The Pros & Cons Of Living In Apollo Beach, FL

When most people think of Florida, they think of beaches and water. If your dreams of living in Florida include those elements, then Apollo Beach might be just the place for you. Situated just south of Tampa, it offers direct access to Tampa Bay and plenty of outdoor recreation activities.

Apollo Beach is a relatively small, but growing town of approximately 26,000 people. It is an easy commute from North to Tampa and South to Bradenton and has great schools, diversity, and many things to do outside. That being said, it does have a slower pace of life, and being on the water can bring more dangers during hurricane season.

Eaton Realty helps buyers, sellers, and renters looking to find or sell a home in West Central Florida. We listen closely to our clients to understand what they truly want when it comes to their house and to their community. Our goal is to ensure that you get to the perfect place for you and your family - both in terms of your home and the surrounding town. Reach out today to discuss your house search with an Apollo Beach real estate agent.

All About Apollo Beach

Located in southern Hillsborough County, Apollo Beach is a Tampa neighborhood approximately 17 miles south of Tampa. This waterfront community was once largely uninhabitable because of its abundance of mangroves and low elevation. However, over the past 100 years, Apollo Beach has become a thriving waterfront community of over 26,000 people.

The area we now know as Apollo Beach was initially used for farming and grazing. In the 1930s, however, the owner decided it would make a perfect beachfront town with the right development. The project went through ups and downs, changing ownership as the slow work of dredging canals and developing the land continued.

In the 1960s, the area was named Apollo Beach after Apollo - the Greek God of the Sun. The idea came from then-owner Francis Corr and his wife, Dorothy. The Corr family continued to work on developing Apollo Beach for decades, donating land for public purposes, preserving areas of mangrove swamps, and starting community organizations. The family’s contributions to Apollo Beach were recognized when a new elementary school was named the Thomas P. Corr Elementary School.

Apollo Beach is well-known for the Big Bend Power Station, which provides electricity to the greater Tampa Bay area. The power station is also a major employer in the area.

Apollo Beach is located alongside Tampa Bay, between Tampa and Bradenton. It is a relatively small community of 22.3 square miles, including 2.4 square miles of water. It has approximately 55 miles of canals that lead to Tampa Bay.

Most people in Apollo Beach own and live in their houses. The median value of owner-occupied houses is $377,900, with an average monthly cost of $2,248. The median rent in Apollo Beach is $1,991 per month.

Advantages of Living in Apollo Beach

Waterfront Location

There are many benefits to living in Apollo Beach. For many, the biggest advantage is location: Apollo Beach is right on Tampa Bay, giving residents gorgeous waterfront views and access to water sports. It is approximately 17 miles south of Tampa and 25 miles north of Bradenton, meaning it is a relatively easy drive to get to either city for work or leisure activities.

Outdoor Recreation

If you enjoy being outside, Apollo Beach is a great place to live for boating, fishing, hiking, and other activities. There is easy access to both Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Apollo Beach also boasts a number of outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Apollo Beach Preserve, and the Manatee Viewing Center. It is also a short drive to other attractions like Ballast Point Park, Weedon Island Preserve, Bell Creek Nature Preserve, and the Florida Aquarium.

Strong Community

As a relatively small town, Apollo Beach has a strong sense of community. Local events like festivals and farmers’ markets bring people together. Because many people in the community also take pride in the natural environment, it is another way for locals to bond with each other.

Mild Climate

Apollo Beach has a great climate, which makes it a great place for anyone who wants warm weather year-round. In the winter, you can expect temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 70s. In the summer, the weather is often in the 80s and 90s, and fairly humid. This climate makes it possible to enjoy all of the outdoor recreation that Apollo Beach offers throughout the year.

Great Schools

As part of the Hillsborough County School District, Apollo Beach has a variety of schools, including Apollo Beach Elementary, Inez Doby Elementary, Waterset Charter School (K-8), Eisenhower Middle School, East Bay High School, and Dorothy C. York Innovation Academy. For college-level courses, students can attend the nearby University of South Florida, the University of Tampa, and Hillsborough Community College.

Diversity

Apollo Beach is a fairly diverse community. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 17.1% of the population is Latino, 11.7% is Black and 11.1% of the community is biracial or multiracial. 10% of the community was born in another country.

Disadvantages of Living in Apollo Beach

Limited Nightlife

Apollo Beach is a gorgeous town, but it is also quiet. While this may be an attraction to many people - especially families with kids - it can also be a drawback. There is limited nightlife, and there isn’t a huge array of restaurants. If you want more excitement, then you may be better off living closer to Tampa.

Older Population

One reason for the relatively sedentary pace of life in Apollo Beach might be that it tends to have an older population. 19.7% of the community is aged 65 or older, which is just slightly lower than the percentage of people (21.3%) under the age of 18. This number is also reflected in the economy, with 62.8% of the population aged 16+ in the civilian labor force.

Few Jobs

Apollo Beach doesn’t have an abundance of jobs. There are 363 employer firms in the town, which means that many people who live in the community commute elsewhere for work. The mean commute time for people in Apollo Beach is 36.6 minutes, which can add a fair bit of time to your work day. MacDill Air Force Base - a major employer in Hillsborough County - is 29 miles away, which may not make it the best choice for service members looking to live off base - particularly compared to closer communities like Lithia.

Heavy Traffic

As a growing commuter city, Apollo Beach is prone to traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. The rapid growth Apollo Beach has experienced over the last decade also can’t be maintained without construction. Regular construction throughout the city is another contributing factor to traffic congestion. The city does have a well-designed road infrastructure, so backups typically only occur on a few key routes. While the traffic situation in Apollo Beach may not always be ideal, it’s still manageable.

Hurricanes and Humidity

As is common in West Central Florida, Apollo Beach has incredibly humid summers. This weather can make it unpleasant to be outside during these months. There is also a risk of hurricanes and tropical storms in the area. Given that Apollo Beach is right on Tampa Bay, there is also a potential for storm surges during these weather events, which can be dangerous and damaging.

Considering a Move to Hillsborough County? Give Eaton Realty a Call

Apollo Beach is a quintessential Florida waterfront community. There are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, and boating worldwide from your backyard is a great perk with so many water and canal-front homes. While smaller-town living isn’t for everyone, it can be a wonderful place to live if you’re interested in a slower pace and lots of outdoor recreation opportunities.

At Eaton Realty, we know that each of our clients has a wish list regarding their homes and the community where they want to live. Our Apollo Beach realtors will collaborate to determine exactly what you want and need when buying or selling a house. We strongly believe that working together as a team is the best way to help our clients find the home of their dreams.

If you want to buy, sell, or rent a house in Apollo Beach, our real estate agents can help. We can also assist you with Apollo Beach property management services if you are looking to become a landlord in the area. Learn more by filling out our online contact form, or call us at 813-672-8022 to talk to a member of our real estate team.