Town 'n' Country

Home to one of Tampa's first suburban communities, Town 'n' Country, has grown into one of the city's largest. "When clients want a bigger home at a good price, I take them out to Town' n' Country," says Lorynn Gavin, a longtime Tampa resident and Broker with Out Fast Realty. Quality schools, commercial centers and green spaces are just a short distance from the community's 90,000 residents. Neat suburban streets with tall palm trees are lined mainly with Florida ranch-style homes. These, along with a collection of contemporary bungalows and large Mediterranean revival houses, add to the community's architectural diversity. Newer homes can be found throughout the community in several planned subdivisions lined with bungalow-style homes, mid-sized multi-level homes, and larger, custom-built homes with neatly manicured lawns and private driveways. Prices typically range between $320,000 to the $900,000s, with a handful of waterfront homes having multi-million dollar price tags. "Taxes are a lot lower because you're part of the county, not the city," says Mena Reyes, a Realtor at RE/MAX Realtec Group Inc. with over 16 years of experience. Hillsborough County Schools maintains multiple quality schools in the neighborhood. Bellamy Elementary has a B-minus rating on Niche and offers an immersive dual language program. Local students move on to middle and high schools like Webb Middle and Alonso High, which have respective scores of C-plus and A-minus on Niche. Multiple waterways and nature trails run through the town. Channel Park Trailhead provides access to what is considered to be Tampa's premier urban hiking trail. Alternatively, the Town 'n' Country Nature Preserve offers hiking through pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes and hardwood swamps. The community also features numerous small parks, which provide residents with more green space and recreational opportunities. The cozy Town 'N' Country Park features courts for pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation. In addition, the sprawling Shimberg Sports Complex is frequented by local athletes participating in local baseball and soccer leagues. Other activities and community events occur at the Jackson Springs Community Center, whose amenities are highlighted by a skate park. Retail and dining options are spread throughout Town 'n' Country, with grocers, big-box stores and eateries concentrated along the Hillsborough Avenue and Waters Avenue corridors. The Hillsborough Square Shopping Center is anchored by a Publix, Aldi and Home Depot and includes hardware and clothing stores. El Churrascaso Grill is a highly-rated Brazilian restaurant along Hillsborough Avenue. With Old Tampa Bay on one side, Tampa International Airport on the other and numerous major roadways in and around the community, Town' n' Country ocupies an appealing spot in Hillsborough County. "More than anything, it's a great location," says Reyes. It's very convenient, with access to the airport, highways and the beaches nearby." Town 'n' Country is equidistant between downtown Clearwater and downtown Tampa. Downtown Clearwater is a buzzy waterfront district that is a short drive over the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Downtown Tampa offers an array of cultural attractions, and can be accessed via I-275 off the Veterans Expressway. "Being in this area, you have direct access to Pinellas County and the city of Tampa," says Reyes. "There are just a variety of places you can visit." The area's proximity to Tampa Bay and geographic position on the Gulf Coast put it at high risk for flooding and major storms. The city governments of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa have all pledged funds and proposed initiatives to mitigate the worst effects of storm surges and study and combat the effects of sea level rise due to climate change.

On the Double Branch Peninsula northwest of Tampa, Upper Tampa Bay offers a laidback lifestyle in a convenient location.<br><br>There are several subdivisions in the area, but Eagle Pointe is one of the community’s most recent development of single-family homes. The self-contained neighborhood features a variety of one- and two-story custom homes. <br><br>In the less populated waterfront areas on the western branch, you will find large, contemporary style houses mixed with smaller, more traditional Florida housing styles and midsized homes featuring custom designs. Elements of Spanish Mediterranean, bungalow, and farmhouse styles can also be found. Other residential areas include the eastern branch neighborhood located on the northern edge of Upper Tampa Bay Park’s conservation lands.<br><br>Upper Tampa Bay is part of the Hillsborough Public School District. Area students are zoned out to Davis Elementary School, Webb Middle School, and Alonso High School, public schools in neighboring communities. <br><br>Much of the community is taken up by Upper Tampa Bay Park, a large tract of land left mostly undeveloped to protect the fragile habitat and ecological communities in the area. However, there is public access to amenities throughout the park, like the nature center. There are plenty of nature trails to enjoy, with observation decks and picnic shelters. Fishing opportunities are plentiful, and you might spy manatees, otters and dolphins playing in the waters surrounding the peninsula. Canoe and kayak rentals are available as well.<br><br>Other outdoor recreational options include HorsePower for Kids, an animal sanctuary that is home to animals that have been rescued from various circumstances. Kids can visit the petting zoo or take horseback riding lessons. The non-profit organization also hosts camps and field trips. Nearby, Copper Creek Stables offers horseback riding lessons for all ages and skill levels, as well as boarding and training for horse owners.<br><br>West Hillsborough Avenue bisects the community, providing relatively easy access to the greater Tampa Bay area. Most of the neighborhood’s retail and dining options can be found along the thoroughfare, including Fat Beet Farm Kitchen and Bakery. In addition to a traditional menu, Fat Beet Farm offers farm tours, educational field trips and three venues for community celebrations and events.<br><br>Upper Tampa Bay has two retail centers, including the North Bay Shopping Center at the intersection of Hillsborough Avenue and Racetrack Road that has a Publix and a Lowe’s. Just to the west of it is the Oldsmar Flea Market, a sprawling 28-acre complex where hundreds of vendors come to sell everything from furniture to gourmet food.