If youāre searching for a home in the Central Florida region with a small-town feel, a convenient location, and a charming historical district, moving to Dade City, FL might be the right choice. Dade City offers residents a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to major city amenities, making it an ideal place to enjoy both tranquility and connectivity.
Known for its picturesque historic neighborhoods and annual Kumquat Festival, the cityās roots trace back to the 1870s, and it was named after Major Francis Dade, who died in the 1835 Dade Massacre during the Second Seminole War. The arrival of the railroad in 1884 encouraged people to consider moving to Dade City, a center for citrus and cattle. It became Pasco Countyās seat in 1887 and was officially incorporated two years later.
Today, residents living in Dade City enjoy local shops, cafĆ©s, festivals, and outdoor activities in the āTree City.ā
Here are some of the things youāll love about moving to Dade City, FL.
Table of Contents
Where Is Dade City?
View this post on Instagram
Dade City is located in Pasco County in Central Florida, about 45 miles north of Tampa and 63 miles from Orlando. Sitting at the northern edge of the Tampa metro area, moving to Dade City means enjoying small-town appeal and accessibility to major highways and nearby cities.
Known for its rolling hills and scenic landscapeāunique for FloridaāDade City sits at an elevation of about 135 feet, bringing slightly cooler breezes than coastal areas. While it doesnāt have its own public transportation system, GOPASCO (Pasco County Public Transportation) offers limited bus service for people living in Dade City, FL.
Dade City Population and Demographics
Dade Cityās population is 7,275. It remains a close-knit community with charm, far smaller than Central Floridaās nearby major cities, Tampa or Orlando.
A mix of young families and retirees are living in Dade City. The vibrant and diverse nature of residents is an appeal of moving to Dade County.
Additional Dade City Demographics
- Gender: 50% female, 50% male
- Median age: 42.6 years
- Median household income: $63,500, which is slightly lower than the Florida state average of $73,311
- Education: 84% high school grads, 23% bachelorās degree or higher
- Diversity: 53% White, 17% Black or African American, 26% Hispanic/Latino, 8.4% foreign born
- Notable people who have lived in Dade City: Sculptor Ellsworth Paschal, former NFL wide receiver Ernie Mills, and former MLB pitcher James āBubbaā Harris
Crime in Dade City
View this post on Instagram
Is Dade City, FL a safe place to live? One measure of safety when living in Dade City is crime. Hereās a quick Dade City crime rate overview.
- Dade Cityās overall crime rate is 4,554 per 100,000 people (170% higher than state average and 115% higher than national average)
- Violent crime rate is 631.4 per 100,000 (136% higher than state average and 76% higher than national average)
- Property crime rate is 3,922.6 per 100,000 (176% higher than state average and 123% higher than national average)
Although the crime rates are higher than state and national averages, Dade City is a safe place to live due to the cityās peaceful neighborhoods and attentive Dade City police department.
What Is the Cost of Living in Dade City Florida?Ā
Dade City is an affordable place to live near Tampa. The Tampa Cost of Living Index is 94, which is 6% below the national average. Those living in Dade City enjoy affordable groceries, utilities, and transportation, keeping everyday expenses manageable.
A family of four in the Tampa-St.Petersburg-Clearwater metro area would need a salary of approximately $74,000 annually to maintain a modest yet adequate standard of living. In comparison, according to the Economic Policy Instituteās family budget calculator, the cost of living in Dade City is substantially lower.
Typical Dade City Living Expenses
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $15.00ā$20.00
- Gallon of milk: $4.97
- Dozen eggs: $3.76Ā
- Gallon of gas: āÆ$3.32Ā
- Average Dade City utilities per month: āÆ$200ā$210
Source: Payscale
Dade City Real Estate
Homes in Dade City are generally more affordable than in many parts of Florida. When moving to Dade City, people find the median price per square foot is $183, compared to the Central Florida average of $230.
The median home price in Dade City is $340,000. Historic downtown Dade City homes for sale start under $300,000, while newer suburban properties range from $350,000 to $450,000. Real estate agents in the Tampa metropolitan area find that this affordability contributes to the appeal of moving to Dade City and the cityās 65% homeownership rate.
Moving to Dade City and interested in renting? The average apartment rent in Dade City is just $971 per month.
Dade City Neighborhoods
Popular Dade City neighborhoods offer walkable amenities, community charm, and housing options for various budgets and lifestyles.
Zephyrhills Road
A quiet suburban area combining rural charm with modern convenience. Zephyrhills Road is minutes from downtown Dade City and Zephyrhills, offering easy access to Veterans Memorial Park and AdventHealth Dade City.
Downtown Dade City
This neighborhood features historic architecture, boutique shops, and local dining. Itās perfect for living in Dade City while enjoying small-town character and convenience.
Citrus Ridge
Citrus Ridge offers larger lots overlooking scenic citrus groves. Close to Pasco High School and historic Dade City, it provides people moving to Dade City with serenity and accessibility.
Dade City Weather
Curious about the weather in Dade City? Dade City has a humid subtropical climate with sunshine, mild winters, and weather similar to the Tampa climate. Summers are long and hot, reaching the mid-90sĀ°F with frequent afternoon storms, while winters are short and comfortable, averaging in the 70sĀ°F by day and 50sĀ°F at night.
The city gets about 54 inches of rain annually, mostly from June to September. The best times to enjoy Dade City weather are MarchāMay and OctoberāNovember.
Dade City Jobs
Dade Cityās affordable cost of living pairs with a strong and growing job market. The local economy provides residents living in Dade City with opportunities in healthcare, education, and government. Major employers include AdventHealth Dade City, Florida Medical Clinic, and Pasco County Schools. According to Data USA, employment grew by 8.22% in 2023 to 2,790 workers.
Job growth is projected to rise 44.3% over the next decadeāoutpacing the U.S. average of 33.5%. Nearby Tampa also provides broader opportunities for those living in Dade City and willing to commute. Tampaās average salary is $60,757, according to ZipRecruiter. To explore Dade City employment, check listings on Indeed or Glassdoor.
Dade City Schools
View this post on Instagram
Dade Cityās education system complements its growing job market. Served by the Pasco County School District, a 2023 Discovery Education Award recipient, the city offers strong public schools like Centennial and Pasco Elementary, alongside private options such as East Pasco Adventist Academy and Torchbearers’ Christian Academy.
Residents living in Dade City have access to the Hugh Embry Branch Public Library for reading and community programs. Nearby higher education institutions, including Saint Leo University and Pasco-Hernando State College, provide undergraduate and graduate programs and support local employment by developing a skilled workforce among those living in Dade City.
Things to Do in Dade City
There are plenty of fun things to do in Dade City year round including browsing historic downtown Dade City, where Antiques on the Main Street, Tin Can Pams, Out of Our Hands Gallery, and other shops and cafƩs line walkable streets.
Family Friendly Activities in Dade City
- TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park: Just minutes from downtown and Floridaās largest aerial adventure park.
- Giraffe Ranch: A truly unique ranch in Dade City with safari-style tours and exotic animals.
- Dade City Motocross Raceway: Host to offāroad dirt bike racing events and competitions.
Dade City Museums & History
- Pioneer Florida Museum & Village: A museum and cultural site, offering an immersive look at life in early Florida.
- Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum: Located in the historic Dade City Train Depot, this museum is in development and will highlight the cityās railroad and citrus industry history.
- MAPS (Museum of Archaeology, Paleontology & Science): This small museum is about a half hour from Dade City, FL in New Port Richey and showcases unique artifacts.
Dade City Festivals
View this post on Instagram
- Kumquat Festival: Held every January to celebrate Dade Cityās unique status as the Kumquat Capital of the World.
- Downtown Dade City First Friday: On the first Friday of every month, people visiting or living in Dade City enjoy local music, art, food trucks, and shopping.
- Dade City Garden Club Monarch Butterfly Festival: This annual springtime event celebrates the areaās designation as a Monarch City USA.
Other Natural Parks Near and in Dade CityĀ
Dade City Restaurants
Curious about the best restaurants in Dade City? The culinary scene offers a delightful mix of Southern comfort food, international flavors, and cozy atmospheres.
Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges
View this post on Instagram
A beloved Dade City institution since 1908, this charming eatery serves “Florida Soul Food.ā Known forĀ gourmet lunches, clothing, and gifts, it’s one of the best restaurants in Dade City for breakfast or brunch.
Florida Cracker on Limoges, 14139 7th Street, Dade City, FL 33525 (352) 567-5685
Kafe Kokopelli
Housed in a century-old building, Kafe Kokopelli has an impressive menu that includes steak, seafood, and pasta.
Kafe Kokopelli, 37940 Live Oak Ave, Dade City, FL 33523 (352) 523-0055
OlioĀ
As a favorite authentic Italian restaurant in Dade City, Olio delivers farm-to-table freshness. It’s a must-visit for Italian food when moving to Dade City.
Olio, 14121 7th Street, Dade City, FL 33525 (352) 437-3892
Dade City Map
Explore more fun things to do, restaurants, and amenities for those living in Dade City with this map.
Dade City Statistics and Information
- Dade City county: Pasco
- Dade City area: 6.98 square miles
- Dade City zip code: 33523, 33525
- Dade City area code: 352
- Dade City elevation: ~135 feet
- Dade City time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5 and -4)
- Closest airport to Dade City: Tampa International Airport (TPA), about 45 miles away
Considering Moving to Dade City, FL?
If living in Dade City seems like the right choice for you and your family, 2 College Brothers is ready to help make your relocation stress-free! Call the best Dade City movers at (813) 922-1528, and get ready to enjoy all the amazing things the Tree City offers.
