Ten miles from downtown Tampa is Lake Magdalene, a rural neighborhood surrounded by wooded hillsides, bays and 11 lakes, the largest of which is its namesake. Outdoor recreation abounds here, with plenty of areas for hiking, fishing, boating and admiring wildlife. There’s also a strong sense of community. “I moved here not long ago, and I just love it, and the homeowners association is part of it,” says Realtor Theresa Jacobs of Florida Executive Realty. “There are all ages here, and that keeps things fresh, and there are activities for all ages.” Jacobs has served the Tampa area for over 32 years and is also a Lake Magdalene resident. Beyond its natural beauty, Lake Magdalene’s prime location directly along Interstate 275 and State Road 597 provides easy access to all the amenities and attractions of the region. “It’s off the beaten path, but the location allows people to be downtown or at the beach in a matter of minutes,” Jacobs says.
Neighborhood homes with private boat docks in the Lake Magdalene neighborhood are very popular.
Some of the homes are coastal style and enjoy waterfront living in Lake Magdalene.
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Surrounded by 11 lakes, preserves and trails
The 200-acre eponymous lake is the center of outdoor recreation in the community. Locals come here to kayak around or go swimming or fishing in the afternoons. The other 10 nearby waterways are also popular spots for boating and fishing. Hamner Tower Park sits at the neighborhood’s southeastern edge and has a hiking trail and plenty of space for a picnic that’s shaded by towering oaks. The park is also home to the Hamner Fire Tower, designated a Hillsborough County Historic Landmark in 1995, and residents can climb to the top of the 52-foot former fire tower to look out over the park. George Russell Park offers basketball, tennis courts and a playground next door. The 160-acre Violet Cury Preserve is 3 miles east of Lake Magdalene. Home to Lake Flynn and oak hammock natural habitats, the sanctuary has 2 miles of hiking trails and several ponds. The Morris Bridge Road Preserve entrance is 6 miles east of the community, a deeply forested refuge with hiking trails, rugged cycling paths, boat docks and a park along the Hillsborough River. The Lower Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area and Hillsborough River State Park are a few miles beyond that for those who want a deeper trek into nature.
Overhead viewpoint in the Lake Magdalene neighborhood.
Lake Magdalene offers a waterfront lifestyle as well.
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Lakefront custom homes and coastal ranchers
Niche ranked Lake Magdalene as the eighth-best suburb to live in the Tampa area. The quiet streets filled with towering oaks and palms provide a country, secluded feel filled with suburban homes. The community offers Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired homes, ranch-style homes and custom Craftsman and modern homes. Most homes were built in the mid-1970s and range from around $290,000 for a three-bedroom over 1,000 square feet to around $895,000 for a four-bedroom home over 3,000 square feet. There are some newly constructed modern homes in The Hamlin Landing subdivision that go for over $1 million. They are primarily four- to six-bedroom homes over 5,000 square feet. “The prices are lower than most places that have this location,” says Jacobs. Grander homes are prevalent on the lake and have private boat docks and ramps. Residents also enjoy large lot sizes, averaging 10,000 square feet and stretching over 2 acres. Most homes also have well-kept yards with large pools, multi-car garages and spacious driveways for boats, RVs or other toys. Condos are also available in the gated Whispering Oaks subdivision, with one-bedrooms starting around $125,000 and two-bedrooms starting around $254,000. These condos come with homeowners’ association fees but include access to a community pool, clubhouse and 24-hour fitness center. Fletchers Mill offers three-bedroom townhouses starting around $225,000 up to $275,000. Residents are within walking distance of the main lake and two parks.
There are a few new construction, gated communities being built in Lake Magdalene.
Lake Magdalene features ranch houses that sit on the water's edge.
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Parks in addition to the lakes
Much of the recreation in the area is driven by the many lakes. Locals head to the lakes to go boating and fishing for the afternoon. There is also Hamner Park, which is home to the famous Hamner Fire Tower. The park features a hiking trail and a large open green space for picnics and relaxing. Locals can visit George Russel Park for a game on the outdoor basketball court or for a game of tennis. There are also tables for a picnic and a playground for children. Those looking for an intense indoor workout can head to Powerhouse Gym to pump some iron.
Open field at Hamner Tower Park.
Overlook of the lake in the Lake Magdalene neighborhood.
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Mom and pops line the streets
Most shopping and dining options are along State Road 597, west of the community, and Route 678, conveniently 1 mile north. Cuban restaurant Plato Latino offers classics like Cuban sandwiches, plantains and breakfast dishes. La Pita Lebanese Taverna is another popular spot for chicken shawarma, spanakopita and stuffed grape leaves. Hole In-One Donuts is a quick, locally loved morning spot for pastries and specialty coffee. Shelly’s Café is another local favorite for brunch classics. Alfonso’s Pizzeria is the staple eatery for a casual slice or pasta dish, serving the community since 1978. Anchored by Publix, the Village Center strip mall also offers Tampa Tap Room, Walgreens, Fan Outfitters and Banfield Pet Hospital. Carrollwood Commons, a few miles north of that strip mall, is also a hot spot for shopping. Residents can reach downtown Tampa in 10 miles for a diverse mix of boutiques, trendy restaurants and entertainment.
Alfonso's Pizzeria in Lake Magdalene has been in business for over 45 years.
Shelly's Cafe is the spot to go in Lake Magdalene for breakfast and lunch.
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Home to the second-best school district in Tampa
Hillsborough County Public Schools serves the area and is the second-best district in the Tampa area, according to Niche. Students attend Lake Magdalene Elementary, Adams Middle School and Chamberlain High School. The elementary school, which offers a night of the arts showcase, earned a B-plus from Niche, and Adams holds a C. Chamberlain High, which earned a C-plus on Niche, has a culinary academy for students and cross-country teams.
Lake Magdalene Elementary is an above average, public school.
Adams Middle School is a part of the Hillsborough County School District.
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Ten miles from downtown Tampa
Lake Magdalene’s proximity to Interstate 275, State Road 587 and Highway 41 makes getting around a breeze. Downtown Tampa is 10 miles away, Tampa International Airport is 13 miles away and Tampa Bay beaches are a 14-mile drive. Hillsborough Area Regional Transit provides buses for movement throughout the area. There are frequent HART stops along North Florida Avenue. AdventHealth Tampa is the closest hospital, 4 miles east.
Lake Magdalene is a nice, small community that is centrally located in Tampa.
The HART line runs all through Lake Magdalene.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ian Brauchli,
an experienced agent in this area.
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