Live, Work, Play in Greater Tampa Bay
By Jennifer Kennedy
Live, work, play is more than a trend; it is a lifestyle. These vibrant neighborhoods offer a variety of amenities, such as restaurants, shops, homes, offices and cultural attractions, all just a short walk from home. Everything is within easy reach, so say goodbye to traffic and car commutes for work, dining, shopping, dog walks, farmers’ markets and events— and say hello to live, work, play.
These convenient communities focus on enhancing the quality of life. They are adorned with art and inviting outdoor spaces that create a welcoming atmosphere. Events and communal areas are thoughtfully integrated to bring residents together and enrich the cultural scene. With plenty of dining choices, proximity to urban attractions and opportunities for an active lifestyle, residents will always have engaging activities to enjoy.
With numerous live, work, play neighborhoods to choose from and more on the horizon, newcomers can find their dream home, their ideal workplace and the perfect community all in one place. Read on for a few of Greater Tampa Bay’s most comfortable and convenient communities that embody the essence of the live, work, play lifestyle.
Starkey Ranch, Odessa
The developers of Starkey Ranch created a new type of community, designed to allow residents to fully embrace nature. Just north of Tampa, picturesque neighborhoods across 2,400 acres border the J.B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve. Homeowners have access to 150 acres of lush parks and 20 miles of scenic trails.
Starkey Ranch is one of the best-selling master planned communities in the country. A wide array of amenities in each neighborhood provides a resort atmosphere. Year-round special events bring neighbors together and build a sense of community.
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There is something for everyone here, from small townhouses to custom pool homes with designer kitchens.
Residents can choose a neighborhood with their desired amenities. Some offer community pools, playgrounds and sports fields while others have spas, social events and fitness centers.
Popular residences include:
- Whitfield Preserve
- Esplanade at Starkey Ranch
- Anclote Preserve
- Hutcheson Preserve
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According to current proposals, the Starkey Ranch Business Park will feature a total of 325,000 square feet, designated for both commercial and industrial purposes. Among the planned structures is a four-story hotel, boasting 125 rooms.
Additionally, the proposed buildings encompass a seven-story parking garage, an industrial facility, two medical buildings spanning four stories each, and an aircraft simulation training building. This initiative is poised to introduce advanced technology and high-paying job opportunities to Starkey Ranch, Odessa, and the surrounding Trinity communities.
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The Starkey Ranch Lifestyle Team plans a wide range of fun activities for residents including:
- Day at the lake featuring kayaking and canoeing
- Back to School Bash pool party with cornhole and food trucks
- Children’s Sports & Fitness Camps
- Holiday Pool Parties
- Food Truck Fridays
- Kona Water Ice Saturdays
Resident clubs and special interest groups include:
- Garden Club
- Book Club
- Wine Club
- Wilderness Club
- Running Club
- Fibers Club
- Business Group
- Homeschoolers Group
Retail and Dining
The Starkey Ranch Town Square located at the intersection of SR 54 and Gunn Highway offers a mix of retail stores. Residents can shop at Publix supermarket, pamper themselves at beauty or nail salons or meet friends for sushi, pizza or pasta. An added convenience is onsite dental care, dry cleaners and UPS.
The Starkey Ranch Business Park retail center offers a bank, women’s clothing store, veterinarian and yoga studio. More dining options include:
- The Wicked Pour Brewery
- Hungry Greek Restaurant
- Capriottis Sandwich Shop
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Angeline, Land O’Lakes
Angeline is a groundbreaking new 6,200 acre mixed-use, master-planned community designed to create a one-of-a-kind experience for homeowners. Residents can enjoy outdoor adventures and a next-generation health and wellness campus. Located in central Pasco County, Angeline offers a lifestyle that combines innovation, nature and health.
The developer’s vision is to create an environment for lifelong learning with smart technologies, luxurious amenities and open spaces that enhance the quality of life.
Proprietary technology like 2GB of fiber allows residents to utilize the fastest Internet and WiFi speeds in the nation. Streetleaf streetlights use solar power to optimize brightness, reduce excess light and protect wildlife from light pollution.
The new Angeline Academy of Innovation introduces students to a unique educational environment that empowers them to take charge of their learning with active, technology-infused experiences. The new science, technology, engineering and math based middle and high school, opened in 2023, centers around problem-based learning.
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As many as 7,500 high-tech, energy efficient homes are planned from leading homebuilders. Angeline offers villas, townhomes and multi-family options as well as active adult and single-family homes.
Amenities include a clubhouse with food and beverage options, resort-style swimming pool, tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts. An impressive events calendar keeps neighbors connected.
Current residences:
- Lennar
- D.R. Horton
- Lennar Active Adult Collection
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Moffitt Global Innovation Center’s 775-acre expansion development provides 16-million square foot of lab, office, manufacturing and clinical spaces ideal for biotech companies and medical professionals. An additional 24 million square feet of commercial space could also be utilized.
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The 130-acre Pasco County regional park, a community farm and miles of acres for outdoor recreation are woven throughout Angeline. Trail networks span up to 100 miles and connect with the area’s regional trail system. Residents can also enjoy sports fields, boardwalks, campsites, picnic areas and forest overlooks.
Retail and Dining
Plans for a variety of transit options and convenient access to shopping, dining and entertainment are underway. The Town Center offers 4 million square feet of office, dining and entertainment space.
Water Street Tampa, downtown Tampa
Water Street Tampa is an ambitious, multi-phased development project that aims to transform 56 acres of waterfront land into a vibrant and cohesive neighborhood. The vision for Water Street Tampa goes beyond creating mere buildings; it seeks to shape a city of the future that prioritizes people and their experiences.
The development encompasses a wide array of commercial, residential, hospitality, entertainment, cultural, retail and educational spaces. These components are connected through pedestrian-focused streets and public green spaces, fostering a sense of community and walkability. Water Street Tampa effectively bridges Tampa’s central business district with its waterfront, seamlessly linking residential neighborhoods with retail and business districts. It aims to create a balanced and dynamic urban experience that aligns with the desires of modern city dwellers.
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Health and wellness are key considerations in the design of Water Street Tampa. The community places a strong emphasis on outdoor common areas, including waterfront spaces and pedestrian trails, which promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, sustainable buildings and technology are incorporated to benefit both the well-being of residents and the environment. Water Street Tampa also provides a range of residential options, from rental apartments to for-sale condominiums. These residences feature exquisite designs by renowned architects and interior designers, ensuring a high standard of living.
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The first phase of the development introduces impressive offerings across various sectors. The 600,000 square feet of office space includes the city’s first trophy office tower in over three decades, Thousand & One. This tower represents a modern, state-of-the-art work environment for companies, catering to the growing STEM and start-up sectors.
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With a total of three hotels, Water Street Tampa aims to provide an exceptional hospitality experience, which will serve as a cornerstone for the new neighborhood and evolving business district.
Entertainment and leisure activities are abundant in and around Water Street Tampa. Sparkman Wharf, a mixed-use waterfront destination, hosts a variety of community events in its one-acre park and recreation lawn. Amalie Arena, the Tampa Bay History Center, and The Florida Aquarium are all within close proximity, ensuring a wide range of entertainment options for everyone.
Water Street Tampa is set to become a retail and dining destination, with an impressive lineup of curated concepts. From local boutiques to full-service grocery stores, the neighborhood will cater to a variety of needs. With over 50 unique retailers and dining options throughout Water Street Tampa, there is something to satisfy every taste and preference.
Midtown — Westshore District, Tampa
Located in the Westshore District, just west of downtown Tampa, Midtown Tampa is a vibrant and self-contained community that prides itself on being a city within a city. It offers a wide range of amenities, including apartments, office spaces, celebrated restaurants, stores, hotels, common areas and scenic walking trails. This contemporary and sleek community is the epitome of city-living, with a local touch.
The convenience of Midtown Tampa is unparalleled. Situated right off Interstate 275 and adjacent to Dale Mabry Highway, navigating the area is a breeze. Whether for residents, businesses or visitors, accessibility and connectivity make Midtown a highly desirable location.
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For those looking to live in Midtown, NOVEL is the primary apartment complex offering studio through three-bedroom units. Located above the Retail Plaza and Midtown Commons areas, NOVEL provides residents with top-notch amenities, including a resort-style pool, dry cleaning lockers, co-working office spaces and a parking garage.
Midtown welcomes visitors with the Element Midtown Tampa Hotel, a contemporary and modern addition offering 230 rooms. With its strategic location, guests have easy access to nearby attractions, such as Raymond James Stadium, the Westshore Business District and downtown Tampa.
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When it comes to work, Midtown Tampa offers an attractive environment for professionals. The community boasts Class A office spaces across three office buildings, attracting major companies. Additionally, Midtown’s location provides easy access to top employers in the Westshore District, including the Tampa International Airport. Current office spaces include Midtown West, a 152,000-square-foot, eight-story building, The Loft, a three-story, 72,000-square-foot boutique office building, and Midtown East, a 16- to 18-story, 400,000-square-foot Class A office building.
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Midtown Tampa is not just about work; it is a place where residents and visitors can truly indulge in retail and dining experiences. The community offers an unmatched selection of restaurants, including Joffrey’s Coffee, Shake Shack, BellaBrava, Ponte Tampa by renowned chef Chris Ponte and True Food Kitchen, backed by Oprah. The presence of a Whole Foods Market further enhances the convenience and quality of the culinary options available. Additionally, Midtown promotes an active and healthy lifestyle, with amenities such as Midtown Lake and Watercourse trail, outdoor common areas, GTB’s first REI Co-Op store, health and wellness facilities and fitness centers. Grassy common spaces, live music venues, bars and eateries contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of Midtown, with regular events and farmers markets fostering a strong sense of community.
Orange Station at the EDGE — EDGE District, St. Petersburg
Orange Station at the EDGE is set to be a monumental project in St. Petersburg’s Central Avenue. Rising 16 stories within the culturally and historically rich EDGE District, just west of downtown, Orange Station adds to the exciting development and growth in this unique part of St. Petersburg. Opening is planned for the first quarter of 2025.
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Orange Station offers a variety of residential options for those looking to live in the community. With a total residential space of 130,000 square feet, there will be 42 workforce apartments called The WYE, as well as 61 luxury condominiums known as The Residences. Additionally, a 160-room full-service hotel will cater to guests. A 590-space parking garage ensures convenient parking for residents and visitors.
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For professionals seeking workspace, Orange Station provides four floors of Class A office space totaling 52,000 square feet. Located in the Edge District, it offers proximity to various dining and coffee options and easy access to interstates. The development also includes 21,400 square feet of street-facing retail space, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
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Orange Station aims to create a vibrant and inviting environment for leisure and socializing. A European-style plaza will feature outdoor cafes and art installations, attracting working professionals, residents and the public. The parking garage, with both public and private spaces, not only benefits the community by providing convenient parking but also improves public access to this buzzing urban area.
Situated on 1st Avenue in the downtown area of St. Pete, Orange Station is surrounded by a vibrant urban center. The neighborhood offers an array of new places to explore, from museums and sports stadiums to parks and the iconic St. Pete Pier. With something exciting around every corner, Orange Station’s location ensures residents and visitors have endless options for entertainment and recreation.
Wiregrass Ranch — Wesley Chapel
Wiregrass Ranch, located in Wesley Chapel, is a 5,000-acre live, work, play community that seamlessly combines city convenience with country comfort. This remarkable community embodies the essence of living in harmony with the land and is the result of the visionary Porter family, who transformed their cattle ranch and citrus grove into a family-oriented development. With a deep-rooted connection to the land, the Porter family continues to be caretakers, ensuring that residents can enjoy the natural beauty of their home.
Wiregrass Ranch is more than just a residential community; it is a thriving and interconnected neighborhood that offers a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.
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Wiregrass Ranch’s design incorporates a unique multi-generational approach, with various distinct neighborhoods catering to different demographics. Apartments and townhomes with resort-like amenities are ideal for young professionals and families starting their journey. Single-family homes provide ample space for families to grow and flourish. Moreover, Wiregrass Ranch offers 55-and-older and assisted living communities, enabling older generations to remain close to their families within the community.
The community’s emphasis on healthy and active lifestyles is evident throughout Wiregrass Ranch. The RADD Wiregrass Ranch sports campus serves as a sports tourism destination, hosting numerous championship tournaments and sporting events. The vast facility features eight basketball courts, a cheer area, an athletic training and conditioning space and a VIP Sky Deck viewing area. Additionally, Wiregrass Ranch provides several community centers and resort-style pools that foster an outdoor, active lifestyle.
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One of the standout features of Wiregrass Ranch is the exceptional healthcare options available to its residents. Advent Health, a 148-bed hospital, provides quality care close to home, while Florida Medical Clinic, North Tampa Behavioral Health, and Farina Medical Plaza cater to a wide range of medical needs. Farina Medical Plaza, a Class A medical office building, contributes to the “work” element of the live, work, play concept, offering 16,000 square feet of advanced healthcare facilities.
In addition to the comprehensive healthcare options, Wiregrass Ranch boasts several schools within walking distance of the community, including the Porter Campus of Pasco-Hernando State College.
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The Shops at Wiregrass serves as the ultimate shopping destination for residents, catering to all their needs. With department stores like Dillard’s, Macy’s, and JCPenney, along with specialty shops, clothing stores, eclectic boutiques and numerous dining options, residents have a diverse range of choices within the 67-acre retail and entertainment complex.
Hyde Park Village — Hyde Park, Tampa
Hyde Park, a historic Tampa neighborhood that traces back to 1886, blends preservation with progress. Its Hyde Park Village epitomizes a thriving live, work, play model. The community’s dedication to preserving history, fostering community connections and providing diverse amenities ensures residents can enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.
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Situated conveniently west of downtown along the Selmon Expressway, its beautifully landscaped streets offer a mix of housing options. The neighborhood seamlessly integrates 19th-century architectural homes with newer apartment buildings and condos, maintaining its historic charm. Residents are drawn to the captivating parks and Bayshore fitness trail, encouraging an active outdoor lifestyle.
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Hyde Park Village addresses the “work” aspect with Hyde House, a successful coworking facility. Combining stylish socializing amenities, coworking offices and event spaces, it accommodates diverse professional needs. With 65 private offices, ample coworking areas, a creative workspace called Public Studio, five event spaces, an auditorium and a members-only bar and kitchen, Hyde House caters to the community’s professionals.
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At the heart of Hyde Park lies Hyde Park Village, a vibrant destination boasting an impressive assortment of restaurants, cafés and retail shops. Recent additions include renowned brands like Zimmermann and Warby Parker, with Rag & Bone, Barry’s fitness and Gorjana jewelry joining to enhancing the shopping experience.
Village Circle, centered around an iconic fountain, serves as the bustling hub of Hyde Park Village. It offers a mix of upscale and casual eateries such as Meat Market, Bartaco, Irish 31, On Swann, Sorrento Sweets, Sprinkles, The Candle Pour and Wine Exchange. Fashion enthusiasts can explore stores like Vineyard Vines, Lululemon, Social Status, Kittenish and Nike, while health and beauty needs are met by Bluemercury and Clean Juice. These diverse tenants contribute to the well-rounded and self-sustaining community of Hyde Park Village.
Hyde Park Village embraces community spirit by organizing an extensive events calendar. Residents can enjoy complimentary fitness classes through Hyde Park Sweat and visit the Fresh Market, a monthly farmer’s market showcasing over 90 farmers and artisans. These events foster a sense of togetherness and provide opportunities for neighbors to connect.
