The video is a comprehensive tour of Wesley Chapel.
Wesley Chapel, located in Pasco County, Florida, has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the history of Wesley Chapel:
Overall, Wesley Chapel’s history is one of growth, change, and adaptation, reflecting the broader trends of development in central Florida. From its humble beginnings as a rural farming community to its status as a vibrant suburban enclave, Wesley Chapel continues to evolve and thrive in the 21st century.
The area is known for its strong sense of community and friendly residents. In fact, Wesley Chapel was voted one of the best places to live in Florida, thanks to its low crime rate, excellent schools, and affordable housing options. The community takes pride in its history and culture, and you’ll often find events and festivals that celebrate the area’s heritage.
The Tampa Bay region is known for its continuous growth and amenities that attract all races, genders, income brackets and ages. The area surrounding downtown Tampa has exceeded all growth projections. It has become a favorite target for young urban professionals.
While Tampa has exceptional growth in population, industry and infrastructure, the not-so-little town of Wesley Chapel has become one of the hottest growth areas in the country – outpacing Tampa for the last few years in percentage of growth over previous years.
In fact, Pasco County is the 67th fastest-growing county in the country! The key reason Pasco enjoys that statistic is the city of Wesley Chapel.
The chart below shows the consistent population growth for the last 14 years.
In census numbers, the growth looks like this;
2000 – Pop.- 5691
2010 – Pop. – 44,092
2020 – Pop. – 64,866
2023 est. – Pop. – 68,614
Note that census data and other sources do not agree with current population numbers. It is generally thought that census estimates are low based on the explosive growth of the area.
Demographics
- White:60.85%
- Two or more races:14.94%
- Black or African American:11.36%
- Asian:7.05%
- Other race:5.39%
- Native American:0.39%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander:0.02%
The averagehousehold income for Wesley Chapelis over $116,061 which is above the statewide average which is $93,195.
If you look at the last 24 years, Wesley Chapel has seen an average of 2,600 people move into the community each year. Only The Villages, an hour north, can boast those kinds of resident growth numbers.
One of the most impressive parts of the small town boom is the state, local and county officials have done an excellent job keeping up with infrastructure. Highways, utilities, police, fire and supporting personnel have all seemed to be responsive to the town.
One key economic measure of an area is the job market. Each time we visit Wesley Chapel jobs are posted everywhere. That is unscientific, but it is an indication of a very healthy job market in Wesley Chapel.
Another visual economic indicator is the amount of Wesley Chapel new construction. It is not an overstatement to say both homes, apartments and commercial construction is flourishing throughout the city.
Wesley Chapel’s Real Estate Market
With its desirable location and high quality of life, it’s no surprise that the real estate market in Wesley Chapel is thriving. The area offers a mix of housing options, from spacious single-family homes to modern townhouses and apartments.
Homebuyers can choose from established neighborhoods or newly developed communities, each with its own unique charm. The real estate market in Wesley Chapel is competitive, so it’s important to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can help you navigate the process.
Education and Healthcare in Wesley Chapel
Families with children will appreciate the excellent education system in Wesley Chapel. The area is served by highly-rated schools, both public and private, that provide a quality education to students of all ages.
In terms of healthcare, Wesley Chapel is home to several top-rated medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics. Residents have access to a wide range of healthcare services, ensuring that their medical needs are taken care of.
Epperson Lagoon Wesley Chapel Florida is a water park in and one of the many things to do in Wesley Chapel.Top Attractions in Wesley Chapel
When it comes to attractions, Wesley Chapel has something for everyone.
Some of the most visited attractions in Wesley Chapel include:
- The Shops at Wiregrass: An open-air shopping mall with over 100 stores and restaurants, including Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and The Cheesecake Factory.
- Advent Health Center Ice: A multi-purpose arena that hosts ice hockey games, concerts, and other events.
- Tampa Premium Outlets: An outlet mall with over 130 stores, including Coach, Michael Kors, and Nike.
- Wesley Chapel District Park: A park with a splash pad, playground, dog park, and walking trails.
- Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County: This state-of-the-art sports complex offers facilities for a variety of sports and recreational activities, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and lacrosse. The campus hosts tournaments, leagues, and events throughout the year, attracting athletes and spectators from across the region.
- Pasco County Fairgrounds: This event venue hosts a variety of fairs, festivals, and special events throughout the year, including the Pasco County Fair, livestock shows, concerts, and community gatherings. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, and agricultural exhibits.
Attractions and Things to Do in Wesley Chapel Within One Hour
While Wesley Chapel has plenty of attractions in the small town, the surrounding area boasts even more than you could ever ask for in any small town.
- Flatwoods Wilderness Park: This nearby park offers hiking and biking trails through pine flatwoods, wetlands, and hardwood hammocks. Visitors can explore nature and wildlife while enjoying outdoor activities such as birdwatching, photography, and nature observation.
- Lettuce Lake Regional Park: Located nearby in Tampa, Lettuce Lake Regional Park offers outdoor recreation and nature experiences. Visitors can hike nature trails, kayak on the Hillsborough River, observe wildlife and enjoy scenic views of the wetlands and forest.
- Florida Aquarium: Home to over 20,000 aquatic animals from around the world, the Florida Aquarium is a must-see for any visitor to Tampa Bay.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: This world-famous theme park features thrilling rides, exotic animals, and live shows.
- The Dali Museum: Home to one of the largest collections of Salvador Dalí’s work outside of Spain, The Dali Museum is a must-see for any art lover.
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium:* This aquarium is home to rescued marine animals, including Winter the dolphin, who starred in the movie “Dolphin Tale.”
- Florida Botanical Gardens: A must-visit. Spanning over 30 acres, this beautiful garden showcases a variety of native plants and flowers, as well as stunning sculptures and artwork.
- Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks – This Greek-founded town is a delight to visit. The working sponge docks are still harvesting sponges and all the shops in town sell their related products. Numerous Greek restaurants are even more interesting.
If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun, head to the Krate at the Grove. This outdoor entertainment complex offers a range of activities, including a movie theater, mini-golf, and a variety of restaurants. It’s the perfect place to spend a day with the family.
The closest beach to Wesley Chapel Florida isHoneymoon Island State Parkand a few miles south isClearwater Beach.
Since the weather in Wesley Chapel is moderate Florida weather, there are always something you can find to do in Wesley Chapel.
Outdoor Activities in Wesley Chapel
One of the biggest draws of Wesley Chapel is its abundance of outdoor activities. The area is home to numerous parks and nature trails, where you can hike, bike, or simply take a leisurely stroll. With its year-round warm weather, Wesley Chapel is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.
One popular outdoor destination is the Cypress Creek Preserve, a 7,400-acre nature preserve that offers miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or simply enjoy being in nature, this preserve is a must-visit.
For those who love water activities, Wesley Chapel is also home to several lakes and rivers, where you can go fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. The serene waters and beautiful surroundings make for a perfect day out on the water.
Shopping in Wesley Chapel
When it comes to shopping and dining, Wesley Chapel has it all. The area is home to a variety of shopping destinations, ranging from large malls to boutique stores. You’ll find everything from major retailers to local boutiques, ensuring that you can find whatever you’re looking for.
Some of the largest retail centers in Wesley Chapel Florida include:
In terms of dining options, Wesley Chapel offers a diverse range of cuisines, from classic American fare to international dishes. Whether you’re craving a juicy steak, fresh seafood, or authentic Italian pasta, you’ll find a restaurant that satisfies your taste buds near the destinations above.
Hotels in Wesley Chapel
With the unfettered growth around Wesley Chapel, hotels have popped up in many areas. Some of the major brand names include:
These are just a few of the hotels in the area. For a more complete list of hotels in Wesley Chapel and to compare prices you can go here.
Resorts in Wesley Chapel
The Tampa Bay area has dozens of true resorts. From downtown Tampa’s exclusive resorts to the beaches of Clearwater Beach there are expansive hotels that cater to all your needs.
However, there is one resort that has a long-standing reputation exceeding all the others for pampered but outdoor-style stays. Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel Florida was started in 1979 and has an exceptional standard of service for families ever since.
This 480-acre property has two golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, pickleball courts and walking trails laced throughout the nature preserve as Saddlebrook calls it.
For years guests have watched as Wesley Chapel has grown up around this beautiful nature-laden resort. Saddlebrook Resort reviews indicate that Saddlebrook is also a golf resort.Here is information and prices at the Saddlebrook resort.
Where is Wesley Chapel Florida
If you’re planning a visit to Wesley Chapel, here are some directions to facilitate your trip.
Directions to Wesley Chapel
From Tampa to Wesley Chapel -Take Rout I-275 to the intersection of I-75 North. Take the Route 54 east exit from I-75 to Wesley Chapel 2 miles east. Time – about 23 minutes.
From Orlando to Wesley Chapel -Take Route I-4 west to Route 98 in Lakeland, Florida. Take Route 98 north to Route 54 west. Then Wesley Chapel will be another 25 minutes west. Total time is about 1 hour 38 minutes.
From Cities North to Wesley Chapel – Take Route I-75 south to Route 54 (just north of Tampa). Go east on Route 54 less than 5 minutes to Wesley Chapel.
From Tampa Airport to Wesley Chapel – As you exit Tampa International Airport, there will be a sign and direct to Route I-275 north. Follow I-275 north for approximately 12 miles to the intersection of Route I-75 North. Take I-75 to Route 54 East. Exit east for 2 miles to Wesley Chapel. Total time – 25-30 minutes depending on traffic.
One of the reasons Wesley Chapel is so desirable as a place to live in Florida is the access to major highways.
Final Thoughts on the Boom Town Wesley Chapel Florida.
Wesley Chapel, Florida truly is a dream destination in Pasco County. With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant community, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, it’s a place that captures the hearts of visitors and residents alike.
Whether you’re looking to relocate or planning a visit, make sure to unravel the charm of Wesley Chapel. Its rich history and cultural attractions to its thriving real estate market and excellent schools, assures this community has it all. Come discover why Wesley Chapel is the perfect place to call home.
