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Of course. Lutz is one of the most well-known and character-rich communities in the northern Tampa Bay area. I’ve always admired Lutz for its unique ability to blend a modern, affluent suburban lifestyle with a fiercely protected semi-rural identity.

Zip Codes: 33548, 33549, 33658, 33559

Latitude, Longitude: 28.1511° N, 82.4615° W

The “Cabbage Head” Railroad Stop 🚂

The story of Lutz begins, as so many Florida towns do, with the railroad. In the early 1900s, the Tampa Northern Railroad laid tracks north from Tampa, cutting through what was then a remote landscape of pine forests, cypress swamps, and citrus groves. The community officially began to form around a depot built here in 1907.

The town was named for two German immigrant brothers, W. P. and C. E. Lutz, who were instrumental in the area’s early development and in getting the railroad to establish a stop there. The first post office was established in their general store, cementing the family name onto the map.

For decades, Lutz was a sleepy, rural outpost. Farmers would bring their produce to the tracks to be picked up by the local train, which earned the affectionate nickname the “Cabbage Head” because it would stop anywhere along the line to load crates of vegetables. This agricultural heritage and small-town feel defined Lutz for the better part of a century before the suburban boom of the late 20th century pushed north from Tampa.

A Town with a Country Feeling 🌳

Today, Lutz is a large, unincorporated community that proudly straddles the border of northern Hillsborough and southern Pasco counties. Its unofficial motto is “a town with a country feeling,” a sentiment that residents actively work to preserve. The landscape is a fascinating mix: the areas along major arteries like Dale Mabry Highway are thoroughly suburban, with upscale shopping centers and new subdivisions. But drive a few minutes off the main roads, and you’ll find winding two-lane streets, homes on large wooded lots, horse pastures, and dozens of beautiful lakes.

Perhaps nothing captures the quirky, independent spirit of Lutz better than the iconic traffic light at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road. Known to all locals as the “Lutz Fern,” the mast arm of the signal has a large fern growing from it. Residents decorate it for holidays, and it has become a beloved, unofficial landmark and a symbol of the community’s unique character. Lutz is an unincorporated community, governed by both Hillsborough and Pasco counties, but its historic core lies in Hillsborough.

Lutz by the Numbers 📊

The data for the Lutz Census-Designated Place (CDP) primarily reflects the Hillsborough County portion of the community.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• Counties: Hillsborough and Pasco
• Established: Railroad depot and post office established circa 1907.
• Named For: Brothers W. P. and C. E. Lutz.
• Population (Hillsborough CDP): Approximately 24,000 residents.
• Area (Hillsborough CDP): About 27 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 47 years old, reflecting an established, affluent population.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition:
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~71%
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~16%
  • Asian: ~5%
  • Black or African American: ~4%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $92,000.

Landmarks and Lutz Favorites 🐊

The businesses and landmarks in and around Lutz reflect its blend of suburban convenience and cherished rural character.

• The Lutz Train Depot Replica: Located in the historic heart of Lutz, this beautiful replica of the original 1907 depot serves as a museum and community center. It’s the physical embodiment of the town’s history.
• Villaggio Restaurant: An institution in the area, Villaggio has been serving high-quality Italian cuisine for years. It’s a go-to spot for special occasions and represents the upscale dining that has flourished in the community.
• Tampa Premium Outlets: This massive outdoor outlet mall, located just across the county line in Pasco, is the primary shopping destination for the entire Lutz area, featuring dozens of high-end retail brands.
• Croc Encounters: A unique and beloved local attraction. This non-profit reptile and wildlife sanctuary offers incredible, up-close tours, showcasing the wild, “Old Florida” side of the community that still exists.
• Lake Park: A sprawling, 595-acre Hillsborough County park that is a major recreational hub for Lutz. It features five lakes for fishing and kayaking, a BMX track, archery ranges, and equestrian trails.