Wesley Chapel Florida: A Boom Town Dream Destination in Pasco County (Video)

The video is a comprehensive tour of Wesley Chapel.

History and Culture of Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel, located in Pasco County, Florida, has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the history of Wesley Chapel:

• Early Settlement: The area that would become Wesley Chapel was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Seminole and Creek peoples. European settlers arrived in the region in the mid-19th century, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.
• Founding and Naming: Wesley Chapel was founded in the late 19th century. Originally settled as a farming community, it was named after the Methodist leader John Wesley. The chapel was built by the area’s first settlers, the Boyette family.
• Agriculture and Farming: Like much of central Florida, Wesley Chapel was primarily agricultural in its early days. The fertile soil and warm climate made it ideal for farming, and crops such as citrus, cotton, and vegetables were grown in the area. The timber industry also played a significant role in the local economy.
• Railroad Development: The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought growth and development to Wesley Chapel. The railroad provided a means of transportation for agricultural products, as well as passengers traveling to and from the area.
• Population Growth: Throughout the 20th century, Wesley Chapel experienced gradual population growth as more people moved to the area seeking opportunities in agriculture, industry, and commerce. However, the population remained relatively small compared to other parts of Florida.
• Suburban Development: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Wesley Chapel underwent rapid suburban development as the Tampa Bay area expanded. The construction of new residential communities, shopping centers, and amenities transformed Wesley Chapel from a rural outpost into a thriving suburban community.
• Commercial and Residential Expansion: Major developments such as the Wiregrass Ranch and the Shops at Wiregrass brought new retail, dining, and entertainment options to Wesley Chapel. Residential neighborhoods, gated communities, and master-planned developments also flourished, attracting new residents to the area.
  

  

• Education and Infrastructure: As Wesley Chapel grew, so did its infrastructure and amenities. New schools, parks, and recreational facilities were built to accommodate the needs of the expanding population. Improvements to roads, utilities, and public services further enhanced the quality of life in the community.
• Diverse Community: Today, Wesley Chapel is a diverse and dynamic community with a mix of residents from various backgrounds and walks of life. Its proximity to Tampa and its desirable suburban lifestyle continue to attract new residents and businesses to the area.

Overall, Wesley Chapel’s history is one of growth, change, and adaptation, reflecting the broader trends of development in central Florida. From its humble beginnings as a rural farming community to its status as a vibrant suburban enclave, Wesley Chapel continues to evolve and thrive in the 21st century.

The area is known for its strong sense of community and friendly residents. In fact, Wesley Chapel was voted one of the best places to live in Florida, thanks to its low crime rate, excellent schools, and affordable housing options. The community takes pride in its history and culture, and you’ll often find events and festivals that celebrate the area’s heritage.

The BOOM Town Wesley Chapel

The Tampa Bay region is known for its continuous growth and amenities that attract all races, genders, income brackets and ages. The area surrounding downtown Tampa has exceeded all growth projections. It has become a favorite target for young urban professionals.

While Tampa has exceptional growth in population, industry and infrastructure, the not-so-little town of Wesley Chapel has become one of the hottest growth areas in the country – outpacing Tampa for the last few years in percentage of growth over previous years.

In fact, Pasco County is the 67th fastest-growing county in the country! The key reason Pasco enjoys that statistic is the city of Wesley Chapel.

The chart below shows the consistent population growth for the last 14 years.

In census numbers, the growth looks like this;

    2000 – Pop.- 5691

    2010 – Pop. – 44,092

    2020 – Pop. – 64,866

2023 est. – Pop. – 68,614

Note that census data and other sources do not agree with current population numbers. It is generally thought that census estimates are low based on the explosive growth of the area.

Demographics

• White: 60.85%
• Two or more races: 14.94%
• Black or African American: 11.36%
• Asian: 7.05%
• Other race: 5.39%
• Native American: 0.39%
• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.02%

The average household income for Wesley Chapel is over $116,061 which is above the statewide average which is $93,195.

If you look at the last 24 years, Wesley Chapel has seen an average of 2,600 people move into the community each year. Only The Villages, an hour north, can boast those kinds of resident growth numbers.

One of the most impressive parts of the small town boom is the state, local and county officials have done an excellent job keeping up with infrastructure. Highways, utilities, police, fire and supporting personnel have all seemed to be responsive to the town.

One key economic measure of an area is the job market. Each time we visit Wesley Chapel jobs are posted everywhere. That is unscientific, but it is an indication of a very healthy job market in Wesley Chapel.

Another visual economic indicator is the amount of Wesley Chapel new construction. It is not an overstatement to say both homes, apartments and commercial construction is flourishing throughout the city.