Avila is one of the most exclusive residential communities in the Tampa Bay area. Situated off Ehrlich Road in unincorporated Hillsborough County near Lutz, it is a 24-hour guard-gated golf community built around an 18-hole private golf course designed by Tom Fazio. The name carries significant prestige in the local market, and buyers who aspire to Avila are typically not asking about HOA fees first: they are asking about lot availability and the waitlist for golf membership.
Development at Avila began in the late 1970s and continued through the 2010s, with some newer custom construction on the remaining estate lots. The result is a community with mature trees, landscaped fairways, and a variety of home sizes: from 3,000 square foot homes in the community's more accessible price tiers to 10,000+ square foot estate homes that rank among the largest private residences in Hillsborough County.
Prices at Avila
Avila is one of the highest-priced residential communities in the Tampa area. Entry-level homes within the gates start at approximately $900K-$1.2M for older, smaller properties on non-golf lots. Well-positioned homes on fairway or lake lots in the mid-community range run $1.5M-$3M. The largest, most updated estate properties can exceed $5M. Because inventory is inherently limited in a gated community of finite size, available homes at any given time are few and sell more slowly than in open communities.
The Avila Golf and Country Club
The Avila Golf and Country Club is a private members-only club. Living in Avila does not automatically grant golf membership, and the club has its own membership process and initiation fees. Buyers interested in purchasing at Avila specifically for golf access should confirm membership availability and initiation fees directly with the club before making an offer on a home. The club also offers tennis, swimming, and dining in addition to golf, and non-golf social memberships are typically available at a lower tier.
HOA Fees and Community Costs
HOA fees at Avila run approximately $500-$1,200 per month depending on the specific section and any sub-association within the community. The HOA covers the 24-hour guard gate operation, landscaping of common areas, and community maintenance. Club membership fees are separate from the HOA. Buyers should budget for both when evaluating the total cost of Avila ownership.
Schools
Avila falls within the Hillsborough County Public Schools district. The area is served by Schwarzkopf Elementary School, Martinez Middle School, and Steinbrenner High School. Steinbrenner High is one of the top-ranked public high schools in Hillsborough County with strong AP and dual enrollment programs. The school zone is one of the factors that draws professional families to this part of north Hillsborough County.
Location
Avila is off Ehrlich Road between I-75 and Dale Mabry Highway in north Hillsborough County. Tampa International Airport is approximately 25-30 minutes south via Dale Mabry or I-75 to Veterans Expressway. Downtown Tampa is 30-40 minutes via I-275 or I-75. Wiregrass Mall and the Wesley Chapel commercial corridor are 15-20 minutes east on SR-56. The New Tampa Lifestyle Center along Bruce B. Downs is 15-20 minutes away. Whole Foods, specialty grocery, and high-end dining along north Dale Mabry provide convenient access to the services that match the community's demographic.
What to Know Before You Buy
Avila transactions are relatively rare given the limited inventory and price tier. When a property does come to market, due diligence needs to account for the age range of homes (late 1970s to 2010s), the variation in construction quality across different eras, and the specific sub-association rules and fees for any parcel. Some sections within Avila have their own additional covenants on top of the master HOA. Review all governing documents carefully before contracting.
Buyers interested in golf membership should contact the club directly early in the process, before making an offer, to understand current membership availability, fees, and waitlist status. Membership availability is separate from and not guaranteed by home purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avila Tampa
What are home prices in Avila Tampa?
Avila homes typically start around $900K-$1.2M for entry-level properties and range to $5M+ for the largest estate homes on premium fairway or lake lots. Inventory is limited, and homes sell less frequently than in open communities. Work with a REALTOR who actively monitors the Avila market to know what is available before it hits the general public MLS.
Does buying a home in Avila include golf membership?
No. Avila Golf and Country Club membership is separate from home ownership. The club has its own membership process, initiation fees, and dues. Contact the club directly to confirm current membership availability and fees before purchasing a home with the intent of joining.
Barrett Henry has 23+ years of real estate experience and can help you find the right home in Tampa. Also worth exploring nearby: Arbor Greene and Bayshore Beautiful.
Get a free home valuation to see what your home is worth.