rural area with the "new" look near the Tampa Bay area (Spring Hill: chapel)

[nyguy4u]

Hello all,

As some of you may know from my past posts, my wife and I are moving down to the Tampa Bay area as soon as our home sells. We currently have over 2 acres of land in a somewhat rural area up in upstate NY - yet a quick 10 minute drive brings us to all the shopping we ever need.

Are there areas near Tampa Bay like that that exist? I know the most common areas like that are Zephyrhills and Plant City, but I do not want to live in those areas. I drove through those areas, and I just didn't like the areas that I saw. And I was told to stay away from Brooksville. Schools are also very important to us, as we have 2 small childred. We love the Trinity and Wesley Chapel areas (great schools, shopping, and the whole "new" feel to it, but I am not certain that I can get used to living home on top of home like that.

Do areas like this exist in the Tampa Bay area? Rural areas close to shopping, etc where over an acre is normal? Yet still have that "new" look to it with newer communities and homes?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

[floridagirl777]

Lutz, maybe? Or Dade City, perhaps. Outside of that, I'm thinking Brooksville and/or certain parts of Spring Hill. I know you said someone told you to stay away from Brooksville, but you really should just drive through it and judge for yourself.

[DUNNDFRNT]

The times I drive through Thonotosassa ( to avoid i4 traffic due to an accident) , the houses around the lake anyway seem really nice and huge ranch size lots.

[floridagirl777]

I just re-read your post and saw that you have children. You may want to avoid Hernando County then. It's not really family-friendly for those with young children and the schools are not that great there unless you fork over the money and go private or perhaps seek out a magnet/charter school.

There is a really great neighborhood on the outskirts of Tampa called Twin Branch Acres. It's exactly as you described - newer looking homes on acreage. You can even have horses and small livestock there. I grew up in that neighborhood and absolutely loved it. It is a kid's dream - loads of land to explore, a creek to paddle around in, and animals everywhere. It's well-kept, too. It's also just minutes from shopping and dining. Check it out.

Here's the website: http://www.twinbranchacres.com/

[Tim Tim Tim]

what kind of budget are you working with? I would suggest the odessa/lutz area as its much more of what your describing but its generally not cheap.