Citra, FL
Home of the Pineapple Orange
In Ocala’s metropolitan area, you’ll find quiet, laid-back Citra. Once a center of citrus-fruit growing, Citra is now a small, friendly community where you can find a welcoming place to live. With both move-in ready homes and rural land that’s ripe for development, many people are choosing to settle in this bucolic town.
Citra: The Basics
Nearly 5,500 people call Citra home. Many of them are families with children, and most residents are between the ages of 25 to 54. Whether you are retiring or raising a family, you’ll be right at home in Citra.
History of Citra
Citra’s history goes all the way back to 1881 when it was officially established and named. The main industry in the region was agriculture, with the central focus of growers being the pineapple orange. Named for its scent, which was similar to a pineapple, the pineapple orange also was sometimes called the hickory orange.
Thanks to the presence of a railroad line, Citra quickly became a major center for shipping citrus fruit, and during its early years, Citra grew considerably. The city boasted numerous stores, a movie theater, bank, post office and train station when it was a bustling community. Although many cities that were centered around citrus growing did not survive the many harsh freezes that occurred just before the turn of the 20th century, Citra endured.
It was not until the hard freezes in 1983, 1984 and 1985 that Citra’s thriving agricultural industry came to an end. Today, Citra is a much quieter place, offering Florida residents a chance to enjoy the unspoiled countryside.
Things to Do in Citra
Citra boasts some attractions and activities that will appeal to the whole family. Visitors and locals love to tour the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary, a zoo for exotic animals that includes residents like tigers, lions, cougars, bears and many others. Even more exotic creatures may be visited at Skunkie Acres. This is a favorite spot with locals who want to see skunks, alligators, foxes, wolves, donkeys and more.
Locals make a habit of stopping at Crones Cradle Conserve to pick up the freshest produce and herbs around. The Farm Store even has many hand-crafted items for sale.
In the center of Citra is The Orange Shop. For many residents and travelers, this is the number-one spot to visit in Citra. As you wander the aisles, you’ll be able to peruse mouth-watering delicacies like key lime bundt cake and deep south pecan pie as well as a wide array of honey, jams, sauces, dressing and many more.
The must-attend event of the year in Citra is the Orange-A-Fair. It’s a major fundraiser for a local group that is hoping to restore the 1922 bank building, which has fallen into disrepair. The group hopes to turn the building into a museum someday. In the meantime, residents and visitors have an opportunity to enjoy activities like a fish fry and a citrus cook-off. With live music, classic cars and an exhibit of antique farm equipment, this festival boasts something for everyone.
Citra Real Estate
Citra may be small, but that just means that it is easier to find a quiet corner to call your own. It’s not unusual to find homes with at least half-acre lots as well as lots that are much larger. Whether you’re looking for five acres or a few hundred acres, chances are good that you can find it right here in Citra.
Some of these lots have move-in ready homes so that you can start your new life immediately. You’ll find a wide range of options, with homes having been built anywhere from the 1950s up to the last couple of years. Many of these single-family homes have an authentically rustic look that perfectly blends in with the gorgeous natural surroundings.
Citra is one of the few communities in Florida where it’s possible to purchase hundreds of undeveloped acres. This makes it possible for the right family to build the home of their dreams. If you had one hundred acres, what would you do with it? Perhaps you’ll build a stable for horses, put in a putting green or start your own small grove of citrus trees. When you purchase land in Citra, the sky is the limit.
Are You Ready to Move to Citra?
Has it always been your dream to own a piece of land? Maybe you’d like to keep a horse or two, or perhaps you just want to have plenty of room between your house and your nearest neighbor. Whatever your wishes might be, chances are good that you can find the perfect lot or home in Citra.
Contact Florida’s Choice Realty today to learn more about Citra and the real estate options that you’ll find there. With an expert Realtor working for you, you’re bound to find the home you’ve always wanted.
