Everything You Need to Know About the Westchase Neighborhood in Tampa
Nestled in the heart of Tampa, Westchase is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for homebuyers and renters alike. It’s truly a standout, with amenities in a family-friendly environment and a picturesque setting for those looking to settle in the Tampa area. In recent years, Westchase has seen substantial growth in terms of new developments, rising home values, and community offerings, making it a premier location for those looking to settle in Tampa.
Have I piqued your interest in this amazing area? Let me walk you through the finer points of living in Westchase, Florida, and why it’s a prime investment for Tampa home buyers today.
Is Westchase a Nice Area?
In short: absolutely!
Westchase is widely considered one of the nicest areas in the Tampa region to live. This master-planned neighborhood is a welcoming, well-maintained community spanning over 2,000 acres. Its tree-lined streets, well-maintained homes, and thoughtfully designed amenities offer a high standard of living.
With hundreds of acres of preserved land, two community swimming pools, two parks, walking trails, tennis and pickleball centers, and even a public golf club, you can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities and recreational spaces. It has a pedestrian-friendly, suburban feel with a walkable village center and easy access to major hubs of Tampa. In fact, Westchase ranked #1 as the Best Suburb in Tampa in 2023 by That’s So Tampa.
The World of Westchase Newsmagazine (WOW) has the lowdown on all things Westchase — and each home gets one on the first of each month (at no charge), so you’ll always have an idea of what’s going on in the area.
Keep in mind that Westchase is a deed-restricted community encompassing the locals’ governing documents. It’s sort of like having a homeowners association in a condo, where each homeowner agrees to abide by certain guidelines when purchasing a home in Westchase.
What Makes Westchase So Special?
The Westchase neighborhood is located in the northwest part of Tampa, Florida, about halfway between downtown Tampa and the city of Clearwater. Westchase is bordered by major roads, including Linebaugh Avenue, Sheldon Road, and Hillsborough Avenue, providing easy access to other parts of Tampa and the surrounding areas, including the airport and beaches.
Westchase is more than just a collection of homes—it’s a lifestyle. Here are a few reasons why people love living in Westchase:
- Top-rated schools: Families are drawn to Westchase for its excellent public and private schools, making it an ideal location for those with children.
- Beautiful parks and green spaces: From playgrounds and walking trails to golf courses and nature preserves, Westchase is designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Great shopping and dining: West Park Village, the neighborhood’s vibrant town center, is a local hotspot with trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants offering everything from casual bites to fine dining.
- Community events: Westchase offers residents a strong sense of community involvement and engagement through events like neighborhood festivals, farmers markets, and holiday celebrations.
Westchase is a neighborhood designed with community and convenience in mind, and that balance is what makes it so special.
The Booming Housing Market in Westchase
The real estate market in the Westchase neighborhoods has grown significantly in recent years. Housing prices have increased steadily, making homes in Westchase a solid investment. Values rise due to high demand, limited inventory, and the neighborhood’s overall desirability.
- Home prices in Westchase typically range anywhere from $400,000 to the low millions, depending on size and location, while luxury homes near the golf course or in gated communities often exceed $1 million. (More on this below.)
- According to Redfin.com, Westchase home prices were up 106.2% from August 2023 to August 2024. Westchase home prices were up 13.0% for the same timeframe, selling for a median price of $600K, reflecting the area’s growing popularity and real estate market strength.
For homebuyers, this means that Westchase isn’t just a great place to live but also a smart investment for the future!
Is Westchase Expensive?
That depends. When it comes to affordability, Westchase is considered a mid-to-high-end neighborhood within the Tampa market. Home prices here tend to be higher than the Tampa average, largely due to the area’s high demand, excellent amenities, and overall quality of life.
The Westchase Community Association prices homes starting from $200K+, but as I mentioned earlier, this area is growing in popularity. Luxury homes can easily surpass $1 million, especially in exclusive gated communities or near the golf course; you’ll definitely enjoy an upscale lifestyle if that’s what you’re looking for. Choose from condos, townhomes, villas, and single-family homes, as well as traditional Florida-style homes, gated communities, and neo-traditional neighborhoods that feature detached garages, in-law apartments, and alleyways.
While Westchase might not be the most budget-friendly option for first-time homebuyers, its pricing reflects the quality of the area. The strong resale value of homes in Westchase makes it a sound investment for those who want a combination of luxury, comfort, and community.
The good news is that there are also more moderate price points for your lifestyle.
The Westchase Lifestyle
Westchase is particularly appealing to families and young professionals. The neighborhood’s safe, walkable streets and abundance of family-oriented activities make it ideal for raising children. At the same time, the easy commute to all of Tampa’s business districts is a huge draw for professionals.
Many residents work in downtown Tampa, the Westshore business district, or nearby areas. The neighborhood’s central location provides easy access to major highways, allowing you to get to work or explore Tampa’s cultural and recreational offerings with minimal hassle.
Westchase offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. The Westchase Golf Club is a big attraction for golfers in the area, providing a well-maintained course that’s as scenic as it is challenging. For non-golfers, the Westchase Community Association features multiple parks and playgrounds, tennis courts, and swimming pools.
- Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the many walking trails that weave through the community, perfect for jogging, biking, or an evening stroll with the family.
- Dog owners will find Westchase to be a pet-friendly neighborhood with plenty of green spaces and dog parks to let their furry friends roam.
- Fitness and sports facilities are also abundant, with gyms, fitness centers, and community leagues for tennis, pickleball, soccer, and more.
How Far Is Westchase From Florida Beaches?
One of the many perks of living in Westchase (and Florida!) is its proximity to Tampa’s beautiful beaches. Residents can easily access some of the best beaches in the state without being too far from home.
Westchase is approximately 25-30 minutes away from some of the top Gulf Coast beaches, such as Clearwater Beach and Indian Rocks Beach. Whether you’re looking for a day of sunbathing, beach volleyball, or water sports, Westchase’s location makes it simple to pack up the car and enjoy a beach day without the long drive.
What’s win-win about the Westchase beach lifestyle is that you get to live near the coast but still have a peaceful suburban home setting.
And take it from me: nothing compares to living in close proximity to the water.
Dining and Shopping in Westchase
Westchase has its own array of dining and shopping options, meaning you don’t have to travel far to find what you need. West Park Village is the heart of Westchase town center and the neighborhood’s commercial district, featuring a mix of locally-owned businesses and popular chain retailers.
Popular eateries include Irish 31 Pub House, Doodle Noodle, and Catch Twenty Three, which offer everything from seafood, and pub fare to fine dining. For a more casual vibe, you can enjoy coffee shops like The Grind, ice cream shops like Whits and Jeremiah’s, and bakeries, perfect for a quick snack or meeting friends for a coffee. Whether you’re craving a casual meal or want to enjoy a night out at a more upscale restaurant, Westchase has you covered.
When it comes to shopping, residents can browse boutique clothing stores, gift shops, and health and beauty services, all within minutes of their homes.
Schools in Westchase
One of the biggest draws to Westchase is its excellent public and private schools. Families moving into the neighborhood have access to some of the top-rated schools in Hillsborough County. Westchase Elementary and Davidsen Middle School, both highly rated by academic review organizations and parents alike, provide quality education and a range of extracurricular activities. Known for its diversity, Westchase’s Alonso High School boasts a four-year International Baccalaureate program, and it offers a wide range of sports, academic, and arts clubs.
Ready to Call Westchase Home? Let Me Help!
Westchase is the perfect combination of suburban charm, city convenience, and access to the beach. Whether you’re attracted to the excellent schools, the stunning homes, or the dual proximity to both the city and the beach, Westchase has it all.
If you’re interested in making Westchase your next home, allow me to assist you. I specialize in the Tampa market and am well-versed in the Westchase community’s ins and outs. Call me today, and we can start looking at listings tomorrow!