New Tampa - Tampa, FL

The West Meadows community is located in New Tampa, a section of Tampa, Florida that was developed in the late 1980s. Between 1990 and 2000, the area grew in population to become one of the largest neighborhoods in all of Tampa. New Tampa houses multiple master-planned communities, also referred to as villages, as well as the Cypress Creek Town Center Mall.

While there are no museums in New Tampa, there are several museums in the outer city including the Tampa Museum of Art and the Museum of Science and Industry. The Tampa Museum of Art hosts a variety of traveling and permanent exhibits, as well as their annual "CITY" fashion event, a fashion show and exhibit in which donations go to the museum's educational programs.

When it comes to restaurants and nightlife, West Meadows residents relish the fact that they live within close proximity to multiple eateries and bars, many of which are within walking distance or just a short drive away.

When locals are in the mood for a good burger, they head down to Oakley's Grill on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. With daily specials such as Cheeseburger Tuesday and Tilapia Wednesday, as well as signature sandwiches such as the triple-meat, hot-pressed sandwich referred to as Uncle Muzzie's Mufalletta, Oakley's patrons definitely have a good time while enjoying the tasty fare the restaurant serves.

Sushi enthusiasts in the area rave over Koizi Endless Hibachi and Sushi, a popular Japanese restaurant located on Palm Pointe Drive, known for its specialty sushi rolls and exciting atmosphere. If you're not afraid of a little spice, make sure to order the Valentine roll, a feisty concoction of spicy tuna, crunchy tempura, cream cheese and cucumber all rolled together with pink soy paper. In addition to sushi, Koizi patrons also have the option of taking a front row seat at one of the restaurant's hibachi tables, where the chefs prepare teppanyaki hibachi meals with chicken, shrimp, steak or vegetables.

New York transplant residents and locals alike recommend Taste of New York Pizzeria on Preserve Walk Lane. With a reputation for serving the best New York-style, hand-tossed pizzas in town combined with an impeccable customer service, these guys definitely get it right. Whether you're in the mood for a calzone stuffed to the rim with mozzarella, spinach or ham, or are simply craving a fantastic slice of pizza, Taste of New York does not disappoint.

When it's time to get the party started, locals suggest Club Prana on East Seventh Avenue in Central Tampa. With five levels for dancing and socializing, as well as fully-stocked bars and bottle service, Club Prana truly has it all and more. If you're planning to visit Club Prana on a Friday or Saturday night, it's always wise to call ahead or purchase online entrance tickets, as this place can really pack in the patrons.

The neighborhoods throughout the West Meadows community are designed with multiple sidewalks that are safe for walking and biking. Residents and visitors have access to street parking on residential streets; however, parking enforcement signs are posted throughout the area, so it is important to follow the regulations to avoid tickets and fines.

Residents do not usually hail cabs within the neighborhoods, and ride-share services such as Uber are banned in Tampa. However, taxi rides can be reserved with Cab Plus of Tampa, a popular taxi service that utilizes smoke-free town cars. Residents have close access to the I-275 Freeway, allowing for convenient travel in and out of the immediate area. Outside of the neighborhood, bicyclists have access to over 40 miles of bike lanes throughout the city of Tampa.

West Meadows residents are in close proximity to several parks in the New Tampa area that provide a variety of amenities. Families enjoy New Tampa Community Park on Commerce Boulevard, as it is fully equipped with baseball fields, a recreation center, gymnastics pits and a concession stand.

Joggers and walkers frequent New Tampa Nature Park due to its abundance of walking and jogging trails. The West Park Dog Park on Occident Road provides amenities such as doggie water fountains, clean-up bags and wading pools. Tampa's Parks and Recreation Department hosts multiple yearly events, one of the most popular being the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, an annual celebration with two pirate parades, children's activities and a pyrotechnic show.

New Tampa offers a variety of homes that embody the essence of Sunshine State living. For those considering a one-bedroom apartment, you might pay around $1,600 per month. Alternatively, if a house suits your style better, the average house for rent costs around $2,375. For those envisioning a more permanent stay, the average house price typically hovers around $500,000.

Residents of the West Meadows community enjoy their close proximity to grocery stores on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard such as Publix and Nutrition S'Mart, a health-minded market specializing in organic foods and supplements. For fresh produce and baked items, locals recommend the Sanwa Farmers Market on East Hillsborough Avenue.

For high-end merchandise and apparel, the University Mall on East Fowler Avenue houses multiple retailers and speciality shops, as well as popular food court eateries. Retailers include Zale's Jewelers, Aeropostale and Dante Men's Wear.

Bargain shoppers recommend Kim's Dollar and More, a specialty bargain shop with a variety of household items, clothing, makeup, gifts and more sold for a buck a piece.