The Best Gated Communities in Tampa

There are a lot of good reasons to live in a gated community. While they might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they can be a good option for anyone who values privacy and wants the peace of mind that comes with having additional security in their neighborhood.

Whether you want to build or buy a home in a Tampa gated community, many options exist. These neighborhoods may feature single-family homes, townhouses, or condominiums. In this post, we’ll round up some of the best gated communities in Tampa if you are considering this type of neighborhood.

At Eaton Realty, we are dedicated to helping our clients find the right home for them. Whether that means finding a low-maintenance condo overlooking old Tampa Bay or a single-family home in a gated community, we will work with you to help you secure the house of your dreams. Reach out today to talk to a team member about starting the search for a home in Hillsborough County, Florida.

Want to learn even more about buying a house in a gated community? Contact us to speak with an experienced Hillsborough County realtor.

Is a Gated Community Right for You?

A gated community is exactly what it sounds like: a neighborhood or community set back from the road and surrounded by gates. Depending on the setup, the gate might be guarded by security personnel or unguarded. Residents typically need to enter a code or use a remote control to open the gates if there isn't a security guard.

The first gated communities in the U.S. were built as far back as the 1850s, although they became more popular in the 1900s. They are most often found in the “Sun Belt” region - including Florida - due to the greater availability of land for development.

Benefits Of Living In A Gated Community

There are advantages and disadvantages to living in a gated community. For many people, a top benefit of gated communities is stronger security. Whether you have security guards or not, living in this type of neighborhood means that people who aren’t supposed to be there have a harder time accessing the community.

Controlled access also means that you won’t have to deal with pesky solicitors or door-to-door salespeople. After all, only residents and people approved to visit can gain entry into the neighborhood - so the likelihood of someone knocking on your door to sell you new windows or a magazine subscription is low.

These security measures also mean that there is typically a record of who comes and goes into a gated community. This may be through tracking access codes, keeping records of all visitors, or using security cameras and license plate scanners. If criminal activity does occur in a gated community, this can make it easier to find the perpetrators. However, Florida law specifies that homeowners cannot access visitor logs.

Gated communities also offer the benefit of exclusivity. However, it is important to note that while gated communities are often associated with the wealthy, these neighborhoods exist at many price points. This exclusivity can also create a sense of privacy, at least from the “outside world” or anyone who doesn’t live in your neighborhood. It may also contribute to a quieter atmosphere, as you won’t see much traffic beyond residents and their approved visitors.

Gated communities often offer certain amenities, such as swimming pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, and even golf courses. Some cater to certain populations, such as people 55+ or retirees. This can make it easier to find a community within your neighborhood.

Downsides To Living In A Gated Community

Of course, there are drawbacks to living in a gated community. First, there is the cost. While gated communities are not just for the rich, these homes typically cost more than houses in other developments. In addition, you will usually have higher homeowner’s association (HOA) fees in a gated community and potentially higher property taxes.

If a community is private, whereby the public is not allowed to drive beyond the gates without permission, the roadways in the community are also considered private. The city or county will not maintain private roads, so HOA fees will be higher to cover the cost of maintaining the gate and repaving the streets.

For some people, the added security of a gated community simply isn’t worth the trade-offs - like strict rules about what you can do with and on your own property. Security measures like tracking license plates and keeping visitor logs may make you feel safer - or they make you feel like you have no privacy and are constantly being monitored.

Some people may also find the controlled access aspect of a gated community annoying. You can’t just have friends over to visit - you have to make sure that they get approved beforehand. The same goes for contractors and others who may need to visit your home to make repairs or deliver something.

Finally, while each gated community is different, some people don’t appreciate the exclusive aspect of these neighborhoods. To them, it might feel snobby or elitist - which is something that they don’t want. They may also want a more diverse neighborhood or closer proximity to amenities.

Gated communities can be great - but they aren’t for everyone. Your realtor can walk you through the pros and cons of buying a home in a gated community, and help you find a place that is right for you.

Top Gated Communities in Tampa

There are more than 50 gated communities in Tampa that offer great amenities, safety, and fantastic homes. Depending on your needs, you could buy a home in a retirement community, a single-family home neighborhood, or even a townhouse or condo in a gated community. Below, we have outlined some of our favorite gated communities in the area.

Anand Vihar

Anand Vihar - which means “peaceful living” - is a gated retirement community in Wesley Chapel, a suburb of Tampa. This community features both single-family houses as well as townhouses. Amenities include a recreation center, dining hall, fitness center, media room, swimming pool, and more. The median listing price for homes in this community is $395,000, with monthly HOA fees starting at $400.

Avila

Located in Northwest Tampa, Avila is an exclusive gated community at the Avila Golf and Country Club, with a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The neighborhood has its own fitness center, playground, and tennis courts. Being a golf community, golf carts are permitted for travel within the neighborhood. The median sale price for these homes is $1,400,000, with HOA fees starting at over $300 per month.

Cordoba Estates

Cordoba Estates is part of the Cordoba master planned community in Lutz, Florida. Spreading over 800 acres, this neighborhood offers single-family homes, a swimming pool, dog park, playground, picnic area, tennis courts, and other amenities. Homes in this gated community have a median listing price of $742,990, with HOA fees of $60 per month.

Culbreath Isles

Located in South Tampa, Culbreath Isles is considered one of Tampa’s most exclusive gated communities. It was the first gated neighborhood in the city. The single-family houses in this community are set right alongside canals leading to Tampa Bay, close to everything Tampa has to offer. Culbreath Isles is one of the most expensive gated communities in the region, with a median listing price of $3,000,000 and HOA fees of $2,000 per month.

Grand Hampton

In New Tampa, Grand Hampton is a great gated community for families. The homes in this neighborhood are affordable, with a median list price of $632,500 and quarterly HOA fees of $500. Grand Hampton has great amenities, including a private spa, multiple clubhouses, sports courts, playgrounds, a pool, and regular community events.

Highlands of Innisbrook Gate House

The Highlands of Innisbrook Gate House is located just outside of Tampa in the suburb of Palm Harbor. This community is considered one of the best gated golf communities in the region, with a 72-hole golf course right on the property. There is also a tennis court, racquetball court, fitness center, and recreation center with a pool. These features come at a price, with a median listing price of just under $2,000,000 for a single-family home and HOA fees of around $300 per month.

Livingston Grove

Located in Lutz, just north of Tampa, Livingston Grove is a luxury gated community that offers single-family homes with large lots, gourmet kitchens, and smart home features. Livingston Grove does not provide many amenities beyond the community but has multiple lakes, parks, and quiet, tree-lined streets. The median price for these homes is $899,000.

Lennar WCI Collection at Inlet Shore

Lennar WCI Collection at Inlet Shore is a master-planned community in the Westmore Marina District of South Tampa. This community offers 3 to 4-story townhomes with a median listing price of $500,000, with HOA fees of just under $500 per month. This community has many amenities, including a community pool, rooftop deck, and views of Tampa Bay. This neighborhood is an affordable choice close to downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Interested in Buying a Home in a Tampa Gated Community? Give Us a Call.

While gated communities aren’t for everyone, they are popular for a reason. Hillsborough County has gated communities to fit almost every lifestyle and budget. Whether you want a 55+ community or a family-friendly neighborhood, we can help you find it.

The Tampa realtors at Eaton Realty represent buyers looking for townhomes, condos, single-family homes, and investment properties throughout the greater Tampa region. With more than 20 years of experience in the region - and nearly 50 years of experience in the construction and real estate field - we have the knowledge and skills to guide our clients through the home-buying process. If you’d like to learn more, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 813-672-8022 to talk to a member of our real estate team.