Westchase, Florida has been called “the 26th Coolest Suburb to Live In” by Travel and Leisure magazine. Within the walls of the massive master planned community that offers its residents peace, tranquility and solitude, Westchase also offers its residents the convenience of plenty of restaurant and shopping options, an 18-hole golf course, swim and tennis centers; all while also being located just minutes from Tampa International Airport, malls, and one of the country’s most prestigious horse racing facilities, Tampa Bay Downs. There are several distinct areas to Westchase and West Park Village. West Park Village is a city within the city but we’ll discuss that as we go.
Westchase Real Estate
Development of the Westchase Community began in 1991 and has been a premier area for families to move since. The expansive 2000 acres was a mixed-use agricultural area that has been transformed into almost 3,400 homes separated into 29 neighborhoods called villages and some of those are even subdivided out into “sub-villages.” They each have their own flair and ambiance about them, and gives those shopping for a home many options and price ranges.
Part of Westchase’s design was to provide families access to recreational and outdoor activities that would improve and promote healthier lifestyles. They did an incredible job. Playgrounds located throughout the “villages” and are dotted along the different subdivisions. Joggers, walkers and kids alike are constantly snaking along the interconnected sidewalks and paths which have multiple workout stations providing no need for the gym.
Westchase Swim and Tennis Center is a beautiful part of living here. They offer a residential pool that is heated when the weather is cold and cooled when it gets hot out. Eight lap lanes for those that want to compete or a shaded toddler pool for the little ones that’s pretty popular. Hours change depending on the time of year, so be sure to check before you go. This is available to all home owners.
Located in Northwest Hillsborough County and bordered by Keystone, Citrus Park, and Oldsmar, Westchase is ideal for many professional families to commute in and out for work. Homeowners can easily get to St. Petersburg or Downtown Tampa within just 25-30 minutes.
Many working professionals will use the Veterans Expressway, Sheldon or Hillsborough Ave to get to work on either side of the bay. This accessibility is one of the major draws for those looking to relocate to Tampa for work or play.
For those looking to enjoy the outdoors Ed Radice Sports Complex offers Westchase’s
A fixture of the Westchase community is Tampa Bay Downs. Originally opened in 1926 as Tampa Downs and known also as Sunshine Park, Tampa Bay Downs is home to one of the country’s most elite races, The Tampa Bay Derby. The Derby acts as a prep race to the Kentucky Derby.
The fastest and best horses in the country are raised here locally to the Westchase community and are part of the area’s equestrian feel. There’s a $1,000,000 stakes purse on Festival Day and is such an incredible place to bring friends and out of towners.
Tampa Bay Downs also provides Westchase residents that don’t want to go to the golf course the opportunity to also hit a few balls on the way home from work. The Downs Golf Practice Facility is a 22-acre, 270 yard range for locals to work on their long or short game and is part of the Downs overall expansion and growth plan.
Those that do want to get to the course will find many options, four of which are located within minutes of Westchase. Westchase Golf Club, Countryway Golf Club, The Eagles Gold Club and Old Memorial Golf Club are a few options for those looking to get out on the links or maybe looking for lunch or a night out at the Country Club. Many offer numerous ways for friends and family to get out and enjoy the Florida sunshine.
Westchase’s neighborhood centralized feel is intentional. It provides a very close-knit neighborhood feel to a community that has the services, shops and restaurants of a much larger city. West Park Village, in the heart of Westchase is what most people outside of the area would consider “Westchase.”
West Park Village offers designed as a walkable enclave of shops, bars, and green space that features townhomes, condos, apartments as well as houses. Inspired by South Tampa’s Hyde Park District, there’s charming nightlife, beautiful places for shopping, and wonderful activities like The Summer Movie Series for families to get out and meet.
West Park Village is a set of nine neighborhoods that collectively make up this community within Westchase. Expansive front porches, swings and gazebos, alley entry and street style parking are the monikers of this neo-traditional urban style of living with village green spaces accentuating the beautiful idyllic Florida setting.
Residents of Westchase have access to some of Florida’s highest rated schools and is one of the main reasons people move to the area. School districts change zoning from time to time so please consult with the realtor and the school before you pick a neighborhood.