BEVERLY HILLS, FLORIDA

The original Beverly Hills, Florida is a modest unincorporated community in Citrus County.   Every  time I drive by this place I have memories of Jed Clampett, Jethroe, and Granny as the Beverly Hillbillies in California.

This is a far more modest place located east of North Lecanto Parkway (County Road 491) north of West Norvell Bryant Highway (County Road 486).

It is about 10 miles east of Crystal River and is part of a larger area with a population of about 10,000 in other communities that share the address of Beverly Hills. 

There are other more upscale places with a Beverly Hills address.

For example, Pine Ridge is a large equestrian community; other neighborhoods with a Beverly Hills address include Parkside Village, Oakwood Village,  Twisted Oaks, and others that we'll cover in separate articles. 

This article is about the original Beverly Hills as shown on the map below with a dotted red boundary line. 

It is not an upscale neighborhood.  Most of the homes are modest and old compared to the more affluent nearby developments.

Beverly Hills was started around 1960 by Samuel J. Kellner, a businessman from New York who was successful in the residential development field up there as well as the tire capping industry.

He purchased approximately 3,500 acres of former cattle grazing land in the interior of Citrus County and formed Rolling Oaks Corporation to develop it.

Kellner envisioned a planned retirement-oriented community. He named it Beverly Hills, inspired by the rolling hills of the terrain.

His marketing strategy targeted working-class retirees from northern urban areas, especially New York and Detroit, with affordable single-story homes.

The area was promoted for its snow-free winters and relaxed lifestyle.

The community grew rapidly. It started with about 20 homes in the spring of 1962, reached around 400 homes by the end of 1965, and by 1972 had a population of 4,500 in 2,200 homes.

By 1975 Beverly Hills was the largest community in Citrus County with a population of 5,000.  Inverness, the county seat, only had 3,000 people at that time.

Sam Kellner loved his community and along with his son Murray was active in its affairs until his death at the end of 1975.  He is remembered by S. J. Kellner Boulevard that forms the southern boundary of the community.

In 1980, Beverly Hills Development Corp. acquired the remaining lots in the subdivision; it was later sold to Morrison Homes, which stopped selling there in 1999. 

Beverly Hills remains an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, not a formally incorporated city.

It functions as a residential community under Citrus County government, and is part of the Homosassa Springs Metropolitan Statistical Area. 

The orginal Beverly Hills is a quiet, affordable family residential area with a median age of residents in the early 50s, reflecting its retiree roots, though it has diversified into more of a family neighborhood.

Beverly Hills Boulevard and Roosevelt Boulevard are two of the main streets providing access from North Lecanto Highway.  The streets in original Beverly Hills are parallel and perpendicular to the highway.

The community features modest single-family homes on a grid-like layout amid rolling terrain. 

Realtor.com says the median home listing price in 2026 is $250K in the larger Beverly Hills area, but there are many homes in the original Beverly Hills priced in the $120K-$150K range and lower.

Most of these were built in the early 1960s and 1970s and many are 2 bedroom 1 bath models of around 1,000 square feet with carports or one car garages.

There are even a few 1 bedroom models built in the early 1960s. Many have terazzo floors, awnings, and jalousied windows typical of Florida homes of that era.

A significant percentage of homes are being rented out or are serving as starter homes. Residents appreciate the peace, lower cost of living, and access to nearby outdoor recreation.

New commercial development in the surrounding area has brought businesses like Publix, Winn Dixie, Aldi, Texas Roadhouse, Hobby Lobby, and Target, along with other retail and dining options.

Education is served by Citrus County Schools, with options like Central Ridge Library for community resources.

This is not a fancy community; original Beverly Hills has a significant number of residents with incomes below the poverty level. 

In spite of that, many of the people who live here are grateful for the housing affordability and access to Florida’s natural beauty without the big-city hustle.

Twisted Oaks Golf Club
4801 N Forest Ridge Blvd, Beverly Hills, FL 34465
Phone: (352) 746-6257
Play a scenic round on this challenging, hilly golf course known for its rolling terrain and beautiful layouts.

Central Ridge District Park
6905 N Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465
Phone: (352) 527-7540
Enjoy picnics, playgrounds, pavilions, walking paths, and recreational facilities in this community park. Ideal for families or casual outdoor time. 

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Phone: (352) 423-5600
See Florida wildlife up close, including manatees, birds, and a famous hippo (historically), with boardwalks and educational exhibits. A top nature attraction in the area. 

Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures
4110 NW 42nd Pl, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538
Phone: (352) 643-0708Experience thrilling airboat tours through swamps and marshes, spotting alligators, birds, and other wildlife. Fun, adventurous outing for all ages. 

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429
Phone: (352) 563-2088
Manatee viewing, kayak, snorkel (in season), or take a boat tour to observe manatees and other marine life in Kings Bay and springs. Various operators available; check refuge headquarters for information. World-renowned for gentle manatee encounters. 

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