Tampa is by far one of the finest cities in Florida, and its neighborhoods are some of the best in the state.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the history of Ybor City or are looking for easy access to Tampa’s nightlife, there are many fantastic areas to call home.
Here are our 10 favorite Tampa neighborhoods.
Bayshore Beautiful
If you’re looking for a Tampa neighborhood with great schools, consider moving to Bayshore Beautiful. This liberal-leaning community boasts plenty of coffee shops, parks and restaurants for residents to enjoy. It’s a highly walkable district with low crime rates. It is also one of the quietest neighborhoods in the Tampa Bay area.
What makes Bayshore Beautiful even more desirable are its waterfront views and Riverwalk. You can expect to see people biking, walking, jogging and enjoying the Tampa Bay sunset.
Channel District
The entire Channel District has become increasingly popular over the last few years. It even made the list of the top five Tampa neighborhoods where rent is increasing the most. This highly coveted area is full of condos with panoramic views and local hotspots like Victory Coffee and the District Tavern.
Channel District residents also appreciate being within walking distance of Sparkman Wharf, the Florida Aquarium and Amalie Arena. With all these amenities at your doorstep, it’s easy to see why the Channel District is one of Tampa’s hottest areas.
Downtown
If you’re looking for an urban community with lots of high-rises, condos and access to first-rate theaters and museums, Downtown Tampa is the place for you. Downtown residents will enjoy having easy access to the city’s business district and major highways.
In addition, there are several dining and shopping options located nearby, and the city’s nighttime hotspots are only a quick taxi ride away.
Harbour Island
Although it’s technically a part of Downtown Tampa, Harbour Island truly is a community of its own. Living in this neighborhood is a status symbol by many, and the rental prices reflect that.
Harbour Island has a very low crime rate with access to good schools, which is a strong draw for many residents. Additionally, the Riverwalk area is minutes away.
Hyde Park
Tampa’s Hyde Park is an excellent choice for renters looking for a charming place to settle down. This historic area of the city is next to Tampa Bay and attracts young professionals and families alike.
One of the most popular attractions in the neighborhood is Hyde Park Village, which has restaurants, boutiques, bars and specialty stores.
New Tampa
As you might expect, New Tampa is one of the newest communities in Tampa. Close to the University of South Florida, this increasingly popular area of town is a great place to raise a family.
Its easy access to several corporate headquarters also makes this neighborhood popular with professionals. But that popularity comes at a cost, as prices have steadily increased over the past year.
Seminole Heights
Source: Rent. / Avenue Lofts
North of Downtown Tampa is Seminole Heights, a historic district that honors its roots while maintaining a cool, suburban feel. You’ll find plenty of local bars and restaurants, along with a countless number of antique and second-hand stores.
Due to its popular bar and restaurant scene and its location near the University of South Florida, rent prices in Seminole Heights have increased dramatically in recent years.
Tampa Palms
Tampa Palms is an excellent option for future Tampa residents who are looking for decent schools and a politically moderate area of town. This enclave has a suburban/urban feel and attracts young professionals and young families alike.
Tampa Palms is highly walkable and known for being a dog-friendly community. Additionally, the neighborhood has a number of local bars and restaurants for residents to choose from. This community also is close to the University of South Florida and its nearby attractions.
University Square
If you’re looking for a liberal, family-friendly area of Tampa to settle down in, University Square is a great choice. University Square schools are above average, the neighborhood is known for its safety and the entire area has a good suburban/urban mix. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops and parks, and it’s incredibly close to Busch Gardens and the Museum of Science and Industry.
Convenient to the University of South Florida, this area is also quite popular with students and professors. Furthermore, University Square is near some of the best hospitals in Central Florida.
Ybor Heights
Source: Rent. / The Warehouse Lofts
Located on the northwest side of Ybor City, Ybor Heights residents enjoy the lifestyle and amenities found in a dense, suburban area. There are plenty of local parks, coffee shops, bars and restaurants and the famous Ybor City Historic District is within walking distance.
Ybor Heights has a good mix of renters and homeowners and is one of the city’s more diverse areas. This young, liberal neighborhood is perfect for renters who can appreciate history while enjoying the famous nightlife. And, although Ybor Heights typically caters to young professionals, the above-average schools make this area attractive to young families, as well.
Find the best neighborhood for you
If you’re thinking about moving to Central Florida, you can’t go wrong by choosing Tampa. The city has amusement parks, world-class universities and hospitals, and some of the best year-round weather in the country. Hopefully, this guide to the best Tampa neighborhoods will help you decide which community is right for you.
