New Tampa Area any suggestionss? (East Lake, Lutz: apartments, HOA, houses)

[NYPhinfan13]

I been told to look into New Tampa as a possible place to live. Looks like there's a lot of inventory when it comes to houses. Does anyone live here? Do you know what schools are in the area?

[Eric Sturm]

Freedom High School has good reputation, and my friends up there were pleased witht he elementry system for their kids. USF is also right in that area.

[sjea0124]

We went to look at homes in New Tampa area back in March and did quite a bit of research and yes the schools are pretty good in the area. Lots of inventory homes and watch our for these communities with such high CDD fees. We looked at a few homes in Grand Hampton community and was unreal how high they were. Lots of stores and places to eat and traffic seemed fine (Anything is better than coming from Chicago traffic)

[annaegel]

I live in Tampa Palms (just south of I-75). People tell me how lucky I am to live there and not further up in New Tampa. I avoid tons of traffic for people getting on to I-75. My daughters went to a charter school in Lutz. It would take me 10 - 15 minutes. My daughters teacher lived on Cross Creek Blvd in one of those apartments. It would take her over an hour to get to school. That is how bad the traffic is up there.

In my experience our elementary school (Tampa Palms Elementary) is very snooty. The principal encourages this. I have heard this from 2 neighbors who are teachers that worked with this principal and have witness this myself. The other elementary school in Tampa Palms (Chiles) is not as bad as Tampa Palms Elementary. I have heard good things about Liberty Middle School and Freedom High School. The high school is not without its problems, but in general I have heard good things. Both the elementary and middle schools are an "A" rated school. The high school surprisingly is only a "C" rated school. I think Wharton is a slightly better high school.

The section of Tampa Palms where I live, we only pay $200 a year in fees. Hunters Green, you pay over $2,000 a year and not even get a pool. Arbor Green you pay $1,200 a month, but your yard is taken care of. I don't think you are allowed to plant your own greenery. Grand Hamptons is very nice community, but you are paying $2,000 or more to live there.

If there is a specific community you are looking at, you can DM me. I can find out more information for you. I have friends in Arbor Green, Hunters Green, Richmond Place. I knew a family in Pebble Creek and they love it. Lots of kids.

Tampa Palms is hit or miss for kids. Some blocks has lots of kids. While others have very few.

Have you also considered Seven Oaks. It is in Pasco County. Their fees are also high, but their Community Center is great!

[NYPhinfan13]

We have been considering East Lake for the most part, but in-laws told us to look at New Tampa. From what I can see is that homes are less expensive in New Tampa, and there seems to be a lot of inventory. However, when I compare the schools around New Tampa to East Lake it seems that East Lake blows them away. I'll do what ever is best for my kid, even if it means paying more for less. Do you know anything about private schools in the area?

[Kevin from Tampa]

I'll put a plug in for communities in the Pasco area of New Tampa. Meadow Pointe and Seven Oaks have great schools.

[MortonR]

Good area, great schools in both Hillsborough and Pasco, lousy commute if you have to go anywhere during rush hour.

RM

[MrsJunior]

Nyphinfan, there is a private school in land o lakes called academy at the lakes that I have heard good things about. Check them out.

[tlc925]

Meadow Pointe,Seven Oaks, Hunters Green are all good. Pasco schools are pretty good too. When I was looking for a house to purchase- I looked into Hunters Green it is a really nice community.. however most nice places have pretty rough HOA deed restrictions. But it keeps the communities NICE!

[cheerbaby112]

I personally live in hunters green. I would not recommend it.