Encore at Fishhawk Ranch

Pros

• The location offers stunning views.
• The Lake House is part of the community amenities and overlooks Hutto Lake.
• The Lake House complex includes a playground, a fire pit, indoor seating, and inviting front porches.
• The clubhouse is nice for residents and the gym is very good.
• The view is beautiful and the setting is very peaceful.
• The facility is state-of-the-art and an asset to the community.
• Residents enjoy visiting with their families.
• The amenities are wonderful and the staff is wonderful.
• It is a great place to walk around and ideal for family gatherings.
• The playground is phenomenal and the lake is gorgeous, a favorite hidden gem.
• The park is great with a lovely view of the lake and a nice game room.
• The frontage is beautiful with great landscaping.

Cons

• The HOA is described as the absolute worst due to dysfunction and the management company's control over every aspect of community life.
• The management company allegedly controls access to board members, community services, HOA meetings, and even meeting minutes.
• The HOA has allegedly destroyed the streets in the community, with residents forced to pay for the fallout of its ineptitude.
• The management company cannot keep up with basic administrative tasks such as publishing meeting minutes, sending notices, or updating the website.
• The reviewer states that anyone who hates HOAs would hate living in FishHawk Ranch.
• The HOA fees are outrageously high compared to similar neighborhoods, and the services do not justify the cost.
• Customer service is described as frustratingly unresponsive, with questions going unanswered and residents feeling belittled.
• Residents cannot use their own community gym and park without answering trivial questions and being treated like suspects.

Review

FishHawk Ranch West is a community that attracts a steady buzz of activity and pride, anchored by a sizable Lake House complex that many residents regard as a central gathering place. For some, it's a serene, scenic retreat where families can stroll along the lake, kids can play, and adults can find a quiet corner to unwind. The three-building complex is described as offering a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces: a main building with inviting seating and front-porch setups, a separate billiards and ping-pong area, and another building stocked with exercise equipment. The setting - overlooking Hutto Lake with a prominent lawn, fire pit, and ample outdoor seating - registers as a standout feature of the community. Several reviewers repeatedly compliment the stunning location, the attractive landscaping, and the sense of tranquility that the lakefront environment provides. For many, the Lake House is a "state of the art facility" and an asset to the neighborhood, a place where residents can gather for celebrations, workouts, or simply to soak in the view.

Yet the social and civic life of FishHawk Ranch West is not without contention. A recurring thread among residents centers on the HOA and the management company that runs it. The most pointed criticisms revolve around governance and administrative inefficiencies: complaints that the management company exerts excessive control over access to board members, community services, meetings, and minutes. Some reviewers point to a breakdown in basic administrative duties - difficulty publishing meeting minutes, sending timely letters to residents, or keeping the website current. In one striking assessment, a resident accuses the HOA of "destroying the streets in our community" and then charging homeowners for the fallout, describing a structural frustration that feels out of proportion to other concerns. The sentiment is blunt: if someone dislikes HOAs, FishHawk Ranch could intensify that sentiment.

The cost side of the HOA experience is another frequent flashpoint. Several voices describe the HOA fees as outrageously high relative to comparable neighborhoods, arguing that the level of service does not justify the price. A common refrain is that customer service is frustratingly unresponsive, with questions going unanswered and residents feeling talked down to when they do receive a reply. There's a sense that using community services or facilities - such as the gym or park - comes with additional scrutiny or bureaucratic friction, with some residents feeling as though their privacy is being invaded by overbearing questions. One reviewer even captures a broader concern about the climate of inflation and financial strain, urging readers to "save yourself the extra headache ? as inflation is on the rise here." The overall tone here is cautionary, urging prospective residents to weigh the costs and governance against the perks.

Amid the tension, there are bright notes about the community's social life and amenities. The Lake House is consistently described as a welcoming venue for events, including baby showers and bridal gatherings, with spaces that accommodate groups of varying sizes (for instance, a baby shower hosting around 35 people). The setting is repeatedly praised for its ambiance, whether it's the indoor seating areas, the high-rise tables, or the cozy front porch - features that contribute to a sense of warmth and hospitality. The building's family-friendly elements - an outdoor playground for children, a dedicated game room, and a well-equipped gym - are highlighted as practical, enjoyable facets of daily life in the neighborhood. Reviewers recount using the space for celebrations, social clubs, and casual get-togethers, underscoring the Lake House as a versatile hub for community life.

Community activity also includes recurring clubs and events beyond private gatherings. The FishHawk Chess Club, for instance, is noted as a regular Monday gathering that some residents plan to attend weekly, turning the Lake House and its surrounding areas into a sociable, recurring anchor for hobbies and shared interests. The sense of community is reinforced by positive remarks about staff and service - references to friendly, helpful personnel and a clean, well-maintained gym - and by the general appreciation many residents express for the overall design and upkeep of the public spaces. Attendees of formal events, such as Eagle Scout ceremonies, describe the Lake House as a comfortable, suitable venue that lends a warm, ceremonial ambiance to important milestones.

In terms of the physical spaces themselves, the Lake House is repeatedly described as well-designed and thoughtfully laid out. People note the three distinct buildings, the varied amenities, and the ability to reserve spaces for gatherings. The main building is described as having stylish indoor seating and a welcoming porch, while the other facilities offer billiards, ping-pong, and a robust gym. The outdoor elements - the lake, the trail around the water, and the fire pit - are cited as ideal for evening gatherings or a peaceful moment after a busy day. Some reviewers even call the complex a hidden gem within the area, an unexpectedly tranquil retreat that stands out for its combination of modern facilities, scenic views, and accessible communal spaces.

Overall, FishHawk Ranch West appears to offer a compelling blend of high-quality recreational amenities and vibrant social opportunities, anchored by a lakeside Lake House that residents treasure for its atmosphere and versatility. However, the experience is colored by contrasting perspectives on governance, cost, and administrative responsiveness. For many, the amenity-rich environment, the picturesque setting, and the opportunity to host gatherings or meet neighbors outweigh the drawbacks. For others, the costs, governance concerns, and administrative friction cast a shadow over what could be an otherwise seamless, enjoyable community experience. In the end, the Lake House and the broader FishHawk Ranch West lifestyle present a potent mix of beauty, community, and complexity - a place that many residents passionately love while others caution potential newcomers to weigh the trade-offs carefully.

Located in Lithia, Florida, this area offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several places of worship nearby such as Fishhawk Fellowship Church and Nativity Catholic Church, residents can easily practice their faith. Physicians like Noorani Medical Center and Brandon Dermatology are within close proximity for healthcare needs, while pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens ensure easy access to medications. Restaurants like Chick-Fil-A and Tiki Docks River Bar & Grill offer dining options, and cafes such as Starbucks provide a relaxing atmosphere for socializing. Parks like Sterling Ranch Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, and hospitals like St Joseph's Hospital-South are available for medical emergencies. With theaters like Xscape Theatres Riverview 14 nearby, seniors can enjoy entertainment options as well. Overall, this part of Lithia provides a convenient and diverse environment for senior living.

Places of Worship

• Fishhawk Fellowship Church (1.9 miles)
• South Bay Church (5.8 miles)
• Nativity Catholic Church (6.8 miles)
• Nativity Catholic School (6.8 miles)
• Limona Village Chapel United Methodist Women (7.8 miles)

Physicians

• Noorani Medical Center (2.5 miles)
• Care Plus Walk-in Clinic (3.8 miles)
• Valrico Brandon Medical Group (4 miles)
• Brandon Family Eye Care - Dr. Kent Sieboldt (4 miles)
• Brandon Dermatology (4.2 miles)
• Family Medical Care of Riverview (4.9 miles)
• Partners in Allergy & Asthma Care (5.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)
• Winthrop Town Center (5.1 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (5.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (3.7 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)
• McDonald's (4.3 miles)
• Tiki Docks River Bar & Grill (4.6 miles)
• I Hop (4.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (5.2 miles)
• McDonald's (5.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)
• Foxtail Coffee Bb Riverview (7.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7.6 miles)
• Starbucks (8 miles)

Parks

• Sterling Ranch Park (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

• St Joseph's Hospital-South (6.5 miles)
• Total Imaging - Parsons (6.6 miles)
• Brandon Ambulatory Surgery Center (6.7 miles)

Theaters

• Xscape Theatres Riverview 14 (6.6 miles)
• AMC The Regency 2 (8.2 miles)