Carrollwood FL – Health Medicare Long-Term Care Dental Insurance

Carrollwood is an unincorporated community in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. It is part of the larger census-designated place of Carrollwood, which also includes the neighborhood of Carrollwood Village. Wikipedia

Elevation: 39′

Carrollwood, is one of the most significant and influential suburban communities in the Tampa Bay area. It was one of Tampa’s first true master-planned suburbs, and its success set the template for much of the development that would later define northwest Hillsborough County.

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The Birth of a Suburban Icon 🏡

Before the 1950s, the area we now know as Carrollwood was mostly pine forests, citrus groves, and cattle pastures, dotted with a few small lakes. The largest of these was Lake Carroll. The history of modern Carrollwood begins in 1959, when a visionary developer and state senator named Matt Jetton of Sunstate Builders purchased a large tract of land around the lake.

Jetton’s goal wasn’t just to build a subdivision; it was to create a complete, upscale community. This was a novel concept for Tampa at the time. He designed a neighborhood with winding, tree-lined streets, large lots, and custom-built homes, all centered on the recreational opportunities offered by the beautiful, spring-fed lake. The community was named for its primary geographical feature: the woods surrounding Lake Carroll.

This first phase, now often called “Original Carrollwood,” was an immediate success, attracting Tampa’s professionals and their families. This spurred further development, and through the 1970s and ’80s, the area expanded dramatically. Today, the name “Carrollwood” often refers to a broader region that includes the original development, the large CDP of Carrollwood, and the adjacent CDP of Northdale, all sharing a common identity and the busy commercial artery of North Dale Mabry Highway.

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A Mature and Desirable Suburb 🌳

Modern Carrollwood is a prime example of a mature, affluent American suburb. It’s known for its lush, overarching canopy of oak trees, established neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community pride. Unlike the newer, sprawling suburbs further out, Carrollwood has a more settled, established feel.

It’s an unincorporated community, meaning it’s governed by Hillsborough County, but it has a robust civic identity. This is anchored by numerous community organizations and excellent amenities. The Carrollwood Cultural Center, for instance, provides a hub for arts, theater, and education that you would typically only find in an incorporated city. Its evolution from a pioneering outpost to a central, highly desirable residential area is a testament to its original design and enduring appeal.

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Carrollwood by the Numbers 📊

The data for the official Census-Designated Place (CDP) of Carrollwood highlights its status as an established, prosperous community.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• County: Hillsborough
• Established: Development began in 1959.
• Named For: Lake Carroll.
• Population: Approximately 35,000 residents.
• Area: About 9.6 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 43 years old, indicating a well-established population of families and professionals.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition: A diverse and affluent population:
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~58%
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~28%
  • Black or African American: ~6%
  • Asian: ~4%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $82,000.

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Carrollwood’s Local Haunts and Institutions 🎭

The community is home to many long-standing businesses and new favorites that define its character.

• Carrollwood Cultural Center: The true heart of the community’s cultural life. Housed in a former church, it offers a wide range of classes, art exhibitions, and performances in its main theatre.
• Michael’s Grill: A quintessential neighborhood institution. For years, this family-owned restaurant has been a go-to spot for casual American fare and a favorite meeting place for locals.
• Carrollwood Village Park: This fantastic park represents the community’s commitment to quality of life, featuring a skate park, dog park, splash pad, walking trails, and an amphitheater.
• Noble Crust: Embodying the modern evolution of the area’s dining scene, Noble Crust offers an inventive menu blending Italian and Southern cuisine in a trendy, lively setting.
• Vizcaya Restaurante & Tapas Bar: A long-standing destination for fine dining in Carrollwood, specializing in authentic Spanish cuisine and tapas in an elegant atmosphere.
• Lake Carroll: The beautiful, 210-acre private lake that started it all. It remains a centerpiece for residents, offering boating, skiing, and fishing, and giving the entire community its name and origin story.