family seeking location information.... (Tampa, Palm Harbor: insurance, low crime, chapel)

[Keaney]

I am in need of information about family communities around the Tampa area. We are looking for a family friendly neighborhood (gated community) that has great (A rated schools), close to shopping and restaurants, low crime, 30 minutes or so from Tampa.
My husband and I are in healthcare and come from the Boston area. Taxes in Mass. are ridiculous, housing prices are crazy, and insurance rates are not good either. We know all about high costs of living.
We are looking for a house with 2500 sq. feet and a pool. We don't mind chain restaurants and love convenience.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Looking into Lutz, Land O' Lakes, Odessa, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor? I really want a new build but I am open to anything with a young family feel to the community.

[lastmfirst]

Actually those places are a little far out. try Tampa Palms, Wesley chapel (around the 33647 zip). Or maybe riverview.lithia

[Lutz Lady]

Lutz and Land O lakes would fit you perfectly. I have lived in Land O Lakes for the past 20 years and it is totally a family community. Many gated subdivision and only about 30 minutes to Tampa. Very convenient to I-75 and the Suncoast parkway. The schools in Land O Lakes are fantastic. I have one in elementary (Pineview) and one in High school (Land O Lakes High) and both are excellent schools. There is a community center in Land O Lakes that has soccer, softball, baseball, football, cheerleading and all kinds of other activities going on. The library has just been renovated and doubled in size and is set to re-open in the next month or so. Just for your info- SR 54 divides Land O lakes and Lutz. One side of the road you are in Land O Lakes, the south side you are in Lutz. Both are in Pasco county, which has lower taxes than Hillsborough.

[Margel]

Lutz Lady,
Can you give me some info on Odessa. I am having a home built there and even though I visited the area, I find very little info on the area. I have been told that Odessa really isn't a city. Is it part of Land o Lakes since it is situated on route 54? I am kind of confused with this whole subdivision thing. Any info you can give would be much appreciated.

[gypsychic]

I don't know how they classify Odessa, but it is definitely not a city, just an "area" so to speak. We drive through it on the way back from Tarpon Springs. It's just kind of rural, but there is no "town to speak of. Looks nice, but is driving distance away from amenities and shopping.

[dplennert]

Odessa is not far from Tampa, Pinellas and Pasco County. You can hop on the express way and get to just about anything in 30 minutes or less.

I have lived here for 5 years and love the area.

[beachin01930]

I just wanted to say something about gated communities............ They are just for looks. All the gated communities I have seen not only have a gate, but a side entrance that anyone can go into.
Even the ones like East Lake where there is a guard on duty doesn't know if you are really going to someone's house or not.
There have been a few times that I have attended a tupperware party, or a creative memories party.........I couldn't remember the last name of the person giving the party, so I used an Aunt's name. My Aunt moved out of there over 5 years ago, my enterance to East Lake was never questioned.

My point is, don't get taken in by a false sence of security. Gates look pretty, but they don't keep people out.

Look for a community that you like and that fits your needs. Then call the local sherriff's office or better yet, go there. Talk to them. They can give you a crime report generated by zip code.

Good luck to you.

[Jajsmom]

Hi, We moved from MA to Land O Lakes last July. We moved into a new gated community. Stonegate. I love the area we are in. Its right near the schools, shopping, restaurants, highway. 15min to Tampa. The weather sure beats Boston right now. Only downfall is traffic at times. But you get that too on the Pike or Rte. 9. Email with any questions. jajsmom@gmail.com