Hernando, Florida, is often confused with Hernando County, Florida, which is about 20 miles to the south. Hernando was a city until the seventies, when the town decided to disband its local government and become an unincorporated area. These zones are called census-designated places because even though they are not official cities or towns, they have to be included in the census count.
Hernando's population was 9,054 as of the 2010 census. It is 35.4 square miles on Lake Henderson, which is part of a large system of marshlands, islands, and cypress swamps. The area boasts world-class bass fishing, boating, and water sports. There is so much space available on this expansive waterway that you can easily have several square miles all to yourself. Enjoy country living surrounded by wildlife in a comfortable area with mild winters and endless outdoor activities.
Moving To Hernando
Relocating to Hernando should be a simple matter. There are plenty of apartment complexes to choose from with one, two, and three bedroom units for rent. Homes for rent in Hernando are also easily available. Call ahead for rent specials and other deals on apartments for rent.
Taking Care of Business
You can find a place to live simply by calling a complex you are comfortable with and supplying them with a little information to complete a credit and rental history check. Some property owners may require background screenings. Once you have cleared all the checks, property managers are more than ready to make deals on upfront money and deposits if you sign a year's lease. All the arrangements can be made over the phone and online. You can relocate to Hernando in a week if you do not have a lease at your current location.
What You'll Find
There are fully furnished apartments, each of which comes with a kitchen, cable TV, and an eatery. You may want to place your belongings in storage while checking the area out before making a final decision about where to live. This area is definitely an automobile-dependent region. Walking, while nice for nature trails and exercise, is not a viable way to get around town. A bicycle would not fare much better. Rural areas like Hernando are spread out because land here is plentiful.
Hernando Neighborhoods
Hernando is too small of a town to be split into neighborhoods, but there are distinct sections of this unincorporated area. There are several golf resorts that may be quite luxurious, are also rich with amenities.
On The Water Front
Anywhere west of US 41 is on, or very near, the enormous array of lakes, islands, channels, and marshes. This area is largely inhabited by people who take fishing seriously or nature lovers who enjoy watching the birds, manatees, and other wildlife.
Apartments on the Water Front
Ventura Village: The Ventura Village has 54 apartments, 44 of which are one-bedroom units, and they are available for subsidies if you are in a financial pinch. They prefer to discuss rental opportunities person to person.
Windmill Drive Apartments: These apartments have a Hernando address, but they are a little south of town. Located between US 41 and the Lakeside Golf and Country Club (a few blocks from Connell Lake), these are fully furnished apartments and perfect for a single person. They have all the amenities of a hotel and feature a full kitchen, cable, refrigerator, on-premise eatery, and a swimming pool. Rent is high because they cater to vacationers looking to enjoy the fishing, golfing, and nature in the area.
Heron Woods: This area has 50 units, and they offer subsidized rent if needed, also. It is located on Tsala Apopka Lake and surrounded by pristine nature.
The Main Road: Most rental units are just off US 41, but motels that offer weekly rentals can be found to stay in while searching the area for a job and permanent place to live.
West of US 41: Several miles inland from Hernando are several apartment complexes to look into. Places such as Waterford Place, Magnolia Village, Marina Del Ray, River Reach, and Summerhill at Meadowcrest are all worth researching. There are many homes for rent in the area, too.
Living in Hernando
If you decide on an apartment that does not allow boat parking, you should consider talking to some of the local businesses with large lots that often let people store their boats for a modest fee. Fenced-in storage units are more difficult to keep, but there are plenty to be found. If you have dealt with large saltwater marinas in the past, prepare for culture shock, because in general at least, the two are completely different. You do not need a high-end bass boat or something that will be a major investment anyway. A simple johnboat or even a canoe will suffice. The point is that with all the waterways and islands, at some point you will want to take advantage of this vast natural resource. Even if you do not enjoy fishing, you can still have a lot of fun exploring the waterways and experiencing untamed nature up close. Do not forget your camera. If you do not own a boat, this is the area to find one for a good price.
Hernando is also home to a 46-mile biking trail known as the Withlacoochee State Trail. Formerly, the trail was a railroad track built in the early 1900s. The Hernando Trailhead is found at the northwest corner of US 41 and CR 486. Golfers will never want to leave Hernando because of the many nearby courses with a wide variety of layouts. There is a mixture of public and private courses depending of your preference. Country Club memberships are also available. Hernando is an affordable place to live with a rural retirement community feel. It is a nature lover's dream with lots of outdoor activities for all types of individuals to enjoy. You are only a short drive to the Gulf of Mexico or the Orlando theme parks. It is located just over an hour from Tampa and all the culture, professional sports, and activities that the Bay Area has to offer.