Hillside in Zephyrhills, FL: Affordable 55+ Living Near Great Food, Bakeries and Things to Do

A low-maintenance manufactured home community in East Pasco County, plus a local's guide to the restaurants, bakeries and attractions around it.

If you are looking for an affordable 55+ community in the Tampa Bay area that still feels like a small town, Hillside in Zephyrhills, Florida belongs on your short list. Hillside is a manufactured home community for adults 55 and better, located at 39515 Bamboo Lane in Zephyrhills. The community keeps things simple: low-maintenance homes, a pool, a clubhouse and a calendar of planned activities, all within reach of Tampa's beaches, ballparks and big-city attractions.

Zephyrhills itself is one of Pasco County's most welcoming towns for active adults. It is best known for its natural spring water, its World War II airfield history and its laid-back, friendly pace. Below you will find everything you need to know about Hillside, followed by our picks for the best places to eat, the bakeries worth the drive and the top things to do and see near the community.

About Hillside: Vibrant, Affordable 55+ Living in Zephyrhills

Hillside describes itself as a vibrant, affordable, low-maintenance community for adults 55 and better. Homes are manufactured homes, with pre-owned and recently renovated options designed to fit a range of budgets. For many buyers, that combination is the main draw: you get a home of your own in a 55+ setting without the price tag or upkeep of a traditional single-family house.

Community life at Hillside centers on easygoing amenities that make it simple to meet your neighbors:

• Swimming pool for laps, water aerobics or an afternoon in the Florida sun
• Clubhouse for social gatherings, potlucks and community events
• Planned activities, including bingo
• Shuffleboard courts, a classic Florida favorite
• On-site laundry facilities

Location is another strong selling point. Hillside sits in the eastern part of Zephyrhills, close to the city's airport district, where you will find two of the town's museums and its famous skydiving center. Shopping, groceries and dining along Gall Boulevard (U.S. 301) are a short drive away, and the Gulf Coast beaches are less than an hour from town.

Homes for sale, current pricing and community details change often, so the best way to see what is available today is to visit the Hillside listing on RetireNet.com, where you can request a free brochure or schedule a tour.

View Hillside on RetireNet.com

Best Restaurants Near Hillside in Zephyrhills

Zephyrhills has a dining scene that leans local, casual and generous with portions. These are the restaurants residents and visitors come back to again and again.

Sunrise Eatery

5883 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills
If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, Sunrise Eatery is the place to start. It is one of the most-reviewed restaurants in town, and regulars consistently praise its good prices and hearty plates. Try the Sunrise-style eggs Benedict, then linger over a second cup of coffee.

The Great Catch

5039 1st St, Zephyrhills
You do not have to drive to the coast for good seafood. The Great Catch serves both Southern and Northern-style seafood, from oysters on the half shell to fried baskets and chowder. Its patio and live music make it a favorite gathering spot, and dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables. Expect a crowd at peak dinner hours, which says a lot about the food.

Piccola Italia Restaurant

37502 State Road 54, Zephyrhills
This family-owned Italian-American restaurant has been feeding Zephyrhills locals and winter residents for decades. Piccola Italia prides itself on a friendly, family atmosphere and sauces and soups made without preservatives. Portions are generous, and gluten-free pasta is available.

Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill

38361 County Road 54 E, Zephyrhills
Plaza Mexico is a local go-to for authentic Mexican food with a huge menu, a lively atmosphere and excellent margaritas. Diners rave about the molcajetes, and the Wednesday lunch specials are worth putting on your calendar. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Commandough's

5841 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills
A locally owned pizza joint in the heart of town since 2016, Commandough's is known for New York-style pizza, subs and wings. Grab a seat on the front patio, order from the beer and wine bar and enjoy the small-town, everybody-knows-everybody feel.

Taco Amigo

5009 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills
For a quick, budget-friendly lunch, Taco Amigo serves authentic Mexican street-style favorites at great prices. Reviewers single out the horchata as one of the best around.

Kafe Kokopelli (Dade City)

37940 Live Oak Ave, Dade City
Worth the short drive north, Kafe Kokopelli is one of the most beloved restaurants in East Pasco. It occupies a vine-covered, red-brick building from 1916 that was once a Model T Ford sales and service center. The menu covers steaks, seafood, pasta and fresh sandwiches, and it is a perfect anchor for a day exploring historic downtown Dade City.

Bakeries and Sweet Stops Worth the Trip

Every great neighborhood needs a great bakery. Here are the sweet spots near Hillside that locals swear by.

Hole In One Donuts

5914 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills
Hole In One is the town's favorite early-morning stop for fresh doughnuts, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. The display case is packed with choices, and fans say it is worth getting there early because popular items can sell out. It is the perfect treat to bring to a morning get-together at the clubhouse.

Lanky Lassie's Shortbread

37845 Meridian Ave, Dade City
This charming shop in historic downtown Dade City is owned by a Marine Corps veteran who bakes Scottish shortbread from her great-grandmother's family recipe. That recipe won the shortbread competition at the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games, and the shop keeps several flavors on hand, with rotating specials. The guava flavor is a customer favorite.

Betty Cakes Cake Shop

37941 Meridian Ave, Dade City
Right down the street from Lanky Lassie's, Betty Cakes turns out cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and cake pops. It is a great stop when you are in downtown Dade City for one of its monthly car shows, and a reliable choice for birthday and celebration cakes.

Hillbilly Farms Bakery

36805 County Road 52, Dade City
If you or your family need gluten-free options, this one is a gem. Hillbilly Farms Bakery is entirely gluten-free, so there is no worry about cross-contamination, and visitors with celiac disease praise both the selection and the quality.

Top Things to Do and See Near Hillside

From military history to natural springs, Zephyrhills offers far more to explore than most people expect. Several of the town's best attractions are clustered near the airport, just a short drive from Hillside.

Zephyrhills Museum of Military History

39444 South Ave, Zephyrhills
In the early 1940s, hundreds of Army fighter pilots trained at the Zephyrhills Army Airfield before heading to war. This volunteer-run museum, housed in a restored World War II-era building at the airport, preserves their story along with artifacts from the Civil War through the conflicts in the Middle East. Admission is free (donations are welcome), and it is typically open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check ahead for hours and special events such as reenactments.

Zephyrhills Depot Museum

39110 South Ave, Zephyrhills
Just up the road, the restored 1927 Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot tells the story of Zephyrhills and the railroad that helped build it. The museum features four exhibit wings, railroad memorabilia and a model train layout, making it an easy and enjoyable outing for visiting grandchildren, too.

Skydive City

4241 Sky Dive Lane, Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills is famous in the skydiving world, and Skydive City is the reason. First-timers can book a tandem jump that climbs to 13,500 feet after a short training session. Not ready to leap? Pack a chair and enjoy watching the colorful canopies drift down over the drop zone.

Crystal Springs Preserve

1609 Crystal Springs Rd, Crystal Springs
This 525-acre nature sanctuary surrounds Crystal Springs, a second-magnitude spring that pours out about 30 million gallons of water a day and is the source of Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water. The preserve focuses on environmental education, with guided programs, trails and wildlife viewing. Reservations are required, so plan ahead.

Hillsborough River State Park and Upper Hillsborough Preserve

Hillsborough River State Park is one of Florida's oldest state parks, with hiking trails, kayaking on a winding river, a suspension bridge and plenty of wildlife. Nearby, the Upper Hillsborough Preserve offers about 14 miles of quiet hiking trails, ideal for birdwatching and morning walks.

Golf, Parks and Community Events

Golfers can tee it up at Silver Oaks Golf & Country Club or The Links of Lake Bernadette. Zephyr Park is a hub for local festivals, and the area also hosts farmers markets, pickleball and car shows throughout the year.

Historic Downtown Dade City

A short drive north, Dade City's historic downtown is lined with locally owned shops, antique stores and restaurants. Pair lunch at Kafe Kokopelli with shortbread at Lanky Lassie's and a slice of cake from Betty Cakes for a perfect afternoon.

Easy Day Trips Around Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are both within about 30 miles of Zephyrhills. The Florida Aquarium and the Salvador Dali Museum make great rainy-day outings, and the Gulf Coast beaches are less than an hour away. Sports fans can catch the Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers and Lightning, and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa offers dining, gaming and live music.

Why Hillside Is a Smart Choice for 55+ Buyers

Hillside brings together the things that matter most to many active adults: an affordable home, a friendly 55+ community, simple amenities you will actually use and a location that puts small-town charm and big-city fun within easy reach. Spend your mornings at the pool or the shuffleboard courts, your afternoons exploring museums and nature preserves, and your evenings at a favorite local restaurant.

Ready to see it for yourself? Visit the Hillside listing on RetireNet.com to view photos, browse available homes, request a free brochure or schedule a personal tour.

Request a Tour of Hillside

Frequently Asked Questions About Hillside in Zephyrhills

Is Hillside an age-restricted community?

Yes. Hillside is a manufactured home community for adults 55 and older.

Where is Hillside located?

Hillside is at 39515 Bamboo Lane, Zephyrhills, FL 33542, in East Pasco County in the Tampa Bay area.

What amenities does Hillside offer?

Amenities include a swimming pool, clubhouse, shuffleboard, laundry facilities and planned activities such as bingo.

What types of homes are available?

Hillside offers affordable, low-maintenance manufactured homes, including pre-owned and recently renovated options. See the RetireNet.com listing for current availability.

How far is Hillside from the beach?

The Gulf Coast beaches are less than an hour's drive from Zephyrhills.

Restaurant, bakery and attraction hours change frequently. Please call ahead or check each business's website before visiting. Community details are based on the Hillside listing at RetireNet.com.