Bayfront views, hot nightlife spots, diverse culture, and plenty of fun things to do—Cigar City is a fantastic place to relocate! Here are five of the best neighborhoods in Tampa to check out before moving.
Downtown Tampa
- Home Price: $316,267 median purchase price; $1,730 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 40% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Beneath the tall skyscrapers that house business offices, luxurious condos and apartments, and unique establishments, Downtown Tampa buzzes with activity. A trove of employment opportunities at major companies like Lockheed Martin Corporation, Florida Biotech, and Reptrics make Downtown Tampa great for young professionals. And the wealth of shops, restaurants, museums, parks, and other attractions are accessible on foot, by car, and through Tampa transit services like HART MetroRapid and the TECO Line Streetcar! Looking for things to do in Downtown Tampa? Bring your furry friend out for a stroll on the dog run, or see live concert performances, lantern parades, and wiener dog derbies during the Tampa festival Riverfest at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Enjoy a day of family fun with interactive exhibits like Art Smart, Global Cafe, and Vet Clinic at Glazer Children’s Museum. Catch a Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) hockey match, or see huge stars like Madonna, Heart, and Bad Bunny performing at Amalie Arena. Share a plate of Pork Dumpling Gyoza before starting on a Chicken Katsu Bento Box or a bowl of Tonkatsu Shoyu Ramen at Haiku Tampa. Reserve a table for date night with ritzy dishes like the Chicken Alfredo, Filet Tips, or Jumbo Shrimp Theresa at Malio’s, an upscale Tampa restaurant. Or savor the delicious Carne Asada tacos, Cantina Burritos, or Super Chimichanga at Urban Cantina.
Hyde Park
- Home Price: $394,010 median purchase price; $1,718 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Best For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
With its picturesque bungalows, condos, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman-style homes, Historic Hyde Park is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Tampa. Families enjoy the area’s proximity to quality Tampa schools like Gorrie Elementary School, Wilson Middle School, and the University of Tampa. Young professionals are drawn to Hyde Park’s trendy restaurants, boutiques, bars, and hip nightlife spots, as well as its stunning views of Hillsborough Bay and close proximity to Downtown Tampa. Explore the centerpiece of the neighborhood as you shop for your favorite brands and attend events like the Rosé Friday at Meat Market or Trivia Night at Irish 31 in the Hyde Park Village shopping mall. See beautiful Turkish-inspired architecture and learn about The Big Guava’s history during the Gilded Age at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Stroll along the scenic Bayshore Boulevard Greenway, one of the longest uninterrupted sidewalks in the U.S., which provides gorgeous waterfront views, restaurants, and events. Try modern, French-inspired cuisine like the Cavatelli, Duck Breast, and Spatchchock Grilled Chicken at Mise en Place, a Tampa Michelin-star restaurant. Embrace a mix of hip modernity and historical tribute as you sample New American dishes like Steak Frites, Prime Ribeye, and Shrimp & Grits at On Swann. Or dig in to the Carnitas Bowl, Shia Labeef Taco, or the Kung Fu’d Tuna Taco served at Green Lemon, one of the best Mexican restaurants in Tampa.
Palma Ceia
- Home Price: $540,380 median purchase price; $1,397 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Best For: Families, retirees
As one of the safest neighborhoods in Tampa, Palma Ceia is a fantastic place for families and retirees to plant roots. The cost of living in Palma Ceia may be pricey compared to the Florida median, but the benefits of living here can’t be overstated. The neighborhood provides a mix of typical city hustle and suburban quiet, and schools like Roosevelt Elementary School and H. B. Plant High School provide quality education for school-age children. Well-kept green spaces like Palma Ceia Park and Fred Ball Park, which offers views of Hillsborough Bay, give residents options for leisure and outdoor recreation. Hit the green for some tee time, swim laps in the Olympic-sized pool, and go a few rounds on the tennis courts at the members-only Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club. View beautiful and thoughtful art pieces and exhibits by local artists and world-renowned names like Salvador Dali at the Michael Murphy Gallery. Stay active by signing up for cycling, yoga, and sculpting programs at CAMP Tampa. Fall in love with delicious specialty sushi rolls like the Tuna Nachos, Honolulu Sunset, and Electric Feel at the trendy Tampa restaurant Kelp Sushi Joint. Catch the latest Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) game and chow down the Chicken & Black Bean Quesadillas, Southwestern Chicken Sandwich, or the Fried Fish Basket at The Dog Saloon. Or indulge in flavorful Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Lamb Chops, and Goan Shrimp Curry at Flames Indian Cuisine.
Seminole Heights
- Home Price: $131,633 median purchase price; $958 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 47% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Once a small suburb of Tampa, Seminole Heights has grown over the last century to become one of the best neighborhoods in The Big Guava. Characterized by its colorful historic bungalows and Craftsman-style homes, Seminole Heights also offers newer lofts and apartments—which attract many young professionals. Those with kids will also appreciate having close access to Tampa schools like Cleveland Elementary School, Seminole Heights Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, and Hillsborough High School. Bond with your neighbors during community events like the monthly Seminole Heights Sunday Market. Enjoy a peaceful walk, have a picnic, or launch your canoe out on the water at Rivercrest Park along the Hillsborough River Greenway. Splash around in the Manatee fountains, visit the free-flying birds in the Canopy Aviary, or ride the carousel at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Attend events like Family Story Time or the Annual Summer Festival, or check out your next read at Seminole Heights Branch Library. Build a charcuterie board, sink your teeth into the Chef’s Feature Burger, or try the Cremini Mushroom Ravioli at The C House. Stop in for the Crabby Eggs Benedict, Hubcakes, or Country Fried Steak at Trip’s Diner, one of the best diners in Tampa Bay. Or grab a Double Cheeseburger or Chicken Tender Basket, and top it off with a Dark Chocolate Shake at Nebraska Mini Mart.
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
If you’ve wondered why Tampa is sometimes referred to as “Cigar City,” the historic Ybor City neighborhood is the reason. Known in the late 1800s as the “cigar capital of the world,” Ybor City’s historical factory buildings have been turned into apartments, clubs, galleries, shops, and restaurants along Seventh Avenue. Nowadays, Ybor City is known for its vibrant nightlife and party atmosphere, and many young professionals are drawn here for the trendy loft-style apartments and revitalized casitas. Stroll through the tranquil gardens and learn about the vibrant history of Ybor City at the Ybor City Museum State Park. Rock out to live performances from bands across many genres at Crowbar, one of the best bars with live music in Tampa. Have fun after dark with Pride @ Night at the Cuban Club during Tampa Pride. Enjoy gourmet Cuban food like La Completa Cubana, Grande Calamari, and Empanadas de Picadillo at Columbia Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Florida. Sample the Gyro Burger, Shrimp Po Boy, or the Midnight Cuban at Stone Soup Company, which serves some of the best Cuban sandwiches in Tampa. Or fill up on classic Southern barbecue like Sparky’s Pulled Pork Sandwich, the Quarter Slab of Ribs, or Honest Abe’s Turkey Leg at Al’s Finger Licking Good BBQ.
***
Moving to Tampa? Life Storage has conveniently located self storage facilities located across The Big Guava. Rent a storage unit near you today!
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
