Searching for a peaceful suburb with non-stop sunshine and easy access to beaches? Living in Zephyrhills may be just what you’re looking for. Zephyrhills is a beautiful city in the Tampa area known for its citrus groves, rolling hills, and crystal-clear water. In fact, Zephyrhills is nicknamed the “City of Pure Water” after the famous bottled water brand.
The community started out as the town of Abbot in the late 19th Century. In 1909, a Union Civil War Army veteran named Howard B. Jeffries purchased 35,000 acres of land in the area with plans of creating a community for other Civil War veterans. Jeffries gave it the nameĀ
“Zephyrhills” after overhearing a passerby comment on the area’s rolling hills and Zephyr-like breeze. The name was so popular, residents of the town voted to rename it Zephyrhills, and it was officially incorporated in 1914.
These days, Zephyrhills is a good place to live for growing families and retirees who want a pleasant area offering beautiful weather, access to beaches, and outdoor activities. For anyone thinking about moving to Zephyrhills FL, here is everything you need to know.
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Where Is Zephyrhills?
Zephyrhills is in Pasco County in the eastern part of Central Florida within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan statistical area. US Route 301 passes through the area, offering access to Tampa and other parts of Florida for commuters living in Zephyrhills.
As its name implies, it’s famous for its rolling hills, and nature surrounds the community at the Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area and Withlacoochee River Park. Other nearby communities include Wesley Chapel, Pasadena Hills, Crystal Springs, and Thonotosassa.
It’s about 30 miles or a 52-minute drive from Zephyrhills FL to Tampa FL.
Zephyrhills Demographics & Population
As of the 2024 census, the Zephyrhills population is 22,304 residents. Itās a growing city, and the number of people living in Zephyrhills increased by 29.5% between 2020 and 2024. However, it still maintains a fairly spacious suburban atmosphere with 1,928 people per square mile.
The community is very popular among families and retirees. About 18.1% of residents living in Zephyrhills are under 18, while 29.9% are 65 or over. The median age is 48.8 years, which is 20% higher than the rest of Florida. Many famous residents have enjoyed living in Zephyrhills, including former MLB player Dominick Brown and American Idol finalist Ramiele Malubay.
The Zephyrhills, Florida population is primarily white (76.3% white, 70.8% white, non-Hispanic). However, 18.6% of residents are Hispanic and Latino, while 5.9% are Black or African American and 10.8% are two or more races.Ā
Other Zephyrhills FL demographics:
- 56.1% of the population of Zephyrhills, FL is female, and 43.9% is male
- The median household income is $52,108, which is 31% lower than the rest of Florida
- 91% of residents living in Zephyrhills have a high school diploma, and 21.1% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 8.0%
Living in Zephyrhills, Florida, is safe, although the area does have a high rate of property crime. The total crime rate in Zephyrhills, FL, is 3,066.2 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 84% higher than the Florida crime rate and 45% higher than the rest of the US. However, the violent crime rate is 43% lower than the rest of the state and 60% lower than the rest of the US. The murder rate is zero.
The property crime rate is 103.41% higher than the rest of Florida and 64% higher than the rest of the country. So overall, living in Zephyrhills is safe; just make sure to lock your doors and secure your belongings.
The Zephyrhills Police Department is responsible for addressing crime in the community, supported by 34 officers and 15 civilian employees.
Zephyrhills Cost of Living
Another good reason to consider moving to Zephyrhills FL is the affordable cost of living. A great way to understand how much it costs to live in an area is to consider the cost of living index. It compares the typical costs of consumer goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100. The COLI for the Tampa area is 97.2, indicating that the Zephyrhills cost of living is about 3% lower than the national average.
The Family Budget Calculator, which the Economic Policy Institute created, is another useful resource. It shows that a family of four, consisting of two adults and two children, must earn about $114,010 per month to afford the cost of living in Zephyrhills.
Typical Expenses of Living in Zephyrhills
- Hamburger: $6.12
- Gallon of milk: $5.02
- Eggs (large size, a dozen): $3.27
- Loaf of fresh bread: $4.33
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.10
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $5.99
- Average Zephyrhills monthly electric bill: $235.76
Source: Numbeo
Zephyrhills real estate is also very affordable, which contributes to a lower cost of living. Redfin indicates that the median price of homes for sale in Zephyrhills FL is $295,100, which is 35% lower than the median home price in the rest of the country. The median price per square foot of Zephyrhills FL real estate is $173.
Anyone looking for Zephyrhills monthly rentals will also find plenty of options. Census data shows that 67% of homes in Zephyrhills are owner-occupied, while 33% are rented out. Rentcafe indicates that the average rent in Zephyrhills FL is $1,648 per month. Rent prices for tenants living in Zephyrhills start at around $1,457 for a 1-bedroom and go up to $1,893 for 5 or more bedrooms.
A few notable apartment buildings in Zephyrhills:
Zephyrhills Neighborhoods
Those moving to Zephyrhills FL will find no shortage of fantastic neighborhoods offering modern amenities, affordable homes, and a tight-knit community. Here are a few places to check out.
North Towne Center | A Centrally Located Community with Shopping Nearby
Located off the 301 in the heart of the city, North Towne Center is a centrally located neighborhood known for its modern homes and close proximity to shopping options.
Pine Grove | An Affordable, Family-Friendly Zephyrhills Neighborhood
Situated in the southern part of Zephyrhills, Pine Grove is a family-friendly community with modest homes boasting easy access to parks and recreation.
Abbott Park | A New Community with Upscale Amenities
A newer community developed by respected builder DH Horton, Abbott Park is a laidback community boasting community amenities such as a swimming pool, playground, and clubhouse, perfect for families living in Zephyrhills.
Zephyrhills Weather & Climate
Zephyrhills weather is the best for people who love sunshine. Fantastic weather is another positive aspect of living in Zephyrhills. According to the Koppen classification system, the climate is subtropical, which means you’ll have hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters.
The temperature in Zephyrhills, Florida, usually ranges from about 46Ā°F to 91Ā°F. However, it can get as cold as 32Ā°F in the winter and get up to 95Ā°F in the summer. Ideally, you’ll want to visit someone living in Zephyrhills in either March through May or October and November.
You won’t have to worry much about snow. But bring an umbrella and jacket if you plan on moving to Zephyrhills FL because it averages about 54 inches of rain every year.
Things to Do in Zephyrhills
Despite being a small city, you’ll find interesting attractions and fun things to do in Zephyrhills. Local shopping centers such as Zephyr Commons and Merchants Square offer plenty of grocery stores, shops, and local businesses. People living in Zephyrhills will also find great deals on high-end retailers nearby at the Tampa Premium Outlets or the Shops at Wiregrass. For those looking for more entertainment options, here are some of the top Zephyrhills attractions.
Zephyr Park
Zephyr Park is a 34-acre public green space home to the Alice Hall Community Center. It features five lighted handball tennis courts, a fishing pond, a pavilion with picnic tables, horseshoe pits, and other amenities.
38116 5th Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542 (813) 780-0000
Zephyrhills Museum of Military History
The Zephyrhills Museum of Military History is a popular cultural attraction for history buffs living in Zephyrhills, with military memorabilia, artifacts, and exhibits on everything from WWIII to 9/11.
39444 South Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542 (352) 206 1819
Skydive City Zephyrhills
Skydive City is one of the best things to do in Zephyrhills, FL, if you’re adventurous with both solo and tandem dives, instructor training, a bar, bungalows, and more.
4241 Sky Dive Ln, Zephyrhills, FL 33542 (813) 783-9399
Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Courses
If you’re into golfing, you might find Zephyrhill’s municipal golf course enticing. It is an 18-hole course with 5054 yards of golf, just 30 minutes away from Tampa Bay.
39248 B Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542, United States (813) 782 0714
Additional Attractions Near Zephyrhills, Florida
- Crystal Springs Preserve Environmental Education Center
- Southport Springs Golf & Country Club
- Krusen Park
- Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve
- Zephyrhills Depot Museum
Anyone who wants more ideas for fun things to do in Zephyrhills FL should check out the local Parks and Recreation Department’s website for a list of facilities and other resources.
Zephyrhills Restaurants
You’ll also find a great selection of different restaurants in Zephyrhills, FL, that serve everything from barbecue to authentic Mexican food. Here are a few of the top Zephyrhills, FL restaurants.
Piccola Italia Restaurant
Piccola Italia is a delicious family-owned Italian restaurant serving traditional dishes made with original recipes and fresh ingredients.
37502 FL-54, Zephyrhills, FL 33542 (813) 782-2856
Tubby’s Q and Smokehouse
Tubby’s is one of the best restaurants in Zephyrhills, FL, if you’re in the mood for barbecue and offers a mouthwatering selection of slow-cooked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
5740 7th St, Zephyrhills, FL 33542 (813) 788-6500
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Plaza Mexico Mariscos Restaurant Bar and Grill
Plaza Mexico Mariscos is a popular Mexican restaurant in Zephyrhills serving signature cocktails and large plates like fajitas and molcajete.
38361 Co Rd 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33542 (813) 355-3627
Jobs in Zephyrhills
Living in Zephyrhills means you’ll have access to a strong economy. In recent years, Zephyrhills and Pasco County have seen a business boom as they’ve become popular destinations for manufacturing firms.Ā
The County’s “Ready Sites” program has attracted new development in the area by making it easy and affordable for businesses to find locations to build. The program has already attracted notable businesses, such as the Brazilian baked goods company Bauducco and the construction technology firm MiTek, which are offering great jobs in Zephyrhills, FL. It’s home to the Zephyrhills brand of spring water.
The largest employers in Pasco County, Florida:
- Pasco County Public Schools: 10,681 employees
- Pasco County Government: 3560 employees
- HCA Healthcare: 3280 employees
- BayCare Morton Plant North Bay Hospital: 2173 employees
- State of Florida: 1763 employees
Employment data from PayScale indicates that the average salary of an employee in the Tampa area is $79,000 per year, so workers living in Zephyrhills will be well-compensated. From office assistant to tool and die maker, you’ll find a great selection of Zephyrhills jobs available. You’ll also find a variety of city of Zephyrhills Florida jobs available with the local government in positions like code enforcer or patrol officer.
Students living in Zephyrhills can also attend respected schools within the Pasco County School District. The three elementary schools in Zephyrhills, FL, are Chester W. Taylor, Woodland, and West Zephyrhills Elementary.Ā
Students in grades 6 through 8 living in Zephyrhills will attend Raymond B. Stewart Middle School, while students in grades 9 through 12 attend Zephyrhills High School.
Zephyrhills High School offers competitive AP programs and ranks 425th in the state of Florida. Popular private schools in Zephyrhills FL include Heritage Academy, Zephyrhills Christian Academy, and the Academy of Spectrum Diversity.
Residents living in Zephyrhills can also stop by the Zephyrhills Public Library for books and community events.
Zephyrhills Statistics & Information
- County: Pasco County
- Zephyrhills area: 9.61 square miles
- Zephyrhills zip code: 33539ā33544
- Zephyrhills area code: (813)
- Zephyrhills elevation: 95 ft
- Zephyrhills time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- The closest airport to Zephyrhills: The distance to Zephyrhills, Florida from the Tampa International Airport (TPA) is 34 miles.
Zephyrhills, FL Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Zephyrhills with this map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Is Zephyrhills Florida to the Beach?
Zephyrhills FL is 45 miles east of the Gulf Coast beaches. The closest beach to Zephyrhills is in Tarpon Springs and is about 1 hour away by car. Other nearby beaches include Clearwater Beach, which is 1.5 hours away.
Is It Expensive to Live in Zephyrhills Florida?
Living in Zephyrhills can be affordable compared to other parts of Florida. It is a small town charm filled with local small businesses, an attractive job market, affordable public transportation, and plenty of open space. The cost of housing is lower than the state average, and utilities and grocery prices are also budget-friendly, making it an ideal place for retirees and families.
What Side of Florida Is Better to Live on?
The best side of Florida depends on personal preferences. The Gulf Coast (west coast) offers less crowded beaches. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Coast (East Coast) is vibrant, with city life and tourist destinations. Zephyrhills is located inland and mixes affordability and proximity to beaches and cities.
Is Zephyrhills Florida Prone to Hurricane?
Zephyrhills is less susceptible to direct hits from hurricanes than coastal areas. That being said, rainfall and winds can get heavy during hurricane season (June to November). Residents of Zephyrhills should prepare for severe weather events and keep updated with the news.Ā
What Is the Cheapest Beach Town to Visit in Florida?
The cheapest beach town in Florida can vary, but towns like Fort Pierce on the East Coast and Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast are known for their affordability. These towns offer lower accommodation costs compared to more popular tourist spots like Miami or Key West.
Ready to Find Out What Living in Zephyrhills, FL Is Like?
Ready to settle down in this fantastic community? Trust the dedicated Zephyrhills FL movers at 2 College Brothers to make your journey easy and stress-free. Call (813) 922-1528 today for a free quote.Ā
Relocating to Zephyrhills is a big step. Our moving help near Zephyrhills comes from a team that knows Pasco County roads and can handle both rural and suburban addresses.
