The water
More than 70 springs feed Kings Bay, and the City of Crystal River puts the water at 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year. The Crystal River itself is about seven miles long. Three Sisters Springs, part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, opened to visitors in November 2014.
In winter, between 250 and 300 manatees use the springs. The refuge sanctuaries close from 15 November to 31 March. Outside that period the bay is open to kayaks, paddleboards and boats.
If you are looking at a canal home, ask about the canal depth at low tide, whether a fixed bridge sits between the dock and open water, and what flood insurance would cost. Ask these before you make an offer.
Nature on the doorstep
- Three Sisters Springs and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, open since November 2014.
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park, a National Historic Landmark with six mounds, a museum and 51 steps up Temple Mound A.
- Crystal River Preserve State Park, with the Seven-Mile Loop across three tidal creeks and two kayak launches.
- Hunter Springs Park, a city park with a swimming area and a kayak launch.
- Fort Island Gulf Beach, the county's man-made saltwater beach. It closed after Hurricane Helene, and the county posted a swimming advisory in March 2026. Check the county's notices before you go.
Getting around
US 19 and 98 run through the centre of town. State Road 44 runs 17 miles east to Inverness, the county seat. Driving times without traffic: 97 minutes to downtown Tampa, 92 minutes to Tampa International Airport, 112 minutes to downtown Orlando and 87 minutes to Gainesville.
Health care
TGH Crystal River, on North Suncoast Boulevard, was Seven Rivers hospital before Tampa General took it over. It is about 8 minutes from the centre by car. HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, at 502 West Highland Boulevard in Inverness, is about 28 minutes away.
Waterfront homes
A waterfront home raises questions about flood zones, elevation and insurance, and those costs differ from street to street. Ask about them in the first conversation.
What homes cost
The median sale price of a single-family home in Citrus County was $299,000 in April 2026, up 5.1% from April 2025, according to Florida Realtors data as reported by the Chronicle. Prices move from month to month, so check the latest figure in the Florida Realtors market reports before you decide.
Is it for you?
Crystal River suits people who want to live on or near the water and who like wildlife and outdoor time. If that sounds right, rent for a season first, then talk to Myriam about where to buy.