DeSoto County
A Special Place to Call Your Own
Ready to feel the tension melt away? DeSoto’s county seat of Arcadia is a small, charming town with a rich history and a downtown area that features antique shops and restaurants. Become part of the city’s cattle-ranching culture and visit a rodeo, attend the county fair or visit the Watermelon Festival. DeSoto County’s unincorporated areas of Fort Ogden and Nocatee also offer a rural lifestyle with easy access to nature. And if a beach day suits your fancy, the Gulf Coast is located just about an hour away.
- Play Here
- Live Here
- Work Here
Notorious for Laid-back Fun
In the Florida Heartland, we’re big on uncovering hidden gems. DeSoto County fits the bill with plenty of fun activities and events including the annual Watermelon Festival in Arcadia. The festival features everything from watermelon eating and seed spitting to bounce houses for the kids. Arcadia Main Street is also a hub of activity, with boutique shops, antique stores and restaurants, with the historic Heard Opera House being a centerpiece. For outdoor enthusiasts, canoeing along the famed Peace River offers a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty.
Amenities for Healthy Living
Stop settling for cities that make you feel like just a number. In DeSoto County, you’ll find abundant housing with acres of land at a fraction of the cost of major metropolitans. The region is also home to DeSoto Memorial Hospital, which cares for the physical health of thousands while South Florida State College’s satellite campus ensures students remain intellectually fit beyond K-12 education.
Companies that Feel Like Family
Whether you want to go into nursing, work on a farm or at a logistics center, DeSoto County is an advantageous location to build your career. The Walmart distribution center in Arcadia employs close to 500 while agricultural businesses like Mac-Bee Harvesting, James D Brewer and Sorrells Citrus employ thousands in the citrus industry. And if you’re looking to work in healthcare, DeSoto Memorial Hospital is another major employer in the area.