Many of us dream of owning a home with great views of natural features like mountains, rivers, lakes and the sea. But oftentimes we’re hindered by the high costs of these types of homes and their long-drive distances from the center of cities and work areas. Lake homes in Tampa, also called lakefront homes or lakeside homes, are great options as these solve the issues of cost and distance.
In Florida, there are more than 600 lakes, based on studies by the Florida Lakewatch, a volunteer group powered by more than 1,800 citizens monitoring lakes across the state and supported by the University of Florida and the Florida Lake Management Society. Florida also has lots of rivers or streams, bays, watersheds and ponds.
In the county of Hillsborough where Tampa is located, there are 227 lakes, 93 rivers and 5 bays. These numbers mean that lakes are all over the Tampa area and that buying a lakeside home will not put you far from the center of urban living. In fact, you’ll get the best of both worlds – the world of nature and the world of modern amenities.
You can find a lot affordable lakefront homes in Tampa and in surrounding residential developments such as the following:
Land O Lakes homes – near several lakes, one of which is Lake Thomas, a nearly 60-acre body of water which is part of the Rocky Brushy Creek Watershed
Wilderness Lake Preserve – 680 acres of a master-planned community amidst nature and fronting part of the Bay Lake, a 36.2-acre body of water which is part of the Sweetwater Creek Watershed
Suncoast Lakes homes in Land O Lakes – again near several lakes, three of which are Padgett Lake, Swann Lake and King Lake.
Enjoy the Lakes in Tampa As You Follow Conservation Rules
- Power Boating – You need to register motorboats 12 feet or longer and you need to follow speed limits in certain areas.
- Canoeing — Registration is not required for canoes regardless of length.
- Spearfishing – It’s allowed in most areas except within 200 feet of a public pier, jetty or walkway, and within 150 feet of an anchored boat. The use of explosives and the sale of fish speared for commercial purposes are not allowed.
- Gillnet fishing – The use of gill nets for fishing requires a license and the payment of fees.
- Fishing from state bridges – Fishing is not allowed from bridges where there’s vehicular traffic. Fishing from walkways or pedestrian bridges is allowed.
- Boating and Fishing in Park Waters – Boating, fishing and swimming are prohibited in recreational waters within parks.
Check out these lakefront homes with help from Tampa real estate specialists — the Tampa4U.com realtors.