Located west of Tampa and just north of Clearwater, Dunedin offers residents the perfect hybrid lifestyle that allows them to be close to the big city action, but also far enough removed that they can find some peace and quiet as well.
As one of the oldest cities along the West Coast of Florida, there is a fantastic amount of history that exists here, and more to come as the locals are continually improving their quality of life with fantastic new dining options.
Dunedin History
The area that would become Dunedin was originally called Jonesboro after a local merchant named George Jones. It was later renamed Dunedin by two Scotsmen who established a post office there. The name comes from a Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, which is the capital of Scotland.
Early Dunedin was a busy port along the Gulf Coast because it had docks that were built to accommodate large ships. The town also played a prominent part in developing amphibious military technology just prior to World War II.
Dunedin Lifestyle
Living in Dunedin is all about being close, but not too close, to the big city amenities you can find nearby in Tampa and Clearwater. Those amenities aren't far away, but they also don't intrude on the serenity you will find along four miles of beautiful beachfront here.
Dunedin residents also have access to the stunning beaches of the Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands just off of the coast, which are consistently rated among the top beaches in all of Florida.
Dunedin is also the Spring Training home of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Dunedin Culture
The cultural side of Dunedin starts at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, where local residents can participate in a wide range of classes and workshops. This is also the place to find local artist exhibits where you can actually get to know the minds behind the work.
Anyone interested in learning more about the history of the area can start that search at the Dunedin History Museum. With more than 2,000 local artifacts and 2,500 photographs, there is a wealth of information available to the public here.
Dunedin Shopping
Like many of the small coastal towns in Florida, Dunedin has its share of unique shops full of interesting items. As you stroll through the area, you can always find something interesting at places like The Spice & Tea Exchange and The Celtic Shop of Dunedin.
And because the excellent shopping in Clearwater and Tampa are so close, many residents plan regular trips to get their fix of retail therapy. The Countryside Mall in Clearwater is close enough for a quick trip, and it has all of the major stores you might be looking for.
Dunedin Dining
At its core, Dunedin is all about a minimalist approach to living along the Gulf Coast of Florida…except when it comes to food. And when we are talking about food, Dunedin has quite a bit to say.
Whether you are looking to grab some BBQ from The Dunedin Smokehouse, enjoy fresh seafood from Lucky Lobster, or sip on a pint and order a bite to eat at Clear Sky Draught Haus, your inner foodie can't help but appreciate the variety and quality it will find in Dunedin.
Speaking of quality, high-end American restaurants like The Black Pearl and The Restorative sit at the very top of this first-class restaurant scene and can compete with any of the best restaurants in the country.
Communities Nearby
Dunedin is a favorite day trip spot for residents of the Villages of Citrus Hills, which is not to be confused with The Villages. Similar names…totally different communities.
The Villages of Citrus Hills is a Florida Retirement Community with single-family homes and maintenance-free villas that have been built with today’s demanding baby-boomer in mind. But what makes the promise of Florida Retirement in the Villages of Citrus Hills truly come together for today’s new breed of active adult retiree is its extraordinary collection of world-class community country club amenities and extensive social activities.
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