For years, owning a vacant lot in Citrus County meant patience. Many owners bought in Citrus Springs, Pine Ridge or Inverness Highlands as a future retirement spot, then watched decades go by. The Suncoast Parkway is changing that math by bringing a traffic-light-free drive from Tampa Bay into the heart of the county.

Where the Suncoast Parkway stands now

The extension from State Road 44 to County Road 486, a three-mile, $103 million project, opened on August 25, 2025, more than 500 days ahead of schedule. (Citrus County Chronicle)

The next leg, Phase 3A from CR 486 to CR 495, is a $244 million project that began construction in mid-August 2025, and Phase 3B, from CR 495 to U.S. 19 in Red Level, was scheduled to begin construction in mid-2026. (Jimerson Birr) Phase 3A is expected to be finished by January 2030. (Citrus County Chronicle)

The CR 486 corridor is being planned for growth

With the parkway now connecting at CR 486, county planners have been working on new land-use rules for the area around the interchange and the commercial stretch of CR 486, including higher landscaping standards, access management and utility requirements. (Citrus County Chronicle) Better access to Tampa Bay tends to bring commuters, builders and new businesses, which can lift demand for nearby residential lots.

If your land is near the new route

Owners close to the planned alignment should know their rights. The state’s current work program still includes about $19 million for land purchases on Phase 3A in fiscal 2027. (Jimerson Birr) If you receive a right-of-way offer from the state, it’s wise to talk with an attorney before responding.

Manufactured homes and today's buyers

With the average 30-year mortgage rate at 7.03% in late September 2026, many Citrus County buyers are priced out of new site-built homes. (Freddie Mac) The average new manufactured home sold for about $115,557 in 2025, according to Census data. (PrefabMarket) Lots where zoning allows a manufactured home, and that have a workable path to well and septic or central utilities, are drawing steady interest.

Before you sell your Citrus County lot

  • Check zoning to see whether site-built only or manufactured homes are allowed.
  • Know your utilities, since central water in parts of Citrus Springs and Pine Ridge is a plus.
  • Look at your location relative to the parkway, CR 486 and U.S. 19.

From Crystal River and Homosassa to Inverness and Floral City, we buy land across Citrus County. See our Citrus County land page or request a cash offer.

This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Figures and project timelines come from the sources linked above and may change.