Cheval, FL
- About the city
- Geography
- Climate and weather
- Transport
- Medical Facilities and Healthcare
- Sport and Local Recreation
Cheval is an affluent, unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County, Florida, known for its planned golf course community and suburban lifestyle.
About the city
Official status and administrative affiliation
- Official name: Cheval, Florida.
- Administrative status: Cheval is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County. It is an unincorporated community, meaning it does not have its own municipal government and is administered directly by the county . It is part of the larger unincorporated community of Lutz .
- Country and region: Located in the state of Florida, in the southeastern United States. It is situated in Hillsborough County, which is part of the Tampa Bay area. The county is known for its major cities, including Tampa, and its diverse economy, which includes finance, healthcare, technology, and tourism.
Founding date and age
Cheval is a relatively modern, planned community. Its development began around the 1980s with the establishment of the Cheval Golf and Athletic Club, which serves as the centerpiece for the gated subdivisions that make up the majority of the CDP . It does not have a founding date in the traditional sense of older cities.
Geographical position and coordinates
- Geographical coordinates: Approximately 28°8′47″N 82°30′56″W (28.146418, -82.515623) .
- Location relative to natural objects: Cheval is located in the West Central Florida region, characterized by flat, coastal plains. Several small lakes are within the CDP, including Lake Linda and Van Dyke Lake . It is located about 17 miles (27 km) north of Tampa .
- Elevation: The elevation is approximately 18 meters (59 feet) above sea level .
- Settlement type: It is a suburban residential community and a census-designated place.
City type and economic specialization
- Primary type: Cheval is primarily a residential commuter town and bedroom community for the nearby city of Tampa and its surrounding employment centers. A significant portion of its residents work in sectors like Health Care, Professional Services, and Finance .
- Secondary specialization: It is also a golf and country club community, with the Cheval Golf and Athletic Club being a central amenity and defining feature . The local economy includes businesses catering to residents, such as health care and social assistance services .
Population and demographics
- Population: As of 2023 estimates, the population was 13,694 . The 2020 census recorded a population of 12,522 .
- Population class: Cheval is a small town or large suburban community.
- Demographic features: It is a growing, diverse, and affluent community. The population is highly educated, with over 56% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher . The median household income is significantly above the national average, at $92,095 (as of 2023) . The racial and ethnic makeup is diverse: 54.1% White (Non-Hispanic), 22.2% Hispanic, 11.9% Asian, and 5.5% Black or African American .
City's "business card" (briefly)
Cheval, Florida, is an upscale, planned suburban enclave just north of Tampa, best known for its prestigious gated communities centered around the Cheval Golf and Athletic Club. It offers residents a quiet, family-oriented lifestyle with convenient access to the employment and cultural opportunities of the greater Tampa Bay area .
Geography
Water bodies (rivers, lakes, waterfalls)
- Lake Linda and Van Dyke Lake are small, natural lakes located within the boundaries of the Cheval CDP . They are residential lakes that contribute to the area's suburban landscape.
National and nature parks
- While there are no national parks within Cheval itself, the community is in close proximity to the numerous parks and nature preserves of Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay area. For example, the Upper Tampa Bay Park and Hillsborough River State Park are within a short driving distance and offer opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Climate and weather
Climate type and general characteristics
Cheval has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , typical for the Gulf Coast of Florida . It is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, generally dry winters.
Average temperatures by month
- Hottest month: August, with an average high of around 33°C (91°F) and an average low of 23°C (73°F) .
- Coldest month: January, with an average high of around 20°C (68°F) and an average low of 11°C (52°F) .
- The average annual high temperature is 82.5°F (28.1°C), and the average annual low is 61.6°F (16.4°C) .
Precipitation and humidity
- Average annual precipitation: Approximately 52.0 inches (1,321 mm) .
- Wettest months: The summer months (June through September) are the wettest, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. June receives about 203 mm (8 inches) of rain .
- Precipitation days: There are, on average, 74.4 days with measurable precipitation per year .
- Humidity: Humidity is high year-round, especially during the summer months, contributing to a high heat index.
Sunny days and UV index
The area enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the spring and fall. The UV index is high to extreme during the late spring and summer, necessitating sun protection.
Seasonality and best time to visit
- Spring (March-May): Warm and increasingly humid, with a rising chance of afternoon thunderstorms. This is a popular time for outdoor activities before the peak summer heat.
- Summer (June-September): Hot, humid, and rainy, with frequent (often daily) afternoon thunderstorms. This is the off-season for some tourists but ideal for those seeking warm weather and pool time.
- Fall (October-November): Warm and less humid, with a decreasing chance of rain. This is a pleasant time to visit.
- Winter (December-February): Mild and generally dry, with cool nights. This is a popular time for "snowbirds" escaping colder northern climates.
- The best time to visit for comfortable weather is during the spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) .
Transport
Main airports of the city and region
The primary airport serving Cheval and the entire Tampa Bay region is:
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) . Located approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of Cheval, it is a major international airport with flights to destinations across the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Access is via the Veterans Expressway (SR 589) and other major highways .
- St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) , located about 25 miles (40 km) southwest, is another option, primarily serving low-cost carriers.
Major highways and roads
Several major highways provide access to and around Cheval:
- State Road 589 (Veterans Expressway) : A controlled-access toll road that forms part of the western border of the Cheval CDP and provides a direct route south to Tampa International Airport and Tampa .
- State Road 597 (Dale Mabry Highway) : A major north-south arterial road that forms part of the eastern border of Cheval, connecting it to Lutz, Carrollwood, and Tampa .
- Interstate 275 (I-275) : Located a few miles to the east, it is the main interstate highway connecting the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
Public transportation system
Public transportation in Cheval is limited compared to a major city, as it is a suburban area.
- Buses: Public bus service is provided by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) , with routes connecting Cheval to major shopping areas and other destinations in the county .
- Commuting: The vast majority of residents (84.2%) drive alone to work, and the average one-way commute time is 30.8 minutes, which is longer than the US average . Carpooling accounts for 6.9% of commutes, and working from home accounts for 7.3% .
Medical Facilities and Healthcare
While Cheval is an unincorporated community, its residents have access to a wide range of healthcare services through nearby major medical centers and local facilities. The area is well-served by the renowned hospitals of the Tampa Bay region, ensuring quality care is never far away .
Major Hospitals and Specialized Care Nearby
Residents of Cheval have access to several world-class hospitals located a short drive away in the Tampa area. These institutions provide specialized treatments and comprehensive medical services.
Tampa General Hospital (TGH): As a leading academic medical center and the region's only Level I trauma center, TGH is affiliated with the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine. It is consistently recognized for its excellence in cardiology and heart surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, organ transplantation, and burn care . It is one of the largest hospitals in the area, providing the highest level of emergency and specialized care.
St. Joseph's Children's Hospital: This is a dedicated hospital for pediatric care, part of the BayCare Health System. It is renowned for its specialized services for children, including a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatric oncology, cardiology, and surgery . It provides comprehensive, child-focused medical attention in a family-centered environment.
St. Joseph's Hospital: Also part of the BayCare system, this is a large, non-profit acute care hospital. It is known for its services in cardiac care, cancer treatment (with a dedicated cancer institute), orthopedics, and women's services . It has been repeatedly named one of the nation's top hospitals by various healthcare ranking organizations.
Bayfront Health: Located in St. Petersburg, this hospital is a regional leader in emergency and trauma care, as well as stroke treatment. It also offers specialized services in cardiovascular care and surgical weight loss . It provides another vital option for advanced medical treatment in the Tampa Bay area.
Local Medical Facilities and Clinics
For primary and preventive care, Cheval residents can visit local medical facilities in the surrounding area.
Suncoast Medical Clinic: This clinic provides a range of primary care services, including annual check-ups, immunizations, and management of chronic conditions . It serves as a convenient local option for routine healthcare needs.
Seminole Health Care Center: This facility offers additional primary care services and skilled nursing support, contributing to the network of accessible healthcare for the community .
Urgent Care Options
For immediate, non-life-threatening medical issues, urgent care centers are available nearby. Fast Track Urgent Care is one such facility that offers quick access to healthcare without the need for an appointment, providing treatment for minor injuries and illnesses .
Veterinary Care
The community is also home to the Cheval Animal Hospital (officially Cheval Veterinary Medical Group, LLC), located in nearby Lutz, which provides comprehensive veterinary services . This hospital cares for a wide variety of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals . They offer a full range of services from wellness exams, vaccinations, and dental care to surgery and emergency care . The hospital even has a dedicated mobile app, CAH Tampa Bay, allowing clients to easily request appointments, order food and medication, and receive important reminders .
Sport and Local Recreation
Cheval itself is a residential community and does not have its own major professional sports teams or large stadiums. However, its location within the Tampa Bay area puts it in close proximity to a full array of professional and collegiate sports.
Nearby Professional Sports Teams
Residents of Cheval are fans of the major professional sports teams representing the Tampa Bay region:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL): The Buccaneers play football at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The stadium, which opened in 1998, has a capacity of over 65,000 and has hosted multiple Super Bowls, including Super Bowl LV which was won by the Buccaneers at their home stadium.
Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL): The Lightning, a three-time Stanley Cup champion (2004, 2020, 2021), play hockey at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa. The arena is known for its energetic atmosphere and is also a major concert venue.
Tampa Bay Rays (MLB): The Rays play baseball at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. They have won two American League pennants (2008, 2020) and are known for their innovative and competitive approach.
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship): For soccer fans, the Rowdies play at the historic Al Lang Stadium on the St. Petersburg waterfront.
Nearby Collegiate Sports
The University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa fields NCAA Division I teams, known as the USF Bulls. They compete in the American Athletic Conference. Their football team plays at Raymond James Stadium, and their basketball teams play at the Yuengling Center on the USF campus.
Golf and Outdoor Recreation
For those who prefer participating in sports, the Cheval area is known for its golf. The Cheval Golf & Country Club is a private, member-owned club featuring an 18-hole championship golf course. It is a central recreational and social hub for the community, offering amenities like tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse.
Sports Medicine and Training
Given its proximity to professional teams and a large, active population, the area is home to several top-tier sports medicine facilities. Hospitals like Tampa General Hospital have specialized centers for sports health, providing advanced care for athletes from the youth to the professional level. There are also numerous training facilities, gyms, and fitness centers throughout the nearby area, catering to a wide range of fitness activities and sports.