Military families relocating to Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base are increasingly looking 45 minutes north to Hernando County, where housing costs can be cut nearly in half, according to local military relocation specialist Victoria Perez of Tropic Shores Realty.
“You can find a beautiful home between three and $400,000 in Hernando County. You could even buy a brand new construction home in Hernando County for less than $400,000,” Perez says, noting that comparable properties in Tampa proper would cost significantly more.
This price differential is drawing attention from military families facing relocation decisions. “When I get calls from people up north saying, ‘I’ve seen these houses for 300-$400,000, is that correct?,’ it’s absolutely correct,” Perez confirms.
The savings extend beyond just purchase prices, according to Perez. “The property taxes are lower, and the cost of the actual bills are a little bit less than if we live in Tampa,” she explains. This total cost advantage makes the commute worthwhile for many military families.
Hernando County consists of three major cities, Weeki Wachee, Spring Hill, and Brooksville, which Perez describes as family-oriented communities. “It’s a lot of families, a lot of subdivisions, a lot of neighborhoods, a lot of schools,” she says, noting that many residents commute to Tampa for work.
The area’s growing military presence stems partly from its proximity to MacDill Air Force Base. “Tampa houses the MacDill Air Force Base, and so there’s quite a bit of military families, of course, in the Tampa Bay area,” Perez explains. “But Hernando County is almost this like little hidden gem off of Tampa Bay.”
Current market conditions favor buyers, with properties staying available longer than in recent years. “Houses used to sit on the market for an average of 10 to 20 business days, and now they’re sitting on the market for an average of 100 days,” Perez notes, suggesting more negotiating power for buyers.
For military families considering the move, Perez recommends starting the process early. “If you say, I want to be in my house and close by January, then I always say, reach out to me no later than the beginning of November,” she advises, noting that a 45-60 day timeline allows for thorough home searching without rushing decisions.
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