One popular must-have for many home buyers these days is access to fitness trails, whether in a new community or nearby.
Being able to step out one’s door, onto a protected path separate from the road, is a critical amenity for people who love to walk, jog, hike, ride bicycles or push the kids’ strollers on a daily basis.
You won’t find many places in Florida better equipped for this than the Tampa Bay area. It’s known for its greenways and trail systems, and nearly every city and county that comprise it, all contribute municipally-maintained trail mileage. An additional perk is that many of these trails are part of the state’s official greenways and trails system, which means you can map out trail expeditions pretty much everywhere in the Sunshine State.
If you buy a home in one of the two master-planned communities north of Tampa where ICI Homes builds — Bexley and Asturia — you’ll enjoy miles of fitness trails in those two neighborhoods (Pssst: the trails are only one of many amenities in each community).
However, once you’re ready to explore other Gulf Coast scenery, here’s a quick look at two top Tampa Bay-area greenways and trail systems.
Suncoast Trail in Pasco County
The Suncoast Trail runs south to north for 42 miles through northern Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. The largest portion — 21.6 miles — lies in Pasco County. It parallels the same-named Suncoast Parkway and its southern trail-head is located just south of Bexley and Asturia. Bexley lies to the east of the Suncoast Trail and Asturia lies to the west. You’ll find both communities off booming State Road 54. Asturia is in Odessa. Bexley is in Land O’ Lakes.
If you need to re-invigorate your outdoor cardio routine, zip out of your new Tampa-area home at Bexley or Asturia and hop on the Suncoast Trail. You’re only a few miles away. The entire Trail is paved and offers amenities such as covered picnic tables, water stations, restrooms, rain shelters and parking lots along the way.
The Pinellas Trail
A little further south of Bexley and Asturia lies Pinellas County, which borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west of the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County. Pinellas County also just happens to be home to many of the state’s best white-sand beaches.
But, that’s not all!
It’s also home to the Pinellas Trail, a 47-mile recreational path that largely follows the bed of an old railroad track. The Pinellas Trail, which is part of the Pinellas County Park System, resembles the Suncoast Trail in its amenities. There are many access points, parking lots, facilities and conveniences. It’s also easy to hop on and off the Pinellas Trail to grab a bite at a restaurant or do some quick shopping.
The Pinellas Trail is great alternative when you’d like to explore the area south of Bexley and Asturia, yet still get in your exercise. So throw the bikes on the rack, fill up the water bottles and grab the sunscreen. Ending your trail adventure with a quick beach stopover is also a great way to end your day.
