The Pros & Cons Of Living In Temple Terrace, FL

The Tampa area is home to a lot of great suburbs, many of which provide a more affordable and slower lifestyle for Floridians. One such hidden gem is Temple Terrace, an incorporated city located northeast of Tampa.

Named for the Temple orange, Temple Terrace is home to approximately 27,000 people. It features homes built in the Greek Revival architecture style and beautiful views of the Hillsborough River. Temple Terrace has a lower cost of living and is close to many attractions in and around the Tampa area.

Eaton Realty represents buyers and renters searching for a home in West Central Florida. We know that not every city is the best fit for every client, so we collaborate with our clients to truly understand their wants and needs. Reach out today to discuss your Temple Terrace home search with our real estate team member.

Looking For The Right Place To Live For You? Speak With A Realtor › 813-672-8022

 

All About Temple Terrace

Incorporated in 1925, Temple Terrace is one of just three incorporated communities - and the smallest incorporated community - in Hillsborough County. Of course, its roots as a community go much further back.

The Tocobaga Tribes originally inhabited the area until the Spaniards arrived in the mid-1700s. Explorer Don Francisco Maria Celi traveled up the Hillsborough River to find trees for shipbuilding. He eventually found those trees in what he named the Pine Forest of the Cross of Saint Theresa - which ultimately became what we now know as Temple Terrace.

Before its incorporation, the city was part of a large game preserve known as Riverhills, owned by Chicago socialite Bertha Potter-Palmer. While Mrs. Potter-Palmer had hoped to develop the property into a golf course community, she died before realizing that dream. Eventually, developers bought the land and built what is now known as Temple Terrace. It is one of the first planned golf course communities in the United States.

The city was named after the Temple orange, which is a cross between a tangerine and an orange (which is why it is also known as the Tangor orange). The original plan for the community was for wealthy Northerners to retire there, build a villa, and then purchase a parcel in a citrus grove to manage. The city was eventually incorporated and grew into the thriving small town it is today. It is known for its unique Mediterranean Revival architecture.

Temple Terrace is home to Florida College, formerly the Florida Bible Institute. Many residents work at the nearby University of South Florida, while others commute to Tampa for work. Temple Terrace is near Busch Gardens and the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa. It is also home to Hillsborough County’s only botanical garden, Eureka Springs Park.

Pros and Cons of Living in Temple Terrace

Temple Terrace has a lot going for it, particularly given its close proximity to Tampa. While it isn’t beachfront, the city has plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Temple Terrace.

Pros of Living In Temple Terrace

Lower Cost of Living

The median household income in Temple Terrace is $62,415. This number falls below the median income for all of Florida, which is $67,917. Fortunately, the cost of living in Temple Terrace is 2% lower than the national average.

In the city, healthcare, housing, and utility costs are less than the national average, while groceries cost 8% more. The median home price in Temple Terrace is $398,078, while the median rent is $1,210. Energy bills average $172.22 per month, while gas costs an average of $3.41 per gallon.

Groceries are more expensive in Temple Terrace. If you’re going to the store, you can expect to spend:

• $4.19 for a loaf of bread
• $2.62 for a gallon of milk
• $2.43 for a carton of eggs
• $3.63 for a bunch of bananas
• $5.54 for a hamburger

Overall, Temple Terrace's cost of living falls into the “pro” category. While you’ll pay slightly more for groceries, you will spend less on just about everything else—including big expenses like housing, utilities, and healthcare.

Warm Weather

Located in West Central Florida, Temple Terrace has weather similar to most of the Tampa region: hot and humid in the summer and warm and mild throughout the rest of the year. It does get a fair amount of rain, and there is always the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms - just as there is throughout much of Florida.

The weather in Temple Terrace is probably a “pro” for most people. If you are considering a move to Tampa, you are likely expecting hotter summers and the risk of hurricanes. The ability to spend time outside year round - and no snow - is a big advantage for this city.

Strong Economy

65.2% of Temple Terrace’s adult population is in the civilian labor force. There are also 589 businesses within the city, but many people in Temple Terrace work for companies in surrounding communities. Employers include the University of South Florida and various corporations in and around Tampa.

If you are hoping to work in the same town where you live, Temple Terrace might not be the place for you. That being said, it’s an easy commute to many employers, and you may even be able to work remotely.

Good Schools

Temple Terrace is part of the Hillsborough County School District. It has multiple public schools, including Temple Terrace Elementary School, Riverhills Elementary School, Lewis Elementary School, Terrace Community Middle School, Angelo L. Greco Middle School, C. Leon King High School, and Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School. It is also home to several private schools: Temple Terrace Presbyterian Weekday School, Florida College Academy, and Corpus Christi Catholic School. Finally, Florida College is located in Temple Terrace.

If education is a priority for your family, Temple Terrace is a great place to live. In addition to great public and private schools, it is home to a fantastic public library, which is part of the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative.

Plenty Of Outdoor Recreation Activities

Temple Terrace is located along the beautiful Hillsborough River, which offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. You can visit Riverhills Park or Eureka Springs Park to explore nature. You could also visit Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club if you want to play on an award-winning golf course.

Of course, Temple Terrace is close to many other fun activities. Busch Gardens is just a mile away from city limits. It’s also an easy drive into the city for a fun night out in Ybor City, a day at the ballpark, or great shopping and dining. You can also get to the beach relatively quickly from Temple Terrace.

Diverse Population

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 27,207 people lived in Temple Terrace in 2022. 15.2% of the population is 65 or older, while 18.7% of residents are under 18.

Temple Terrace is not as diverse as some nearby cities and towns, but it is still pretty diverse. 58.8% of the city is white, while 19.8% is Hispanic or Latino. 18.5% of the residents of Temple Terrace are Black, and 16.3% of all residents are foreign-born.

If living in a diverse place is important, Temple Terrace is a good option. It has a younger population and is home to people of many different races and ethnicities.

Cons Of Living In Temple Terrace

Slower Pace Of Life

Temple Terrace does have a slower pace of life than Tampa. If you want to live right in the hustle and bustle of the city, there might be better options. However, if you’d like to live in a quieter place with easy access to all the city offers, it’s an excellent choice.

Heavy Commuter Traffic

Driving around Temple Terrace itself isn’t bad. However, if you plan to commute from Temple Terrace to Tampa for work, you will need to consider highway traffic. Temple Terrace is conveniently located near I-4, I-75, and I-275, so you’ll have no issues getting there. However, Tampa road congestion is at an all-time high, and these highways can be packed during rush hour.

High Hurricane Risk

Like much of West Central Florida, Temple Terrace has an extreme wind factor risk and a high risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. The last recorded hurricane to roll through Temple Terrace was in 1935, so it has been some time. However, you should still be aware that hurricane or wind damage is always a potential risk in the area.

Should You Move to Temple Terrace?

Temple Terrace has a lot of history and beauty. This community features unique architecture, access to nature, beautiful views of the Hillsborough River, and a low cost of living. While it doesn’t have a major industry, it is close to many major employers in Hillsborough County.

At Eaton Realty, we aim to help our clients find a home and a community that is right for them. Our real estate agents will listen to your “must-haves” when it comes to buying a house and come up with a list of places that work for your needs and your budget. If you’re selling a home in Temple Terrace, we will help you get top dollar for your house and help you find a new place to live.

If you want to buy, sell, or rent a house in Temple Terrace, our real estate agents can help. We can also assist you with property management services if you own or want to purchase an investment property in the region. Learn more by filling out our online contact form, or call us at 813-672-8022 to talk to a real estate team member.