Known for its stunning outdoor recreation, coastal entertainment, and nightlife, Tampa is a desirable place to live near the Gulf Coast. Check out the five best places to live in Tampa!
Davis Islands
- Home Price: $636,833 median purchase price; $1,247 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Best For: Families, retirees
If you want to live in a tight-knit community, move to Davis Islands! Man-made in the 1920s from two initial smaller islands, the luxurious Davis Islands has a bustling village center, the Peter O. Knight Airport for private jet travel, a yacht club, and beach access. As for its housing, you’ll find charming ’20s Mediterranean, Spanish, and Italianate-style homes, as well as modern estates, star-studded mansions, and condos. With ample green space and parks spread throughout this waterfront community, there are plenty of fun things to do in Davis Islands. Host a picnic with friends, sunbathe at the beach, or canoe at Seaplane Basin Park. Watch a gorgeous Tampa sunset, walk along the scenic waterfront, or jog at Davis Islands Beach. Challenge yourself to a game of tennis at the Sandra W Freedman Tennis Complex. Start your day with an Espresso, Cappuccino, or Macchiato at DI Coffee Bar. Feast on Spaghetti & Meatballs, Lasagne Bolognese, Butternut Squash Ravioli, and more at Davis Islands restaurants like Oggi Italian. Or order a Beef Burger, Molly’s Veggie Burger, or Corned Beef Reuben at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub.
Downtown
- Home Price: $316,267 median purchase price; $1,730 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 40% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Best For: Students, singles, young professionals
If you find yourself looking for big city-amenities, consider living in Downtown Tampa! With vibrant nightlife, access to the University of Florida, and a beautiful waterfront, Downtown offers residents a variety of education options and things to do. Young professionals can find jobs in industries like education, hospitality, finance, energy, and more with top employers in Downtown Tampa like TECO Energy and Fisher & Phillips. And the views aren’t just for tourists—residents looking to purchase Tampa real estate can rent or buy luxury rental properties, condos, and modern apartments at different price points. Support the non-profit efforts at Tampa Theatre, an historic movie theater that hosts 700+ events per year, including concerts, events like Juneteenth Film Festival, and showings of new and classic films. Explore museums in Tampa by touring firefighting memorabilia at the Tampa Firefighters Museum or browsing exhibits like Art Smart and Family Play Project at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Attend a concert, play soccer, or walk your dog at the 8-acre Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park—or ride a scooter or bike along the Tampa Riverwalk. Indulge in modern Mexican cuisine, with dishes like Lump Crab Guacamole, Lobster Quesadillas, Baja Style Fish Tacos, Weekend Bottomless Brunch, and more at Lona, one of the best Downtown Tampa restaurants. Try a BBQ Chicken Tampa pizza, Boneless Wings, or Hawaiian Pizza at Eddie and Sam’s N.Y. Pizza. Or listen to live jazz while sipping cocktails like the Queen Bee, Penicillin, or Purple Rain at CW’s Gin Joint.
New Tampa
- Home Price: $297,917 median purchase price; $1,855 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Best For: Families, retirees
An up-and-coming Tampa neighborhood with premier entertainment and shopping destinations, New Tampa’s small-town atmosphere is known as a safe place to live. Along with a wide range of housing options like ranches, condos, and Modern apartments, families settling in this Tampa area can benefit from close proximity to top-notch public schools and access to higher education at the University of South Florida. And while major Tampa attractions like Busch Gardens are just minutes away, New Tampa hosts plenty of things to do within its borders. Go for a bike ride, embark on a hike, or ride on the zip line at New Tampa Nature Park. Walk your dog, go bird-watching, or hike along the 30-mile trail at the Morris Bridge Road Preserve—or tackle an easier trek on the 7-mile trail at Flatwoods Conservation Park. Play a round of golf, go for a swim, or hit up the gym when you become a member at Tampa Palms Country Club. Chow down New Tampa brunch items like a Veggie Omelette, Avocado Toast, or Oreo Pancakes at EggTown. Sample Japanese food like Shrimp Tempura, a Salmon Roll, or a Spicy Tuna Roll at Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi Eatery. Or grab a Rainbow Poke bowl, Walnut Shrimp, or Grilled Teriyaki Salmon at Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine.
Palma Ceia
- Home Price: $540,380 median purchase price; $1,397 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Palma Ceia is a quaint Tampa neighborhood with large parks, boutique shopping spots, a thriving dining scene, and great commuting options. With close proximity to Downtown Tampa and major highways like the Selmon Expressway, along with relatively strong walkability, Palma Ceia residents can easily travel to work or school. This accessibility is a top value of living in this Tampa neighborhood, and residents also love the shopping, dining, and entertainment options at Bayshore Boulevard and the Palma Ceia Design District. Practice golf or play tennis at the Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, Tampa’s oldest private golf club. Take a yoga, HIIT, or cycle class at CAMP Tampa‘s fitness studio. Host a barbecue, play basketball, or fly a kite at Palma Ceia Park. See butterflies, caterpillars, and reptiles in the butterfly education exhibit at Butterfly Tampa. Chow down on a Turkey Reuben, Veggie Sandwich, or Greek Salad at Palma Ceia restaurants like Wright’s Gourmet House. Order dishes like Beef Ribs, Lamb Chops, or Grilled Salmon at Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse. Or grab a Bohemian Jack pizza, Sun Goddess bowl, or Little Green Salad at Florish, a vegan restaurant in Tampa.
Ybor City
- Home Price: $168,338 median purchase price; $1,086 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 10% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Ybor City is filled with Cuban influence and is nicknamed “Cigar City” due to its economic success in the cigar industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Conveniently located in Tampa’s Latin Quarter, residents of this vibrant Tampa neighborhood love to celebrate its culture with annual events like the Fiesta Day Street Festival, and by converting historical buildings into modern living spaces. Known for its historic architecture, rich culture, and vibrant Ybor City nightlife, this neighborhood has a lot to offer residents. Go camping, boating, or horseback riding while visiting the Ybor City Museum State Park. Listen to live music, see comedy shows or themed raves, and check out monthly events at The Ritz Ybor. Dance the night away while sipping an eclectic mix of beers at Tampa nightclub The Castle. Practice your craft in photography classes in Tampa focusing on travel, device, setting, and more—or view exhibits like Gary Monroe: Life in South Beach at The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Find your favorite Ybor City restaurants at places like La Segunda Central Bakery, which serves dishes like the Italian Meatball sandwich, Cuban Cobb salad, BLT, and more. Enjoy Greek cuisine like Falafel, a Gyro Trio, or Greek Meatballs at Acropolis Greek Taverna. Or sample tap beers like the Free Dive, Night Swim, or Cloud Dweller at Coppertail Brewing Co.
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