Is Westchase Safe, Pros and cons of living in Westchase
Westchase, Florida, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant culture of the nearby city of Tampa. This community is known for its well-planned neighborhoods, abundant green spaces, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Its strategic location provides residents with the best of both worlds: a peaceful residential environment and proximity to urban amenities.
Founded in 1991, Westchase has experienced significant growth, evolving into a desirable locale for families and professionals alike. The community’s development has focused on creating a cohesive environment with a strong sense of community, supported by various local amenities and a commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents. This focus on community development has been a key factor in its sustained popularity.
Is it Safe to Live in Westchase?
Westchase boasts a very low crime rate, significantly below both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 10.42 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This remarkable safety record is bolstered by proactive law enforcement and active neighborhood watch programs that contribute to a secure environment for all residents (as reported by DoorProfit).
Violent crimes are particularly low, registering 69% below the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crime also remains significantly lower than the national average, with a rate of 7.283 per 1,000 residents (according to CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of any crime in Westchase is about 1 in 142, placing it in the top 70% of U.S. cities for safety (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Westchase presents a range of options, with a median home value of approximately $559,500 (according to Niche). This figure indicates a market that is generally more expensive than the national average, which stands at $332,700 (according to Niche). The majority of homes in Westchase fall within the $400,000 to $749,000 price range, with a significant portion (25%) priced above $750,000 (as reported by Niche).
Rental prices in Westchase are also above the national average. The median rent is around $2,174 per month (according to Niche), compared to the national median rent of $1,413 (according to Niche). Most rental properties in Westchase are priced between $1,500 and $1,999, with a substantial 60% of rentals costing $2,000 or more per month (as reported by Niche).
Homeownership and Rental Trends
Homeownership in Westchase is prevalent, with approximately 64% of residents owning their homes (according to Niche). This contrasts with the 36% who are renters (as reported by Niche). The median rent for an apartment in Westchase is $2,029, showing a decrease of 4.62% over the past year (according to RentCafe).
For those looking to rent, one-bedroom apartments average around $1,699, while two-bedroom units are priced at approximately $2,099 (as reported by RentCafe). Three-bedroom apartments are available for about $2,526 per month, offering space for larger households (according to RentCafe).
Job Market and Economic Landscape
Westchase features a robust job market, with a reported unemployment rate of 3.6% (according to Point2Homes). This rate is favorable and suggests a stable employment environment for residents. The workforce is primarily engaged in professional and administrative roles, with a smaller percentage in hands-on or service-based jobs (as indicated by Point2Homes).
The most common employment sectors for Westchase residents include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Finance & Insurance (according to Data USA). The highest-paying industries in the area are Manufacturing, Utilities, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers and Industries
Key industries driving the economy in the broader Tampa Bay area, which influences Westchase, include tourism, healthcare, finance, insurance, technology, construction, and the maritime industry (according to Wikipedia). Major employers in the vicinity include BayCare Health System, HCA West Florida Division, and Hillsborough County Public Schools (as noted by TBAYtoday).
Specific employers in the Westchase area and its immediate surroundings include Tampa Bay Downs, Lockheed Martin, and The Nielsen Company (as listed by the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce). Bell Partners, a multifamily asset management firm, also has a presence in Westchase (according to Bell Partners).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Westchase is generally higher than the U.S. average, estimated to be about 20% higher (as reported by Livability.com). While healthcare costs may offer a slight savings, expenses for groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation tend to be above the national average (according to Livability.com).
The median household income in Westchase was $165,844 in 2024 (according to U.S. Census Bureau data cited by Point2Homes), significantly higher than the national average. This higher income level helps to offset the elevated cost of living, though careful budgeting is still advisable.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Westchase experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Temperatures typically range from 53°F to 89°F throughout the year, with rare dips below 40°F or peaks above 92°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
Annual precipitation averages around 57 inches, with July being the wettest month, receiving approximately 10 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The summer months, from May to October, can be uncomfortably humid, while the period from January to April and November to December offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education and School Ratings
Westchase is served by the Hillsborough County Public School District, which includes highly-rated schools. Westchase Elementary School, for instance, consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in Florida, often placing in the top 10% or 20% for academic performance (according to SchoolDigger and Niche).
Westchase Elementary School demonstrates strong proficiency rates in both math and reading, frequently exceeding state and district averages. The student-teacher ratio at Westchase Elementary is 17:1, which is equal to the Florida state average (as noted by Niche).
Demographics and Population
As of the most recent data, Westchase is home to approximately 24,885 residents (according to Point2Homes), with a median age of 40 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is fairly evenly split between males and females. The demographic makeup includes a significant portion of White residents (64.1%), followed by Asian (8.8%), and other races (according to Westchase Demographics and Statistics).
The community is diverse, with a notable percentage of residents born outside the United States, around 23.4% (according to Data USA). The racial composition includes approximately 64.1% Caucasian, 2.4% African American, and 8.8% Asian residents (as reported by Point2Homes).