Neighborhood Spotlight: Alafia River Estates
Get to know the people and places that make Hillsborough County a great place to live, work, and play. In this inaugural installment of an occasional series, we highlight one of 950-plus neighborhoods registered with the Office of Neighborhood Relations.
When was Alafia River Estates founded?
The first house was built on this sliver of land on the river's south bank in 1999. See a map of Alafia River Estates.
HOA established:
Alafia River Estates Homeowners Association, established in 1997.
How many homes are in Alafia River Estates, and how many people live here?
15 homes, 27 residents
Demographics:
15 women and 12 men, in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Children visit, but none live here.
Key features
Private boat ramp and dock on Alafia River, front gate and security cameras, mature oak trees, houses of varying designs on 1/3-acre lots.
Area schools
Gibsonton Elementary School, Dowdell Middle School, East Bay High School
Signature gatherings
New Year's Eve progressive dinner; Independence Day celebration and waterfront fireworks; Homeowners Association meeting in late April to elect officers.
What's next?
Hope to install electricity on community dock, plan to paint front gate, update HOA covenants and bylaws.
Resident's quote:
"We love the quiet neighborhood and enjoy viewing sunsets from the dock," says Michele Pineda, president, Alafia River Estates Homeowners Association.
