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Of course. Keystone is one of the most distinctive and sought-after communities in all of Hillsborough County. I’ve always seen Keystone as our semi-rural, equestrian neighbor—a large, unincorporated area that has fiercely and successfully protected its “country” character against the tide of suburban sprawl that has defined so much of the region.

Zip Codes: 33556, 33558

Latitude, Longitude: 28.1558° N, 82.6212° W

The “Keystone State” Connection 🌉

The story of Keystone begins with settlers in the mid-19th century who were drawn to the area’s vast pine forests, fertile soil, and dozens of pristine lakes. For decades, it was a rugged, rural area dominated by citrus groves, cattle ranching, and turpentine stills.

The community’s name is a direct link to its early pioneers. It was named by a group of influential settlers who relocated from Pennsylvania, which is famously known as the “Keystone State.” They brought the nickname with them, and it has defined the community ever since. The name has absolutely no connection to any local geographical feature.

What truly shapes modern Keystone is its resident-driven Keystone-Odessa Community Plan. In the face of growing development pressure in the late 20th century, the community organized and worked with Hillsborough County to create this master land-use plan. It mandates large lot sizes—often one to five acres or more—and severely restricts commercial development. This plan is the legal backbone that preserves the open spaces, lakeshores, and rural lifestyle that residents cherish.

A Rural Oasis with an Urban Edge 🌳

Today, Keystone is a beautiful and affluent enclave. Its landscape is a picturesque mix of horse farms, large lakefront estates, and winding, tree-canopied roads. It’s a place where it’s still common to see residents riding horses along public trails and roadsides. The community is dotted with dozens of lakes, including some of the largest and most desirable in the county, such as Lake Keystone, Lake Pretty, and Lake Josephine.

Despite its tranquil, rural feel, Keystone is not isolated. It’s bordered by the dense suburbs of Citrus Park and Westchase to the south and the busy U.S. 19 corridor in Pinellas County to the west, giving residents the unique ability to live a country lifestyle just minutes from major urban conveniences. Like all of its neighbors, it is an unincorporated Census-Designated Place (CDP), with the powerful Keystone Civic Association serving as its staunchest advocate.

Keystone by the Numbers 📊

The demographic data for Keystone reflects its status as a large, affluent, and established semi-rural community.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• County: Hillsborough
• Established: Settled in the mid-19th century.
• Named For: The nickname of Pennsylvania, the “Keystone State.”
• Population: Approximately 25,000 residents.
• Area: A large 36 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 50 years old, reflecting a mature and established population.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition:
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~77%
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~13%
  • Asian: ~4%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $125,000, ranking it as one of the wealthiest communities in the region.

Landmarks and Local Favorites 🐴

The businesses and landmarks in Keystone are a direct reflection of its tight-knit, community-focused, and outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

• Keystone Korner: An absolute institution and the unofficial town center of Keystone. This beloved, old-school deli has been the go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, and community gossip for decades.
• Brookdale Park: A beautiful 35-acre county park on the shores of Lake Keystone. With its public boat ramp and scenic picnic areas, it’s a hub for the lake-centric lifestyle that defines the community.
• The Wild Huckleberry: A wildly popular local cafe that has become the premier spot for breakfast and lunch meetings. It represents the newer, upscale-yet-casual vibe of the community.
• Lake Rogers Conservation Park: Situated on the eastern edge of Keystone, this 272-acre park offers miles of trails for hiking, bird-watching, and horseback riding, making it a favorite for local nature and equestrian enthusiasts.
• In The Loop Brewing: Located just on the border of Keystone and Land O’ Lakes, this craft brewery has become a very popular social hub for residents, offering a relaxed atmosphere to gather with friends and neighbors.