Tampa

Tampa

Tampa Facts

  • Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard is the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, stretching over 4.5 miles and offering stunning views of Tampa Bay. 
  • Tampa’s Gasparilla Pirate Festival is one of the biggest and most exciting events in Florida, drawing over 300,000 people each year. The festival features a series of events, including the Gasparilla Invasion, the Gasparilla aThe University of Tampa’s iconic minarets are a defining feature of the city’s skyline and they have a fascinating history. The minarets were originally part of the Tampa Bay Hotel, a luxurious resort that opened in 1891 and hosted many famous guests, including Theodore Roosevelt and Babe Ruth. The hotel has since been transformed into the University of Tampa, but the minarets remain a symbol of the city’s rich past.
  • Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Latin quarter, has a rich cultural heritage and a fascinating past. The neighborhood was founded in the 1880s by Vicente Martinez-Ybor, who brought thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Spain and Italy to work in his cigar factories. Today, the neighborhood is a vibrant and eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, shops and galleries with a strong sense of community.

Tampa is a sprawling city with numerous attractions and amenities. Many of the neighborhoods in the city are affordable, some having a cost of living that’s lower than the national average. Yet, the neighborhoods are highly rated and have some of the highest livability scores in the nation. Fun fact about the city – you can visit Cuba without leaving Florida. Cuba officially owns Jose Marti Park, which was gifted to Cube in the mid-1950s. The Park is named after a Cuban poet and patriot who spent most of his life working to liberate Cuba.

Below, we break down some of the features of the best neighborhoods in Tampa so you can find the one that suits your needs, wants, budget and personality the best.

Downtown

Downtown Tampa is part of the Tampa business district. AreaVibes.com gives it a higher-than-average livability score, mainly for the urban amenities, cost of living and housing. The cost of living is about 8% less than the national average, while rent is about 10% less. If you’re wondering about the amenities, you’ll be pleased with what Downtown Tampa has to offer: The Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children’s Museum (with interactive exhibits), The Straz Center (for live plays, musicals and opera) and a plethora of global eateries.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is an upscale neighborhood that’s renowned for its nightlife. You’ll find cocktail bars, global restaurants, steak houses and fine dining opportunities. The Hyde Park Village Shopping Center provides visitors with an eclectic mix of merchandise, from indie boutiques to international chain stores. The cost of living in the area is nearly double the national average.

New Tampa

Another highly livable Tampa neighborhood is New Tampa. This is a residential neighborhood that’s known for its beautiful golf courses and hiking trails through the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Reserve. If you’re an adventure seeker, you can visit the New Tampa Nature Park to have a go at their climbing wall or to go zip lining. Upscale restaurants dot the neighborhood. You can find coffee shops, chain restaurants, upscale American dining and Asian cuisine. Big brand clothing stores fill the strip malls in the area, too.

Southwest Tampa

Do you love Tampa’s historic district? Do you dream of living near the water? Then, Southwest Tampa should probably be one of the neighborhoods to check out for apartments. Southwest Tampa is a dense urban-suburban neighborhood. Most people in the area own their homes. Still, with lower-than-the-national-average rental costs, over 46% of residents choose to rent. The neighborhood is known for its gorgeous homes, indie restaurants, boutique shops and of course, the historic district.

Channel District

Looking for a funky, bustling area for the whole family? The Channel District is perfect. You and your kids will be able to visit the Florida Aquarium to see sharks and go on dolphin cruises. Head to Amalie Arena for a hockey game or concert. High-rises abound, housing shops, eateries and residents. The area is pedestrian-friendly and there’s so much to do on the waterfront for recreation with family and friends. Visit Sparkman Wharf for even more fun – from colorful murals to an outdoor theater and lightning games to creative restaurants and more.

South Westshore

The main attraction in South Westshore is the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. There, pros and amateurs mingle and play, enjoying the beautiful greens and vistas surrounding them along the way. The number of renters and homeowners in the area is almost equal. And with rent costs around the national average, South Westshore is a great place for young families and those who are just starting out.

Northeast Tampa

Middle-aged homeowners make up the majority of residents in the area. However, there are quite a few families in the area, too, and with exceptional schools and plenty of parks, you’ll find that it’s a great place to raise your family, too. Rental costs are on par with the national average, making this one of the more affordable Tampa neighborhoods.

Tampa Heights

Tampa Heights is the city’s oldest suburb but as of late it’s experiencing a renaissance. Repurposed warehouses are home to some incredible shops. For instance, you’ll find the Heights Public Market Food Hall at Armature Works. There, you’ll be able to purchase cocktails, ramen, coffee, pizza and more from independent vendors. The neighborhood is also home to several art galleries that display the works of local artists. The cost of living in the area – particularly rental prices – is below the national average.

Bayshore Beautiful

In Bayshore Beautiful the crime rate is low, the schools are excellent and the amenities are amazing. The cost of living is higher than average, with rental prices coming in at almost double the national average. And less than 20% of residents in the area rent. However, you’ll find that the apartments available in the area are high-end and well-maintained, as is the neighborhood as a whole. It’s also just over 15 minutes to get to Downtown Tampa.

Davis Islands

As a resident here, you’ll be surrounded by pastel-colored, Mediterranean-style structures that were built in the 1920s. You’re sure to find your favorite café or pub in the area as there are many clustered in the area. There are plenty of green spaces, too – some with playgrounds for the kids. And let’s not forget, it’s an ideal place to spend time on a sandy beach, soaking in the sun and admiring the boats owned by neighbors and visitors alike.

Harbour Island

Harbour Island is luxury living at its finest! You’ll find homes of all kinds here – from single-family properties to enormous estates, from simple apartment complexes to condos in high-rise buildings. You can become part of the Yacht Club, fill your evenings with time spent at fine-dining restaurants and night clubs and spend your days shopping high-end boutiques and taking a break in a quaint neighborhood coffee shop.

Tampa Palms

Tampa Palms is a lovely neighborhood for families. Residents say the area is pet-friendly, safe and well-maintained. Most families in the area rent their apartments, the cost of which is just slightly higher than the national average. There are numerous green spaces to spend time with pets and kids or to plan get-togethers with family and friends while enjoying the sunshine, ponds and palm trees.

Seminole Heights

Seminole Heights – located in Central Tampa – is a historic neighborhood full of old-style bungalows. It’s one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Tampa and has a bohemian, hipster vibe. It’s full of young families, professionals and creatives. Glass art is popular in this neighborhood, and you can often find glass-blowing demonstrations by local artists. Every month, the Second Sunday Morning Market pops up on the front lawn of the Hillsborough High School, which hosts over 100 vendors selling plants, local produce and gourmet foods.

University Square

Over 15,000 people live in this Hillsborough County neighborhood, made up mostly of families. Rental costs are just under the national average, depending on the type of apartment you’re looking for. To see what kind of selection the neighborhood has, be sure to check out our Tampa city guide. Residents in the area like the easy commute to Downtown Tampa and say there are a lot of amenities that are within walking distance.

Ybor Heights

Residents of Ybor Heights appreciate the low cost of living in this area, which is approximately 15% lower than the Tampa average. Rental costs are also below the national average. Residents also appreciate the short commute to Downtown Tampa (less than 10 minutes). The schools in the area earn very high ratings, too. People who live in the neighborhood say it’s quiet and safe, with well-kept yards and friendly neighbors.

Moving?

Get connected with the best moving company!

like a boss!

Sign up to keep up with all the best…

Rent like a boss!

Sign up to keep up with all the best…