Desiring Semi-Rural Tampa/Ocala Area (Lakeland, Plant City: real estate, for sale, work)

[neoh4]

I have the opportunity to relocate to Florida and work for fairly large national corporation. The only requirements would be for me to be fairly centrally located as to be able to cover the entire state as a territory.
We currently live in NE Ohio on 2.25 acres, in a very nice semi-rural area, with solid schools, where you know everyone.
I am looking for recommendations for the same type of community in the greater Tampa area. My wife and I are both 40, 10 yr old daughter that has a horse, and 15 year old son that loves baseball. Both are involved in 4-H, and we do not need a ton of things to entertain us.
I would be interested in 2.5 to 3 acres with a 1800-2200 sq ft home, with barn and pasture to keep our horse. Strength of schools, and being involved in the community are very important to me. I have coached youth baseball, and basketball for 10 years, and would still like this type of involvement where I can make a difference in the community.
I guess I would like to stay within 45 to 60 minutes from Tampa, so we could go and get our fill of entertainment when we would desire.
These areas have to exist, however I am not familiar enough with Florida to know. Through research, I have learned of areas such as Lakeland, Leesburg, Anthony, Dunnelon, Belleview, Plant City, etc.
I am not real interested in Ocala, as it appears as though real estate it way to inflated, and I am looking for a smaller community where safety, good schools, and community involvement are alive an well.
Please send me your suggestions.
Thanks to all in advance.

[WC_dad]

You should look into Wesley Chapel and areas just a bit north. The area is developing rapidly, so the school system is good and you can find shopping/amenities. However there are still plenty of areas to buy larger tracts of land.

In more rural spots than WC, I'm worried you won't be able to find the school system you're looking for.

[Qacer]

This is a 45 mile circle centered from downtown Tampa. I figured 45 miles would equate to about an hour or so drive. (I'm 25 miles away from the airport and it takes me about 30 or so minutes depending on traffic).



The only places pinned in the picture that I've been to are: Dade City, Bartow, and Auberndale. I've heard of Polk City and Fort Meade, but I don't remember setting foot in those towns.

I'm not quite sure about the development in Bartow, but I consider it rural. The same would go with Dade City, but I heard there's been some development there, as well. I went to Auburndale last April, and the place looks pretty rural to me. There were some developments for nice houses, but from what I saw, the place is still semi-rural.

[kimwick]

You should look into Oak Lakes subd. pasco off of countyline rd between hernando and pasco county. It is homes only with land. Lots of kids and lots of people have horses. It has about 60 homes one way in one way out. Everyone has 2 acres or more of land. I know there are 2 homes for sale in here now. One is 6.5 acres with a barn on a lake. cross fence for horses. You can pm me if you would like more info. It is about 45 min from tampa. The suncoast is close by for the commute.

[wesleychapel24]

There are some great places right by the Suncoast Parkway by Lake Tarpon. I also just saw a home the other day that was 5 acres with a brand new barn. The home was approx 1900 square feet.

Just email me if you want more info on it. Congratulations on the move to Florida. One of the business relationships is a large national corporation that is moving some of their folks to this area. I am curious if it is the same company.

[House4Sale]

Cool map!! But I'd say Brooksville is the place to look. Lots of land and very horse territory, friendly.