Thinking about a quieter Florida retirement where your dollar goes further and life moves at an easy pace? If you want mild winters, simple living, and a strong sense of community without big-city noise, Beverly Hills in Citrus County may fit you well. In this guide, you’ll get a clear picture of everyday life, housing options, recreation, healthcare access, and how it compares with nearby towns. Let’s dive in.
Beverly Hills at a glance
Beverly Hills is a retirement-friendly, low-density community with a suburban and semi-rural feel. You’ll see many single-story homes, smaller households, and several age-restricted neighborhoods designed for low-maintenance living. The climate is humid subtropical, which means hot, humid summers and mild winters. Hurricane season runs from June through November, so storm planning and heat safety are part of everyday life.
Day-to-day living
Getting around and walkability
Beverly Hills is largely car-dependent. Sidewalks are limited in some neighborhoods, and most errands require a short drive. Public transit in Citrus County is modest compared with big metros, though there are county-supported options for seniors and door-to-door services in some cases. Rideshare coverage can be spotty, so you will want your own vehicle for reliability.
Errands, shopping, and services
You’ll find local shopping centers for everyday needs like groceries, pharmacy items, and casual dining. For larger retailers, specialty shops, and a wider range of services, residents often drive to Inverness, Crystal River, or Lecanto. Banking and postal services are available nearby, and county libraries host classes and clubs that make it easy to meet people.
Community and social life
A lot of social connection happens through community centers, clubs, volunteer groups, and faith communities. Citrus County Senior Services provides meals, activities, and helpful resources for older adults. Many age-restricted neighborhoods also organize events so you can build a network quickly after you move.
Recreation and the outdoors
Golf culture
Golf is a big part of the local lifestyle. You’ll find a mix of public and private courses in and around Citrus County, and some 55-plus or golf-adjacent neighborhoods offer access to on-site or nearby facilities. Green fees, memberships, and resident discounts vary, so check each course directly for current details.
Trails, water, and wildlife
If you enjoy walking or biking, the Withlacoochee State Trail is a major local asset with convenient parking areas and access points within a short drive. For water lovers, the Crystal River and Homosassa areas are known for manatee viewing, boat tours, kayaking, and fishing. Many residents plan easy day trips to the Gulf for a nature fix without living directly on the coast.
Housing options and costs
You have a wide range of choices:
- Single-family detached homes, often one-story ranch style that works well for aging in place.
- Manufactured and modular homes, which can be an affordable way to enjoy Florida living.
- Age-restricted and 55-plus communities, sometimes with HOA amenities such as pools, clubhouses, and lawn care.
- Fewer condos and high-rise buildings than coastal markets.
Many homes were built from the 1970s to the 1990s, with some newer infill options. HOA fees vary by neighborhood and usually cover common-area maintenance and amenities. Florida has no state income tax, which is a meaningful benefit for retirees. Property taxes and homestead exemptions are set at the county level, and some seniors may qualify for additional reductions. Insurance needs are property-specific. Beverly Hills is inland, which can reduce storm-surge flood exposure, but wind and hurricane risk still exist. Flood insurance may still be wise depending on the property.
Utilities can differ by street. Some older areas use septic systems and private wells, while others have central water and sewer. Internet speeds vary by provider and neighborhood, so confirm service levels if you plan to stream, do telehealth, or stay in close touch with family.
Quick buyer checklist
- Verify HOA fees, rules, and what services they include.
- Confirm water and sewer (public vs well and septic) and the condition of any septic system.
- Request homeowners and wind coverage quotes, and consider flood insurance if recommended.
- Review FEMA flood maps for the specific property address.
- Check the age and condition of the roof, HVAC, windows, and electrical systems.
- Estimate property taxes and confirm your homestead exemption eligibility.
- Test broadband availability and speeds for your exact address.
Healthcare and safety
Citrus County is served by a regional hospital system with emergency services, and you will find urgent care clinics, primary care, and a range of specialists in Inverness, Crystal River, and Lecanto. For retirees, access to cardiology, orthopedics, physical therapy, and home health support is often top of mind, and these services are available in the region. If you have complex medical needs, consider drive times to your providers and plan for urgent care access.
Hurricane readiness is part of Florida life. Learn your evacuation routes, know the location of local shelters, and keep a plan for medications, power outages, and communication. Because neighborhoods vary, review local safety reports and talk with neighbors to understand block-level conditions.
Beverly Hills vs. nearby towns
Below is a high-level comparison to help you narrow your search. Conditions vary by neighborhood, so treat this as a starting point.
| Community | Housing vibe | Recreation draw | Medical access | Walkability and transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beverly Hills | Single-family and manufactured homes, several 55-plus options | Golf nearby, trail access within a short drive | Regional hospital and clinics in the county | Mostly car-dependent, limited public transit |
| Inverness | More services as the county seat, varied single-family | Lakes, parks, and nearby rail-trail access | Hospital and broad outpatient services | Car-dependent with some services closer together |
| Crystal River/Homosassa | Mix of single-family and waterfront areas | Manatees, boating, fishing, coastal parks | Clinics and outpatient services; specialty care nearby | Car-dependent; tourist amenities closer to town centers |
| Lecanto | Central location with county facilities and newer development | Golf and community parks | Clinics, specialty offices, and county services | Car-dependent with convenient access to main corridors |
Is Beverly Hills a fit for you?
Choose Beverly Hills if you want a calm, budget-conscious lifestyle with easy access to golf, trails, and coastal day trips. You will likely drive for most errands, but you gain a quiet setting and low-maintenance living. If you prefer nightlife, walkable downtowns, or daily waterfront access, you might look at Crystal River or Inverness, then compare costs and insurance.
Smart next steps
- Tour homes in a few neighborhoods to compare HOA rules, lot sizes, and maintenance needs.
- Plan a scouting day for errands, driving times, and the Withlacoochee State Trail.
- Map your nearest hospital, urgent care, and specialist offices.
- Pull a property-specific FEMA flood lookup and get insurance quotes early.
- Explore senior services and any paratransit options you might use.
Ready to see if Beverly Hills fits your retirement plan? Connect with local expert Laura Bush, PA for a friendly consult, neighborhood guidance, and concierge help from search to closing.
FAQs
Is Beverly Hills, FL mainly for retirees or mixed-age residents?
- Beverly Hills has a large share of older adults and several age-restricted neighborhoods, along with mixed-age areas that include single-family and manufactured homes.
Can I live in Beverly Hills, FL without a car?
- Most residents rely on a personal vehicle since walkability is limited and public transit options are modest compared with big cities.
How close is medical care to Beverly Hills, FL?
- You will find a regional hospital in the county and a range of clinics, urgent care centers, and specialists in nearby towns such as Inverness, Crystal River, and Lecanto.
What types of homes are common in Beverly Hills, FL?
- One-story single-family homes, manufactured and modular homes, and 55-plus communities are common, with fewer condo-style options than coastal markets.
What should I budget for monthly HOA or community fees?
- Fees vary widely by neighborhood and amenities, so review each community’s rules and cost breakdown to understand what is included, such as lawn care or clubhouse access.
What are the main weather risks in Beverly Hills, FL?
- Expect hot, humid summers and hurricane season from June through November; inland location reduces storm-surge exposure but wind and flood risks still require preparation.
Are utilities and internet reliable in Beverly Hills, FL?
- Utility types vary by area, with some homes on septic and well and others on central services; confirm provider options and internet speeds at the property level.
How active is the golf scene near Beverly Hills, FL?
- Golf is popular countywide, with public and private courses nearby; availability, tee times, and fees differ by course and season.
