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Lutz, Florida Real Estate & FHA Homes for Sale - Makefloridayourhome.com

Lutz, Florida, maybe the ideal suburb for those looking to relocate to Tampa, Florida. People live here for various reasons, including top-rated school districts, affluent golf course communities, and lakefront living. It has plenty going on for your family to decide to settle down and establish a new life, but it's also comfy if you want a slower pace of life.

If you are looking for Lutz houses for sale, this is a comprehensive overview of living in Lutz and the top communities to check.


A brief history of Lutz, Florida

Lutz began when a train depot was constructed on the Tampa Northern Railroad. Once a post office was established, the community around the depot adopted the name "Lutz" after W. P. Lutz, the man who brought the railroad to the town.

The Lutz area grew as residents relocated to the country town from Tampa until it could no longer rely on the "Lutz Junction," now defunct.

In 2000, a modern train depot was created near Highway 41 and Lutz-Lake Fern Road. The post office's structure is still standing today but as an art gallery. Behind it sits a public library. The locals call this section "Beautiful Downtown Lutz."

Sections of the film Edward Scissorhands were shot on Tinsmith Circle in the Carpenter's Run community in north Lutz. The town is mentioned in the movie credits under the "Thank you" segment.


Where is Lutz?

Lutz is located in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States, about 15 miles (24 km) north of Tampa. It's an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP). The northern part of Lutz also makes up a portion of south Pasco County.


Relocating to Lutz, Florida

Lutz has a stable economy, southern charm, a low crime rate, an excellent school system, and a variety of attractions that ensure its inhabitants a high standard of living.

The resident count has clocked in at 21456, with a 1.1% increase in the previous year and an 8.2% increase over the last five years.

The city has a suburban feel, which may appeal to families looking for more space for the money to raise children away from noisy, heavily crowded cities. Here's a breakdown of things you need to know before searching for Lutz FHA homes for sale.


Demographics

Lutz is a primarily white community, with minorities comprising two out of every ten residents. The city is teeming with young adults and couples looking to establish a family. The typical Lutz family consists of 3.1 individuals, including parents and children. The median age is around 44 years old.

The presence of a young population is a boon for businesses looking for labor in the greater Tampa area. Most of the population has a high school diploma or higher qualification, and there is a decent balance between white-collar and blue-collar jobs.


Economy

Lutz has a 4.6% unemployment rate (the national average is 6.0%). The latest job growth is impressive. Employment has surged by 2.3%. Future job growth is expected to reach 42.6% during the next ten years, more significant than the national average of 33.5%.

The growth in jobs can be attributed to higher educational attainment, a youthful population, lots of land for development, and business-friendly government policies.

Lutz residents make an average of $36,060 per year, with a household earning $69,971 per year. These figures are significantly higher than the national and state averages for individuals and households.

Furthermore, the sales tax rate is lower than the national average, and there is no income tax, meaning you can enjoy more of what you make.

Some of the biggest employers in and around the area include:

  • Spectra
  • Paradise Lakes Resort
  • AaNeel Infotech
  • NTG
  • Pasco County School District
  • Amazon Last Mile Facility
  • Gulfside Healthcare Services

Cost of living

Moving to Lutz will result in higher-than-average daily living expenses. The typical cost of housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, health care, and other products is higher than the national and state averages.

Groceries are 7% more expensive than in other parts of the country, with a loaf of bread costing $4, a gallon of milk costing $2.5, and a cheeseburger costing $5.1.

The monthly energy bill is marginally lower than the national average is $170.11 compared to the nation's $190. However, the average monthly rent is $1,336 compared to the nation's $1290.


Real Estate

Lutz is one of Florida's most desirable suburbs. It features old neighborhoods with historic residences and more affluent lakefront and golf course complexes.

The city's housing market is reasonably priced. The median price is $359,200, more than the state average of $320,679 but somewhat below the national median of $376,286. Home appreciation has been 20.1% over the last ten years.

The county offers a variety of lending programs to assist residents in obtaining low-cost homes. These include the Hometown Heroes initiative, which distributes $25,000 in DPA grants to frontline workers.

There are also cheap FHA loans. Consult with your real estate agent to learn about these programs and whether you qualify.


Schools

Lutz's schools and education system have a "C" rating, which is above average and reasonably acceptable on national and state levels. This community has reasonable graduation rates, enrollment rates, teacher-to-student ratios, and extracurricular programs for most school grades.

Academics are critical to the district. All students must take core classes such as English, arithmetic, social studies, and science. Students can also join extracurricular activities such as band, art, choir, and drama. Other groups and clubs include Quiz Bowl, the Spanish Club, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and the National Honor Society (NHS).

In the community, the student-to-teacher ratio is roughly 17 to 1, and high school and college graduation rates are higher than the state and national averages.


Climate and Weather

Lutz, Florida, is in the subtropics, so expect hot summers and mild winters. If you are not used to this type of weather, adjusting may take some time.

The average yearly temperature fluctuates between 60- and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, rarely dipping below 45 degrees or exceeding 93 degrees. According to these statistics, the best months to visit Margate are March, February, and December, with July and August being the worst.


Another factor to consider is that Lutz is a small town. Although this can be a welcome break from the Big Smoke, it's not exactly teeming with attractions and activities to enjoy.

That said, the town is just a few minutes from Tampa and Orlando, allowing residents to enjoy life in the quiet, picturesque lakefront and golf course communities while still having access to the attractions and conveniences of the big cities whenever they desire.


A person holding model house representing home ownership


Things to do near Lutz, Florida

Here is a look at the top attractions to explore with your family and friends.


Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens, a 335-acre park in Tampa, is only 7 miles away from Lutz. It has exciting rides, live shows, music, and a wide variety of exotic animals in their natural habitat. It's a family entertainment park with an African theme.

You can go on a safari, such as the Serengeti Night Safari, to observe animals walking and feeding freely on the plains. Additionally, there are versions of African camps, villages, and particular areas where you can interact closely with kangaroos and giraffes and even feed them if you like.

Aside from animal interactions, Busch Gardens offers a variety of other thrilling attractions, such as water rides for children, roller-coaster experiences, and indoor performances. The park has several ticket alternatives, including all-day dining passes, front-of-the-line quick passes, and multi-park passes.


Adventure Island

Those wishing to escape Florida's sweltering conditions can explore Adventure Island's water park. The park, close to Busch Gardens, offers a broad range of rides that will leave participants drenched.

Experience what it is like to weigh nothing on the spectacular Colossal Curl, or better yet, get on the Aruba Tuba with your family and dive through the various twists and turns.

After the fun and excitement, relax in Paradise Lagoon, encircled by waterfalls, or enjoy some laps in Endless Surf, a 17,000-foot wave pool.

The park opens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but remains closed most winter days. Tickets start at $54 for guests aged three and up. Residents of the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada can also buy a $54 Weekday Card for unrestricted access throughout the weekdays.


American Balloons

American Balloons offers thrilling flights for those who want to get off the ground and enjoy some excellent, quiet times above with amazing views of the city below. The one-hour trips, which have been running since 1998, provide tourists with a spectacular view of Florida at sunrise and sunset.

The balloons pass above Lutz, New Tampa, Land O'Lakes, and Wesley Chapel. Following the trip, guests can partake in brunch and toast drinks on the premises. The facility has a total of four balloons. The largest is named Captain American and can hold ten people. It features side doors for easier access.

Smaller balloons, which can transport up to 5 people, are ideal for couples, families, and small groups. It costs $189 for adults and $124 for kids. There are also $525 private flights for couples. Make your reservations at least 14 days in advance.

Prices include breakfast and champagne toast, save for couples' flights, which include a keepsake champagne glass. Keep in mind that flights may be canceled due to inclement weather.


Cheval Golf and Athletic Cub

Cheval Golf and Athletic Club is the top golf club in Tampa. You can enjoy a round of golf on the magnificent greens or head to one of the nine perfectly maintained Har-Tru tennis courts for a game of tennis. The club offers a range of events and activities for the entire family.

There are also over 60 fitness classes for fitness lovers. Other activities include summer camps, swimming programs, an arcade, a playground, and various entertaining, family-friendly events.


BrewTown Burgers

BrewTown Burgers is your neighborhood location for excellent burgers, sports, fantastic beer, and fun times with the whole family. 19255 N Dale Mabry Hwy is the address.

The menu includes a unique known as the Brewtown Burger, described as an ale-infused burger with several condiments. They also have a wide selection of beers, and the service is quick and pleasant.


Where to Buy a House in Lutz, Florida

Lutz has a diverse array of communities. There are many lakefront neighborhoods, as well as several golf course communities and old historic zones.

Here are our top recommendations if you're looking for Lutz FHA homes for sale.


Cheval

Cheval is a gated, private community in Lutz. It's one of the safest areas in Tampa and the surrounding suburbs. The security guards patrol the community around the clock, making it safe for homeowners to go for a walk around the neighborhood. Three guarded entrances lead to Dale Mabry, the Veteran's Expressway, and Van Dyke.

The neighborhood is divided into east and west sides. The East side is older and has mansions and prominent homes ranging in price from $500K to over $2M. The west side also contains opulent residences, but modest condos are available for as low as $300,000.

Another distinction is that the west side has no HOA, although there is a $2K annual fee. The east side has a $200/month HOA.

The Cheval Golf & Country Club and the Tournament Players Club are here. It also has exquisite dining, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a luxury clubhouse, as you'd expect from a top-rated community. In addition, there is a riding arena and a fitness facility with staff.

The Cheval Equestrian Center offers everything you need. It's equipped for horse boarding, sales, and training. The USF Equestrian Team trains here too.

There is a good mix of top-performing public and private schools. These include:

  • McKitrick Elementary
  • Martinez Middle
  • Steinbrenner High School

In addition, the community has several preschools, daycare centers, and private schools. Cheval is also just a short distance from Tampa and everything the city offers, including Gulf beaches, shopping malls, sports arenas, entertainment, and business facilities.


Villarosa

Villarosa is another quiet and charming enclave in Lutz, not far from Cheval. Beautiful flowers mark the community's entry, including approximately 900 residences, 40 lakes, three parks, and ten subdivisions (two of which are gated).

The streets are lined with rose bushes, and the villages are named Esmeralda, Augusta Ridge, Pasadena, Camelot, Heritage, Landora, Faberge, Southampton, Traditions, and Symphony.

It also boasts numerous gorgeous lakes with sidewalks where folks can take a stroll and enjoy the view. Furthermore, the HOA is exceptionally cheap, and there is no CDD.

It is not difficult to enter the community. Home prices start at around $350,000. There are a few massive, opulent residences that cost over $700,000, but for the most part, this is a mid-range community in the Steinbrenner neighborhood across from Cheval.

Additionally, the neighborhood is not far from Lutz's top shopping and entertainment attractions, the Tampa International Airport and the region's beaches.

The community is close to top-performing public and private schools, such as:

  • McKitrick Elementary School
  • Martinez Middle School
  • Steinbrenner High School

The amenities available in the community include a gated entrance, a pool, a tennis court, a playground, sidewalks, etc. The TPC Tampa Bay golf facility and the Cheval Golf and Athletic Club are nearby. Many of the residences overlook beautiful lakes or natural border preserves.


Promenade at Lake Park

The Promenade at Lake Park is a WCI-built community near the intersection of the Veterans Expressway and Dale Mabry Highway. It's a gated neighborhood with a stunning entrance that immediately gives you a luxurious vibe.

This community is tiny but significant in style, location, and standard of living. It provides direct access to the Veterans Expressway, the express lanes, and Highway 60.

Homes in the Promenade community are stunning. The WCI built 15-floor plans here, ranging from 1800 square feet up to over 5000 square feet, allowing buyers to choose from various layouts and looks.

There are barrel-tiled-roofed homes as well as shingled and modern-roofed properties. What's more, it's a simple community with great streets, a friendly and quiet community, and no CDD fees.

The promenade is close to excellent schools, parks, and shopping. It is located just a few minutes north of Tampa, allowing residents to access the city's amenities, such as beaches, business facilities, entertainment, and sports arenas.

Some of the great schools near the community include:

  • Lake Park Elementary School
  • Howell L. Watkins Middle School
  • Palm Beach Gardens High School
  • Lake Park Baptist School

Property prices here start around $500K to upwards of $1M, and you get some great-looking homes with beautiful views.


Wrap-up

Lutz is one of the best small towns in Florida. If you are thinking of moving here or to the greater Tampa area, give us a call, send an email, or shoot us a text, and we'll be glad to help you make the transition.

We are real estate experts in Florida with plenty of experience helping folks moving here find their dream homes. Get in touch with us however you can for expert assistance.

With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.

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