New here? Scoping out the Tampa Bay area? First off - WELCOME! We can't wait to show you around. We are proud of our city for so many reason - sports, concerts, beaches, parks, great schools, shopping, easy airport travel, the list goes on!
A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR OF TAMPA
We asked Tampa native and seasoned realtor, Whitney Carney, to give us the low down on all the diverse areas of the Tampa Bay area - and she pulled out all the stops! She brought our love of the bay area to life, and covered all the bases.
Tampa is divided into five regions: North Tampa, West Tampa, Downtown Tampa, East Tampa, and South Tampa. We hope this info will help give you some insight into what makes each region unique and why you would love it. Greater Tampa area is full of character and hidden treasures, from historic homes and museums to golf courses, entertainment centers, shopping villages, and waterfront eateries.
Let’s start with the top suburbs:
If you are a retiree or a young family seeking great schools, while still having a reasonable commute in Tampa, here are some of the best suburbs to consider.
East Tampa: Encompassing greater Brandon, Riverview, Fishhawk and Valrico areas. This community is diversified community with dining, shopping, and entertainment. Commuters will enjoy the convenience of the toll expressway that expedites commutes in and out of Tampa. It's also family-friendly, ideal for individuals wishing to settle down and have a family. This location is around 40 minutes from the city center.
East Tampa: Fishhawk
FishHawk Ranch is a planned community started in the 1990s composed of several distinct villages over 3,000+ acres. The Fishhawk schools are among the most sought after in the county. Check out their many A+ ratings on the resources below. Median home price in 2021 was $393,000 - $439,000.
East Tampa: Riverview
The affordability and proximity for commuters of Riverview zip codes attracts many. Further south, but with much I-75 frontage, Riverview attracts many new residents for its affordable Median home price 2021 $315,000 - $365,000.
North Tampa:
North Tampa: Carrollwood
Carrollwood is a prominent residential enclave northwest of downtown Tampa. It is easy to get to Tampa via 2-75, and an easy commute to the University of South Florida. It is a clean, safe, and attractive neighborhood with decent shops and proximity to Tampa Citrus Park and the Tampa Palms. It has a diverse group of residents, which is reflected in its cuisine enterprises as well. Median house value of $358,000 - $380,000
Wesley Chapel
Our neighbor to the North – this Tampa suburb is actually in Pasco county, whereas the others outlined are in Hillsborough. This community has rapidly grown over the past 20 years, there are plenty of young homes and new shopping centers to attract new residents. Like shopping? Tampa’s Premium Outlets and newest mall – Wiregrass are on Wesley Chapel soil. With new builds comes newer infrastructure – and newer school facilities. Another great choice for families looking for a new home. Median home price: $355,000 - $392,000.
West Tampa:
Westchase
Westchase is another master planned Tampa suburb, with residences encircling a golf community. It offers a wide range of housing alternatives, ranging from condominiums to single-family homes up into executive home communities, with prices varying highly. There is also a horse racetrack and a shopping village. This area boasts many A rated schools and is attractive to young families for the education and the proximity to the Pinellas County beaches. Median home price 2021: $470,000.
South Tampa
South Tampa is a region of several neighborhoods in Tampa, Florida and is located on the Interbay Peninsula. The neighborhoods are diverse and offer a beautiful mix of old 1920s bungalows and newly built large homes. The population is a diverse mix of “Old Tampa” multi-generational residents and new young professionals. With a median home price of $433,000.
Urban Centers
Ybor City
This is a Latin city founded in the 1880s. It was formerly known as the world's cigar capital. Today, it is a relaxing spot for daytime lunches, cigar-smoking, coffee sipping, and shopping, as well as a high-spirited hangout for nightlife.
This city is located northeast of Tampa's downtown region and attracts many college-aged residents. Because the majority of the homes in this neighborhood are designated as historic, any renovation work should be done with caution.
Channelside District
The Channel District is a high-rise-filled microcosm of Tampa teaming with shops, restaurants, and residents. You'll find a mix of high-rise condos, lofts converted into shops, and quaint boutiques here. There is everything you need right here. Try out Sparkman Wharf for a great sample of the City’s best eateries in a beautiful green space.
The Florida Aquarium offers interactive-touch exhibitions plus an impressive splash pad and playground for for an afternoon out with your family.
Hyde Park
Located in a pedestrian-friendly section of Tampa, this historic neighborhood dates back to the late 19th century and is characterized by tree-lined streets, bungalows, and brick-paved sidewalks. The University of Tampa is nearby and SoHo, where you can find great cafes and art.
It also includes the Bayshore Boulevard to the east, which offers sweeping views of the bay and the city skyline along its gently curving path. Additionally, it is the longest sidewalk in the world. School grades in this area are praised as some of the best in Hillsborough.
Seminole Heights
This is another historic district in central Tampa. It is home to many early-twentieth-century bungalow residences and historic structures. It was one of Tampa's first residential areas served by streetcars.
The area has flourished in recent years with some of the city’s hottest new restaurants, brewpubs, and small businesses attracting an increasing number of visitors, particularly young professionals.
Tampa neighborhoods all have very diverse populations – age, background, ethnicity. If you are planning to move to Tampa, these are just some of the places to look.
Some resources used:
https://crimegrade.org/safest-places-in-hillsborough-county-fl/
FIT4MOM has a strong presence in ALL of these regions, which is such an added bonus if you're a family looking to get plugged into other families and the community. Get more info about FIT4MOM here, and we will get you plugged into the FIT4MOM closest to where you decide to plant some roots.
About the Author: Whitney Carney is a Tampa Bay Native. Born in St. Petersburg, has lived in Sarasota and is currently residing in the Tampa suburbs to raise her family. 13 year licensed agent, Whitney is a Realtor with Keller Williams Suburban Tampa.
Follow her on Instagram where she shares a ton of her knowledge on the current real estate market here: Whitney Carney Homes