Spring Hill

by The Linguist

Spring Hill is a city located in Hernando County, Florida. According to the Wikipedia page for Spring Hill, it had a population of 98,621 as of the 2010 census, making it one of the largest cities in Hernando County. The city has seen rapid population growth in recent decades.

History

Spring Hill first started as a planned community in 1967. It was developed by the Deltona Corporation and originally spanned 8,200 acres. The city was named Spring Hill for its gently rolling hills and crystal clear springs in the area.

In the 1970s, Spring Hill saw an influx of retirees from the northeastern United States. This gave the city a retirement community feel that persisted for many years. Spring Hill was officially incorporated in 1987.

Population Growth

In 1990, the population of Spring Hill was 6,460 according to census data. By 2000, the population had grown to 16,117, an increase of 149% over the decade. The 2010 census recorded the population at 98,621, an incredible 511% increase from 2000.

What caused this rapid growth spurt? Primarily, Spring Hill provided affordable real estate and a warm climate that attracted new residents, both retirees and younger families. The city’s population has continued growing, albeit at a slower pace, over the last decade.

Current and Future Population

As of 2021 population estimates, Spring Hill has about 116,000 residents. That represents a 17.6% increase from the 2010 census figure. Hernando County as a whole grew at a slower rate of 14.1% during the same period.

Population projections estimate the city will reach 139,000 residents by 2030. While not as exponential as the growth in the 1990s and 2000s, this still represents a steady population increase.

Spring Hill is now the second most populous city in Hernando County after Brooksville. It accounts for over 40% of the county’s total population.

Demographics

The racial makeup of Spring Hill is:

  • 84.3% White
  • 8.3% Black or African American
  • 5.7% Hispanic or Latino
  • 3.6% Asian
  • 1.4% Two or more races
  • 0.3% Native American

Spring Hill has a slight female majority population – 51.4% female vs. 48.6% male as of 2021.

The median age in Spring Hill is 49.8 years old. This indicates an older population compared to the U.S. median age of 38.5 years. As mentioned previously, the community attracted a lot of retirees which impacts the median age.

Households and Housing

There are over 45,000 households in Spring Hill. 64% of those are family households.

A majority of housing units are owner-occupied at 77%. The median home value is $191,400 as of 2021 which is considered very affordable for the Tampa Bay region.

Economy and Major Employers

In the past, Spring Hill was viewed as primarily a retirement and commuter community. Many residents worked in nearby Tampa or Brooksville. However, in recent years more employment opportunities have emerged right in Spring Hill.

Some of the top employers in Spring Hill are:

Other major sectors of the local economy include healthcare, retail, construction and real estate.

Parks and Recreation

Spring Hill offers many parks and recreational sites for residents to enjoy. Some of the most popular options are:

In addition to parks, Spring Hill residents take advantage of the sunny Florida weather with activities like golf, boating, fishing and more.

Education

Public education in Spring Hill is provided by the Hernando County School District. The District operates several elementary, middle and high schools in the city. Some of the top ranked schools are Fox Chapel Middle School, Explorer K-8 and Springstead High School.

Higher education options are limited right in Spring Hill, but nearby Tampa has many excellent colleges and universities. These include the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and Hillsborough Community College.

Transportation

Spring Hill’s central location near Tampa provides residents with abundant transportation connections.

Major highways running through the city are:

  • I-75 – Provides access to Tampa in the south and Ocala/Gainesville in the north
  • SR-50 – Runs east-west through Spring Hill
  • Suncoast Parkway – North-south toll road from Tampa to the Nature Coast

Spring Hill does not have an airport but Tampa International Airport is just 40 minutes away. Many residents commute to Tampa for work by car or bus. The Hernando County Transit provides local bus service around Spring Hill.

Things to Do

Some popular attractions and activities in Spring Hill include:

From nature activities to shopping and dining, Spring Hill offers a slice of Old Florida combined with modern amenities and an active community. The area’s affordable cost of living and quality of life will likely continue attracting new residents.

Local Government

Spring Hill has a Council-Manager form of government. The city government includes five City Council members who are elected at-large for four year terms. The City Council appoints a City Manager to oversee day-to-day operations.

Some of the services provided by the city include:

  • Law enforcement
  • Fire and rescue
  • Utilities (water, sewer, trash)
  • Parks and recreation
  • Roads and infrastructure
  • Planning and development

Residents elect county commissioners, school board members, state legislators and Congressional representatives to handle regional governance.

Civic Organizations

Spring Hill has an active network of civic organizations and non-profits enriching the community. Some examples include:

These organizations sponsor community events, provide networking opportunities, support local businesses and charities, and work to maintain a high quality of life in Spring Hill.

Sports and Recreation

Spring Hill offers sports leagues and teams for youth and adults, including:

The Tampa Bay Rays have a strong following in Spring Hill even though Tampa is over 50 miles away. Many fans make the drive to cheer on the Rays MLB team at Tropicana Field.

Popular Events

Some of the recurring events that bring the residents of Spring Hill together are:

For a full calendar of events, visit the City of Spring Hill’s events page.

Facebook

The best way to keep up with community happenings in Spring Hill is to follow the City of Spring Hill Facebook page. This page shares important announcements, event details, business spotlights and more.

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