Position your next project within the dynamic Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)—the 18th-largest metro in the United States, home to over 3.3 million residents. This region ranks among the nation’s top-performing markets for population growth, net migration, and development momentum. Located just one hour north via the Suncoast Parkway (589), Crystal River, Florida offers developers and investors a rare combination: close proximity to the Tampa Bay powerhouse without Tampa’s land pricing or congestion. The area provides immediate access to a booming retiree population, a robust and expanding healthcare system, and accelerated retail growth, all within a tax-friendly, business-welcoming climate that supports year-round development activity. 6552 W Gulf to Lake Highway is a highly visible 2.42-acre infill development site located directly on State Road 44—Citrus County’s primary east-west commercial corridor. With 212 feet of full-access highway frontage, the property benefits from exposure to over 17,400 vehicles per day and provides rare ingress and egress access from both eastbound and westbound lanes. The site lies at the commercial core of Crystal River’s growth path, making it ideally positioned for high-traffic retail, healthcare, or multifamily uses. The property is zoned General Commercial (GNC) and Medium Density Residential (MDR), allowing for an exceptional mix of development potential including retail, medical office, hotel, and multifamily residential—up to 10 units per acre with PUD approval. The surrounding area is home to an established network of national retailers, service providers, and essential infrastructure. Within a 1–2 mile radius, you'll find Walmart Supercenter, Publix, Lowe’s, Walgreens, CVS, ALDI, Bealls Outlet, Dollar General, Family Dollar, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Tractor Supply Co., McDonald’s, and other major brands—offering strong synergy for high-visibility, traffic-oriented businesses. Demographics within a 15-minute drive reflect a stable, opportunity-rich consumer base, including a population of 17,551 residents, a median household income of $53,000, and an average age of 61.2. This market profile signals robust demand for essential goods, healthcare services, quick-service restaurants, and convenience-driven amenities. Altogether, 6552 W Gulf to Lake Highway represents a rare chance to secure a shovel-ready site in one of Florida’s most recession-resistant, demographically resilient submarkets—making it an ideal acquisition for developers, operators, and institutional buyers seeking long-term value and strategic positioning in the Tampa Bay metro area. Development Analysis: *Address: 6552 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429 *Parcel Size: 2.42 acres (˜105,400 ft²) *Zoning: Split GNC (General Commercial) / MDR *Elevation Range: 8–11 ft *FEMA Flood: AE/X, BFE: 10.0 ft *Sewer: Onsite Septic/Sewer In Area *Water: Citrus County Water Resources *Soil Type: Tavares Fine Sand (0–5% slope) *Future Land Use: GNC + MDR Site Readiness: -Grading/fill estimate: ~$90K ± to bring pad elevation to FEMA-compliant 11.0 ft FFE -Low-impact development potential by clustering structures on high ground (10–11 ft) and using lower zones for stormwater and landscaping -No protected wetlands; 0.81° slope ideal for cost-effective grading Market Context: Surrounded by national retailers like Walmart, Lowe’s, Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Tractor Supply, Dunkin’, and Starbucks, this site provides immediate synergy for traffic-driven businesses and service-based operations. Within a 15-minute drive: -Population: 17,551 -Median HH Income: $53,000 -Avg Age: 61.2 (prime for senior living, urgent care, or pharmacy-integrated uses) Nearby National Retailers Likely to be within a 1–2 mile radius: -Walmart Supercenter (just east on W Gulf to Lake Hwy) -Publix Super Market -Lowe’s Home Improvement -Bealls Outlet -Walgreens -CVS Pharmacy -Dollar General and/or Family Dollar -AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts -Tractor Supply Co. -Starbucks, Dunkin’, McDonald's, Taco Bell -ALDI (opened in some Florida markets nearby) Logistic Details: -County Road 486 runs entirely along West Norvell Bryant Highway. It runs West to East from SR 44 east of Crystal River into US-41 in Hernando, just south of the southern terminus of SR 200. The route was once the former SR 486. County Road 486 spans 4 lanes, is almost entirely a divided highway, and is flanked by a parallel bicycle path on the south side. -County Road 491 is Lecanto Highway, a bi-county South to North road that begins at the Hernando-Citrus County Line in Oak Grove near the Withlacoochee State Forest and ends at SR 200 in Stoke's Ferry, just south of the intersection with the northern segment of CR 39. It was formerly designated as SR 491. County Road 486 runs entirely along West Norvell Bryant Highway. It runs West to East from SR 44 east of Crystal River into US-41 in Hernando, just south of the southern terminus of SR 200. The route was once the former SR 486. County Road 486 spans 4 lanes, is almost entirely a divided highway, and is flanked by a parallel bicycle path on the south side. -County Road 491 is Lecanto Highway, a bi-county south-to-north road that begins at the Hernando-Citrus County Line in Oak Grove near the Withlacoochee State Forest, and ends at SR 200 in Stoke's Ferry, just south of the intersection with the northern segment of CR 39. -County Road 44 (often marked as County Road 44W) exists as the western tip of old Florida State Road 44, south of "Downtown" Crystal River. The suffix "W" was most likely added to not confuse this section with State Road 44, to the north, and to show its location by being west of US 19 and US 98(SR 55). As with the majority of these types of 'coastal spur' routes, in West Central Florida, it is county-maintained. -U.S. Route 19 (US-19) runs 264 miles (425 km) along Florida's West Coast from an interchange with U.S. Route 41 in Memphis, Florida, south of Tampa, and continues to the Georgia border north of Monticello, Florida. Newly 6 lane Highway was constructed from the Hernando County line to Fort Island Trail and US 19 in Crystal River, Florida.