WELCOME TO CARROLLWOOD
Carrollwood is its own census-designated community of about 10 square miles in northwestern Hillsborough County. Greater Carrollwood consists of what’s referred to as Original Carrollwood and Carrollwood Village to its northwest, with a total population of around 34,000 people.
The area borders 210-acre, spring-fed Lake Carroll. The lake and suburb are thought to be named after Charles Carroll, of Maryland, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who is said to have been friends with one of the earliest European families to move near the lake.
Tampa native Matt Jetton, the grandson of Historic Hyde Park developer Matthew Jetton from Tennessee, founded Original Carrollwood in 1959 and then Carrollwood Village in 1970 to alleviate the crowding in popular South Tampa. Jetton was a Hillsborough County commissioner and president of the land development company Sunstate Builders. Carrollwood’s uniquely curved streets deviate from the traditional grid pattern. Original Carrollwood was quickly recognized as a gem, with the National Association of Home Builders naming it the U.S. Subdivision of the Year in 1961 and Parents magazine giving it the Best Homes for Families with Children Award.
Carrollwood started as a popular vacation home spot for Tampa residents wanting a lake house in the country. It has also been an attractive place for leaders of the University of South Florida (USF) to reside, such as the school’s first president, John Allen. USF opened in 1956 and is under 10 miles away from Carrollwood, a short commute for the school’s employees.
The advancement of road networks helped connect and develop the area, bringing with it the modern conveniences of grocery stores, schools and shops. Contributing to the density, townhomes and condos went up around the spacious single-family home lots.
At the core of Carrollwood Village is Carrollwood Country Club, a private country club featuring a 27-hole championship golf course and a 50-room condo resort. The lengthy fairway gives surrounding neighborhoods picturesque views, ranging from condos to luxurious mansions.
Carrollwood has preserved its tranquility and small town feel with its parks, Vista Gardens, Carrollwood Cultural Center and more. Two small parks in the heart of Carrollwood have two tennis courts and a playground each, located close by on West Village Drive. There are also two separate basketball courts within Carrollwood Village.
Today, residents also enjoy many outdoor shopping malls that offer a variety of stores, services and dining options, including Carrollwood Village Shoppes, Village Center, Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center and Carrollwood Commons.
Public and private school options include Carrollwood Elementary School, Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, Bowman Academy and Montessori Early Learning Center.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
CARROLLWOOD VILLAGE PARK
This Hillsborough County park has a variety of amenities for the whole family, including a dog park, fitness equipment, picnic shelters, trails and a skate park. The kids will love the splash pad and playground. Plus, enjoy outdoor games, such as chess boards, ping pong tables and cornhole.
Hours: Monday through Sunday, sunrise to 9 p.m.
(813) 269-2466
CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER
The Carrollwood Cultural Center is a community hub in the heart of Carrollwood Village that is teeming with classes, events, camps, clubs and groups for all ages. Its campus houses an indoor and outdoor stage, art studios, an art gallery, a computer lab and a caterer's kitchen. Rooms are available for rent for events and meetings. Visit the online calendar to peruse a robust lineup of programming from morning to night.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
(813) 922-8167
NORTH TAMPA MARKET
A vibrant farmers market is hosted monthly by Tampa Bay Markets in the park behind the Carrollwood Cultural Center. Shop for fresh produce, locally made crafts and more while enjoying live music.
Hours: the second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(813) 922-8167
VISTA GARDENS
Hillsborough County’s first garden park is all about sustainability and community. Volunteers and members learn about and have a hand in organic gardening and native landscaping, while also participating in social activities. Wildflower, pollinator and herb gardens are among the 3.3-acre grounds, as well as a short nature trail and pond. VISTA stands for Village Institute for Sustainable Technologies and Agriculture.
CARROLLWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
A private country club at the core of Carrollwood Village, Carrollwood Country Club features 27 holes of championship golf played by greats including Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Billy Casper and Don January. It also boasts a practice facility, tennis courts, a fitness center and a heated swimming pool. For the little ones, there’s a splash pad and playground. A 50-room condo resort and a clubhouse with casual and fine dining facilities are additionally on property. A variety of membership options are offered and wedding and special event space is available.
(813) 961-1381
