The crystal lagoon at Mirada in San Antonio (Pasco County) officially opened this spring, and it is the largest of its kind in the Tampa Bay area. This 15+ acre man-made lagoon with beach-entry swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding transforms Mirada from a standard master-planned community into a resort-style destination. Here is what this means for home values in the area.
What Is the Mirada Lagoon?
Built by Metro Lagoons (using Crystal Lagoons technology), the Mirada lagoon is a massive freshwater amenity designed to replicate a beach experience without driving to the Gulf. The lagoon features white sand beaches, cabanas, a waterside restaurant, and water sports. It joins similar lagoons at Epperson in Wesley Chapel and Southshore Bay in Wimauma — all built by the same developer, Metro Development Group.
How Does a Lagoon Affect Home Prices?
At Epperson, which opened its lagoon in 2018, homes within the lagoon community trade at a 10-15% premium over comparable homes in nearby communities without the amenity. Lagoon-facing lots command an additional $20K-$40K over interior lots within the same community. The monthly CDD fee at Mirada (which partially funds lagoon maintenance) runs $200-$350/month — factor this into total housing cost.
Should You Buy at Mirada?
If you want resort-style living at suburban prices and do not mind a Pasco County address, Mirada delivers. New homes from Lennar and other builders start in the $350Ks. The commute to Tampa is 40-50 minutes via I-75. Schools are in the Pasco County district. The lagoon is a genuine differentiator — nothing else in this price range offers anything comparable. Just understand the CDD fee is a permanent part of your monthly cost.
Have questions? Barrett Henry, REALTOR® and Broker Associate at REMAX Collective, brings 23+ years of real estate experience. Call (813) 750-0926 or email barrett@nowtb.com.