The Most Popular Master-Planned Communities In Tampa
Owning a home can be incredibly beneficial to your financial stability over the long term. Yet, at the same time, factors outside of your control - like a neighbor not taking care of their yard - can reduce the value of your investment. Moving to a master-planned community in the Tampa area can address this issue and give you access to a range of amenities.
A master-planned community is a collection of neighborhoods often big enough to form its own town. In addition to homes, these communities usually have amenities like pools and golf courses. They may even feature commercial space for restaurants, stores, and more.
Based in Lithia, Eaton Realty helps buyers find the home that’s right for them - whether in a master-planned community or a smaller, quirky neighborhood. We also work with homeowners who are seeking to sell their properties, working with them to get the best possible price. Reach out to our offices today to speak to a Hillsborough County real estate agent about selling or buying a home in a master-planned community.
Want to learn even more about buying a home in a master-planned community? Contact us to speak with an experienced Tampa real estate agent. |
What Is a Master-Planned Community?
Many of us are familiar with housing developments. They typically involve a neighborhood of homes all built by the same developer. A master-planned community takes this concept and expands upon it.
Master-planned communities are designed to give residents the feel of living in a small, self-contained town. These communities go beyond just building a lot of houses within a neighborhood. It also typically includes amenities like a clubhouse, parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, or golf courses.
Some master-planned communities also offer commercial spaces, with cute downtown areas featuring stores and restaurants. They are typically close to cities like Tampa or St. Petersburg - but far enough away from the city center to feel like a separate world. Many master-planned communities cater to retirees, such as the famous (or infamous) The Villages in Central Florida, although some are designed with families in mind.
While each master-planned community is different, they are typically large and spread out, with plenty of green space. They may have relatively few homes (100 or less) or thousands of homes but generally share a unified design and style. A master-planned community may be built by one developer or several builders working together to create a more diverse (yet still cohesive) feel.
Master-planned communities are particularly popular in theSouth, although they can be found all over the world. The first master-planned community was said to be built in St. Augustine, Florida - in 1565. Master-planned communities are still being built and developed throughout Florida, including right here in Hillsborough County.
The Most Popular Master-Planned Communities in Tampa
Master-planned communities are a great option if you are looking to buy a home in the Tampa region. You must generally pay homeowners association (HOA) fees with a master-planned community. In exchange, you will have access to a range of amenities and the benefit of knowing that your home will be one part of a unified whole, without the worry that a neighbor’s design choices or neglect will drag down your property values.
Below, we have listed some of the most popular master-planned communities in West Central Florida. These developments may be a good option for you, particularly if you want a home in an established community with lots of perks like a golf course or swimming pools. However, there are many other master-planned communities that you can and should explore with the assistance of an experienced Tampa realtor.
Bexley
Located north of Tampa in Land O’ Lakes, Bexley offers a mix of active adult homes, single-family homes, and luxury houses, with prices starting in the low $300,000s. Bexley has plenty to enjoy, including walking trails, 7 parks and playgrounds, a BMX pump track, dog parks, and a fitness center. Bexley also features The Hub, a retail and business area where community members can grab a bite to eat or even enjoy a concert.
Waterset
Based in Apollo Beach, Waterset has both single-family homes in addition to low-maintenance villas. Prices for houses in this community start in the upper $200,000s. There are plenty of amenities in Waterset, including sports courts, parks, playgrounds, and the Landing Club and Cafe, which has a gym, pool, and cafe. Waterset also features a resort-style pool with water slides and a splash park.
FishHawk Ranch
In Lithia, FishHawk Ranch is an award-winning green community that features more than 30 miles of walking trails. It also has great amenities like pools, clubhouses, grocery stores, retail shopping centers, parks, and restaurants. Houses in this community range in price from the low $200,000s to more than $1,000,000.
Connerton
Located in Land O’ Lakes, Connerton is a good choice for families. Home prices start in the upper $200,000s, with anywhere from 3 to 7 bedrooms. Throughout the community, you’ll find villages with restaurants, parks, grocery stores, and other shops. Connerton also has a Kidz Zone, a pool, a fitness center, and its own elementary school (Connerton Elementary).
Epperson
In Wesley Chapel, Epperson features an enormous man-made 7-acre lagoon, Crystal Lagoon (the first of its kind in Florida). Here, residents can snorkel, paddleboard, or swim across the lagoon. The community also features dedicated charter academies, high-speed internet, and solar-powered street lights. The median house price in Epperson is $465,000.
Southern Hills Plantation
North of Tampa, you will find Southern Hills Plantation, a beautiful master-planned community in Brooksville. Homes in this community start in the $300,000s, with a range of floor plan options available. Within Southern Hills Plantation, residents can take advantage of a private 18-hole golf course, an aquatic center, a spa, a fitness center, and walking trails.
The Eagles
If you’re into sustainability, then The Eagles is a good option. This golf course community is situated in Odessa, with both single-family homes and townhomes available. Residents can even choose a home with energy-saving features like double-paned windows and LED lights and take advantage of reclaimed water for irrigation. With prices ranging from $300,000 to over $1,000,000, The Eagles has several amenities, including pools and a private golf course.
Interested In Living In A Tampa Master Planned Community?
Hillsborough County has a lot of great cities, towns, and neighborhoods. It is also home to a range of master-planned communities, many with stunning amenities. If you want to live in an area that offers more, a master-planned community might be a great choice for you and your family.
At Eaton Realty, we are dedicated to helping our clients find the right home for them in West-Central Florida. We have over 20 years of experience in the Tampa real estate market. We not only help residents buy and sell homes, but we also assist landlords through our Tampa property management services. If you’d like to learn more about any of our real estate services, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 813-672-8022 to talk to a member of our real estate team.
Rebecca Kelly
Director of Sales | REALTOR | MRP, GRI, ABR
Rebecca is a Realtor and the Director of Sales at Eaton Realty. She has been helping Hillsborough County residents buy and sell homes for over a decade. She has earned the Military Relocation Professional, Graduate REALTOR Institute, and Accredited Buyer's Representative designations from the National Association of REALTORS. Rebecca covers a variety of topics related to buying and selling a home on the Eaton blog. You can find her on LinkedIn.
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