Tampa Bay Neighborhood Guide
Living in Carrollwood
Lakes, winding streets and one of the area’s most loved county parks, in north Tampa.
CountyHillsborough (unincorporated)
SchoolsHillsborough County Public Schools
To Downtown TampaAbout 7–9 miles
Main RoutesDale Mabry Hwy, Gunn Hwy, Veterans Expressway
What It’s Like to Live in Carrollwood
Carrollwood is an established community in unincorporated north Tampa. It started in 1959, when Matt Jetton began building homes beside spring-fed Lake Carroll, and it grew as families moved in near the new University of South Florida.
Today “Carrollwood” usually includes original Carrollwood, Carrollwood Village and nearby Northdale. It’s a good fit for families who want mature trees, lakes and a real sense of community, without being far from Dale Mabry and the Veterans Expressway.
Neighborhoods in Carrollwood
- Original Carrollwood
- Carrollwood Village
- Northdale
Homes You’ll Find in Carrollwood
Original Carrollwood has about 925 homes on winding streets that follow the lake’s shoreline. Carrollwood Village came in the early 1970s and has around 3,500 homes, townhomes and condos, built around a country club and golf course.
Expect established neighborhoods with mature landscaping rather than brand-new construction.
Parks, Trails & Things to Do in Carrollwood
- Carrollwood Village ParkA county park with a splash pad, skate park, dog park, playground and paved trail.
- Carrollwood Cultural CenterAn arts campus with a stage, classes and community events.
- VISTA GardensHillsborough County’s first garden park.
- Northdale Park & Recreation CenterA splash pad, pickleball and tennis courts, a paved trail and a gym.
- Lake CarrollA 210-acre spring-fed lake at the heart of original Carrollwood. It’s private, with access for residents.
- Country club & golfCarrollwood Village was built around a private country club and golf course.
Schools in Carrollwood
Carrollwood is served by Hillsborough County Public Schools. Boundaries can change, so we always confirm the specific address with the Hillsborough County Public Schools school locator.
Getting Around
Carrollwood is roughly 7 to 9 miles north-northwest of downtown and about 6 to 7 miles from Tampa International Airport. Dale Mabry Highway is the main north–south route, with Gunn Highway, Ehrlich Road, Busch Boulevard, Fletcher Avenue and the Veterans Expressway close by.
Good to Know Before You Buy in Carrollwood
- Associations vary by section. Original Carrollwood has been a special taxing district since 1969, which helps pay for parks and a private beach. Carrollwood Village has three phases, each with its own HOA. We’ll help you understand what a specific home pays.
- Lakefront homes. Living on the water is a big draw here. Check any lakefront address with FEMA’s flood map search and ask about flood insurance.
- Evacuation zones. Look up any address with Hillsborough County’s HEAT tool.
Carrollwood FAQs
What’s the difference between Carrollwood and Carrollwood Village?
Original Carrollwood was founded in 1959 around Lake Carroll. Carrollwood Village was developed in the early 1970s around a country club and golf course a bit farther northwest.
Is Lake Carroll public?
No. Lake Carroll is a private lake. Residents of original Carrollwood have access to a private beach through their special taxing district.
Is Carrollwood good for families?
Many families love it for the parks, lakes and established neighborhoods. Carrollwood Village Park alone has a splash pad, playground, skate park and trail.
Distances are approximate straight-line miles. Always confirm school assignments, flood zones, and any HOA or CDD fees for a specific address before you buy.
Team Sigh · Five Star Real Estate
Thinking About Carrollwood?
Carrollwood has a lot of variety from one street to the next. We’ll help you find the pocket that fits your family.
Call Isabel at (813) 695-1244 or Stephanie at (813) 695-0234.