Areas and Suburbs in Tampa

The best places to live in Tampa

With over 80 different neighbourhoods to choose from, deciding where to live isn’t always easy for those unfamiliar with Tampa. New arrivals often opt for a short-term rental when they initially relocate here, giving them a little breathing space to explore their new surroundings. Pinpointing particular areas and suburbs is easier once an individual has established their priorities.

Real-estate agents tend to have a better understanding of Tampa's property market and are a great source of information when it comes to discussing options. When picking a neighbourhood in Tampa, newcomers should consider housing options, budget, lifestyle priorities, proximity to places of work and, for those with kids, proximity to good schooling options.

Here are some of our insights into the most popular areas and suburbs in Tampa.

City living in Tampa

Many new arrivals in Tampa start by finding temporary rental accommodation close to the city centre. While the public transport infrastructure in Tampa is hardly sophisticated, it will suffice for those living in certain central neighbourhoods. Of course, there are other benefits to city living, and those living close to downtown Tampa have the best access to the city’s main attractions as well as a wider range of dining options and entertainment facilities.

Harbour Island

Centrally located, this island neighbourhood is located within Tampa’s city limits close to the downtown area and consists mostly of private residential communities. There is a wide range of housing options available here, including high-rise condos, apartment complexes, row houses and larger family homes. Being close to the action of the city centre means that residents of Harbour Island have a wide range of dining and entertainment options. Residents also have easy access to the streetcar system, which is great for getting around central areas.

Carver City-Lincoln Gardens

Carver City-Lincoln Gardens is chock-full of trendy bars, quirky boutique shops and a broad range of eateries. The area is popular with a liberal crowd, mostly young professionals and small families. There are several excellent public and private schools in the area, making it a good spot for those with children.

Family-friendly suburbs of Tampa

Many of the people who move to Tampa each year do so for the better quality of life that this Sunshine State city offers its residents. This is especially true for those relocating with children. Naturally, new arrivals with families will want to find larger properties, which they're more likely to find further away from the city centre. Tampa is home to a fair few good public schools as well as private and international schooling options, so those with children must consider proximity to school when deciding on suitable neighbourhoods.

Swann Estates

Swann Estates is a small, family-friendly suburb of Tampa that is home to almost 2,000 residents. As it is not too far from the city centre, residents of Swann Estates get a good balance of urban and suburban. Swann Estates is home to some high-quality public and private schools, so it is a popular choice among those with kids. It's also popular with young couples. In terms of residential properties, the area has lots of comfortable single-family homes. Residents can access many amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and parks.

West Meadows

West Meadows is a fairly affluent, family-friendly suburb of Tampa. While residents do have access to the city's bus network, most people here tend to have a car of their own. The homes in the area are mainly spacious family abodes and townhouses with gardens, many of which are located within gated communities. Good schooling options are aplenty here, which explains the area’s popularity with families. New residents will enjoy the strong sense of community here, making settling in easy.

Beach Park

Those who are moving to Florida to be by the water should consider Beach Park. This is a fairly affluent suburb with a culturally diverse population. Most properties in Beach Park are spacious family homes with ample garden space. There are a number of good schooling options, which increase property prices to some degree but also make it a great place for those looking to invest in a home.