Last Updated: Monday, July 27, 2026
The Best Neighborhoods In Tampa For Retirees
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South Florida is a perfect place to retire. With bright, sunny weather throughout most of the year and easy access to the water, Tampa is a desirable option for seniors. There is plenty to do in Tampa, whether you’re into boating, sports, culture, fine dining, or simply enjoying time with friends.
If you have chosen to retire to Florida, the next question is where exactly you will live. While a lot will depend on factors like your budget and what type of house you need (such as a single-story for mobility issues), certain neighborhoods in Tampa seem to attract high numbers of retirees. In this post, we’ll break down some of the top Tampa neighborhoods for retirees, from Bayshore Gardens to Golfview to Ballast Point.
At Eaton Realty, we understand that what you want in a house - and a community - may change throughout various stages in your life. We are committed to helping our clients buy a home that is right for them, whether it’s a patio home in a 55+ community, a high-rise condo overlooking Tampa Bay, or a sprawling estate big enough to host several generations. Reach out to our office today to learn how we can make your dreams of retiring in Florida come true.
| Want to learn even more about finding the perfect retirement home in Tampa? Contact us to speak with an experienced Tampa realtor. |
Why Retire in Florida?
Florida is an incredibly popular place for seniors. In fact, certain counties in Florida have some of the highest median ages in the entire United States. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, 14.8% of the population is age 65 or older.
No State Income Tax
People choose to retire in Florida for a variety of reasons. For many retirees, Florida’s tax system is the main reason they choose to live here. In Florida, there is no state tax on retirement income like Social Security, pension funds, 401(k)s, or IRAs. There is also no state income, inheritance, estate, or gift tax. In other words, when you move to Florida, you (and your heirs) will get to keep more of your money.
Warm Climate
Beyond taxes, there are many other reasons to retire in the Sunshine State. The climate is a big motivator for older people who are sick of living in cold climates - and worry about falls on ice and shoveling snow. In Florida, you can enjoy the sunshine and leisure activities like swimming, tennis, golf, and pickleball year-round.
Plenty To Do
There is also a lot to do in Florida! If you’re into fishing, it’s easy enough to head to a lake or beach to drop a line. Popular theme parks like Busch Gardens, Legoland, Disney World, and Universal Studios may entice your kids and grandkids to visit. The state also has plenty of ways to stay active with beautiful beaches, parks, and trails.
When you live in Florida, you may never have to take a vacation again, given that our state has so much to see and do. But traveling is also incredibly easy from Florida, whether you fly out from one of the 24 international airports in the state or take a Caribbean cruise from a port in Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Orlando.
Low Cost Of Living
The cost of living is low compared to many other states. This can free up space in your budget to engage in travel and leisure activities. Of course, you may spend most of your time in your own neighborhood, as Florida is well-known for 55 and older communities and master-planned communities with luxury amenities.
Top-Notch Healthcare
Finally, Florida has an excellent healthcare system with outstanding doctors. Many of us require more medical care as we get older. Knowing you can access world-class doctors and other healthcare professionals at places like Tampa General Hospital can give you incredible peace of mind.
Best Tampa Neighborhoods for Retirees
The third largest city in Florida, Tampa is a great choice for retiring in Florida. It has a relatively low cost of living, and offers easy access to beaches, parks, and more.
Of course, Tampa is a big city - and is surrounded by suburbs. So which Tampa neighborhoods are best for retirees? Our top picks are listed below.
Beach Park
Located just 10 minutes from Tampa International Airport, Beach Park is a top neighborhood for retirees. The median home price in this neighborhood is higher at $740,000, but still very affordable compared to many other cities. Beach Park offers views of Old Tampa Bay and access to the marina.
In this neighborhood, you can purchase a large luxury estate, a condominium, or a townhouse. Beyond boating on Tampa Bay, there are other great outdoor activities like walking in Swann Circle Park. It’s also close to a number of healthcare facilities.
Bayshore Beautiful
If you’re looking for a suburban feel and spacious properties, Bayshore Beautiful is a great choice. With a median purchase price of $1,200,000 this neighborhood is one of the more expensive areas to live in Tampa. It offers tree-lined streets and stunning views of Hillsborough Bay.
Bayshore Beautiful is popular among retirees, with residents over the age of 55 making up the bulk of this neighborhood’s population. Located in South Tampa, it is close to MacDill Air Force Base (a bonus for veterans) as well as a number of outstanding healthcare facilities.
Bayshore Gardens
In South Tampa, Bayshore Gardens is a more affordable alternative for retirees. The median purchase price for a home is $632,500. Many of the properties available are condos with waterfront views. This type of housing is great for seniors who aren’t interested in yardwork or maintaining a home’s exterior.
Bayshore Gardens is a very walkable community. There are several great local parks and you can join the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. It’s an easy drive to great attractions like the Tampa Riverwalk and various sporting events in and around Tampa.
Golfview
If you spent your working years dreaming of a time when you could golf to your heart’s content, then Golfview might be the best Tampa neighborhood for you. Located in South Tampa, this neighborhood is close to the renowned Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club. As you may expect from a neighborhood named for golf, homes in Golfview tend to be pricey, with a median purchase price of $1,377,500.
South Tampa is a short drive to the Florida coast as well as many other incredible activities. The Henderson Boulevard Shopping Center is perfectly located for all your basic needs, with grocery stores, restaurants, and boutiques.
Historic Hyde Park North
If you’re into good food, then Historic Hyde Park North is an excellent place to retire. Located along Bayshore Boulevard, it offers coastal views and some of Tampa’s best restaurants. This neighborhood is part of Tampa’s SoHo (South Howard Avenue) area, where you’ll find some truly outstanding restaurants like internationally-recognized Bern’s Steakhouse.
In this neighborhood, you’ll find single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and senior living options. The median purchase price of a home in Historic Hyde Park is $750,000, which makes it one of the more exclusive neighborhoods in Tampa.
Sunset Park
Along Old Tampa Bay, Sunset Park is a quiet residential area complete with tree-lined streets. The majority of residents of this neighborhood own their homes. The median purchase price for a home in Sunset Park is $985,000.
Sunset Park has lots to do, with plentiful restaurants, spas, and shopping experiences. You can also go swimming at the Interbay Pool or stroll through one of the area’s many parks.
Oakford Park
Located in Midtown Tampa, Oakford Park is very popular with retirees. It offers single-family homes as well as assisted living facilities. Oakford Park is also affordable, with a median housing purchase price of $543,000.
Oakford Park is home to the MacFarlane Park Trail, where you can ride bikes or go for a walk or a jog. There are great restaurants in the area, as well as access to tons of entertainment options.
Ballast Point
In South Tampa, Ballast Point offers quiet streets near the water. This community has gorgeous coastal homes, which sell for a median price of $565,000. While Ballast Point is popular among retirees, it is less densely populated than other areas of Tampa.
One of the best features of Ballast Point is the 600-foot-long Ballast Point Pier - the perfect place to catch a sunrise, go for a walk, fish, or simply enjoy the view. This neighborhood is just 15 minutes from downtown Tampa, so you can enjoy the serenity of being near the water while enjoying easy access to many activities.
Looking to Retire in Tampa? Give Us a Call.
Hillsborough County is a great place to call home - especially if you’re retired. From suburbs like FishHawk Ranch to the city of Tampa, there are many outstanding communities in the region. You can browse homes that are currently available for sale in Tampa on our website. If you’re considering retiring in Tampa, our Tampa realtors can help you choose a house that is right for you. We also have a Tampa property management team that can help you rent an existing home if you don't want to sell.
Based in Lithia, the licensed realtors of Eaton Realty work with home buyers and sellers throughout Hillsborough County - including Tampa. One of our top priorities as real estate agents is to truly listen to our clients so that we get a sense of what they need and want out of a home. With your goals in mind, we’ll get to work finding the best house to fit your needs.
If you’d like to learn more about retiring in Tampa, we’re here for you. Give us a call at 813-672-8022 or fill out our online contact form to talk to a member of our real estate team.
