Zephyrhills, Florida, is a great place to call home if you’re looking for a laid-back lifestyle and access to plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to retire, a vacation home, or to enjoy life away from the hustle and bustle of major cities, Zephyrhills has many benefits.
In order to provide you with a deeper understanding of what life is like in this central Florida town, we will examine the key features of Zephyrhills. By doing so, you can access all the necessary information to determine if this location is a good match.
Overview of Zephyrhills, FL
As of 2021, the population was estimated to be approximately 18,154 people. It is part of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area but is still within close proximity to several parks, lakes, and nature reserves.
As with most cities in Florida, you can expect a lot of heat and humidity. The summers are long and hot, while the winters are short and dry. On average, temperatures range between 46 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit in this humid subtropical climate.
In general, it has a low cost of living, a below-average crime rate, and plenty of housing options. If you like the outdoors and desire a small-town vibe with a strong community, look no further than Zephyrhills.
Where is Zephyrhills, FL located?
Zephyrhills is located in west-central Florida (an hour inland) between Tampa and Orlando. It is on the eastern edge of Pasco County surrounded by a mix of suburban and rural areas. The city is quite small, covering 9.61 square miles in total with 0.05 miles of water. It follows the UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT) times zones.
Some of the primary roads include US Route 301, State Road 39, County Road 41, State Roads 54 & 56, and County Roads 579 & 535. Using these routes, you can access all neighboring counties in addition to nearby towns and cities. In addition, it’s also very close to vital highways like I-75, the Sun Coast Parkway, and the Veterans Expressway.
How far is Zephyrhills, FL to the closest major city?
From Zephyrhills, FL, the closest major city is Tampa, located 30 miles southwest. The optimal mode of transportation varies based on several factors, including your budget, timeline, and individual preferences.
When traveling by car the easiest passage is to hop on I-275 or I-75 and head south. In most cases, it takes around 45 minutes. If you don’t mind a longer journey or prefer to avoid the interstate, take US-301 south or US-401 south. Just be ready to deal with more traffic and stop lights.
For those without access to a vehicle, there are other transportation options available. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) operates several bus routes between Tampa and Zephyrhills, with stops at various locations in both cities. Of course, you can always travel by taxi, Uber, or another ride-sharing service.
Nearby Neighborhoods Worth Checking Out
If you like the general outlook of Zephyrhills, FL but prefer to be a bit closer to the ocean, here are some nearby neighborhoods worth consideration.
Wesley Chapel, FL – approximately 21 miles west
Land O’ Lakes, FL – approximately 22 miles west
Odessa, FL – approximately 26 miles west
Hudson, FL – approximately 39 miles west
New Port Richey, FL – approximately 39 miles west
Demographics of Zephyrhills, FL
We have sourced all our demographic data directly from census.gov. To access more in-depth information, kindly visit the official website. In the meantime, we have taken the liberty of breaking down the essential statistics for your convenience.
| Age and Sex | Zephyrhills city, FL | United States |
| Persons under 5 years | 4.8% | 5.7% |
| Persons under 18 years | 18.9% | 22.2% |
| Persons 65 years and over | 34.4% | 16.8% |
| Female persons | 54.9% | 50.5% |
| Race and Hispanic Origin | Zephyrhills city, FL | United States |
| White alone | 82.0% | 75.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 20.2% | 18.9% |
| Black or African American alone | 5.2% | 13.6% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 0.2% | 1.3% |
| Asian alone | 1.2% | 6.1% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone | 0.0% | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 6.8% | 2.9% |
| Income and Poverty | Zephyrhills city, FL | United States |
| Median household income (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 | $42,023 | $69,021 |
| Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 | $23,847 | $37,638 |
| Persons in poverty | 16.2% | 11.6% |
Is Zephyrhills, FL Safe?
With a crime rate that is on par with the national average, Zephyrhills, Florida, has a reputation for being moderate in terms of safety. According to crimegrade.org, the overall Crime Grade for the city is a B- which includes violent crimes, property crimes, and other types.
Technically speaking, the crime rate is 23.24 per 1,000 residents per year. Chances of encountering violent crime are 1 in 210 in the central areas and drop to 1 in 543 in the western section. The safest part of the city is northwest.
The most common types of crimes are:
- Theft (6.630/1000 residents)
- Burglary (4.623/1000 residents)
- Vandalism (3.947/1000 residents)
- Drug crimes (3.944/1000 residents)
- Assault (1.721/1000 residents)
Other Safety Considerations for Zephyrhills
If you’re considering moving to Zephyrhills, Florida, know that it’s generally safe when it comes to natural disasters. However, there are still some things to keep in mind, such as the possibility of hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, lightning strikes, and even sinkholes.
To make sure you’re ready for any unexpected events, it’s important to have the right insurance coverage and be prepared with a disaster plan. Always try to follow any instructions from local weather experts.
Sinkholes in Zephyrhills, FL
To learn more about local sinkholes, please take a moment to review our Pasco County sinkhole map. On that page, you can stay informed about relevant safety issues with our specialized sinkhole database technology.
Additionally, take a moment to explore our search tool and email alert system to pinpoint local foreclosures. This will allow you to obtain up-to-date information on sinkhole activity, which can help you identify properties that are not at risk of sinkhole hazards.
What are the Best Zephyrhills, FL Neighborhoods to Live?
Zephyrhills comprises many small neighborhoods, each with its unique set of features and characteristics. Although the best places are subjective, we will do our best to highlight some of the most popular areas based on factors like affordability, amenities, school, and quality of life, etc.
Silver Oaks, FL
- Gated community with single-family homes and townhouses.
- Neighborhood features a community pool, playground, and basketball court
- Close proximity to shopping, restaurants, and medical facilities
Lake Bernadette, FL
- Located on the western side
- Includes a golf course, community pool, tennis courts, and fitness center
- Mix of single-family homes and townhouses
- Properties with scenic views of the golf course and lake
Zephyrhills Colony Company, FL
- Historic neighborhood in the heart of downtown
- Some houses date back to early 1900s
- Tree-lined streets and charming architecture (large front porches and vintage features)
Grand Horizons, FL
- 55+ community on north side
- Features a clubhouse, pool, and activities for residents
- Mixture of manufactured homes and RV lots
- Nearby shopping and dining options
What is the Cost of Living in Zephyrhills, FL?
Living in Zephyrhills will certainly not break the bank. For instance, the median value of owner-occupied housing units is around $193,000 compared to the national average of $244,900.
Moreover, the average monthly owner costs (with and without a mortgage) are also lower than the national average. Owners with a mortgage can expect to pay around $1,496 versus the US average of $1,697. Without a mortgage, you’re looking at $423 compared to $538.
What’s more, utilities in Pasco County are cheaper than in the rest of the state.
What to do in Zephyrhills, FL?
- Spend a day with the family at Waterplay At Zephyr Park
- Get your adrenaline pumping at Skydive City/Z-Hills
- Eat southern-style seafood at The Great Catch – Zephyrhills
- Ride roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Go to Zephyrhills Brewing Company for a craft beer
- Explore nature at Hillsborough River State Park
- Take a dip at the Epperson Lagoon