Waterset is a master-planned community in Apollo Beach, in southern Hillsborough County, about 16 miles south of downtown Tampa. It lies between U.S. 41 and I-75, less than 2 miles from the interstate. Newland (now Brookfield Properties) opened it in 2012 and built it around lakes, conservation land, more than 12 miles of trails and a series of resort-style clubhouses.
Clubhouses and pools in Waterset
Waterset spreads its amenities across several centers, so most homes are a short walk or bike ride from one:
- The Landing Club and Café, the original hub: a lounge, pool, playground and pier, plus a fitness center and a formal lawn and pavilion on an 8-acre lake.
- The Waterset Club on Paradiso Drive: a resort-style pool with water slides, a lap pool, a fitness center, a game room, and courts for basketball, pickleball, tennis and sand volleyball.
- The Lakeside: another pool area, a workout space and room for dogs.
- Waterline Station: a pool, a playground and an open play area.
- The Founder's Club, opened in early 2026: a free-form resort pool with lap lanes, a large fitness room, pickleball courts, a playground, and a clubhouse with co-working spaces and a gathering room.
The developer describes every planned amenity as fully built.
Parks, trails and things to do near Waterset
More than 12 miles of paved trails and over 10 parks wind among Waterset's lakes and preserved land, wide enough for walkers, runners and bikes. Outside the community, Apollo Beach's bayfront is roughly 3 to 5 miles away:
- The Manatee Viewing Center, north on Dickman Road, open November 1 through April 15.
- Apollo Beach Nature Preserve, with its beach and observation tower.
- E.G. Simmons Conservation Park to the west, with a public boat ramp, kayak rentals and camping.
For dinner on the water, Circles Waterfront at Lands End Marina is on Apollo Beach Boulevard, about 3 miles northwest.
Getting around
U.S. 41 runs along the west side of Waterset and I-75 is less than 2 miles east, so Tampa, Brandon and Sarasota are all interstate trips. The developer puts downtown Tampa about 16 miles north, roughly a 25 to 30 minute drive outside rush hour.
Homes in Waterset
Waterset offers single-family homes, townhomes and bungalow-style homes. The newest sections are around Wolf Creek Drive, where the information center sits. Builders currently include Richmond American, and Cardel Homes has announced townhomes. Waterset's water features are lakes and ponds rather than bay canals. Homes fall within community development districts, including the Waterset North and Waterset Central CDDs, and which district applies depends on the phase. There is also a homeowners' association.
