Apollo Beach (Tampa, Brandon, Bloomingdale: real estate, HOA, chapel)

[Rosezee]

Relocating to Tampa Bay/St Pete and I'm in the process of researching various areas in and around the area. Can anyone provide insight about the Apollo Beach area?

[Team_Roberts]

We recently helped someone find a great deal on a new home construction in South Bay sub-division in Gibsonton, but that was the last house available from the builder. There are plenty of homes available in Apollo Beach, Gibsonton and Riverview area and I feel the price of homes are more affordable then the Tampa/St Pete area.

To me, this area is a more rural area, however just about everything you would need would be right up the road in the Brandon area on Route 60.

Best of luck with your move to the Tampa area and Welcome!

[ntfeldman]

What did you mean by information? Parts of it like Mira Bay are beautiful. Parts of it are old and kind of icky. So give us a little more detail about what you want to know.

There's no beach, if that's what you mean?

You've got three real estate agents here helping you out! : )

Moderator cut: no soliciting, please

Welcome

[brandonbabe1016]

With the price of gas so high, you might want to move into the Gibsonton, Brandon, Bloomingdale or Valrico areas. Or, North of !-4-East Tampa, off Busch Blvd, old bushy trees, not so busy (one of my favorite places-the homes are older/better deals/becomes Bullard Parkway all the way East-at least you would be close to the River Parks, off River Hills). You would be closer to all the shopping, restuarants and civilization you require. *You have to at least drive 10 miles to get to most things, if you live in Apollo Bch. I don't even know why it has 'beach' in the title- I am having a old friend come down and trying to find the closest beach-thought there was one in AB. And, alot of lower income element in the areas. Transient-type Circus people also live there. I drive for a living-meet folks from all segments, so I have been there! Got real bad fleas, going to one house in the area!

Go on Mapquest, pick a location on the 'map' and clic 'aerial view'-very cool- you will see the topography for the apollo bch area.

[BucFan]

Agree. There's not much in Apollo Beach except some subdivisions, a few older food chain stores, some fast food, and an outstanding view of a super smokestack that's polluting the area constantly. The Mira Bay community looks nice, and there's a golf course nearby, but other than that I wouldn't say much about Apollo Beach. Even Ruskin has a better beach (Bahia).

[t-town]

I think you should definately consider Wesley Chapel over Apollo Beach. New Homes, and tons of new chains and strips. 3 malls coming to the area as well as 2 movie theatres. Lots of stuff to do in WC compared to AB!!

[Team_Roberts]

Wesley Chapel is a growing area with the new mall they are scheduled to build near route 56 and I75.

[BucFan]

Looks like Wesley Chapel is the new place to be. Houses aren't so expensive, but I think most of the subdivisions have added CDD, HOA etc fees. Not sure how far the commute is and how much traffic there is coming down I75 during rush hour.

[Team_Roberts]

I was in the Seven Oak sub-division the other day and the GPS showed a 30 min commute to International Mall, however that does not factor in if you are traveling during rush hour. I would estimate another 10-15 mins depending on which route you would take... as there are several option.

[MortonR]

The commute from Wesley Chapel and surrounds into the Tampa area during daily rush hour is a nightmare. I-275/75 are both parking lots every morning for as far as you can see going southbound.

The commute from the Brandon/Valrico area is much better into the downtown area, depending on how you do it, roughly 30 minutes in the morning rush hour.

For example, I live in Bloomingdale and I went from home to Hanley and Hillsborough (west/north of the airport) during morning commute time (7:00 am) this past week and it took me all of 40 minutes. This is like driving all the way across town.

As for HOA/CDD fees, you're going to get them no matter where you go.

I would avoid Apollo Beach unless you're buying upscale, as it's still pretty undeveloped for now. Lots of construction in the area, but not a lot of infrastructure. No stores, shopping, etc. for now, although there is stuff on the drawing board.

Gibsonton is the area that's the home of all the carny folks. It's directly north of Apollo Beach. No one there now, as everyone is out traveling. The winter time is pretty interesting, as they actually have local ordinances that allow the parking of trailers on the property. Wake up one morning and you'll find an elephant ear vendor or carny ride next door!



RM