A new housing development in San Antonio, Florida, about 45 minutes north of Tampa, is drawing home buyers by offering access to America’s largest artificial swimming pool.Spanning 15 acres, the massive man-made Crystal Lagoon in the Mirada community features clear turquoise waters, a swim-up bar for adults, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a floating water obstacle course. Equivalent in size to roughly 150 NBA basketball courts, the pool serves as the main anchor for a growing neighbourhood that feels like a tropical resort.
Massive pool drives strong real estate demand
According to a report by The New York Post, the development has turned into a major real estate success. House prices in Mirada currently range from $250,000 for townhouses up to $385,000 for two- and three-bedroom single-family homes. The neighbourhood currently holds 2,873 households, including renters, and is filled to roughly 75 per cent capacity. However, developers plan to expand the site to eventually reach 5,000 homes, which the land is already zoned to hold.Metro Development Group, the firm behind both Mirada and the nearby Epperson community, credits the huge pool for driving home sales.“The lagoon is one of the biggest drivers of interest we see from buyers exploring communities like Epperson and Mirada,” Lisa Gibbings, vice president of corporate affairs for Metro Development Group, told The Post. “It creates an immediate sense of excitement because it’s something people can’t find in a traditional neighborhood.”
Mirada has overtaken Metro Development Group’s original Epperson Lagoon (pictured) (7.5 acres) as the nation’s biggest.
Comparing Florida’s top lagoon communities
Before Mirada took the top spot, the title of America’s largest man-made lagoon belonged to the Beachwalk Club in St. Johns, Florida, which covers over 14 acres. Coming in third is Epperson, Metro Development Group’s original lagoon-centred neighbourhood, which spans 7.5 acres. Epperson is currently sitting at 94 per cent occupancy.Beyond water sports and beach areas, the developer runs a community program called the Social Hub, organizing over 300 events every year for residents.“What makes the lagoon unique is that it has something for everyone,” Gibbings told The Post. “No matter where you’re moving from, the Social Hub makes it easy to find your future neighbors and friends and feel at home from day one.”Residents in Epperson and Mirada receive discounted rates to use the lagoons and join in activities. For non-residents wanting to visit without purchasing a home, day passes are sold for $50, subject to daily availability.
The evolution of inland resort-style living
Metro Development Group started testing the concept nearly ten years ago.“Metro pioneered lagoon living nearly a decade ago with a bold idea: bring the best of the coastal lifestyle inland,” Gibbings told The Post. “Since opening Epperson, we’ve continued to innovate and push the concept forward, including building the nation’s largest lagoon at Mirada. Today, the momentum is undeniable. People want the water, the energy and the sense of escape that comes with coastal living, right outside their front door.”Gibbings noted that the popularity of these amenities goes beyond the water itself.“Epperson and Mirada have proven that buyers are hungry for a different kind of community,” Gibbings told The Post. “The lagoon is the centerpiece that creates excitement, brings people together and gives residents an experience they can’t find anywhere else.”The developer is preparing to expand the concept further across Florida. The company’s next planned project at Sandal Key in Hernando County will pair a man-made lagoon with Metro’s first lazy river.“The lagoon concept continues to evolve,” Gibbings told The Post. “The excitement around these communities shows that people are looking for the complete package — a beautiful home in a thriving community.”
Amenities of the lagoon (Mirada is pictured) include a swim-up bar, kayaking, paddleboarding, a water obstacle course and more than 300 annual events at the company’s Social Hub as reasons the amenity has become a year-round draw rather than a seasonal one.
Why buyers are choosing inland paradise
The rapid sales across Mirada show a growing shift in home choices. Many buyers are choosing inland housing developments that offer tropical perks instead of traditional coastal properties. Living directly on Florida’s natural coast often comes with higher storm risks, rising insurance costs, and high real estate prices. Inland developments with giant artificial pools give residents a similar waterfront lifestyle without living right on the ocean.The 15-acre pool at Mirada uses filtration systems to keep the huge body of water clear while using less water and fewer chemicals than standard swimming pools. The turquoise water and white sandy shorelines are designed to mimic a luxury resort, providing a peaceful retreat for families and retirees alike.Along with private beach areas, the lagoon includes a central sandbar island where residents can swim out and relax. The surrounding neighbourhood features biking paths, walking trails, and modern facilities built around the central body of water.
