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Westchase is one of the most successful and influential master-planned communities in the entire Tampa Bay region. I’ve had a front-row seat to its development, watching it grow from an empty cattle ranch into a vibrant, self-contained community that set a new standard for suburban living in Florida.

Zip Codes: 33626

Latitude, Longitude: 28.0474° N, 82.6112° W

The Birth of a “Neo-Traditional” Community 🏡

The story of Westchase is a story of the 1990s. Its development began in 1991 when American General Development Corp. began transforming a massive tract of land—part of the historic Double Branch Ranch—into a new kind of suburb.

The concept behind Westchase was groundbreaking for Tampa at the time. It was one of the first large-scale communities in the area to embrace the principles of “new urbanism” or “neo-traditional” design. The goal was to move away from the standard, car-dependent suburb and create a place with a stronger sense of community. This was achieved by designing a collection of distinct “villages,” each with its own character and housing styles, all interconnected by a vast network of parks, trails, and green spaces. At its heart was the idea of creating walkable town centers with shops, restaurants, and apartments above the storefronts.

The name, “Westchase,” is a classic developer-created name, expertly crafted to sound established and prestigious.

• “West” simply refers to its prime location in the western part of Hillsborough County.
• “Chase” is a traditional English term for a private hunting ground or an unenclosed parkland, a name meant to evoke an image of an upscale, green, and pastoral estate.

A Walkable, Amenity-Rich Suburb 🌳

Today, Westchase is a bustling, affluent, and highly sought-after unincorporated community. Its identity is defined by its beautifully manicured landscapes, its active social scene, and its incredible array of amenities. The community features two major town centers, multiple community swimming pools and tennis courts, and the beautiful Westchase Golf Club that winds its way through the neighborhoods.

The crown jewel of its design is West Park Village, a walkable town center with a central square, restaurants with outdoor seating, and charming storefronts. This area allows residents to enjoy a more urban, social lifestyle without leaving their suburban community. Like its neighbors, Westchase is an unincorporated Census-Designated Place (CDP) governed by H Hillsborough County, but it is managed by a very powerful and well-organized set of community and homeowners’ associations.

Westchase by the Numbers 📊

The demographic data for Westchase reflects its status as a premier, affluent, and family-oriented community.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• County: Hillsborough
• Established: Development began in 1991.
• Named For: A developer-created name combining “West” (location) and “Chase” (a term for a private estate).
• Population: Approximately 25,000 residents.
• Area: About 11 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 41 years old.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition: A diverse and affluent population:
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~65%
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~15%
  • Asian: ~11%
  • Black or African American: ~4%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $115,000.

Landmarks and Westchase Favorites 🍻

Life in Westchase is defined by its self-contained amenities and its excellent local and regional attractions.

• Westchase Golf Club: The primary recreational centerpiece of the community. This award-winning, 18-hole public course is known for its beautiful design that winds through natural wetlands and residential villages.
• West Park Village: The social heart of Westchase. This beautiful, walkable town center features a variety of popular restaurants, cafes, and shops, creating a vibrant gathering place for residents.
• World of Beer Bar & Kitchen: One of the original and most enduringly popular tenants in West Park Village. With its huge selection of craft beers and lively atmosphere, it has been a central social hub for the community for years.
• Upper Tampa Bay Trail: This 16-mile paved recreational trail runs directly along the eastern border of Westchase. It’s a massive amenity, providing a safe and scenic place for residents to bike, run, and walk.
• Tampa Bay Downs: Florida’s most famous thoroughbred racetrack is located directly south of Westchase. It’s a major entertainment destination for the entire region, offering live horse racing, poker, and a golf facility.