Welcome to Tampa Florida! A vibrant Bayfront city with a thriving economy, plenty of waterfront, and fantastic entertainment options. But what makes Tampa truly amazing is its diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique characteristics and catering to different lifestyles.
In this guide we will explore Tampa’s top neighborhoods answering the question: “What is the best area to live in Tampa FL?” From family-friendly suburbs to trendy urban centers, and everything in between, let’s embark on a journey to discover the best areas to live in Tampa, FL!
Tampa offers a variety of attractive neighborhoods to suit all lifestyles and budgets.
The city is committed to preserving its history while providing ample outdoor activities, art & culture, safety initiatives, and educational opportunities.
Homeownership or renting provides an affordable cost of living with reliable public transportation options for easy commuting.
Tampa is home to nearly 400,000 residents and boasts over 80 officially named neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions. Whether you’re a young professional seeking a vibrant urban experience or a family looking for a safe and friendly community, Tampa has the perfect Tampa neighborhood for you.
In this section, we will explore the top neighborhoods in Tampa FL catering to various lifestyles, preferences, and budgets.
When it comes to family-friendly neighborhoods, you’ll find an array of options in Tampa. Palma Ceia, Sunset Park, Lowry Park Central, Riverside Heights, and Davis Islands are some of the best areas for families to explore.
Palma Ceia stands out as a historic and affluent neighborhood, with a median list price of homes for sale at a whopping $1.2 million. With its low crime rate and top-notch schools, Palma Ceia is perfect for families seeking safety and quality education.
Sunset Park is another family-friendly gem. Known for its safety and impressive median home price of over a million dollars. Sunset Park offers a relaxed atmosphere for its residents. Lowry Park Central is home to the iconic ZooTampa at Lowry Park and is renowned for its beautiful outdoor spaces such as Purity Springs Park and City of Tampa park. With easy access to excellent schools and various parks, these neighborhoods provide a perfect environment for families to thrive.
Tampa is a fantastic city for young professionals, with many neighborhoods offering vibrant nightlife, dining options and career opportunities. Downtown Tampa, Westshore, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Davis Islands and Old Tampa Bay are all fantastic areas for young professionals to call home.
Seminole Heights, a lovely residential area, offers luxury apartments and a lively district filled with bungalows, vintage shops and hole-in-the-wall bars. Palma Ceia, an enchanting affluent neighborhood, boasts upscale restaurants, boutique shopping and high-performing public schools.
SoHo, short for “South Howard,” is a trendy neighborhood near Hyde Park, known for its vibrant nightlife, art shops and high-end dining options. With these neighborhoods and including Hyde Park Village young professionals can enjoy an exciting lifestyle while pursuing their careers in Tampa.
For those seeking luxurious living, Tampa has several upscale and affluent neighborhoods to choose from. Culbreath Isles, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, and Davis Islands are some of the most desirable areas in the city, offering stunning views of Hillsborough Bay and high-end real estate.
Culbreath Isles is the epitome of luxury in Tampa, boasting an average home value of more than $2.9 million. Hyde Park is home to some of the most upscale restaurants and boutiques, attracting residents with a high median household income. Visitors can also enjoy the vibrant entertainment district of SoHo. Palma Ceia, with a median home price of $700,000, provides beautiful scenery, low crime rates, fantastic dining options, and the popular Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club.
Davis Islands, with a median list price of homes for sale at $2 million, is a cozy community of nearly 3,000 homes, many of which are waterfront. These neighborhoods offer a luxurious lifestyle, allowing residents to enjoy the finer things Tampa has to offer.
Living in Downtown Tampa comes with its own set of perks. The area is renowned for its vibrant shops, tantalizing restaurants and exciting nightlife options. In addition to its lively entertainment scene, Downtown Tampa is home to a diverse population of young professionals, families and empty nesters who appreciate the revitalized riverfront, walkability and a variety of housing options such as condos.
With attractions like the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Convention Center there’s always something to do in Downtown Tampa.
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Tampa, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a popular green space that offers a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike. With an amazing sloped lawn, delightful splash pads, an exciting playground, a convenient dog run, a useful boat dock and water taxi stop, the remarkable Tampa Museum of Art and the incredible Glazer Children’s Museum. There’s something for everyone at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Throughout the year the park hosts numerous festivals, concerts and family-oriented activities that bring the community together. With its stunning view of the river, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a beloved destination for both locals and tourists, providing a perfect spot to relax, exercise or simply enjoy the beauty of Downtown Tampa.
For those who dream of living by the water, Tampa’s waterfront neighborhoods offer stunning views and convenient access to various water-based activities. Port Tampa City, a waterfront neighborhood on the southwest boundary of Tampa, is perfect for individuals or families who work in South Tampa or at the Air Force base and are looking for a short commute.
Davis Islands with its cozy community of nearly 3,000 homes, many of which are waterfront, provides a serene environment for residents who want to enjoy the best of waterfront living.
Tampa’s waterfront neighborhoods offer a plethora of exciting water-based activities and attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy. Adventure Island, Bay Rocket eBoats, The Florida Aquarium, River Wild Kayaking and Pirate Water Taxi are just a few examples of the amazing waterfront activities available in Tampa, FL.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the water slides of Adventure Island, a relaxing day of fishing, or a leisurely kayak trip down the river, Tampa’s waterfront neighborhoods have something for everyone. Explore the city’s beautiful waterfront and discover a world of aquatic adventures that await in Tampa, FL.
History buffs and architecture enthusiasts will fall in love with Tampa’s historic neighborhoods, each offering a unique charm and preserved architecture. From the enchanting streets of Hyde Park to the captivating allure of Ybor City, these neighborhoods showcase Tampa’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best Tampa neighborhoods, known for their beloved historic charm.
Preserving Tampa’s historic neighborhoods and their cultural significance is incredibly important, as it helps to celebrate the city’s unique identity and sense of place while safeguarding its architectural heritage. By establishing architectural boards and commissions, celebrating Tampa’s history through exhibits and walking tours and supporting organizations like the Tampa Bay History Center the city can ensure that its historic neighborhoods continue to thrive for generations to come.
In addition to preserving beautiful historic buildings and landmarks, Tampa’s commitment to safeguarding its history provides a wonderful connection to the past for both residents and visitors. Exploring the historic neighborhoods of Tampa is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past and promising future.
For those who love spending time outdoors, Tampa’s nature-loving neighborhoods offer an abundance of green spaces, parks and recreational opportunities. Lettuce Lake Park, Hillsborough River State Park, Bayshore Boulevard, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Weedon Island are just a few examples of the amazing nature-loving neighborhoods in or near Tampa, FL.
With easy access to hiking, biking and other outdoor activities these neighborhoods provide a perfect environment for nature enthusiasts to thrive.
Tampa’s nature-loving neighborhoods are home to a variety of popular outdoor recreational activities, like hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and camping. These activities offer a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy while discovering the stunning natural beauty of the area.
In addition to promoting physical health and well-being, outdoor recreational activities provide an opportunity to bond with nature and relish the outdoors. Whether you’re exploring the scenic Tampa Riverwalk, biking along Bayshore Boulevard, or hiking through one of the many beautiful parks, Tampa’s nature-loving neighborhoods offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and enjoyment.
Tampa is also home to some of the trendiest neighborhoods, known for their vibrant art, culture and dining scenes. Seminole Heights, Downtown Tampa, Hyde Park/SoHo, Ybor City and Tampa Heights offer a unique blend of hipster vibes, historic charm and tantalizing culinary experiences.
In these best neighborhoods, including some of the most affluent neighborhoods, you’ll find a lively atmosphere and a thriving community of artists, foodies and young professionals.
Tampa’s trendiest neighborhoods are brimming with local art and culture, offering a diverse array of galleries, theaters and live music venues for residents and visitors to enjoy. The city’s thriving arts scene showcases a rich tapestry of creative expression, from cutting-edge contemporary works to timeless classics.
In addition to visual arts, Tampa’s trendiest neighborhoods also boast a vibrant performing arts scene, featuring everything from world-class orchestras to experimental theater productions. With so many opportunities to experience and appreciate local art and culture, it’s no wonder that Tampa’s trendiest neighborhoods have become a magnet for creative minds and art enthusiasts alike.
Safety is a top priority for anyone considering a new neighborhood and Tampa is no exception. The city has a slightly lower rate of violent crime than the national average and ranks 14th for the overall lowest violent crime rate in 2022. However, it’s important to note that Tampa has a higher rate of property crime than most cities, which is something to consider when choosing a neighborhood.
Palma Ceia and Harbour Island are two of the most secure neighborhoods in Tampa, offering peace of mind for their residents.
Several factors contribute to the safety and crime rates in Tampa neighborhoods, including socioeconomic conditions, access to education and employment and community engagement. By addressing these underlying issues, the city can work towards creating safer, more vibrant neighborhoods for all residents.
Efforts to reduce speeding, discourage alcohol and drug-impaired driving, increase intersection safety and improve roadside safety are just a few examples of the positive measures being taken to ensure safety in Tampa. By fostering a strong sense of community and working together, residents can help create a safer, more welcoming environment in Tampa neighborhoods.
The cost of living in Tampa is relatively affordable, with a family of four spending around $4,511.6 per month without rent and a single person spending around $1,256.9 per month without rent. Housing prices in Tampa are lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy or rent a home.
With a variety of housing options available in different neighborhoods, Tampa offers a range of choices for both homeownership and renting.
The decision to buy or rent a home in Tampa depends on individual preferences and financial circumstances. Homeownership offers the opportunity to build equity, potential tax advantages and the ability to customize your home to your own preferences. However, homeownership also comes with responsibilities such as the cost of upkeep and repairs, the possibility of a decrease in property value, and the potential difficulty of selling a home.
On the other hand, renting offers the freedom to move, no need to worry about most maintenance and repairs and the possibility of lower monthly payments. However, renters do not build equity in their homes and may face restrictions on customizing their living space.
Ultimately, the choice between homeownership and renting in Tampa depends on an individual’s lifestyle, financial situation and long-term goals.
Getting around Tampa is a breeze thanks to its efficient public transportation system. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) offers convenient and reliable bus routes throughout Hillsborough County, making it easy to explore the Tampa Riverwalk, Harbor and Davis Islands and other popular destinations.
The average commute time in Tampa neighborhoods varies depending on the location and mode of transportation. The average commute time by car being around 25 minutes and by public transportation around 45 minutes.
Tampa is an incredibly walkable city, with several neighborhoods regularly ranking highly in terms of walkability among other cities in Florida. The Channel District, for example boasts a Walk Score of 78 making it the fourth most walkable area in town. Similarly, the Hyde Park Historic District is celebrated for its walkability, offering residents a convenient way to explore the neighborhood on foot.
In addition to walkability, Tampa also offers many bike-friendly streets and trails for residents to enjoy. Popular routes such as Bayshore Boulevard and the scenic Tampa Riverwalk provide cyclists with safe and enjoyable paths to explore the city. With a focus on promoting a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle. Tampa’s walkable and bike-friendly streets make it easy for residents to stay active and connected with their community.
Tampa offers an array of excellent schools and education opportunities, including public, private and higher education institutions. With top-rated public schools like Plant High School, Steinbrenner High School, and Newsome High School, as well as prestigious private schools such as Academy of Holy Names and Berkeley Preparatory School. Families in Tampa have access to quality education for their children.
For those seeking higher education, the University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College, and the University of Tampa provide a wide range of programs and degrees to suit various career paths and interests.
In conclusion, Tampa is a diverse and vibrant city with a neighborhood to suit every lifestyle, preference, and budget. From family-friendly suburbs to trendy urban centers, Tampa offers a unique blend of history, culture and outdoor recreation. With its relatively affordable cost of living, excellent schools and efficient public transportation, Tampa is truly a great place to call home. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the best areas to live in Tampa FL and inspired you to explore all that this dynamic city has to offer.
Tampa’s Cigar City offers wonderful attractions like the Tampa Riverwalk, Amalie Arena and Ybor City, making it a great place to explore and experience.
The Tampa Riverwalk is a great way to explore the city, with its scenic views and plenty of restaurants and shops. Amalie Arena is home to the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team and hosts a variety of concerts and events. Ybor City is a great place to live and very near Downtown Tampa.
Palma Ceia is the ideal neighborhood for families near Tampa, offering safety and well-rated schools. Enjoy a peaceful lifestyle in Palma Ceia!
Palma Ceia is a great place to raise a family. It has a low crime rate and excellent schools. The neighborhood is peaceful and quiet, perfect for those looking for a tranquil lifestyle.
Residents of Tampa’s nature-loving neighborhoods can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and camping.
These activities provide a great way to explore the area’s natural beauty and get some exercise at the same time. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adrenaline-filled adventure, there’s something for everyone.
Tampa’s hottest neighborhoods include Seminole Heights, Downtown Tampa, Hyde Park/SoHo, Ybor City, and Tampa Heights.
Tampa is incredibly walkable, with many bike-friendly streets and trails such as Bayshore Boulevard and the Tampa Riverwalk. It’s a great place to explore on foot or by bike!
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous bike ride, Tampa has something for everyone. With its vibrant culture and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder why Tampa is one of the most popular cities in Florida.
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