Although communities like Fish Hawk have high CDD fees, there are certain sections within Fish Hawk that the CDD fee is OPTIONAL!!! These sections can save you big bucks while allowing you to enjoy all the features of this beautiful master planned community.

Just be aware of the extra CDD, Community Development District taxes in Fishhawk. You have to pay for those beautiful amenities since the builders borrowed the money to create those amenties and created the CDD. That cost has to be paid back with interest by the current homeowners. You can find the exact amount of "extra" CDD taxes by entering the address at HillsTax.com . I believe the loan repayment period is 30 years so the bond repayment portion will be ongoing for at least 25 more years!

If you appreciate the amenities and the location is convenient for work and other places you plan to visit in Tampa Bay, it may justify the extra costs to live there. The schools are also excellent and it's a charming community.

For me, it's just too far out in the middle of nowhere, and I don't like to be encumbered with high CDD and HOA fees. For the money, Westchase, Westwood Lakes, Hunter's Green, parts of Tampa Palms or The Eagles are more convenient locations and a better overall value versus FishHawk.

Good luck.

Amenities are only part of Fishhawk's appeal. The community was built in a heavily forested area and was planned in a way that left many of the old oak and pine trees in tact. As such, the main roads into and out of the complex are beautifully lined with old growth trees - something you won't find in many Tampa area communities, which usually look like they've been nuked. Most newly developed Tampa area subdivisions look barren, often resembling recycled wastelands - maybe not that bad, but they're not nearly as pleasant as Fishhawk. While it is true that the traffic is bad, that will change soon as the road is being widened. I love Fishhawk and, if my situation allowed, would have moved there myself. They have homes ranging in price from around $200k to well $1.5mm. If you'd like to see the current Hannah Bartoletta (a higher end, quality Tampa area builder) model home, I have it listed in my web site: http://www.prettydogrealty.com/Homesforsale and click on the second listing - selling for just over $1.5mm.

If you or your brother have any questions about the Tampa area, commuting, schools, or anything else, please let me know. I am happy to oblige - no obligations!

Bruce Bernstein
Pretty Dog Realty
800-737-3454

Hi Al,

Fishhawk is a nice neighbor hood with alot of amenites. Dependin on where your brother is working it might me a long haul. Right now the traffic in Fishhawk is awful. They are widing Boyette Rd that lead to Fishhawk, but Fishhawk Blvd is still single lane. I see your zip code is Baltimore Md. So example of Fishhawk traffic is like going to the Orioles or Raven game (before light rail and subway). Ask your brother to give me a call. There are alot of nice area in Tampa. 813-892-8256 Vickie and Larry Bruni vickiebhomes@yahoo.com

Al, I agree with Jeff, but I must ask, what does your brother like about FishHawk, so that I can tell you how it compares to surrounding communities? Is it the location? The amenities? The Homes? The commute to work? Where will he be working? Primary Home? Investment / Second home? I could keep going with the questions, so it would be better if you got a hold of me, to further discuss. Thanks.
Mike Ceparano
813 417 6698
ceppym@yahoo.com

FishHawk Ranch is a very popular subdivision because they have so many amenities and for location. The residents love that they have stores, walking trails, fitness centers, and so much more right there. It is like living in a small town. Their website is http://www.fishhawkranch.com/