Are you looking to learn about some of the top neighborhoods in Tampa? Get to know one of my clients’ favorites, Westchase, which Niche has named the 2024 #1 Best Suburb to Live in Florida.

Westchase is a master-planned community located in the northwest corner of Hillsborough County. This friendly community for families and young professionals offers a suburban lifestyle with its own walkable village center.

The neighborhood caters to families and individuals who appreciate outdoor activities and urban conveniences. Highly rated schools add to the appeal for families looking for a quality education for their children.

The neighborhood’s shopping districts are vibrant, featuring an array of boutiques, dining options, and essential services. Community events and farmers markets enhance social life here, fostering a strong sense of community among residents. With its charming mix of modern amenities and natural beauty, Westchase is a premier choice for those looking to settle down in Tampa.

Westchase is easily commutable to the business centers in downtown Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. It is only a 30-minute drive to Tampa International Airport, Bayshore Boulevard (the longest pedestrian walkway in the world), and the Tampa Bay area’s picturesque Gulf Coast beaches.

Keep reading to discover why Westchase is an excellent real estate option for new Floridians or locals looking to move to a vibrant, family-oriented neighborhood in the Tampa Bay area.

Westchase Neighborhoods

People often praise the award-winning Westchase community for its well-maintained public spaces, family-friendly parks, and excellent school districts. It maintains a small-town vibe while having all the amenities for modern living in Tampa.

The development features 3,514 homes divided into 33 separate neighborhoods, each offering its own unique characteristics and amenities. Here’s a brief description of a few of Westchase’s neighborhoods:

• West Park Village: Located in the heart of Westchase, its neo-traditional style single-family homes, condos, villas, and townhomes are built around the town center’s restaurants and shops. It’s all designed to replicate the look and feel of old-fashioned neighborhood living.
• Harbor Links/The Estates: A private enclave with spacious, luxurious homes built on larger lots situated along the Westchase Golf Club.
• The Vineyards: This location offers quick access to Veterans Expressway and is adjacent to Westchase’s two town centers. Homes here have spacious front porches and zero lot lines.
• The Greens: A gated, family-friendly community located on the Westchase Golf Club. The Greens has wide sidewalks and a central open space where residents gather for holiday celebrations, soccer games, and more. 

Outdoor Recreation in Westchase

Westchase’s commitment to outdoor recreation is evident in its various accessible activities. It boasts hundreds of acres of preserved land, with plenty of parks, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions. For those who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, there’s the Westchase Golf Club, an 18-hole public golf course; two Swim & Tennis Centers; a soccer field; and many nature trails. 

The Swim & Tennis Centers include swimming pools with lap lanes, a pool slide, shaded areas, meeting rooms, and lighted tennis and pickleball courts.

Nearby state and county parks offer hiking and biking trails, including the 16-mile Upper Tampa Bay Trail. The area is also ideal for those who love fishing and kayaking, with several nearby lakes and rivers providing ample opportunities for water sports.

Additionally, community-led fitness classes and sports leagues at the local parks enhance the vibrancy of outdoor life. These amenities encourage a healthy lifestyle and enable residents to enjoy the Florida sunshine year-round. Westchase is a perfect locale for recreation enthusiasts.

Westchase Retail and Restaurants

The community is pedestrian-friendly and densely populated, reminiscent of early American mixed-use town centers.

For example, at the Westchase Town Center, residents have restaurants, bars, dry cleaners, coffee shops, a bank, a nail salon, and a gym—none of which they need to leave the neighborhood for.

The West Park Village neighborhood of Westchase also offers a retail area that has restaurants, bars, and high-end retail shops.

Westchase’s neighborhoods are conveniently located near local supermarkets, popular eateries, pharmacies, and other essential amenities. Westchase is also just a short drive to three shopping malls, including Citrus Park Town Center, International Plaza, and Westfield WestShore Plaza.

Westchase Schools

Westchase schools consistently earn strong ratings, with student test scores ranking 44% higher than the national average for the United States. Westchase Elementary School and Davidsen Middle School are within the neighborhood’s boundaries, and Alonso High School and Sickles High School are both nearby.

The presence of these well-regarded schools underscores Westchase’s commitment to educational excellence. Westchase is also close to several higher education institutions, including the University of Tampa, the University of South Florida, and Florida College.

This location offers ample opportunities for a great education and fostering a culture of lifelong learning within the community.

Westchase Real Estate

The real estate market in Westchase is competitive. But the good news is that there is a wide range of single-family homes, villas, townhomes, and condos to choose from in gated and non-gated communities.

Prices start at around $250,000 for a two-bedroom condo and around $300,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse. Single-family homes with contemporary and farmhouse designs will range from $620,000 to $820,000, depending on size and location. And prices can go up to $1.5 million for a sprawling six-bedroom mansion.

According to Homes.com, properties in Westchase sell on average after 32 days on the real estate market. This compares with a national average of 42 days. The average home sale price for the past 12 months is $629,709, which is down 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.

Some active listings in Westchase include… <insert brief descriptions and links to any of Alexandra’s listings. If none, remove this paragraph>

Cost of Living in Westchase

The cost of living in Westchase offers a unique advantage, especially when compared with other similar communities in Florida. While housing prices are generally considered above average, the overall cost of living—including groceries, healthcare, transportation, and utilities—tends to work out to be slightly below the national average.

This affordability extends to the dining and entertainment options, which are plentiful but reasonably priced. 

Additionally, the lack of a state income tax in Florida adds an extra financial benefit for residents. According to Zero Down, Westchase is ranked 99 out of 273 cities across the United States in terms of cost of living, which is 1% lower than the national average.

With its well-rounded economy and location near the major employment centers in Tampa, Westchase emerges as an economically smart choice for many people looking to relocate.

Ready to Make the Move to Westchase?

With its golf courses, wide sidewalks, retail shopping, open outdoor spaces, and parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy within walking distance. This vibrant area is perfect for those who want a compact village vibe but plenty of interaction with their neighbors.

Westchase offers leisure and convenience but also a dynamic atmosphere. Local events and celebrations are the norm, enhancing the community.

If you are considering buying or selling a house in Westchase or any other top neighborhoods in Tampa—such as Seminole Heights, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, Ybor City, Harbour Island, Davis Island, or others—I can assist you.

If you are buying, I will work with you to thoroughly understand your needs and wants, tailoring our search to ensure we find the perfect home within your budget. If you are selling, we will strategize to optimize your property’s appeal, ensuring a swift sale at the best price possible.

Contact Alexandra Valencia for a free consultation today, and take your first step toward your dream home in Tampa.

About Alexandra

Alexandra is an established resident and top realtor in the Tampa Bay area, bringing her clients a wealth of expertise and local knowledge. With over six years serving the local Tampa Bay real estate market, she has consistently ranked in the top 15% of her company.

Over the years, Alexandra has served more than 75 clients, helping them to navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes. Her comprehensive understanding of the local market and her dedication to her clients make her a trusted adviser in the real estate field.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer looking for your perfect starter house, a seasoned investor seeking profitable new opportunities, or a family aiming to find a forever home, Alexandra will tailor her approach to meet your unique needs. Her ability to connect with people and her unwavering commitment to achieving their goals have resulted in successful transactions and lasting relationships.

For anyone looking to buy or sell property in Tampa, Alexandra is a resourceful and reliable partner in making informed real estate decisions. Click here to book a complimentary consultation with Alexandra today.