Land O’ Lakes has a variety of neighborhoods 20 miles from Tampa
Subdivisions and planned communities are clustered around more than 100 lakes, earning this Tampa suburb the name Land O’ Lakes. “We have a neighborhood for everyone,” says Taylor Morrow, lifelong resident and member of the Greater Pasco County Chamber of Commerce. “We have golf communities, Smart Home communities and more natural communities with parks and trails.” The area is also home to major retailers. Within 20 miles, residents are in Downtown Tampa, which has “concerts, stadiums, theaters – you’re right in the middle of it,” Morrow says.
New Traditional homes are in master-planned or gated communities
Land O’ Lakes contains subdivisions and master-planned or gated communities. Morrow lives in Lake Padgett Estates, which has stables and a private lake. “Everyone [in the neighborhood] has access to it, even if you don’t live on the water,” Morrow says. The Groves Golf & Country Club is a 55-plus neighborhood. Pasco County is known as the Nudist Capital of the World; Paradise Lake is a clothing-optional condo community. Most homes were built after 2000. New Traditional styles often have Spanish or Craftsman influences. There are also contemporary and ranch-style houses from the mid- to late 20th century. There is some new development in the area. “This is one of the few areas where Tampa can grow,” says Realtor Sam Caudle with eXp Realty, who runs the Living in Tampa FL YouTube channel. Angeline is a master-planned community that is still adding new homes, with a dog park, neighborhood farm and a 55-plus section.
Prices vary greatly depending on location, size and condition. Most homes range from $300,000 and $850,000, but the largest lakefront properties can cost $850,000 to about $1.5 million. Townhouses and condos cost $100,000 to $420,000. Many communities have homeowners association or Community Development District fees. First Street says that the Land O’ Lakes has an extreme risk of hurricanes, but a minor risk of flooding.
Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex and Heritage Park have outdoor fun
While most of the lakes are private, Gooseneck Lake has a public pier at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. There are also athletic fields, a swimming pool and a dog park. Indoor amenities include a basketball court and a volleyball court. It is next to the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, which has a Makerspace for woodworking and hosts events like Storytime. Land O’Lakes Heritage Park is another green space with a playground and a bandshell. Gated communities and subdivisions often have neighborhood parks, pools and clubhouses that host social events. Plantation Palms Golf Club has a public, 18-hole course and the pirate-themed Mulligans Mini Golf.
Students attend well-rated Pasco County public and private schools
Land O’ Lakes is part of the Pasco County School District, which receives a B-plus from Niche. School choice is available through School of Choice applications, magnet and charter programs and Career Technical and Specialized Programs of Study. At the A-rated Land O’ Lakes High School, students can enroll in the Academy of Culinary Arts. Private schools include the Academy at the Lakes, which offers prekindergarten through 12th grade and earns an A-plus. Secondary education institutions are nearby. The University of Tampa and the University of South Florida are about 20 miles away. Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch is about 15 miles away.
Residents dine at local restaurants and shop at major retailers
There are several locally owned dining options in Land O’ Lakes. Hungry Harry’s Famous Bar-B-Que opened in 1985 and has stayed in the family. “Their kids and grandkids have taken it on,” Morrow says. Stonewater Grill has outdoor seating overlooking Bell Lake. Natural Market sells fresh, locally sourced produce. “Residents will get most shopping done in Land O’ Lakes,” Caudle says. “It’s pretty chain dominant.” Collier Commons is one of many shopping centers along state Route 54 and has a Publix and Chili’s. The Tampa Premium Outlets are in the neighboring city of Lutz. Shops include a Coach and Levi’s outlets.
Events include the Pasco Blues Festival and Swamp Fest
Land O’ Lakes has several events throughout the year, including chamber-sponsored gatherings and music festivals. The Pasco Blues Festival is in March. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the afternoon’s performances, and there are food trucks and vendors. “I go every year, and I really enjoy it,” Morrow says. The Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest is every fall. There is a beer garden, a softball tournament, live music and carnival rides.
Commuters reach Tampa in half an hour
Because Tampa is about 30 minutes away, many commuters live in the area. “It’s really a bedroom community for Tampa,” Caudle says. “It’s an ideal commute spot with great roads into Tampa.” U.S. Route 41 offers a direct route to the city and intersects with State Route 54. Morrow says that she also sees many people driving golf courses. “In my neighborhood, everyone has a golf cart,” she says. Tampa International Airport is about 25 miles away and has over 100 nonstop destinations. HCA Florida Lutz Emergency is about 3 miles away, and AdventHealth Central Pasco is less than 10 miles away.
