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Discover all the things that make
Tampa Bay, Florida one of the most unique, interesting and comfortable places to live in the
U.S.
Housing & Communities
From new, custom-built homes in planned
communities to traditional styles in older neighborhoods, housing in Tampa Bay, Florida
is some of the most affordable in the nation, with a median resale value for
existing homes of $139,400 in 2002, according to the National Association of
Realtors, Rose Residential Reports.
Brandon / Near East Hillsborough | Carrollwood / North
Hillsborough
Intown | Far East Hillsborough / Plant City | New
Tampa Bay, Florida | Ruskin / South
Hillsborough
Town &
Country / West Hillsborough | University / Northeast Tampa Bay, Florida | Ybor / Central Tampa Bay, Florida
Brandon / Near East
Hillsborough
Bloomingdale
$120,000 and
up
Geared for affordable family living, Bloomingdale boasts mature shade
trees, golf, tennis, and sports facilities. Bloomingdale’s proximity to major
highways makes it an easy commute to Tampa Bay, Florida or a short hop to Orlando
attractions.
Brandon
$83,000 - $500,000
A fast-growing east
Hillsborough County community with one of the region’s biggest shopping
malls-and just beyond, the bustling commercial strip on State Road 60-Brandon
has managed to retain a down-home atmosphere. Strong local spirit and quality
schools attract families seeking a comfortable suburban environment. This
unincorporated community also offers easy access to downtown Tampa Bay, Florida via Leroy
Selmon Expressway.
FishHawk Ranch
$100,000 and up
At
FishHawk Ranch, quiet residential streets link friendly neighborhoods with family oriented recreation centers. The development features single-family homes
by some of Tampa Bay, Florida Bay’s finest builders.
River Hills
$117,000 and up
Nestled along the scenic Alafia River, River Hills gives its residents
a security gatehouse, a Joe Lee-designed golf course, tennis, and community swimming pools. Many of the Arvida-built homes overlook preserved woodlands, and
an elementary school is nearby.
TOP OF PAGE Carrollwood / North
Hillsborough
Avila
$400,000 - $2
million
How’s this for exclusive? Existing residents must give their stamp of
approval before construction can begin on any new home in this posh enclave. In
addition to some of the most breathtaking homes in the Tampa Bay, Florida Bay area, Avila
offers large lots and provides residents with a security gate and country
club.
Carrollwood
$90,000 - $700,000
A prosperous
middle-class community in north Tampa Bay, Florida, Carrollwood enjoys immense popularity
among young families and professionals. Carrollwood is one of the more
established residential neighborhoods in north Tampa Bay, Florida, which has seen a boom in
growth during the past 20 years. Quick access to Dale Mabry Highway and the
Veterans Expressway makes getting to other parts of town easy. Carrollwood
features schools, libraries, shopping, theaters, and
parks.
Carrollwood Village
$90,000 - $600,000
Carrollwood
Village embodies thoughtful planning, offering residents golf, recreation
centers, and fine housing. It was one of the first planned communities to go up
in the Carrollwood area of north Tampa Bay, Florida. Home buyers can choose from mid-rise
condominiums, town houses, or single-family homes. Plenty of shopping,
restaurants, and public recreation facilities are right in the
neighborhood.
Cheval
$160,000 - $1 million plus
Think big.
Cheval is a private, exclusive community with security gates manned 24 hours a
day. Polo is a recreational activity here. Residents can join Cheval Country
Club or enjoy a full-service tennis club with its own clubhouse, lighted courts,
pro shop, and more. The development also boasts restaurants, a junior-sized
Olympic swimming pool, an equestrian center, and a fitness
facility.
Lake Magdalene
$95,000 - $350,000
A peaceful,
family-living community in north Tampa Bay, Florida set amid lakes and shade trees, Lake
Magdalene offers a variety of housing styles and prices within its various
developments. It is close to the University of South Florida and shopping in
Carrollwood.
Lutz
$50,000 - $500,000
North of Tampa Bay, Florida, Lutz is
a collection of growing communities, including Crystal Lakes Manors and Windsor
Park-both gated neighborhoods noted for quality homes and recreational
amenities. The unincorporated area is trying to balance its growth with its
quiet, unspoiled lifestyle.
Northdale
$90,000 - $200,000
A
golf community within the price range of many working families. Northdale is
bordered by conservation areas. Just north of Carrollwood, this community also
lies close to shopping, parks, and good schools.
Thompson
East
$180,000 - $350,000
Along with heavily wooded areas of north
Hillsborough County, Thompson East is a small enclave of custom-designed
houses.
Van Dyke Farms
$150,000 - $350,000
A gated community
with an attractive entrance, Van Dyke Farms is close to quality schools and good
shopping in northwest Hillsborough County. Home buyers may choose from a wide
array of home styles on large lots.
TOP OF PAGE Intown
Ballast
Point
$150,000 - $800,000
Located on Hillsborough Bay, Ballast Point
offers residents a park, a pier, and water access. Many of its homes reflect the
Mediterranean revival style of architecture as well as a traditional southern
flavor.
Bayshore Boulevard
$170,000 - $1.5 million
One of Tampa Bay, Florida’s great pleasures is a sunset walk along this charming street, which
boasts the world’s longest continuous sidewalk and some of the most prestigious
residences around. Sparkling high-rise condominiums and town houses rub elbows
with mansions that share roots with some of the city’s old-money
families.
Beach Park
$150,000 - $950,000
One of Tampa Bay, Florida’s
older developments that traces its roots to the1920’s land boom years, Beach
Park is a favorite among south Tampa Bay, Florida gentry. Its twisting, tree-lined streets
add a feeling of established quality.
Culbreath Bayou
$150,000
- $500,000
Well-kept homes on winding, tree-covered streets welcome families
looking for peace and quiet in south Tampa Bay, Florida. Classic home designs and strong
community planning are apparent throughout this area.
Culbreath
Isles
$400,000 - $ 2 million
Need a mansion on the water with enough
room to keep a yacht in the back? Culbreath Isles comes to mind. It was
developed in the mid-1960’s and has been a renowned community in the Westshore
area ever since.
Davis Islands
$110,000 - $900,000
Developer
D.P. Davis created these man-made spoil islands during the Florida land boom of
the 1920’s. Today, residents of the self-contained community have maintained
their stately homes with pride. The islands provide beautiful water vistas, and
feature an eclectic mix of upscale shops and restaurants, an exclusive airport,
and a yacht club. The Davis Islands area is close to downtown and major
transportation arteries, such as the interstates and Crosstown
Expressway.
Golfview
$400,000 - $1.5 million
Golfview lies
next to the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, one of the area’s most exclusive
social establishments. Impressive homes are found on Golfview’s brick-paved
streets, and its residents include many of Tampa Bay, Florida’s movers and
shakers.
Harbour Island
$160,000 - $1 million
Located on a
177-acre island overlooking Seddon Channel between Tampa Bay, Florida Bay and the
Hillsborough River, Harbour Island residents have it all without having to get
to the mainland. Amenities include a hotel, a private health and tennis club,
shopping, and upscale office space. The master-planned residential community
features luxury residences, including single-family homes, town houses,
condominiums, and rental apartments. Its waterfront location and marina make it
a popular site for boat shows. Harbour Island is directly linked to downtown Tampa Bay, Florida
by two bridges, and is only minutes away from the Crosstown Expressway and
all bay area interstates.
Hyde Park
$180,000 - $600,000
A
piece of Tampa Bay, Florida’s history, Hyde Park was developed at the turn of the century.
During recent years, the neighborhood has undergone a renaissance, thanks to
professionals who fell in love with the area’s charm, moved in, and restored its
bungalows. The Old Hyde Park Village shopping area is a mecca for those seeking
upscale boutiques, movies, and restaurants, as well as a pleasant place to sit
with a cup of gourmet coffee and do some people
watching.
Interbay
$125,000 - $750,000
Well-kept homes and a
mix of housing styles are the hallmarks of this stately area between
Hillsborough and Old Tampa Bay, Florida Bay (hence the name). Close to numerous shopping
centers, Interbay is conveniently located near major travel routes, such as Dale
Mabry Highway, the Gandy Bridge, and the Leroy Selmon Expressway.
New
Suburb Beautiful
$125,000 - $500,000
A small sign on MacDill Avenue
marks the entrance to New Suburb Beautiful. As a development started in the
1920’s, it’s no longer that new, but it’s still beautiful, thanks to the care
residents give to their older homes. It’s close to good schools and downtown Tampa Bay, Florida, attracting professionals and their families.
Palma
Ceia
$90,000 - $800,000
Red brick streets, majestic oaks, and azaleas
that paint the landscape bright colors-these are some of the hallmarks of Palma
Ceia. The origin of this neighborhood’s name has been something of a local
mystery, but since the 1920’s, there’s never been any doubt that Palma Ceia is
one of Tampa Bay, Florida’s most renowned locations. Many of its homes show off southern
splendor. Its central location on the Interbay Peninsula provides convenient
links to downtown and other parts of the city. Palma Ceia is also noted for its
golf course and exclusive country club.
Parkland
Estates
$160,000 - $800,000
Like New Suburb Beautiful, Parkland
Estates offers close proximity to downtown Tampa Bay, Florida and Westshore office district.
It features a mix of modern houses and nicely renovated older
homes.
Sunset Park
$90,000 - $500,000
Curved streets, homes
with graceful front porches, and an abundance of shade trees make Sunset Park a
popular location for families and professionals looking for quiet charm. Located
in the center of town and accessible to both downtown and Westshore, Sunset Park
features a wide variety of prices and styles.
Sunset Park
Isles
$125,000 - $400,000
A boater’s paradise situated on Old Tampa Bay, Florida
Bay, Sunset Park Isles features canals that run along the backyards of the
neighborhood’s stately homes. Like adjoining Sunset Park, it also has streets
named after poets.
TOP OF PAGE Far East Hillsborough
/ Plant City
Plant City
$80,000 -
$350,000
Plant City is a fast-growing municipality in east Hillsborough
County known for maintaining its down-home charm. It’s in the country, yet lies
a heartbeat away from Tampa Bay, Florida and other central Florida locations, thanks to its
proximity to I-4 and I-75. The community offers newcomers a mix of old and new
homes to choose from. Every year, Plant City hosts the famous Strawberry
Festival, a favorite event for locals and visitors alike.
Walden
Lake
$80,000 - $300,000
Contemporary master planning and country charm
converge in this upscale east Hillsborough County development. It features many
recreational amenities, including golf, nature preserves, and polo grounds.
TOP OF PAGE New
Tampa Bay, Florida
Arbor
Greene
$183,000 and up
This gated, single-family community with
waterfront lots has tree-lined streets, nature trails, a community center, a
tennis complex, a swimming pool, and basketball courts.
Cross
Creek
$140,000 and up
One and two-story single-family homes populate
this neighborhood of quiet streets with easy access to I-75 and Tampa Bay, Florida
via Bruce
B. Downs Boulevard. This gated community boasts beautiful waterfront homes and
golf course.
Hunter’s Green
$140,000 and up
A collection of
more than 20 district neighborhoods that offer a variety of housing options,
Hunter’s Green boasts its own elementary school, as well as tennis, golf, and a
fitness center.
Richmond Place
$120,000 and up
One of the
newest communities in New Tampa Bay, Florida, this neighborhood offers one and two-story
homes, a swimming pool, and a recreation center.
Tampa Bay, Florida Palms
$97,000 - $2 million
Elegant home make this north Hillsborough
County development noteworthy. Abundant parks, open areas, and conservation
lands mean no crowding. The area has an elementary school, a golf course,
community recreation, its own shopping centers, and awards from the National
Association of Home Builders.
West Meadows
$110,000 and
up
Another development in the area northeast of the University of South
Florida, West Meadows’ centerpiece is a grand recreation complex that includes a
pool with a two-story spiral slide, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts,
and a fitness center. Homes are close to a new elementary school.
TOP OF PAGE Ruskin / South
Hillsborough
Apollo Beach
$70,000 -
$300,000
A waterfront community with great views of Tampa Bay, Florida Bay, Apollo Beach
features newer, upscale homes, almost all of which are located on 55 miles of
canals and inlets. Apollo Beach Golf and Sea Club is open to the public, and
activities include deep-sea fishing, boating, and
tennis.
Mirabay
$200,000 and up
A new master-planned
community in Southshore that combines waterfront living with a community themed
around old coastal Florida architecture. Call (813) 645-1000 or visit the
web-site at www.mirabay.com for
information.
Ruskin
$70,000 - $300,000
Ruskin has an
agricultural heritage. It’s famous for its tomatoes, which are ready for market
in winter. Ruskin is close to Tampa Bay, Florida Bay and Manatee County.
Sun City
Center
$70,000 and up
About 25 miles south of Tampa Bay, Florida, Sun City Center
is one of Florida’s most attractive retirement communities. About 12,000
residents find independent living amid this self-contained community’s lakes and
tropical landscaping. Within the development, a full choice of home styles -
from single-family homes to condominium villas - is complemented by an array of
recreation, shopping, and dining facilities. The center even has its own
hospital. And there’s plenty of golf, with 108 holes in the vicinity.
TOP OF PAGE Town & Country /
West Hillsborough
Bayside
$200,000 -
$475,000
Bayside offers luxury waterfront homes in west Hillsborough County.
Homes with cabin cruisers along the sea wall are a familiar sight. The area’s
contemporary homes and tropical landscaping create a true Florida
ambience.
Citrus Park
$120,000 - $250,000
Away from the
hustle and bustle of downtown Tampa Bay, Florida, but easily accessible on the Veterans
Expressway toll road, Citrus Park makes a good family location with schools,
park and library branch.
Countryway
$75,000 - $250,000
With
a golf course, playgrounds, and nature preserves, recreation facilities make up
about half of 750-acre, planned development. Homes here are feature Florida
contemporary designs (tile roofs, stucco on block, and big central family and
kitchen areas) at prices for affordable living.
The
Eagles
$100,000 and up
Set amid woodlands and numerous lakes, this
planned community features custom-built, single family homes and townhouses. It
has its own country club with a golf course, and its location along the
Pinellas-Hillsborough county line makes it convenient to both Tampa Bay, Florida
and
Clearwater.
Keystone
$120,000-$500,000
The communities
surrounding Keystone Lake in nothwest Hillsborough County offer a diverse
housing stock in a rural setting. Skiing and boating are popular activities, and
there's room enough for horse stables.
Pelican Island
$200,000
- $400,000
The split of land on Old Tampa Bay, Florida Bay is popular with boaters and
anglers. Homes tend to be a little more contemporary in design than many other
south-central Tampa Bay, Florida neighborhoods. Pelican Island is close to the Veterans
Expressway and I-275, making it easily accessible to anywhere in Hillsborough
County, as well as Pinellas and Pasco
counties.
Sweetwater
$180,000 - $375,000
Visible from the
Courtney Campbell Causeway, which links Tampa Bay, Florida to Clearwater, Sweetwater's canals
are lined with modern, well-designed houses. The community is close to the
Veterans Expressway, Westshore, the Rocky Point office park, and Pinellas
County.
Town & Country
$70,000 - $200,000
A development
in west Tampa Bay, Florida, Town & Country is close to the airport, Veterans Expressway,
and Pinellas County. Housing is tailored largely to middle-income families who
want to be close to shopping and dining
venues.
Westchase
$100,000 - $500,000
Surrounded by
preserved wetlands, Westchase provides residents with winding nature trails.
Taking an evening walk, jogging, and bike riding are popular pastimes among this
community of stylish homes which includes an 18-hole golf course, junior-sized
Olympic swimming pool, and other recreational amenities.
TOP OF PAGE University / Northeast
Tampa Bay, Florida
Cory Lakes Isles
$200,000 - $2
million
As the name implies, a 165 acre lake adds distinction to this
development in far northeast Tampa Bay, Florida. Cory Lake Isles features its own beach club
and recreational island. Thousands of preserved acres surround the gated
community's custom homes.
Temple Terrace
$80,000 - $
350,000
Families enjoy plenty of amenities in this municipality along the
Hillsborough River. Landmarks include the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club,
featuring one of the state's oldest and largest golf courses. This community got
its start in the 1920's and its name from the area's temple orange groves. Now
it enjoys proximity to the University of South Florida, with its educational and
cultural programs and medical facilities. Temple Terrace also has several public
schools, a library, new shopping centers, and office space.
TOP OF PAGE Ybor / Central
Tampa Bay, Florida
Seminole Heights
$70,000 -
$150,000
A well established neighborhood in the heart of Tampa Bay, Florida, Seminole
Heights has the advantage of being in easy reach of just about everything else
in town. There are plenty of older bungalows with wood floors and big front
porches.
Wellswood
$70,000 - $200,000
This central Tampa Bay, Florida
community is close to Hillsborough Community College, Tampa Bay, Florida Bay Center shopping
mall, and Tampa Bay, Florida stadium.
TOP OF
PAGE Utilities & Services
Telephone | Electricity |
Natural Gas | Water/Sewer |
Solid Waste | Driver's License
Auto
Registration | Public Schools | Emergency Preparedness
Telephone
Verizon
Residential:
800-483-4200
Commercial: 800-483-5200
Electricity
TECO
Tel:
813-223-0800
Natural
Gas
TECO
Hillsborough County:
813-272-1500
Plant City: 813-752-6115
Water/Sewer
Hillsborough
County: 813-272-6680
City of Tampa Bay, Florida: 813-274-8121
Temple
Terrace: 813-989-7170
Plant City: 813-757-9172
Solid
Waste
Hillsborough County: 813-272-1500
City of Tampa Bay, Florida: 813-348-111 (Residential)
City of
Tampa Bay, Florida: 813-348-1100
(Commercial)
Temple Terrace: 813-989-7170
TOP OF PAGE Driver License Offices
Driver
licenses, driving tests and ID Cards
New Florida residents must get a
Florida driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Drivers with
a valid out-of-state driver's license must take a vision examination. Those
seeking a Florida license must be at least 16 years old, although restricted
licenses are available to 15-year-olds. The initial fee for a Florida driver's
license is $20. It can be renewed for four-or six-year periods for $15. Those
seeking renewals must be reexamined, although they do not have to take another
driving test.
Auto
Registration
Motor Vehicle Services (County Tax
Collector)
Tax Collector: The Honorable Mr. Doug Beldon
601 E
Kennedy Blvd, 14th Floor • Tampa Bay, Florida 33602-4931
Tel:
813-307-6565
Website: http://www.hillstax.org
Registration, tag and title
services for cars, trucks, trailers & vessels
Specialty tags, refunds,
and disability parking permits
Newcomers must obtain a Florida license
plate within 10 days of establishing residency. To get a plate, drivers must
show title, registration, and proof of insurance. An initial registration fee of
$100, a title fee of $34.25, and a $4 out-of-state fee are required.
| City |
Street Address |
|
Phone Number |
Office Hours |
| Tampa Bay, Florida |
3932 West Hillsborough Ave
33514 |
* |
813-307-6500 |
Mon-Fri 8am-4pm |
| Plant City |
408 West Renfro Street
33566-5249 |
|
813-757-9047 |
Tues-Fri 7am-6pm |
| Ruskin |
3044-3046 State Road 674
33570 |
* |
813-307-6500 |
Mon-Fri
8am-4pm |
| Tampa Bay, Florida |
2814 East
Hillsborough
33610-4411 |
|
813-272-3771 |
Tues-Fri
7am-6pm |
| Tampa Bay, Florida |
14220 North
Nebraska Avenue
33613 |
|
813-975-6544 |
Tues-Fri
7am-6pm |
| Tampa Bay, Florida |
4100 West M.L.
King Jr Blvd
33614-7090 |
|
813-871-7375 |
Tues-Fri
7am-6pm
Sat 9am-1pm |
| Tampa Bay, Florida |
9325 Bay Plaza
Blvd, Ste 215
33619 |
* |
813-307-6500 |
Mon-Fri
8am-4pm |
| Tampa Bay, Florida |
10101 East Adamo
Drive
33619-2656 |
|
813-272-2711 |
Tues-Fri
7am-6pm |
*Licensing agent (County Tax
Collector) - for limited driver license services and vehicle registration,
tag and title services at one location.
($5.25 convenience fee added to
driver license service fees.)
TOP OF PAGE Public School
Hillsborough County School
District
Tel: 813-272-4000
Website: http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us
State law requires children six to
16 years old to attend school. A child must be five years old on or before
September 1 to attend kindergarten. To enter first grade, a child must be six by
September 1 of the school year.
To enroll in Tampa Bay, Florida/Hillsborough County
area's public schools, state law requires that new students show complete
immunization records - including dates of shots - and a physical examination
certificate signed by a licensed medical doctor within the past 12 months, plus
proof of MMR shots. In addition, new students must have documentation of birth,
a Social Security number and proof of residency. A declaration of domicile is
needed if parents/guardians have not lived in Florida for at least one year, are
not in the military, or have not purchased a residence.
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