Forest Lake: Who It Suits, Who Should Look Elsewhere
Forest Lake is a student-oriented housing complex in Lutz, Florida, roughly a 15-minute drive from the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. With monthly rents ranging from 589 to 1,775 USD (indicative — confirm with the operator) and a deposit of 500 USD, it sits slightly above the city’s lowest available student property price of 509 USD. The property offers units with 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms and accepts leases from 10 months. The earliest move-in date is 20 August 2026. Its location in a quieter suburban area, combined with a set of amenities — bills included, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool — makes it a viable choice for some students, but the mixed online reputation demands careful consideration before signing.
Who This Residence Suits
Forest Lake works best for students who prioritise a suburban, amenity-rich lifestyle and are willing to drive or use a car. The property is not within walking distance of campus — USF is about 8 miles away — so tenants need reliable personal transport or should be comfortable with the local bus service (HART route 6, which runs along Dale Mabry Highway). If you already have a car and want more space, a swimming pool, and inclusive utility bills, the complex provides a standard suburban apartment experience. The presence of bills included in the monthly rent simplifies budgeting: water, electricity, and internet are rolled into the price you pay each month, so there are no separate bills to track.
The 4-bedroom units, when split among roommates, can be more affordable than a solo studio near campus. At the lower end of the price range (589 USD per room, indicative), a 4-bedroom could be cost-competitive with the city’s cheapest option (509 USD) once you factor in included utilities. For groups of friends who want to live together and split costs, Forest Lake offers a straightforward arrangement: each person signs an individual lease, so you are not financially responsible if a roommate leaves.
Students who value swimming and outdoor lounging will appreciate the pool area. The complex also provides on-site laundry, saving trips to a laundromat. The management team, according to one positive Google review, is genuinely helpful. Sophia Rodriguez, a resident, wrote:
“I genuinely love living here. The front office staff and management team are incredibly friendly and always willing to help with anything you need. The property itself is beautiful and the amenities are one of the best parts of living here. The pool area is my absolute favorite perfect for relaxing and hanging out with”
That review suggests that if you have a smooth tenancy, the day-to-day experience can be positive. The availability of bills included also eliminates the hassle of setting up utility accounts as an international student.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
The negative reviews raise serious red flags. Two out of the three Google reviews visible on the property’s listing are one-star accounts describing maintenance failures and management concerns. Aspen reported a catastrophic flooding event:
“Bedbugs, Water Damage and Mold, German roaches, and Illegal Practices by Management My apartment flooded on December 4th from a broken water heater, leaving the kitchen flooded and almost going into bedroom A. There was water damage and leaking through all of the ceilings of the common areas. The only thing that manage”
This account mentions bedbugs, water damage, mold, and cockroaches — pest and moisture issues that can be extremely difficult to resolve, especially in a humid Florida climate. If you have allergies, asthma, or a low tolerance for pest problems, Forest Lake may not be a safe choice.
Jaiden F’s review adds a further warning about the property’s review authenticity:
“The majority of the 5 star reviews come from the Bulls Market and other promotions that the apartment complex does incentivising good reviews for free stuff. I understand wanting free stuff, but please remove reviews afterwards so other students don’t get screwed over. From living here, I can say that management is ver”
This suggests that the overall 4.1-star Google rating (based on 409 reviews) may be inflated by incentivised positive reviews. A 4.1 rating is decent on the surface, but the content of the most detailed negative reviews indicates that some tenants had their living conditions severely compromised. Students who are risk-averse, especially those moving to Tampa from abroad and unable to visit the unit beforehand, should strongly consider touring the property in person and asking management pointed questions about recent pest treatments and water damage repair history.
Additionally, the suburban location is a disadvantage for students without a car. Public transport connections to USF are limited and can take 40–60 minutes one way. If you rely on the campus shuttle or bicycle commuting, a property closer to Fletcher Avenue or 42nd Street would be more convenient.
Price Positioning Versus the City’s From-Price
Tampa’s lowest-priced student property listed on the platform starts at 509 USD per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). Forest Lake’s minimum of 589 USD is 80 USD higher, but that lower figure likely refers to a bedroom in a multi-bedroom unit. The single-bedroom and two-bedroom units at Forest Lake will cost significantly more, potentially reaching 1,775 USD for a larger or private unit. When comparing options, note that the 509 USD property may not include all utilities, so the effective total could be similar once you add electricity and internet. However, students on a tight budget may prefer the absolute lowest upfront rent. The city has 14 student housing listings in total, so there is reasonable variety to compare.
Room-Type Guidance
The available unit types are 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom. For a solo occupant who values privacy, a 1-bedroom unit will be the most expensive option in the range. For maximum savings, a 4-bedroom shared with three other students offers the cheapest per-person price (589 USD, indicative). The 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom configurations are middle-ground options. Keep in mind that each resident signs an individual lease, so you are not liable for vacant bedrooms. Confirm with the operator whether the 589–1,775 range covers all unit types or only certain configurations — the data does not break down price by layout, so ask directly.
Booking Timing
The earliest move-in date is 20 August 2026, which aligns with the start of the fall semester for most US universities (classes typically begin in late August). For August 2026 occupancy, it is wise to start contacting the property by early spring 2026 (February–March) to secure a unit, especially for the cheaper 4-bedroom options, which are likely to fill quickly. Leases run for a minimum of 10 months, so plan until at least June 2027 if you move in August 2026. If you are looking for a January 2027 (spring) move-in, availability may be lower, but it is still possible to find units, especially if other students sublet their rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the rent really $589 per month or is that a promotional price?
The minimum listed price of 589 USD is the lowest advertised monthly rent per bedroom (indicative — confirm with the operator). It applies to the least expensive room type (likely a 4-bedroom unit) and may not include all fees. Always ask for a full breakdown: rent, deposit (500 USD), any application fees, and whether the $589 rate is available for the dates you need. Prices can change with lease start dates.
Q: How far is Forest Lake from the University of South Florida campus?
The address is in Lutz, FL, approximately 8 miles north of the USF Tampa campus. Driving time is roughly 15–20 minutes without heavy traffic. Public bus route 6 (HART) runs along Dale Mabry Highway, but the nearest stop may be a 10-minute walk from the complex. Travel time by bus is about 40–60 minutes. Biking is not recommended due to road conditions and distance.
Q: Are all utilities really included in the rent?
According to the property tags, bills (utilities) are included. This typically covers water, electricity, internet, and sometimes trash removal. Confirm with the operator whether there are any caps on electricity usage or additional fees for cable TV. The deposit of 500 USD is refundable, subject to condition of the unit at move-out.
Sources & data date
All prices, ratings, and review quotes are sourced from the Amber platform data retrieved on 2026-07. Ratings and reviews are from Google. Room-type availability, deposit amounts, and lease minimums are indicative — confirm with the operator before committing.
For live availability and current pricing for Forest Lake, please use the on-site assistant or contact the property directly via the platform.
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