The Best Neighborhoods To Live In Tampa

Tampa, located on the west coast of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the southeastern United States. With a dynamic mix of waterfront living, historic charm, urban energy, and affordable suburbs, Tampa has neighborhoods to suit nearly every lifestyle and budget. From quiet suburban enclaves to downtown condos, you can find a home that meets your unique needs when you search the greater Tampa area.

Tampa’s history dates back to the early 1800s, giving residents the option of choosing an older neighborhood or a newer, up-and-coming community. There are plenty of vibrant neighborhoods with easy access to downtown, like Ybor City and Bayshore, along with more exclusive areas like Hyde Park. If affordability is key, check out charming neighborhoods like Old Seminole Heights or Tampa Heights.

At Eaton Realty, we work with our clients to find the right home in the right neighborhood for their lifestyle and budget. Whether you are looking to buy or rent, our Tampa real estate agents will work with you to help you find the home of your dreams. If you want to learn more about Tampa neighborhoods or the best Tampa suburbs, reach out to talk to an experienced Tampa Realtor.

Find the right neighborhood for you. Speak with a local Tampa realtor › 813-672-8022

Why Should You Live in Tampa?

With a population of just about 400,000 people, Tampa is the third-largest city in Florida. Tampa is the largest city in the Tampa Bay Area and serves as the economic hub of west-central Florida.

Tampa’s roots stretch back to 1824, when the U.S. Army established Fort Brooke. By the end of the 1800s, Tampa had become known as a cigar manufacturing hub. It is little wonder, then, that Tampa is known as Cigar City (along with its other nicknames - Big Guava and the Lightning Capital of the World).

Warm Weather Year-Round

Tampa sits in a humid subtropical region. Its weather is one of the big draws for many residents, as Tampa gets approximately 250 days of sunshine per year. While the summers are hot and steamy, winters are mild. That makes Tampa a perfect place to live for anyone who likes to get outside to golf, run, fish, bike, or boat.

Close Proximity to Water

Of course, Tampa’s hot summers aren’t a problem when you’re just a short drive from the pristine white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Residents also can get out on the water right in the city, on Hillsborough Bay, Old Tampa Bay, or the Hillsborough River (just south of Tampa). You’re also a couple of hours away from some of the world’s best amusement parks in Orlando.

No Shortage of Restaurants & Entertainment

Tampa is a young, diverse city. It brings together a great mix of cultures, which means that you can always find a great new cuisine to try at one of the city’s many outstanding restaurants. There is also a thriving art scene, great professional sports teams, an amusement park, a fantastic zoo, museums, and wonderful shopping in neighborhoods like Hyde Park.

Affordable Living

For many residents, affordability is also one of Tampa’s main draws. The cost of living in Tampa is 2% lower than the national average. While utilities and groceries cost more than the national average, housing costs are 8% lower than the national average. The median home price in Tampa is $487,229, while the median rent is $1,462.

Tampa offers a wonderful mix of history, vibrancy, and charm. If you want to live in a place where you can spend a lot of time outside year-round, Tampa is a great option. Below, we explore some of the best neighborhoods in Tampa so that you can figure out where you’d like to live in this fantastic city.

Best Tampa Neighborhoods in Tampa to Rent or Buy a Home

If you have made the decision to live in Tampa, congratulations! We know that you’ll absolutely love it here. Your first big choice will come down to where you will rent or buy a home in Tampa.

Tampa has a lot of great neighborhoods, from bustling downtown neighborhoods with condos to gated communities to 55+ neighborhoods. The right neighborhood for you will depend on your own preferences and lifestyle.

Tampa offers a range of options, from more affordable neighborhoods to areas with multi-million dollar mansions. Read on to learn more about some of the best neighborhoods in Tampa.

Neighborhood	2025 Average Home Price	Housing Mix	Lifestyle & Built Environment	Relative Affordability (City Baseline)
Hyde Park	$1,011,798	Historic homes, luxury townhomes, high-rise condos	Walkable retail districts, historic architecture, dining, and nightlife access	Above Tampa average
Harbour Island	$538,712	Gated single-family homes, townhomes, condos	Waterfront living, controlled access communities, marina proximity	Above Tampa average
Davis Islands	$1,401,070	Waterfront estates, mid-century homes, luxury rebuilds	Boating access, bayfront views, low-density residential planning	Above Tampa average
South Howard (SoHo)	$486,213	Townhomes, apartments, single-family homes	High restaurant and nightlife density, Bayshore Boulevard access	Near Tampa average
Bayshore Beautiful	$976,273	Historic single-family homes, renovated properties	Waterfront proximity, pedestrian access to Bayshore sidewalk	Above Tampa average
Palma Ceia	$938,230	New construction, historic homes, townhomes	Golf course proximity, bay access, neighborhood retail nodes	Above Tampa average
Downtown Tampa	$429,801	High-rise condos, apartments	Urban core living, office proximity, waterfront parks, transit access	Below Tampa average
Ballast Point	$564,282	Single-family homes, waterfront condos	Bay access, park space, established residential streets	Above Tampa average
Tampa Palms	$466,851	Master-planned communities, single-family homes, condos	Golf courses, green space, suburban street design	Near Tampa average
Ybor City	$274,984	Historic bungalows, apartments, condos	Historic commercial corridors, nightlife venues, arts spaces	Below Tampa average
Channel District	$521,578	Mid-rise and high-rise condos, apartments	Trolley access, waterfront redevelopment, entertainment venues	Above Tampa average
Old Seminole Heights	$355,507	Historic homes, renovated bungalows, duplexes	Local retail corridors, restaurants, arts venues	Below Tampa average
Tampa Heights	$438,274	Historic homes, townhomes, mixed-use redevelopment	Riverwalk access, Armature Works, adaptive reuse development	Below Tampa average
Port Tampa City	$456,849	New construction, legacy single-family homes	Bay access, proximity to MacDill AFB, redevelopment activity	Near Tampa average

Pricing data in the table above reflects estimated average closed sale prices based on local MLS trends in 2025.

Hyde Park

Located in the heart of the city, Hyde Park is known for its tree-lined streets. It has a mix of housing options, including historical homes, mansions, and luxury high-rises. Hyde Park has a lot of great shopping, fine dining, and nightlife, while still maintaining a charming atmosphere.

Hyde Park can be a great option for families, older people, and young professionals. However, this great neighborhood does tend to be pricier than other Tampa communities. In 2025, the average sale price for a home in historic Hyde Park was $1,011,798. This is a little more than double the average home price in Tampa as a whole.

Harbour Island

Harbour Island is located on Hillsborough Bay, connected to downtown Tampa via a bridge. It is known for being a more exclusive community. Harbour Island largely consists of single-family homes and 55+ communities. Many houses sit behind gates with 24-hour manned security.

Harbour Island does have a lot to offer, including bars, restaurants, and shops. You can also get out onto the water easily, given its location in the Bay. Homes on Harbour Island are pricier than the average for Tampa, with the average sale price in 2025 at $538,712.

Davis Islands

Davis Islands consists of two man-made islands in Hillsborough Bay. It is known for being home to celebrities (like Tom Brady) and Tampa’s wealthiest residents. It is a short drive to downtown Tampa across a bridge.

Living on Davis Islands means that you have plenty of access to the beach and the water. The home styles range from modest 1950s bungalows to large mansions right on the water. The average home sale price for a Davis Islands home in 2025 was $1,401,070, making it one of Tampa’s most expensive neighborhoods.

South Howard (SoHo)

South Howard, or SoHo, is a small community within Hyde Park. It is a nightlife destination for many of Tampa’s younger crowd, with tons of great bars and restaurants. It also includes a large stretch of Bayshore Boulevard, which makes it a great place to get out for a walk, a jog, or a bike ride.

SoHo has single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. It is popular among Tampa’s young professionals. The average sale price for a house in SoHo in 2025 was $486,213, keeping it in line with average sale prices across Tampa.

Bayshore Beautiful

Bayshore Beautiful is located in South Tampa between El Prado Boulevard and Ballast Point. It is known for its tree-lined streets with Mediterranean bungalows and craftsman homes. It has direct access to Bayshore Boulevard sidewalk (the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States) and stunning waterfront views of Hillsborough Bay.

Bayshore Beautiful contains a mix of historic, mature, landscaped properties, many of which are single-family homes. It is a highly walkable neighborhood with ready access to all that Tampa has to offer. Its home prices tend to be more expensive, with an average sale price in 2025 of $976,273.

Palma Ceia

Palma Ceia is another great South Tampa neighborhood that is home to many great bars and restaurants. Adjacent to Hillsborough Bay, this neighborhood offers a lot of great opportunities for residents to get out on the water. Between the nightlife and the closeness to the bay, Palma Ceia is a favorite among younger residents of Tampa.

Palma Ceia has a mix of new construction houses, apartments, and townhouses. Given its proximity to the water and amenities, it is a more expensive neighborhood in Tampa. In 2025, the average home sale price in Palma Ceia was $938,230.

Downtown Tampa

Like many cities, the downtown area of Tampa has undergone a revitalization effort in recent years. Downtown Tampa is no longer a ghost town once workers leave for the day. Careful planning and significant investments have transformed the harbor area of the city into a first-class, vibrant urban area.

Today, there is a lot to do downtown, from getting out on the water to spending time in a park to taking in a show or visiting a museum. In terms of living spaces, there are mostly high-rise apartments and condos to rent or buy. Downtown Tampa is fairly affordable, with an average sale price of $429,801 in 2025.

Ballast Point

Ballast Point is a great option for anyone looking for a more suburban feel right within the city. This neighborhood is located along Hillsborough Bay, just north of MacDill Air Force Base. Housing options here include condos and single-family homes.

For a waterfront neighborhood, homes in Ballast Point are surprisingly affordable. On average, homes in this community sold for $564,282 in 2025.

Tampa Palms

Located in the northern section of Tampa, the neighborhood of Tampa Palms has a range of housing options, including large mansions, single-family homes, apartments, and condos. It also has a lot of green space, making it a great choice for families. While still being close to downtown, Tampa Palms offers a bit of a respite from city life.

Houses in Tampa Palms are more affordable than in many parts of the city. On average, houses here sold for $466,851 in 2025.

Ybor City

Ybor City is the historic heart of Tampa, known for being the cigar-making center of the city. Over the years, Ybor City has evolved, becoming a hub for nightclubs and bars and something of a hotspot for artists and galleries. Ybor City has a lot of small historic homes, apartments, and condominiums.

While Ybor City is less nightlife-focused than in the past, it is a busier area of the city, with lots of street festivals, parades, shopping, and events. This makes it more popular with younger residents of Tampa. Ybor City is incredibly affordable, with the average sale price in 2025 of $274,984.

Channel District

Along the Ybor Channel, the Channel District is a great community next to downtown Tampa. It’s on the trolley line, making it a convenient place to live. It is also considered a hub for art, entertainment, and nightlife.

The homes in the Channel District are mostly high-rise condos and apartments. Houses here sold for an average of $521,578 in 2025.

Old Seminole Heights

In the northern part of Tampa, you will find the great neighborhood of Seminole Heights. It is a favorite for families and professionals, with a great mix of single-family homes and apartments. While it is primarily a residential neighborhood, there are plenty of art galleries, restaurants, shops, and bars in the community.

Seminole Heights remains one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Tampa. On average, homes in this neighborhood sold for $355,507 in 2025.

Tampa Heights

Located just north of downtown, Tampa Heights is a hidden gem. It is a centrally-located neighborhood that consists mostly of single-family homes, with some townhouses and condos. Its best-known attraction is Armature Works, a large food hall with several restaurants overlooking the Hillsborough River. There are also great shops, like Lee’s Grocery, and fun things to do, like playing indoor shuffleboard at Shuffle.

Housing in Tampa Heights is lower than the average price for the city overall. In 2025, the average sale price for a house in this neighborhood was $438,274.

Port Tampa City

Along Old Tampa Bay, you’ll find the up-and-coming neighborhood of Port Tampa City. It is close to both the water and MacDill Air Force Base. Port Tampa City has a mix of new construction and older single-family homes, giving families a number of options when it comes to housing.

Compared to the city as a whole, Port Tampa City is a more affordable choice. In 2025, the average home sale price was $456,849.

Interested in Living in Tampa? Give Eaton Realty a Call!

There is a common misconception that living in a city means that you’ll have to live in a small, cramped apartment or a tiny home. In reality, Tampa has a whole host of housing options, from waterfront townhouses to large mansions to charming single-family homes. There is also a neighborhood to fit every lifestyle, from the bustling Ybor City to the more sedate Tampa Palms. You can view the newest homes listed in the Tampa Bay area through our listing directory.

Based in Lithia, the Tampa Realtors at Eaton Realty work with clients to help them find the house that is right for them. With over 20 years of experience helping buyers and renters across Tampa and Hillsborough County, Eaton Realty provides data-driven insights into neighborhood pricing, lifestyle trends, and housing inventory. If you’d like to learn more, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 813-672-8022 to talk to a member of our real estate team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Tampa Neighborhoods

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Tampa?

The best neighborhoods in Tampa depend on your priorities, including budget, housing style, and access to amenities. Areas like Hyde Park and Davis Islands are known for historic homes and waterfront properties, while neighborhoods like Tampa Heights and Old Seminole Heights often offer lower price points. Urban living options are available in Downtown Tampa and the Channel District.

What is the most affordable neighborhood in Tampa?

Historically, areas such as Ybor City and Old Seminole Heights have offered lower average home prices compared to the Tampa city average. Housing affordability varies based on property size, condition, and exact location, so buyers should consult a realtor for the most accurate pricing trends.

What Tampa neighborhoods are closest to downtown?

Downtown Tampa is surrounded by several residential neighborhoods, including the Channel District, Tampa Heights, Harbour Island, and parts of Hyde Park. These areas typically offer shorter commute times to major employment centers, entertainment venues, and waterfront recreation.

Which Tampa neighborhoods have waterfront homes?

Several Tampa neighborhoods offer waterfront housing options along Hillsborough Bay, Old Tampa Bay, and connected waterways. Davis Islands, Harbour Island, Ballast Point, and portions of South Tampa contain waterfront or water-adjacent properties. Waterfront pricing varies significantly depending on lot size, elevation, and water access.

Are there walkable neighborhoods in Tampa?

Some Tampa neighborhoods offer higher walkability due to mixed-use development, retail density, and pedestrian infrastructure. Hyde Park, Downtown Tampa, the Channel District, and Ybor City all contain areas where residents can access dining, shopping, and entertainment without driving long distances.