Settled in 1882 as the town of Abbott, Zephyrhills quickly adopted its current name because of the warm zephyr breezes that blow over the area’s many beautiful hills. This city, which is as peaceful and as beautiful as its name implies, has attracted retirees since 1910, when it became home to a retirement community for veterans.
Today, Zephyrhills is still one of the best places to retire in Florida, thanks to an abundance of warmth and sunshine, beautiful scenery, low-cost housing, convenience, amenities, affordable living, and more. If you are considering a move to this beautiful city, here is everything you need to know to help you enjoy the rewarding retirement you deserve.
What to expect
Area
Zephyrhills is a small city of about 17,000 in Pasco County, Florida, just 30 miles north of As a destination for retirees, it is highly desirable because of an abundance of retirement communities and low-cost housing, as well as beautiful weather and lots of convenient amenities within a short walk or drive of the area’s many retirement communities and homes.
Weather
The entire state of Florida is known for beautiful weather that rarely dips below 50 degrees, even in the middle of winter. Zephyrhills is no exception. When you embrace retirement here, you can expect to encounter that same year-round warmth and abundant sunshine. In fact, the city averages 0 inches of snow a year, and an impressive 249 days of sunshine annually.
You should, however, expect to encounter some changes in the seasons. Cloud cover, precipitation, wind, and more all change throughout the year so you can enjoy a rhythmic feel to the weather while still enjoying the warmth of the Florida climate. Add in the gentle, warm breezes that gave Zephyrhills its name, and you have a city that offers a retirement replete with warmth, sunshine, and relaxation.
Safety
Zephyrhills is also a very safe place to live. The city’s violent crime rate is significantly lower than the rate in other, similarly-sized cities, and 2 percent less than the national average. With multiple locations known as stable and secure places to reside, it is easy to find a place to retire where you can feel entirely secure over the long-term.
Practical Living
Airport
Zephyrhills may be a small city, but it has its very own airport, the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (TPA). Multiple major airlines fly into this publicly owned and operated airport, including the following:
- Frontier
- Delta
- American
- Southwest
- United
- JetBlue
This means that you can fly in and out of your retirement home easily, and inexpensively, without needing to navigate the larger and more distant Tampa Airport.
Getting Around
When you choose one of the best places to retire in Florida, you expect exceptional transportation that makes getting around easy. This is exactly what you will find in Zephyrhills. This city is bisected by major U.S. 301, which travels north to south throughout the state. Zephyrhills is also located within 15 minutes of multiple major roads and interstates so you can easily get to major points of interest in the state, including Tampa and the Gulf Coast.
In addition, Zephyrhills is served by GoPasco, the county’s public transportation company. You can use low-fare trolleys and buses to get around the county. GoPasco also offers specialized services to those who qualify as transportation disadvantaged.
Shopping
Shopping is plentiful in Zephyrhills, no matter where you prefer to shop. Choose from big box stores such as Walmart, thrift stores, local specialty stores, and more. In addition to the wide variety of shops in Zephyrhills itself, you are only a short drive from Tampa and all of the shopping options available there.
Doctors/hospitals
While nearby Tampa offers many healthcare options for both routine and critical care needs, you can also access high-quality doctors within Zephyrhills itself. The city is home to two major hospitals, AdventHealth Zephyrhills and Zephyrhills Hospital, which provide access to an ER, children’s emergency care, cardiac care, ENT services, GI care, and more. Whatever your needs, you can receive personalized and attentive treatment near to home in Zephyrhills.
Banks
Zephyrhills provides convenient access to numerous banks and credit unions. Choose from big names such as Wells Fargo or more local options, such as the First National Bank of Pasco. Use these financial institutions to conduct everyday banking, seek out loans, save, and successfully manage your retirement finances.
Satisfy all of your postal needs in Zephyrhills with a local post office. In some retirement communities, such as Bedrock Communities, you can even complete some tasks right within the community.
Things to Do
Beaches
Zephyrhills is not one of Florida’s coastal towns, but you can still easily access some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches from here. Tampa, for example, is only about a 30-minute drive away, while the renowned Clearwater Beach is a drive of about an hour away. That means you can enjoy swimming, fishing, sunbathing, boating, and more, without the high real estate prices and heavy traffic that comes with living in a coastal city.
Museums
Zephyrhills is home to two major museums: The Depot Museum and the Museum of Military History. A restoration of the original 1927 Atlantic Coast Line Depot, the Depot Museum now houses multiple exhibits and a model train display to help you understand and appreciate the transportation history of the area.
The Museum of Military History preserves the history of World War II soldiers who trained in Zephyrhills, and includes displays from other conflicts as well. It is located on the old Zephyrhills Army Airfield.
Skydiving
Zephyrhills is considered a premier skydiving destination in the state. If you are feeling a little adventurous, stop by the city’s skydiving center to enjoy excitement, adrenaline, and fun in a location that is ideal for this thrilling activity.
Golfing and Tennis
If you prefer to remain on solid ground, you can enjoy more traditional outdoor activities, such as golfing and tennis, in Zephyrhills. The city is home to multiple tennis courts and golf courses, and some retirement communities may offer easy on-site access to these activities.
Parks
Green space is abundant in Zephyrhills. If you want to take the grandkids out for the day, enjoy a walk, or simply relax surrounded by greenery, consider using one of the city’s many parks.
Find a Home
Bedrock Communities Living
With a median home price of $299,000, Zephyrhills housing can feel a little high. However, housing is even more affordable when you choose Bedrock Communities’ Winters community. This 55+ community mobile homes that offer attainable Florida living at a cost that is less than the area’s median home price.
Features
Our Winters community provides many features designed to provide you with a home that fits your lifestyle and a community that complements your taste. Here are just a few of the features you can expect when you choose Bedrock Communities’ Winters community in Zephyrhills:
- A short drive from shops, dining, entertainment, beaches, and Tampa.
- Access to Florida beaches
- Beautiful mobile homes for an affordable price
- Pet-friendly policies
- An active and friendly 55+ community
Amenities
In addition, our Winters community provides amenities to make your life more comfortable and more convenient. Stay active and connected right within the Winters community with amenities such as the following:
- Heated pool with ADA accessibility
- Shuffleboard court
- Clubhouse
- Library
- Pool
A comfortable and rewarding retirement is within reach when you choose Bedrock Communities’ Winters community. Take advantage of everything Zephyrhills has to offer, along with an affordable home and attainable Florida living. Contact us today to learn more!