Waterfront lifestyle with lakes, canals and river access
Waterfront living is on the table in Progress Village, bordered by the Alafia River and containing various lakes and canals. Shopping, dining, entertainment and nautical activities are all a part of life here. There are a few different subdivisions in the area, some of them being Community Development Districts (CDDs). Florida is the third most populous state in the country, and the need for more infrastructure and large-scale developments to support the state's growth has led to the more common use of CDDs.
CDD neighborhoods offer amenities and long-term infrastructure
A CDD is a special-purpose governmental component designed to serve the long-term specific needs of a community through planning, financing, constructing, operating and maintaining community-wide infrastructure and amenities for its residents. Living in a community with a CDD usually comes with luxury amenities and community-sponsored events. A part of the CDD fees residents pay is repayment of Municipal Bonds, which is usually paid off in about 30 years. The other part of the fee covers operation and management fees and county taxes. In a community with both a Homeowner's Association (HOA) and CDD, the HOA is responsible for enforcing deed restrictions and neighborhood conditions. At the same time, the CDD handles general maintenance, amenities and infrastructure. The Oak Creek and Magnolia Park subdivisions are both CDDs. Progress Village is home to townhomes with pond views, attached garages, community pools, clubhouses and guarded gates. Homebuyers will also find ranch-style, midcentury modern, Colonial Revival, Spanish Revival homes and contemporary new builds. Home prices range widely in the area, with ranch-style homes starting at $70,000 and large Colonial-revival homes going for as high as $2.5 million.
Progress Village Magnet offers arts-focused middle school
There are two elementary schools in the neighborhood for parents to choose from: Lamb Elementary School, which has an overall Niche grade of C, and Ippolito Elementary School, which has an overall Niche grade of C-plus. Next, kids attend Progress Village Middle Magnet School, which has an overall Niche grade of B-plus and was ranked number 11 on Niche's list of standout schools in the Tampa area. The school offers an arts-integrated curriculum, with a range of electives available like Costume and Fashion Design, Orchestra, Journalism and more. Teenagers attend Spoto High School, which has an overall Niche grade of C-plus.
Disc golf, boating and sports fields keep locals active
Locals can enjoy some Florida fresh air at Mosaic Park, where they can play a game of tennis or pick-up soccer in the shaded green fields. The park borders the Alafia River for endless fishing, kayaking and riverbank picnic opportunities. The Progress Village Recreation Center offers indoor fun and exercise with 120 acres of batting cages, baseball fields, football fields and more. Those itching to get out on the water can try the Williams Park Boat Ramp for easy access to the Alafia River and Tampa Bay. Folks can test their skills at Showman's Disc Golf Course or stop by the Showmen's Museum to learn about the country's earliest circuses and carnivals while exploring rare artifacts like vintage vehicles and preserved carousels.
Local dining includes Cuban cuisine and barbecue favorites
Residents can enjoy Latin American and Cuban cuisine at Kiki's Restaurant & Lounge. Meanwhile, barbecue staples are found at Burnin' Barber-Que & More. Locals can grab groceries and other household essentials at the Publix at the Pavilion Crossing Shopping Center.
![Jessica Haddad]()
Written By
Jessica Haddad
![Jeffery Palmer]()
Photography Contributed By
Jeffery Palmer
