinsville: The neighborhood known as Tompkinsville is rife with history. The houses in the area held the town's first families. You can easily find the historic area by looking for Tompkins and Dampier streets. The neighborhood is nestled between Cherry Avenue, Big Lake Henderson and Little Lake Henderson. Its within walking distance of dining and shopping. Head down to the McLeod House Bistro on 207 N. Apopka Avenue to try their famous raspberry stuffed chicken.
Fletcher Heights: Located about two miles from downtown, Fletcher Heights has 51 homes. The neighborhood is not far from the town's hospital and Withlacoochee State Forest. The Florida National Scenic Trail runs right by the neighborhood. The 1400 mile hiking trail stretches from the Panhandle of Florida all the way south to the Everglades. In the mood for live music? Head to Joyce's Courtside Pub located at 203 Courthouse Square. You can enjoy a beer and listen to a local band. If you are feeling feisty, you can kick up your heels a bit.
Rosemary: The historic downtown neighborhood of Rosemary was once located along the railroad tracks, but the residents no longer have to worry about the roar of a locomotive. Those days are long gone and the homes of the Rosemary neighborhood are now tranquil. Take an evening stroll and try out an ice cream cone at the local Ice Cream DR located at 106 Pine Street.
Pritchard Island: A neighborhood with lakefront houses, Pritchard Island is an area where its hard to find a rental. Approximately 95 percent of the homes are owner-occupied, but if you have your heart set on getting a house rental on Pritchard Island don't give up because they do become available on occasion.
Inverness Heights: Located west of town, you will find many single family homes and apartment complexes. You can also sometimes find one bedroom apartments at the apartment complexes or being rented out from private homes. A relatively new area of town, it's often the best area to seek places to rent.
Living in Inverness
Everywhere that you turn in Inverness, there is a reminder of what makes Florida charming. If you want to spend some time on the water, why not take an airboat ride with Wild Bill's Airboat Tours. After an afternoon zipping across the water to catch some gator sightings, you might have worked up a bit of an appetite so why not gather with the locals at Joyce's Courtside Pub at 203 Courthouse Square. If Fido requires an evening walk, head to the Bark Central Dog Park at 6301 Turner Camp Rd, for a game of ball with your four-legged friend. Life in Inverness is laid back and offers old time Florida charm. It's a place where you can hear the cicadas humming and the trees rustling in the breeze. You leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind when you take up residence in the Florida gem of Inverness.