neighborhoods | Carrollwood
Carrollwood
Carrollwood is an established suburban neighborhood in northwest Tampa that’s been around since the 1960s. This is a large area with a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and some apartment complexes, and it’s known for being family-friendly with decent schools, parks, and shopping nearby. The neighborhood sits west of Dale Mabry Highway and north of the Hillsborough River, putting it in a pretty central location for getting around Tampa. Carrollwood has matured over the decades, so you’re looking at a mix of original homes from the 60s and 70s, renovated properties, and some newer construction where older homes were torn down and rebuilt. It’s not as flashy as some of the newer master-planned communities, but it offers solid value, good bones, and that established neighborhood feel with mature trees and a sense of community.
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Carrollwood was one of the earlier planned suburban developments in Tampa, and it’s broken up into different sections – Carrollwood Village, Carrollwood Meadows, Forest Hills, and others. Each section has its own homeowners association and character. Some areas have larger lots and bigger homes, while others are more modest and affordable.
The location is convenient for a lot of people. You’re close to Dale Mabry Highway which connects you north to Carrollwood and south to the airport area and MacDill Air Force Base. The Veterans Expressway is just a few minutes away for accessing New Tampa or heading south toward the beaches. If you work in the Westshore business district, Carrollwood gives you a reasonable commute. And you’re centrally located for getting around Tampa in general.
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When you drive through Carrollwood, you’ll notice the mature trees and the neighborhood’s established feel. This isn’t a brand-new development with saplings—you’ve got real tree canopy and homes that have been there for decades. Some streets have homes that are very well-maintained and updated, while others have more original homes that might need work.
For shopping and dining, you’ve got the Carrollwood Commons shopping center with grocery stores, restaurants, and services. Dale Mabry has tons of retail and restaurant options running north and south. You’re not far from Citrus Park Mall if you want bigger shopping. And you’ve got the Carrollwood Cultural Center, which hosts plays, concerts, and community events.
The parks and recreation options are solid. Lake Carroll and Lake Rogers are in the neighborhood with walking paths and green space. There are neighborhood parks and playgrounds throughout the different sections. The Carrollwood Recreation Center has sports facilities and programs.
Carrollwood highlights & amenities
The schools in Carrollwood are decent, with some being better than others. Chiles Elementary, Rampello K-8 (a magnet school), and Sickles High School are some of the schools serving the area. It’s not quite at the level of Westchase or South Tampa for school ratings, but there are good options, and a lot of families are happy with the public schools in the area.
The HOA fees in Carrollwood are generally lower than what you’d pay in newer master-planned communities like Westchase. You’re looking at somewhere in the range of $50-$150 per month depending on which section you’re in. The fees cover common area maintenance and sometimes access to pools or other amenities, but it varies by village.
The safety and crime rates in Carrollwood are generally good, though like any large suburban area, it can vary block by block. Most sections feel safe and family-friendly.
get to know Carrollwood
Carrollwood attracts a diverse mix of residents – families with kids, professionals, retirees, and longtime residents who’ve been there for years. It’s more affordable than some of the newer suburbs, which makes it accessible for first-time homebuyers and people who want value. You’ve also got people who grew up in Carrollwood and are now buying homes there to raise their own families.
The real estate market in Carrollwood offers good value compared to some other Tampa areas. Single-family homes typically range from the high $200s for smaller or unrenovated homes up to the $500s or $600s for larger updated homes. Townhomes might start in the low to mid $200s. The price per square foot is generally lower than what you’d pay in South Tampa or Westchase, so you get more house for your money.
The market moves at a moderate pace – not as fast as Hyde Park or Seminole Heights, but homes don’t sit forever if they’re priced right. There’s steady demand from families looking for affordable options with decent schools.
If you’re considering Carrollwood, here’s what I’d say – you’re not getting the newest homes or the resort-style amenities of a place like Westchase, but you’re getting an established neighborhood with good bones, mature landscaping, and solid value. A lot of the homes have been updated over the years, and there’s an opportunity to buy something that needs cosmetic work and add value through renovations. It’s a practical choice for families who want suburban living without stretching their budget, and it’s been a reliable area for decades.
Carrollwood FAQs
How does Carrollwood compare to Westchase?
Carrollwood and Westchase are both suburban family-friendly neighborhoods in northwest Tampa, but they have some key differences. Westchase is newer with resort-style amenities like multiple pools and recreation centers, and it has higher HOA fees to match. The schools in Westchase (especially Sickles High) have slightly higher ratings overall. Westchase feels more cohesive as a master-planned community. Carrollwood is older and more established with larger mature trees, generally lower home prices, and lower HOA fees. You’re getting more house for your money in Carrollwood, but fewer community amenities. Both have good access to shopping and highways. It really comes down to whether you prioritize newer homes and resort amenities (Westchase) or value and established character (Carrollwood).
Are there any flood concerns in Carrollwood?
Some sections of Carrollwood, particularly those near the Hillsborough River or closer to the lakes, can have flood risk. The areas near Lake Carroll and Lake Rogers can flood during major rain events or hurricanes. Other sections that are at higher elevations don’t have significant flood risk. You absolutely need to check the flood zone for any specific property you’re considering and understand what flood insurance would cost. Some homes in Carrollwood do require flood insurance, and that needs to be factored into your monthly costs. Don’t assume that just because it’s not near the coast that there’s no flood risk – inland flooding from rivers and lakes is definitely a concern in some parts of Carrollwood.
Is Carrollwood a good area for first-time homebuyers?
Yeah, Carrollwood can be a great option for first-time buyers, especially if you’re trying to stay under a certain budget but still want a decent suburban neighborhood with okay schools. The home prices are generally more affordable than South Tampa, Westchase, or some of the newer areas. You can find townhomes in the low to mid $200s and single-family homes in the high $200s to low $400s depending on size and condition. The HOA fees are reasonable, and the location is convenient for getting around Tampa. A lot of first-time buyers who don’t want to stretch their budget to the max end up in Carrollwood and they’re happy with it. Just make sure you’re working with an agent who knows the area well because some pockets are better than others.
What's the age of most homes in Carrollwood?
Most of the original homes in Carrollwood were built in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. So you’re looking at homes that are 40-60+ years old for the original construction. That said, a lot of homes have been renovated and updated over the years – new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, roofs, AC systems. Some homes have been completely gutted and modernized inside while keeping the original structure. And in some cases, older homes have been torn down and replaced with new construction. When you’re looking at homes in Carrollwood, you need to pay close attention to what’s been updated and what might need work soon. Things like the roof, AC, plumbing, and electrical are important to check on older homes. But if you find a well-maintained home that’s been updated, you can get a really solid house at a good price.
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