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Lake Magdalene is one of northern Hillsborough County’s most established and desirable legacy suburbs. From my location in nearby Citrus Park, I’ve always regarded Lake Magdalene as a mature, affluent community with a character defined by its stunning namesake lake and its beautiful, tree-lined neighborhoods that predate much of the area’s explosive modern development.

Zip Codes: 33612, 33613, 33618

Latitude, Longitude: 28.0742° N, 82.4718° W

A Biblical Name on a Florida Shore 🌊

The story of Lake Magdalene begins in the late 19th century when the area was a remote, rural landscape of citrus groves and pine forests surrounding a large, beautiful body of water. The community, and the lake itself, have one of the most unique naming origins in the region.

In the 1880s, the influential Godwin family, who were devout Methodists and owned a large citrus operation on the lake’s shores, named the 256-acre lake in honor of the biblical figure Mary Magdalene. This religious naming convention was uncommon for natural features in Florida and has given the community a distinct and historic origin story that sets it apart from the developer-branded names of its modern neighbors.

For decades, the area remained a quiet collection of lakeside estates and small farms. Its major suburban boom occurred in the 1960s and 1970s, as Tampa’s population pushed northward. Along with its southern neighbor, Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene became one of the original upscale suburbs in what is now considered “North Tampa.”

A Mature and Desirable Suburb 🌳

Today, Lake Magdalene is a picture of mature suburban grace. It’s known for its incredible canopy of grand oak trees, which form tunnels over many of its residential streets. Unlike the newer, master-planned communities with uniform architecture, Lake Magdalene is a diverse tapestry of well-maintained mid-century ranch homes, traditional two-stories from the 70s and 80s, and spectacular modern estates built on the shores of the lake.

It feels less like a single “development” and more like a collection of established, distinct neighborhoods that have grown together over time. The community’s main commercial artery is North Dale Mabry Highway, which it shares with Carrollwood. Like the vast majority of its neighbors, it is an unincorporated Census-Designated Place (CDP), with all government services provided by Hillsborough County.

Lake Magdalene by the Numbers 📊

The demographic data for Lake Magdalene reflects its status as a mature, prosperous, and established suburban community.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• County: Hillsborough
• Established: Settled in the late 19th century; major suburban growth in the 1960s-70s.
• Named For: The biblical figure Mary Magdalene.
• Population: Approximately 30,000 residents.
• Area: About 11 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 46 years old, reflecting its established, long-term resident population.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition:
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~65%
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~22%
  • Black or African American: ~6%
  • Asian: ~4%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $84,000.

Landmarks and Local Institutions ⛪

The businesses and institutions in and around Lake Magdalene speak to its established, family-oriented character.

• Lake Magdalene: The 256-acre private lake that is the heart and soul of the community. While access is limited to residents, its natural beauty defines the entire area and is the primary reason for its desirability.
• Bearss Groves: A true local treasure. This family-owned and operated farm stand has been in business since 1952, offering fresh citrus, local produce, and a famous fresh-squeezed orange juice slushie. It’s a beloved link to the area’s agricultural past.
• Carrollwood Day School: A nationally recognized, private IB (International Baccalaureate) school serving students from early childhood through high school. Located in the heart of the community, it’s a major educational institution and a significant draw for affluent families.
• St. Mary’s Episcopal Church: A beautiful church with stunning, sprawling grounds located right on the shore of Lake Magdalene. It’s a major community institution, a popular event venue, and a picturesque local landmark.
• Tampa Bay Downs: Located just a few miles west of the community, this historic thoroughbred racetrack is a major entertainment destination for Lake Magdalene residents, offering live racing, poker, and a golf facility.