Ever since their conception in 1947, subdivisions have become synonymous with the American dream. Designed with comfort and community in mind, these master-planned developments are the closest thing to living on Main Street, USA in the modern age.
Close proximity to schools and restaurants, low crime rates and the option to lean on neighbors in time of need — ever been short an egg when baking a cake? — are just a few benefits of buying a home in a planned community.
While the Greater Tampa Bay area is known for its urban flair, it is replete with neighborhoods that encompass all the qualities of a tight-knit community, plus some pretty sweet amenities. Here are 15 notable neighborhoods that beckon newcomers to make a house a home Greater Tampa Bay.
Epperson — Wesley Chapel
$200,000 – $600,000
Residents of Eperson have no need to vacation, because they have a literal waterpark right in their backyard. Eperson brings the amenities of the coastline inland with its 7.5-acre swimming lagoon that includes a swim-up bar — pina colada, anyone? — tiki lounge, water recreational activities, cabanas and so much more.
East Lake Woodlands — Oldsmar
$150,000 – $1.2 million
Lush landscapes, two Championship 18-hole golf courses and a swanky country club located inside the community are just a few perks of calling East Lake Woodlands home. This community also offers a diverse range of housing types, including single family homes, condominiums and villas.
Carrollwood Village — Tampa
$150,000 – $900,000
Billing itself a “self-contained” community, Carrollwood Village brings many desirable amenities, including restaurants, shopping, recreational parks, the Carollwood Country Club and a cultural center. Being only 15 minutes from the Tampa International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Tampa, this subdivision’s location is prime.
Waterleaf — Riverview
$250,000 – $500,000
This high-tech subdivision puts new meaning to modern family living. Waterleaf offers cutting edge Smart Homes that include ULTRAFi, a first-of-its-kind internet and cable experience that promises to be the fastest in-home internet service in the country. In addition, Waterleaf includes a list of outstanding amenities, including a resort-style pool, clubhouse, walking trails and gated entry.
Meadow Pointe — Wesley Chapel
$180,000 – $900,000
Established in 2006, Meadow Pointe is a great option for those that want to live in a well-established neighborhood. Make no mistake, however — this subdivision is far from outdated, and with a community pool, splash pad, tennis court, basketball court, fitness center and clubhouse, residents will rarely feel the need to leave.
Lake Jovita — Dade City
$400,000 – 800,000
This master-planned community pairs top-notch amenities with scenic beauty. With 1,054 acres of picturesque lakes, rolling hills and state-of-the-art golf courses, living in Lake Jovita just might feel like a dream. Some of the subdivision’s amenities include pickleball and tennis courts, a community pool and kids’ area.
Historic Old Northeast — St. Petersburg
$785,446 average
Founded in 1911, this community is not exactly a planned development, but rather a historic neighborhood that has preserved its Old Florida character for decades. Its eclectic beauty features brick streets, granite curbs, shady oak trees, historic homes and the adjacent Vinoy and North Shore parks. Historic Old Northeast is in a prime location within walking distance of downtown and the parks, which offer a public swimming pool, tennis courts, volleyball courts, a playground and more.
Bellevue Estates — Belleair Beach
$750,000 – $1.7 million
Many move to GTB with dreams of a home on the beach. At Bellevue Estates, those dreams become a reality. Nestled on the picturesque Belleair Beach, homes in this subdivision range from quaint cottages to impressive estates. No matter the size of the home, every day feels like a vacation at Bellevue Estates.
Meadowlawn — St. Petersburg
Home prices vary, but typically in the $300,000s
True subdivisions are few and far between in St. Pete, but that does not mean this city lacks excellent laid-back, tight-knit communities — and Meadowlawn is one great example of these. Residents can enjoy homegrown foods through The Meadowlawn Ecological Center & Community Garden, which features 20 garden plots as part of the Healthy St. Pete Initiative. Residents also enjoy access to the adjacent Sawgrass Lake Park, with ample greenspace to explore — a treasure in urban St. Pete.
Mira Bay — Apollo Beach
Starting at $399,990
Residents will feel like they are in a tropical oasis at Mira Bay. Surrounded by sparkling waters, swaying palms and resort-like amenities such as a pool with a water slide, sand volleyball courts, fishing and kayaking, tennis and basketball courts and a splash fountain, the whole family will never run out of things to do.
Serengeti — Land O’ Lakes
$250,000 – $400,000
This gated community is nestled in a quiet, country-like setting, but with all the benefits of living in a convenient suburb. Serengeti boasts estate-sized homesites with no rear neighbors and 150 acres of natural lands. Yep, that is right — residents at Serengeti can begin the day looking out on their picture-perfect backyard that sometimes even includes peaceful ponds and untouched conservation land.
Southshore Bay — Wimauma
$250,000 – $400,000
Lagoon living is up for grabs. Metro Places, the creators of the Epperson Lagoon Community, presents Southshore Bay, Hillsborough County’s one and only lagoon community. Enjoy all the amenities of living at the expansive lagoon without breaking the bank. ULTRAFi technology keeps residents’ internet speeds lightning fast everywhere in the community, and dog parks keep those four-legged members of the family happy as well.
Abbott Park — Zephyrhills
Homes start at $200,000
Named in honor of one of the founders of Zephyrhills, Abbott Park pays homage to the area’s historical roots with charming houses and sidewalk-lined streets. However, residents of this subdivision do not miss out on the conveniences of modern living. Every home in Abbott Park is a Smart Home with the highest quality high-speed internet and cable
Feather Sound — Clearwater
Median sale price $305,250
More of a community than a subdivision, Feather Sound is a well-established, charming community in Eastern Pinellas County. Various residential options, from homes to condos to apartments, surround the Feather Sound Country Club, ranked one of the best five private clubs in Tampa Bay by the Tampa Bay Times, as well as several recreation areas. The location makes it easy to get anywhere, with the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport only 5 minutes away and right off the exit ramp from I-275.
Waterset — Apollo Beach
Starting at $288,990
Located in beautiful Apollo Beach, residents of Waterset can take advantage of a number of amenities, including a clubhouse with a café, three community parks, a lap pool and swimming pool with waterslides and even a splash zone for kids. Residents with young children also have easy access to the onsite Southshore Montessori School at Waterset.
By Shelley Akins and Jewell Tomazin
