Overwhelmed by finding the best neighborhoods in Tampa? With over 84 neighborhoods, the coastal city offers a diverse range of places to live that suit everyone’s desired lifestyle. Tampa boasts the bustling and convenient urban life, the tranquility of the suburbs, and the historic charm of historic neighborhoods. To help you navigate your decision, we highlight what makes these neighborhoods nice places to live in Tampa, including amenities, crime rates, schools, and housing costs. So, take your time and explore your options of the best area in Tampa, Florida, to live where you can thrive and enjoy all it offers.
Is Tampa Florida a Good Place to Live?
Do you love sunshine and beaches? Are you seeking bright career opportunities? Are you interested in a lower cost of living along with high-quality education and healthcare? Do you want a vibrant nightlife, diverse food scene, community events, and the chance to watch professional sports? If you’re looking for a lifestyle that includes all these features, you can find your ideal lifestyle in Tampa.
Of course, there is no such thing as a 100% perfect place in the world, and Tampa has its share of drawbacks. For instance, Tampa is susceptible to hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions. Due to the risk of hurricanes, the costs of home and auto insurance are relatively high. The city’s summers are extremely hot and humid, typically ranging from 87°F to 90°F (about 32°C). Additionally, Tampa faces significant traffic issues. Before deciding to live in Tampa, you should carefully consider these risks. Despite these downsides, Tampa’s overall situation makes it an ideal place to live. After all, with a population of 393,389, it is the third-largest city in Florida, and the majority of its residents love living here.
It’s time to explore the best places to live in Tampa. Here is our thoughtfully curated guide to the best areas to live in Tampa.
What are the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa?
When it comes to the best areas in Tampa, FL, people’s opinions vary because everyone has different priorities and lifestyles. If you value an active social scene and easy access to recreational activities, Ybor City, Channel District, or Downtown Tampa are the best neighborhoods in Tampa, FL. If safety, good schools, and a strong sense of community are priorities, Palma Ceia, Hyde Park, or New Tampa are well-suited for you. If you prefer a peaceful suburban setting, lovely homes, and low crime rates, Bayshore Beautiful, Parkland Estates, and Riverside Heights are good places to live in Tampa. Seeking upscale living? Then Harbour Island is your leading choice.
Primary factors that affect whether Tampa, Florida, neighborhoods are good or bad include infrastructure, crime rates, educational resources, transportation, and housing costs.
1. Downtown Tampa
Hightlights: Vibrant, Diverse & Dynamic
- Crime Rates: The overall crime rate is 503.09% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate that is 824% higher than the national average. There are an average of 14,017 crimes per 100,000 residents, including 3,583 violent crimes and 10,434 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
- Average Rent: $2,707 per month.
- Average Home Value: $478,148 (above the Tampa city average).
- Nearby University & School: The University of South Florida, a large public university, and the University of Tampa, a small private university, are situated in Downtown Tampa. Its proximity to these two universities makes it the best area in Tampa, Florida, for students to live.
- Infrastructure: Downtown Tampa is considered one of the best places to live in Tampa, Florida, for its comprehensive amenities. It features well-developed commercial facilities, restaurants, bars, art galleries, theaters, museums, and parks such as Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Housing options are diverse, ranging from high-end apartments to affordable rental units. The quality of life scores 90 (with 100 being the average).
- Transportation: Transportation in this area is highly convenient, which also contributes to its reputation as one of the best neighborhoods in Tampa, Florida. Its well-developed public transit includes subways, buses, and light rail. Due to the compact layout of the downtown area, this best area is walkable.
2. Palma Ceia
Hightlights: Affluent, Elegant & Exclusive
- Crime Rates: The area is relatively safe and is considered one of the best areas in Tampa, Florida. Palma Ceia’s overall crime rate is 77% lower than the national average, and its violent crime rate is 68% lower.
- Average Rent: $1,196 for a one-bedroom unit and $2,292 for a two-bedroom unit.
- Average Home Value: $850,000.
- Nearby University & School: Palma Ceia’s Grady Elementary School is ranked in the top 5% of elementary schools in Florida. Coleman Middle School has an A- rating from Niche, with 85% of students meeting math proficiency standards. Plant High School is the top-rated public high school in the area, with an A+ rating from Niche. Additionally, Palma Ceia is just a few miles from the University of Tampa, making it one of the best areas in Tampa for UT students to live in, which is safer than Downtown Tampa.
- Infrastructure: Palma Ceia offers a wealth of amenities and is highly walkable. Palma Ceia Park features basketball courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children. Bayshore Boulevard, one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the world, is perfect for walking, jogging, and enjoying views of the bay. The Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club is a private club that hosts the Gasparilla Invitational, attracting golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Additionally, the Palma Ceia Design District has many unique boutiques, cafes, and upscale restaurants, such as Datz Restaurant. Art galleries like Michael Murphy Gallery and CASS Contemporary draw a large number of visitors to this the best area to live in Tampa, FL.
- Transportation: Palma Ceia is conveniently located near I-275 and US Route 92, providing easy access to other parts of the city. Line 19 bus routes to downtown also service the area. It is just 8 miles from Tampa International Airport, which is a 15-minute drive. The neighborhood has a walkability score of 91, making it a highly walkable community.
3. Hyde Park
Hightlights: Historic, Charming & Cultural
- Crime Rates: Hyde Park is considered one of the safest and best Tampa neighborhoods, with an overall crime rate 46% lower than the national average, a violent crime rate 46% lower than the national average, and a property crime rate 45% lower than the national average. Residents generally consider the northeastern part of the area to be particularly safe.
- Average Rent: $1,895 per month for one-bedroom apartments, $2,961 per month for two-bedroom apartments, $3,733 per month for three-bedroom apartments, and $5,500 per month for single-family homes.
- Average Home Value: $1,109,695.
- Nearby University & School: Hyde Park is home to several high-quality schools, including Mitchell Elementary School (rated A by Niche); Wilson Middle School (rated A- by Niche); and Plant High School (rated A+ by Niche), which is one of the best public high schools in the area.
- Infrastructure: Hyde Park is renowned for its rich historical architecture and convenient amenities, widely regarded as one of the best areas to live in Tampa, FL, for many who appreciate cultural and historical charm. Hyde Park Village is the area’s commercial hub, featuring upscale shopping and dining options. The neighborhood includes several parks, such as MacDill Park. Bayshore Boulevard is the iconic waterfront promenade in Hyde Park, perfect for walking and jogging. The Florida Aquarium is a popular attraction.
- Transportation: Hyde Park has multiple bus stops, providing easy access to downtown. It is just a 15-minute drive from Tampa International Airport. The neighborhood has a walkability score of 91, making it ideal for walking and cycling.
4. Ybor City
Hightlights: Colorful, Lively & Cultural
- Crime Rates: Crime rates in Ybor City are 126% higher than the national average, and violent crimes are 335% higher. However, crime rates have been trending downward in recent years. Areas around 7th Avenue tend to be safer.
- Average Rent: $2,663 per month.
- Average Home Value: $275,896.
- Nearby University & School: Tampa Bay Technical High School and the University of South Florida are conveniently located near Ybor City. Ybor City is regarded as one of Tampa’s best places to live.
- Infrastructure: Ybor City has many historic buildings, such as the Ybor City Museum State Park and Ferlita Bakery. The Columbia Restaurant, the world’s largest Spanish restaurant, has been a landmark in the area since 1905. Centro Ybor is the area’s shopping and entertainment hub, and the Ybor City Saturday Market is a popular spot for shopping for local goods. J.C. Newman Cigar Co., the oldest family-owned cigar manufacturer in the U.S., offers cigar-rolling classes.
- Transportation: Transportation in this area is convenient, with bus routes that provide easy access to downtown. Ybor City is also a highly walkable neighborhood, with a walkability score of 91.
5. Channel District
Hightlights: Industrial, Rising & Urban
- Crime Rates: Crime rates in the Channel District are higher than the national average, with a crime index of 8, above the national average of 4. Thanks to efforts from law enforcement, crime rates in the area have been on the decline in recent years.
- Average Rent: $2,818 per month.
- Average Home Value: $570,410.
- Nearby University & School: The area is home to 12 public schools, offering abundant educational resources. It is conveniently located near the USF in downtown Tampa, making it one of the best neighborhoods to live in Tampa, Florida, and easy for students to commute.
- Infrastructure: The Channel District has several shopping centers like Channelside Bay Plaza. Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park serves as the community’s recreational facility, featuring lakes, trails, and picnic areas. The Tampa Riverwalk is the area’s iconic promenade. The neighborhood also boasts many art galleries and restaurants, making it the best place for art enthusiasts to live in Tampa.
- Transportation: The neighborhood has multiple bus stops, providing easy access to downtown. The neighborhood also has a walkability score of 91.
6. Riverside Heights
Hightlights: Riverside, Family-friendly & Suburban
- Crime Rates: Crime rates in Riverside Heights are 39% lower than the Florida state average but higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is 26.42 incidents per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 2.634 per 1,000 residents. The northwest part of the area is considered to be safer.
- Average Rent: $1,337 per month for one-bedroom apartments and $2,600 for two-bedroom apartments.
- Average Home Value: $523,781.
- Nearby University & School: Riverside Heights is one of Tampa’s best neighborhoods to live for students at the USF due to its proximity to downtown Tampa.
- Infrastructure: Brooksville Square Shopping Center is the area’s shopping hub, offering retail, dining, and entertainment options. Riverside Park features lakes, trails, and picnic areas, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Transportation: The neighborhood is conveniently located near major highways and has multiple bus stops, providing easy access to other parts of Tampa. With a walkability score of 99, Riverside Heights is considered one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Tampa.
7. Parkland Estates
Hightlights: Serenene, Spacious & Green
- Crime Rates: Parkland Estates is a relatively safe community and is widely regarded as one of the best neighborhoods to live in Tampa, FL. The crime rate is 64% lower than the Florida state average and 66.61% lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is 776 incidents per 100,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 258 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 518 incidents per 100,000 residents.
- Average Rent: $3,537 per month, ranging from $1,495 to $8,500 monthly.
- Average Home Value: $950,000.
- Nearby University & School: Plant High School has an A+ rating from Niche, Mitchell Elementary School has an A rating, and Wilson Middle School has an A- rating. Parkland Estates is also the best place to live in Tampa, Florida, for USF students to commute.
- Infrastructure: Parkland Estates is a typical suburban neighborhood with six parks within the community, known for its upscale homes and quiet environment that appeals to families. The neighborhood is conveniently located near downtown Tampa’s shopping centers and entertainment venues, making daily life convenient.
- Transportation: The area has multiple bus stops, providing easy access to downtown. With a walkability score of 91, Parkland Estates is quite pedestrian-friendly.
8. Harbour Island
Hightlights: Upscale, Waterfront & Exclusive
- Crime Rates: As one of the best areas of Tampa, Harbour Island has a lower rime rates of 71% below the national average, with an overall crime rate of 37.61 incidents per 1,000 residents. Violent crime rates are 63% lower than the national average, at 1.06 incidents per 1,000 residents. Property crime rates are 67% lower than the national average, at 15.57 incidents per 1,000 residents. The northwest part of the area to be safer.
- Average Rent: One-bedroom apartments average $2,195 per month, two-bedroom apartments average $3,243 per month, and three-bedroom apartments average $4,920 per month.
- Average Home Value: $576,354.
- Nearby University & School: The best public schools serving Harbour Island include Gorrie Elementary School (rated A- by Niche), Wilson Middle School (rated A- by Niche), and Plant High School (rated A+ by Niche).
- Infrastructure: As a suburban community, Harbour Island features six parks and a famous marina club, making it one of the nice neighborhoods in Tampa for those who enjoy outdoor activities and water sports.
- Transportation: Harbour Island is connected to other parts of Tampa via bridges. The neighborhood has a walkability score of 91.
9. New Tampa
Hightlights: Modern, Expanding & Family-oriented
- Crime Rates: Crime rates in New Tampa are 72% lower than the national average, with violent crime rates 98% lower. The northwest part of the area is considered exceptionally safe. The overall crime rate is 16.12 incidents per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 0.32 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 15.8 incidents per 1,000 residents.
- Average Rent: One-bedroom apartments average $1,850 per month; Two-bedroom apartments average $2,200 per month; Three-bedroom apartments average $2,800 per month.
- Average Home Value: $484,426.
- Nearby University & School: Gorrie Elementary School in New Tampa has an A- rating from Niche, and Hunters Green Academy has an A rating. For USF students, New Tampa is one of Tampa, FL’s best places to live due to its proximity to the university.
- Infrastructure: There are several golf clubs, making it also an ideal community for sports enthusiasts.
- Transportation: The area has multiple bus stops and is conveniently located near major highways, providing easy access to downtown. With a walkability score of 91, New Tampa is also one of the best places for pedestrians to live in Tampa, FL.
10. Bayshore Beautiful
Hightlights: Picturesque, Historic & Charming
- Crime Rates: If safety is prioritized, Bayshore Beautiful is one of Tampa’s best neighborhoods. Crime rates in Bayshore Beautiful are 76.72% lower than the national average, with 541 incidents per 100,000 residents. Violent crime stands at 104 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime at 437 per 100,000 residents.
- Average Rent: $1,979 per month.
- Average Home Value: $1,762,313.
- Nearby University & School: The neighborhood is conveniently located near the University of South Florida, making it one of the best neighborhoods for students to live in Tampa for a safe and accessible place to rent.
- Infrastructure: Bayshore Boulevard is the area’s iconic waterfront promenade, perfect for walking and jogging.
- Transportation: The area is just six miles from Tampa International Airport. It has a walkability score of 91.
Conclusion
The best neighborhoods in Tampa have their own unique charm and strengths — the bustling urban life of Downtown, the historic charm of Hyde Park, or the family-friendly environment of South Tampa and New Tampa. Whether you’re a student, young professional or family looking for a new home, the best places to live in Tampa offer your desired lifestyle. If you’ve identified the best area that suits your needs, it’s time to explore the perfect home.
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FAQ
What is the safest part of Tampa?
The northwestern suburbs are considered low-crime and the best area in Tampa, Florida, to live. New Tampa is recommended if you’re looking for the safest neighborhood. This area has significantly lower crime rates, with an overall crime rate of 72% lower and a violent crime rate of 89% lower than the national average.
What is the richest part of Tampa?
The richest Tampa neighborhoods are Culbreath, Sunset Park, Harbour Island, and Beach Park. These places feature luxurious homes and prime locations, offering high-quality educational resources and a wealth of community amenities. Culbreath stands out as the wealthiest, with a Median Home Price of $3,027,364 and Household Income of $201,192.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Tampa Florida?
If you aim to live comfortably in Tampa, an annual income of between $50,000 and $80,000 is recommended. A minimum annual income of $59,200 is suggested for a single person, while a family of four would need around $73,080 annually. Find and rent cheap housing on uhomes.com to minimize your living expenses.
