What if you could buy more than just a home in Florida, but instead find a community that delivers an entire lifestyle suited to your family’s wants and needs? The genius of master planned communities is that the developers invest their time and resources to bring homebuyers exactly that with their unique features. Amenities and activities are tailored to provide you with both conveniences and a sense of community, giving new meaning to the words “living the Florida dream.” Here are just four of the top Florida master planned communities in the Tampa Bay area.
Wiregrass Ranch
Wiregrass Ranch is located just north of Tampa in the growing Wesley Chapel area. This mixed-used development lies just north of County Line Rd. to the east of I-75 in Pasco County. What began as just a dream has exploded in the past decade into a modern community that now includes a new high school, a hospital, hotels, and a mall. There are several distinct new home communities in Wiregrass Ranch, but two stand out as the top master-planned neighborhoods in the area.
Estancia at Wiregrass is located in the heart of Wesley Chapel and was named “Master-Planned Community of the Year” by the Tampa Bay Builders Association in 2014 and 2015. The community features nine neighborhoods, offering more than 20 single-family home designs, 3-5 bedroom homes and up to 5,800 sq. ft. of living space. Community amenities include a 7,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, aquatic center, sports courts, green areas, and walking trails.
The Ridge at Wiregrass Ranch is another master-planned community conveniently located near the area’s top schools. This luxury new home community offers single-family homes from 1,700-4.800 sq. ft with custom features. Homeowner’s here are sure to enjoy the 11,600 sq. ft. Clubhouse and lifestyle complex that includes a fitness center, game room, and catering kitchen. The recreation area features a resort-style pool with beach entry, lap pool, clay tennis courts, beach volleyball, tot lot, and a full-time Social Director on staff.
FishHawk Ranch
FishHawk Ranchis known for its unique charm and its dedication to green living. Located in the unincorporated area of Lithia, approximately 16 miles east of Tampa, the community has a distinct “hometown” feel that suits its rural surroundings.
FishHawk Ranch began as a small neighborhood nearly two decades ago and has now blossomed into a community that spans more than 3,000 acres, over a third of which are preserved wetlands and wildlife habitats. Schools are within the community and designed to be within walking or biking distance from homes. Approximately one-third of the homes here allow for solar energy, and builders are encouraged to use green construction standards.
There are now 12 different home builders in FishHawk Ranch, and home choices run the gamut from single-family to townhomes to active adult (55+). Homebuyers here can purchase a 1,400 sq. ft. 2-bedroom townhome all the way up to a luxury 6-bedroom estate with 5,700 sq. ft. of living space. The community has 25 miles of nature trails, neighborhood pools and aquatic clubs, central parks, sports fields, fitness centers, and a host of community festivals and events.
Mira Bay
Does your dream of Florida living include waterfront sunsets and weekend boating adventures? If so, don’t miss Mira Bay, a one-of-a-kind planned community. Located just south of Tampa in Apollo Beach, this unique master planned community offers resort-style waterfront living within easy reach of either Tampa or the Sarasota/Bradenton area.
Mira Bay is a 750-acre community that sits along the southern shores of Tampa Bay. Within this gated enclave, homebuyers can choose from several builders that offer luxury single-family homes from 3-5 bedrooms with up to 4,400 sq. ft. of living space. Select homes in Mira Bay back to conservation areas and located on waterfront lots with private boat docks.
The community has a central 135-acre lagoon, where you’ll also find the focal point of its amenities – the MiraBay Club. This 10,000 square-meter club is the recreation heart of Mira Bay, with its fitness center and aerobic studio, spa, junior Olympic swimming pool, lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, and volleyball court. Mira Bay has a community boat lift, which allows direct access to Tampa Bay, as well as a bait & tackle shop and free use of kayaks, sunfish sailboats, and paddleboards.
Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is one of the Tampa area’s longest standing master planned communities, and it is one that is continuing to build and sell new homes today. The neighborhood is located in Manatee County and has been one of the nation’s top-selling master-planned communities for several years running. Lakewood Ranch began in 1995 and now spans more than 17,500 acres, with seven villages, ten public schools, a hospital, and a host of businesses and retail facilities.
Homebuyers can choose from over 20 different builders in Lakewood Ranch in nearly every style of home in a variety of different price ranges. Villages in the community offer luxury homes, single-family homes, townhomes, villas, and active adult living.
There is no shortage of amenities in Lakewood Ranch, and access to some may depend on your particular village. The community has three golf courses, polo and cricket club, various aquatic and fitness centers, tennis courts, and community-driven events and festivals. There are more than 1,200 businesses on-site as well as over 20 places of worship, a vocational school, and two colleges. With more than 25,000 current residents, Lakewood Ranch expects to continue building and expansion for up to another 20 years.