Moving to Tampa was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Whether it’s because of the beautiful weather, great schools, or white sand beaches, there’s so much to love about living in Tampa today.
But if you’re like me, you probably want to know the best neighborhoods in Tampa before you take the leap and potentially move you and your family here. In this article, I’ll discuss the best neighborhoods in Tampa and give you some important information about each neighborhood and what I love about living here.
Why Live in Tampa?
There’s a reason why so many people are flocking to the Sunshine State and Tampa in particular. We’re constantly seeing an influx of people from all over the country, including folks from the Northeast, west coast, and international people starting a new life or purchasing a second home.
Here’s what I love about living in Tampa and why you should consider moving here too:
- Job Opportunities: Tampa is becoming a hub for job opportunities in a variety of fields for both young professionals and those who’ve already built stable careers. New residents have plenty of opportunities in fields like business, finance, healthcare, tourism, and much more.
- Cost of Living: While Tampa isn’t the cheapest city in America, the cost of living is much lower than most parts of Miami and Orlando. This means that those looking for affordability may have an easier time finding housing, although prices are continuing to rise with the influx of new residents.
- Education System: Tampa is known for not only its local school districts, but also for the presence of award winning collegiate institutions in the area. Along with highly rated elementary schools and high schools, Tampa is home to the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa.
» MORE: Pros and Cons of Living in Tampa
4 Best Neighborhoods in Tampa
Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or future retiree, living in one of the best neighborhoods in Tampa is important for many obvious reasons. Let’s talk about the best areas to live in Tampa based on safety information and quality of life standards.
Harbour Island
Harbour Island is our choice for the best neighborhood to live in Tampa this year. The reason we put Harbour Island in the top spot is the below average crime rate. In fact, Harbour Island has an extremely low rate of violent crime and an overall crime rate that’s 71% lower than the national average.
Aside from the low crime rates, there’s a lot to love about Harbour Island. It’s in a perfect location near downtown Tampa with single-family homes, high rises, and row homes perfect for both families and singles. Residents have access to plenty of food options, including sushi shops, pizza restaurants, and high-end waterfront dining.
Parkland Estates
Another neighborhood known for low crime and a tight-knit community is Parkland Estates. While the cost to live in Parkland Estates is higher than average ($970,000 median home prices), crime is contained to only 1.89 incidents per 1,000 people in the community.
Parkland Estates is ideal for nearly anyone with the means to afford a home or rent an apartment. Kids, adults with established careers, and growing families will find that Parkland Estates is the perfect place to put down roots or to retreat to during the cold winters in the northern parts of the United States.
Oldsmar
One of the most charming neighborhoods in Tampa is Oldsmar, with a very low crime rate of 1.07 per 1,000 people. Oldsmar also takes pride in its community involvement and hosts many different community events throughout the year. The Oldsmar Days and Nights festival typically takes place in April each year and features carnival rides, theater events, car shows, and much more.
Unlike Parkland Estates, Oldsmar is much more affordable and ideal for families and young professionals. Families will enjoy their many scenic parks with outdoor activities while young people flock to their wide variety of eateries that feature Italian food, modern American taverns, and high-end seafood options.
Hyde Park
With average home prices exceeding $1 million and rent prices averaging $2,575 per month, Hyde Park is another one of the best neighborhoods in Tampa. The commute to downtown is only 10 minutes but can be longer during rush hour traffic or when there’s sporting events during the year.
Hyde Park is known for its picturesque historic homes and beautiful parks with walking trails that make it perfect for professionals families. It’s right next to the University of Tampa and contains the high-end shopping district of Hyde Park Village.
» RELATED: Hidden Costs of Buying a Home in 2024
The Bottom Line
Living in Tampa is a luxury that not many people have the opportunity to experience. There’s simply no beating the weather, beaches, sports teams, and the diversity of cultures in Tampa.
For those considering making the move, it’s crucial to have an understanding of the best neighborhoods in Tampa so you can make the right choice for you and your family when moving to the Sunshine State.
