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Moving to a new city is always challenging, and one of the biggest parts of that challenge is finding a place to live. Safety, school quality, convenience, and the style of available homes all factor into the decision, and it can easily be overwhelming for anyone looking to move. That’s why we’ve done the research to find the best suburbs in Tampa. And by “we,” we mean Bellhop — movers in Tampa and throughout the country (and beyond).
You’ve probably seen our guide on moving to Tampa – which includes a short section on some of Tampa’s most popular neighborhoods – but this list is a more in-depth guide, with information on what it’s like living in each of these areas.
A Little About Tampa and its Neighborhoods
Believe it or not, Tampa hasn’t always been considered the most attractive place for people looking to relocate. Despite its fantastic weather and proximity to Florida’s legendary beaches, there wasn’t much going on outside of typical tourism. Over the last few decades, Tampa has come into its own, as both a destination and a home. A plethora of employers, a killer lineup of local breweries, and a stellar music scene make Tampa (and nearby St. Petersburg) a city that’s not just on the rise, but that has arrived.
Before we jump into specific neighborhoods, let’s go over the lay of the land:
Tampa is part of the greater metropolitan region known as the Tampa Bay Area. So a lot of people lump in the neighboring St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, and Spring Hill when talking about the area. Six general sections (New Tampa, West Tampa, Brooklyn Village, Downtown Tampa, Ybor City, and Channel District) divide up all of Tampa’s neighborhoods. And there are over a hundred of them…
But don’t worry, our list can help you narrow down your options. Before you know it, you’ll be sippin’ mojitos and chewing Cuban sandwiches with your fellow Tampanions.
Hunter’s Green
Hunter’s Green is considered one of the more upscale areas of Tampa. Being a Master-Planned Community, Hunter’s Green was built for convenience, enabling the people here to build a close-knit community. Residents meet up regularly for community events, like their own music festival and a 5k put on by the Hunter’s Green Elementary School PTA. Lush green lawns blend with waterfront properties to evoke simultaneously the American dream and a coastal vacation. Considering it’s just 25 minutes from downtown and 30 minutes from the airport, that’s an unbeatable combination.
What’s Happening in Hunter’s Green
Many locals spend their free time enjoying the peaceful green spaces, and Hunter’s Green Community Park offers basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, jogging paths, fitness stations, playgrounds, and a picnic pavilion. The Hunter’s Green Country Club even has a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, with a pro shop and lessons. The Club also offers dining, a swimming pool, and other amenities.
Of course, your options for great local food aren’t limited to dining at the club. There’s a variety of restaurants for every kind of palate, from Little Greek Fresh Grill to Minerva Indian Restaurant, to Via Italia Woodfired Pizza & Bar. And, of course, Twistee Treat ice cream to keep you cool on those warm Florida nights.
Schools in Hunter’s Green
Schools in Hunter’s Green include Hunter’s Green Elementary School and Prine Elementary School, among others.
Homes in Hunter’s Green
Hunter’s Green offers a number of affordable housing options. If you’re in the market for a luxurious home, there are certainly no shortage available. Realtor.com reports a median listing price of $508,500 for homes here.
Dunedin
Dunedin isn’t just a beachside neighborhood, it’s on one of the best beaches in Florida. After your first quick trip to Caladesi Island State Park, you’ll see why. This pretty pocket has breweries and BBQ, white-sand beach parks, and views of the Gulf of Mexico. It may be one of the oldest towns on Florida’s west coast, but its community gardens, markets, museums, and golf courses attract new residents, too. Less than 30 minutes to downtown Tampa, and just 25 minutes to the hip center of St. Petersburg, Dunedin is the best of both worlds for beach bums who don’t want to lose out on city life. Plus, at just 20-25 minutes from TPA and just 15-20 minutes to the St. Pete-Clearwater airport, when you need to travel for work – or pleasure.
What’s Happening in Dunedin
Sunny Florida may not be the first place you’d expect to see people wearing kilts and playing the bagpipes, but Dunedin is home to both a Celtic Music and Craft Beer festival AND a Highland Games complete with a hammer throw, pipe march, and highland dancing.
But it’s not all kilts and caber tosses. Dunedin’s charming downtown is brimming with quaint shops and community events. Honeymoon Islands State Park is a nearby getaway for anyone looking for outdoor adventure – or relaxation – and the restaurants, bars, and breweries are the perfect stop on the way home. Eli’s Bar-B-Que, Bon Appétit, and HEW Parlor & Chophouse are just a few of the best places to chow down once you’ve worked up an appetite.
Schools in Dunedin
Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School, Plato Academy of St. Petersburg, and Bay Vista Fundamental Elementary School, along with several others, all serve students from the Dunedin area.
Homes in Dunedin
While the St. Petersburg area may be known for large and beautiful coastal homes, it’s not hard at all to find more affordable, yet chic, options. In fact, according to Realtor.com, Dunedin has a median listing price of just $425,000.
Carrollwood
Carrollwood was one of Tampa’s first suburbs, but it’s still one of it’s best, especially for families. Carrollwood has plenty of parks and playgrounds as well as some of the top schools in the city. And at only roughly 11 miles from the city center, it’s a quick hop to the best Tampa has to offer. Considering it’s just 15 minutes to the airport and less than 20 to downtown, Carrollwood is ideal for anyone who wants to put down roots without losing the ability to be on-the-go.
What’s Happening in Carrollwood
Airheads Trampoline Arena has 30 arcade games, food, and trampoline rooms for the young (and young-at-heart). For anyone looking to give their kids a place to exercise their mind while the parents rest their muscles, Carrollwood Playhouse puts on musicals, dramas, and comedy shows.
Busch Gardens theme park is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike, but residents have the inside track on knowing Marlow’s Tavern is the spot for burgers and brews. Florida Cracker Fish Company scratches that Southern itch with fish, grits, and gator tails. If bulgogi and milk teas are more your speed, you can find them alongside decadent desserts at Hiccups & Churroholic.
Schools in Carrollwood
Bowman Academy, Carrollwood Elementary School, and Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, among others, provide parents with excellent educational options.
Homes in Carrollwood
Carrollwood is one of the more affordable suburbs of Tampa, with median home listing prices at $365,000 according to Realtor.com.
Seminole Heights
If you think you can’t have an established neighborhood with tree-lined lawns 10 minutes from a city center and 15 minutes from an airport, Seminole Heights is here to prove you wrong. Low crime rates, affordable housing, and some of the best schools in Tampa make Seminole Heights an ideal location for young families.
What’s Happening in Seminole Heights
Vintage shops, music stores, local markets, boutiques, and bike shops give Seminole Heights residents the feel of a community with the convenience of a city.
For food and drinks, Rooster & the Till is a local favorite and between Angry Chair Brewing and Southern Brewing and Winemaking, craft beer and fine wine aficionados feel right at home. Bo’s Ice Cream satisfies any sweet tooth and Mermaid Tavern lets you cut loose for drinking and dancing.
Schools in Seminole Heights
Schools in Seminole Heights include Orange Grove Elementary, Osceola Fundamental High School, Bauder Elementary School, and many others.
Homes in Seminole Heights
Because it is so close to both downtown Tampa and the airport, Seminole Heights is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Tampa area, and one of the most established, too. However, its age and location mean that is also has a number of housing options, keeping the median listing price down to just $445,800, according to Realtor.com.
There you have it: the best suburbs of Tampa!
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to live in any of these areas, let us help! Just as a reminder, we have local movers in Tampa and offer long-distance moving services in Tampa as well. If all this insider info makes you want to get here faster, no worries – Bellhop provides last minute moving services in Tampa!
We also help coordinate moves for nearby cities like as Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami if you need any assistance!
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