D.,
I live in Texas, but I am familiar with the Tampa area. Last summer, we thought we were moving to Tampa, and we did a lot of research. Here's what I know: Lutz is good, Lithia is good (more expensive), Wesley Chapel I think is good, Palm Harbor is good, and Brandon - not so good.
I am grateful our Tampa move didn't work out, b/c I was very scared about something. Not to scare you (I'm sure I won't), but I am petrified about sink holes. Have you heard of sink holes? Over a year ago, a man got swallowed up by a sinkhole and died. He lived in Tampa (Seffler). I did a TON of research on sinkholes, and Tampa has the most. I call Tampa "sink hole city." Even though that man died, I realize it is very rare to get swallowed by a sinkhole and die, but sink holes in Tampa are VERY common. If you don't die from one, you will probably have a lifetime of submitting sinkhole claims to your insurance company. There are signs to look for that there may be a sinkhole on your property: indented foundation, and cracked floors or windows. If your backyard is on a slant, for example, there may be a sinkhole beneath you. Orlando also has a lot of sinkholes.
Because of this fear (and I realize that many people would call it an irrational fear - but I can't help what scares me), I told my husband I wouldn't live in any county in Tampa (all Tampa counties have a ton of sinkholes), and that we would have to live further South. There is a wonderful area about an hour South of Tampa called Lakewood Ranch. It is very close to Bradenton, and I believe a master planned community. It is a beautiful area that has good schools. My husband would have had an hour drive to work if we lived there, which he didn't like, but was willing to consider. The job didn't work out anyway, and we were both relieved.
If you do live in the Tampa area, you MUST make sure you have sink hole insurance, and be prepared to experience at least one sink hole on your property, and the mess, cost, and fear it will entail.
I'm sorry to bring you down like this (if I did). Just wanted you to be aware. Best of luck!