Pebble Creek

Combining the classic traits of a suburban community, Cross Creek has cul-de-sacs of single-family houses where palm trees flourish in pruned yards. The atmosphere has a calm residential feel paired with the convenience of a nearby strip mall. Boasting a well-rated school district, the community is family-friendly for those looking to put down roots. In Cross Creek, commuters can find refuge from the big city hubbub in a peaceful suburb about 20 miles southwest of downtown Tampa. Cross Creek is composed of winding streets of single-family houses on manicured lawns decorated with tropical plant life. “There's Arbor Greene and other sections with mini communities, some gated and on their own,” says Realtor Shannon Adkins who works with Fine Properties and has seven years of experience in the area. Cross Creek has sidewalks for strolls through the neighborhood, although it’s not walkable for doing errands. With no commercial buzz or through traffic, the streets are quiet. As for architecture, the Mediterranean style with stucco exteriors and arched entryways is predominant, although the neighborhood has contemporary and ranch-style options. The exteriors are often painted in an array of sandy browns, ocean blues and sunset pinks, channeling a coastal atmosphere. “There are similar homes and similar floor plans because there were only so many builders,” Adkins says. “Most of the houses were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s.” Sales prices range between $330,000 for a ranch-style Mediterranean home to $625,000 for a four-bedroom contemporary home. Students in the area go to the Hillsborough County School District, which earns a B-plus rating according to Niche. Schools include Pride Elementary School, Benito Middle School and Wharton High School. The elementary and high schools both have A-minus ratings, and the middle school has a B-plus on Niche. Pride Elementary was rated a “Five Star School” by the Florida Department of Education. Benito Middle School has received honors in essay contests, Spanish language competitions and literary-efficiency competitions. Within the Cross Creek Center, a local strip mall, Kira Indian Grocery Store provides residents with a selection of fresh produce and specialty goods. A Publix is also available for groceries. As for restaurants, Cantina Mexican Grill & Bar offers a Taco Tuesday deal in a casual, sports bar interior. At Fire Up Halal Grill, patrons can order classic Mediterranean dishes in a bright, orange eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows. Cross Creek Park provides visitors with sheltered picnic areas for birthday parties and potlucks. Parents can bring kids to the playground, while athletes play games on the basketball courts and sports fields. At Eber Park, residents can find three baseball fields, complete with a concession stand and covered bleachers to protect fans from the sun. In New Tampa Regional Library, residents can go to regular events like story times and book clubs. The Venetian Event Center allows residents to host their celebrations and large gatherings. The venue is popular for events like weddings, proms and birthday parties. About 20 miles from downtown Tampa, residents can commute via Interstate 275 South by car since there is no public transit in the area. The drive can take half an hour or longer during trafficky rush hour. Cross Creek is almost entirely residential, so the area doesn't offer many jobs or commercial opportunities, but it’s ideal as a bedroom community. For a nearby medical center, locals can go to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. Residents can access the Tampa International Airport for further travel from business trips to vacations.

Live Oak Preserve Village provides the Florida charm in a gated community of 1,300 acres. “It’s a high-end neighborhood that’s got an incredible location,” says Alex Kranick, a local Realtor with RE/MAX. “The clubhouse is so central, and it’s just such a cool place.” That clubhouse is a multi-million dollar building centrally located to the whole community. Neighbors get to know one another, offering an essence of small-town charm. Outside the gated doors is an extensive option of restaurants and shopping. Then, folks are less than ten miles from the interstate. Homes were built predominantly in the 21st century, with two-story stucco designs being the most common. Some houses may include either a three-car garage or a mini porch. Architecturally, it’s primarily ranch-style townhouses and coastal contemporary style houses. These houses are within 16 different villages. “The homes were built at a really good time with one of the best builders in New Tampa,” Krankick says. “They are bigger with good space between them and high ceilings. New Tampa has a particularly hot market with newer homes, lower taxes and an average price point around $500,000.” For a townhouse, prices can range between $250,000 to $350,000. Most single-family houses are above $350,000 and stretch to around $850,000. The clubhouse is centrally located in the neighborhood, offering residents convenience for outdoor recreation. The pool area includes a large pool and jacuzzi. Then, little ones can enjoy the shallow water area and the playground. Those looking to stay dry can get a workout in the fitness center or the tennis courts. Cross Creek Park is on the east side outside the area. Bring some friends for a pickup game on the basketball court or football field. Pack a lunch for the picnic shelter and let your little ones run off some steam on the playground. Kids can also get involved in the Little League as the field sits in the neighborhood. Golfers can join the Hunters Green Country Club, which includes a Tom Fazio course and a dining space. Most students attend the Turner/Bartels School from kindergarten through eighth grade. This double-campus school combines Hilda Turner Elementary and Nancy Bartels Middle. The B-rated school allows middle schoolers to earn high school credits in nine subjects. Additionally, their Technology Student Association chapter was ranked number 4 in Florida for the 2022-2023 school year. Wharton High School has an A rating on Niche. This school offers 14 different career pathways for students to explore courses. “You’ve got everything you could want a short drive away,” Kranick says. “Bruce B Downs Boulevard used to be a two-lane road, and now it’s three or four lanes. There are multiple Publix, a huge plaza and great restaurants.” Ice Spice Indian Street Food Cafe prides itself on its diverse menu, which includes everything from vegetarian sandwiches and chaats to fun desserts like fruit smoothies and frozen yogurt. Middle Eastern flavors are the highlight of Al-Sham Palace. Notable dishes include hummus, shawarma, and falafel. Get those groceries done at the Winn-Dixie. Bruce B Downs Blvd is home to other shopping essentials like Target, Marshalls, Walmart, and CVS Pharmacy. The Shops at Wiregrass is an indoor/outdoor shopping center with nearly 100 options for restaurants, specialty stores and popular retailers such as JCPenney, Dillard’s and Macy’s. In an emergency, folks are four miles from the Advent Health Wesley Chapel Hospital. Bruce B Downs Blvd is the main gateway to Interstates 275 and 75. Interstate connects through most of the state; it hits major areas of Fort Myers and Gainesville. 275 goes through most of the Tampa Bay area. It’s 23 miles to get to Tampa. Those needing to leave the area can take the 31-mile drive to the Tampa International Airport, which provides nonstop flights to nearly 80 domestic locations.