Making the Move to Tampa?
Tampa anchors Florida’s west coast with jobs, entertainment, and sunshine to spare. From Busch Gardens and ZooTampa to the Florida Aquarium and the Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa is a hive of activity. But if you’re after more space, great schools, and a quieter pace, the suburbs deliver.
Why it matters: Tampa offers big-city energy, but its suburbs provide easier access to beaches, parks, and a daily sense of calm.
What’s ahead: If you’re ready to live in Tampa today, this list of 10 Tampa suburbs has solid value, low crime, and good living just outside the city buzz.
| FUN FACTS ABOUT TAMPA |
|---|
| Tampa is in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest continuous pedestrian walkway. |
| Love the majestic water creature known as a manatee? They are found in the warm waters. Check out the Manatee Viewing Center! |
| Looking for the largest port in the state? Port Tampa Bay is a bustling, deep water port! |
| Tampa is the birthplace of the Cuban Sandwich. Find the perfect blend of ham, pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard here! |
1. Keystone
Rural charm meets luxury living
Population: 19,674 | Median Home: $203K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 32 min
Housing: Equestrian properties, spacious estates, upscale homes on large lots
Education: Top-rated schools in the Hillsborough County School District
Safety: Exceptionally low crime rate, peaceful
Perks: Brooker Creek Preserve, Lake Keystone, Gulf Coast beaches, horseback trails
Why it’s #1: Space, privacy, and A+ schools just minutes from the city
2. Cheval
Upscale, gated, and green
Population: 12,522 | Median Home: $486K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 30 min
Housing: Upscale single-family homes, golf course estates, gated communities
Education: Highly rated Hillsborough County schools, plus private options nearby
Safety: Extremely safe with gated communities keeping crime low
Perks: Golf, tennis, Lettuce Lake Park, kayaking, entertainment, boutique shopping
Why it shines: Resort-style living with top-tier schools and outdoor perks
3. Palm Harbor
Beachy, bustling, and family-friendly
Population: 61,366 | Median Home: $360K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 26 min
Housing: Vibrant neighborhoods, mix of single-family homes, condos, coastal bungalows
Education: Strong Pinellas County School District
Safety: Low violent crime, 72nd percentile for crime
Perks: Beaches, Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, quaint downtown, Honeymoon Island State Park
The draw: Small-town charm with top-tier outdoor access
4. Oldsmar
Waterfront charm with a vibrant vibe
Population: 14,831 | Median Home: $347K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 25 min
Housing: Affordable, family-friendly neighborhoods, single-family homes, townhomes, condos
Education: Excellent schools in Pinellas County School District
Safety: Low crime, family-safe, tight-knit neighborhoods
Perks: Waterfront parks, scenic views of Mobbly Bay, walkable downtown, year-round community events
Why it’s special: Affordable living with water views and a friendly community
5. Wesley Chapel
Booming, modern, and family-focused
Population: 64,866 | Median Home: $369K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 32 min
Housing: Master-planned communities, new construction, townhomes
Education: High performing Pasco County School District
Safety: Low violent crime,70th percentile for safety
Perks: Tampa Premium Outlets, The Shops at Wiregrass, Epperson Lagoon, Hillsborough River State Park
Why it’s appealing: Modern conveniences, growing amenities, and solid schools
6. Valrico
Quiet, convenient, and affordable
Population: 37,895 | Median Home: $356K | School Rating: A | Commute: 32 min
Housing: Affordable, peaceful, diverse housing - ranch-style, newer developments
Education: Highly rated Hillsborough County School District
Safety: Crime rates well below national average
Perks: Brandon Boulevard Shoppes, Alafia River State Park, golf, Lithia Springs Park
Why it works: Economical living with top-rated schools and easy Tampa access
7. East Lake
Nature-rich, peaceful, and upscale
Population: 32,344 | Median Home: $457K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 29 min
Housing: Spacious single-family homes, gated communities, lakefront properties
Education: Excellent Pinellas County School District
Safety: Among the safest communities in Pinellas County
Perks: Lake Tarpon, Brooker Creek Preserve, golf, hiking, water sports
The allure: Peaceful lakeside living with strong schools and nature at your doorstep
8. Westchase
Stylish, social, and self-contained
Population: 25,952 | Median Home: $491K | School Rating: A | Commute: 31 min
Housing: Village-style neighborhoods with townhomes, modern single-family homes
Education: Top-rated Hillsborough County School District
Safety: Very low crime
Perks: Parks, lakes, golf, Westchase Town Center, nearby beaches
What makes it noteworthy: A polished, planned community with walkability and amenities
9. Land O’ Lakes
Waterfront living with suburban ease
Population: 35,929 | Median Home: $350K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 31 min
Housing: Waterfront communities, master-planned developments, family homes
Education: Pasco County School District, supportive academic environment
Safety: Crime rates below national average – safe and family-oriented
Perks: Water recreation, golf, Cypress Creek Preserve, Conner Preserve
The takeaway: Inexpensive waterfront living with room to grow
10. Citrus Park
Relaxed, suburban, and convenient
Population: 28,178 | Median Home: $342K | School Rating: A | Commute: 30 min
Housing: Affordable single-family homes, townhomes, and newer developments
Education: Hillsborough County School District with strong schools
Safety: Safer than 75% of U.S. neighborhoods – family-friendly
Perks: Zaksee Parrot Sanctuary, Citrus Park Town Center, parks, Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Why it’s great: Suburban comfort with big-city access just minutes away
Bottom Line: Tampa’s suburbs offer the best of both worlds—sunny, laid-back living with great schools, low crime, and easy access to city perks and Gulf Coast beaches. Whether you’re after waterfront views, master-planned communities, or rural charm, there’s a fit for every lifestyle.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomingdale | 22,947 | $377,000 | 31 min | A | 1,814 | 306 |
| Fish Hawk | 24,625 | $509,800 | 39 min | A | 931 | 157 |
| Trinity | 11,924 | $422,000 | 29 min | A | 1,253 | 211 |
| Plant City | 43,046 | $251,500 | 28 min | A | 1,198 | 186 |
| Thonotosassa | 15,238 | $287,600 | 29 min | A | 203 | 34 |
| Brandon | 114,626 | $293,800 | 27 min | A- | 1,651 | 239 |
| Temple Terrace | 26,690 | $306,200 | 26 min | A- | 466 | 74 |
| Town ‘n’ Country | 85,951 | $295,800 | 28 min | A | 2,929 | 494 |
| Riverview | 107,396 | $341,200 | 35 min | A | 803 | 121 |
| Lake Magdalene | 30,742 | $335,800 | 28 min | A | 1,877 | 317 |
| Lutz | 23,707 | $451,800 | 32 min | A | 1,578 | 266 |
| Safety Harbor | 16,972 | $433,300 | 24 min | B | 99 | 17 |
| Clearwater | 116,811 | $326,100 | 23 min | B | 2,145 | 398 |
| Dunedin | 35,932 | $341,700 | 24 min | B | 284 | 33 |
| Pinellas Park | 53,503 | $251,900 | 23 min | B | 1,326 | 133 |
| Saint Petersburg | 267,102 | $331,500 | 25 min | B | 7,052 | 1,519 |
| Largo | 82,337 | $208,500 | 24 min | B+ | 1,786 | 268 |
| Seminole | 19,395 | $312,700 | 28 min | B+ | 382 | 22 |
| Tarpon Springs | 26,168 | $321,000 | 30 min | B | 381 | 571 |
| Gulfport | 11,645 | $335,100 | 23 min | B | 280 | 25 |
| Sun City Center | 30,952 | $291,900 | 32 min | B+ | 165 | 25 |
| Apollo Beach | 26,002 | $420,200 | 37 min | A- | 1,451 | 245 |
| Lealman | 21,189 | $175,100 | 24 min | B | 3,483 | 588 |
| West Lealman | 16,438 | $162,800 | 29 min | B | 3,203 | 540 |
| Mango | 12,699 | $223,300 | 31 min | A- | 3,062 | 517 |
| Lakeland | 124,990 | $229,100 | 24 min | C+ | 3,417 | 361 |
| New Port Richey | 18,130 | $164,600 | 28 min | B | 599 | 160 |
| Spring Hill | 113,568 | $248,400 | 30 min | B | 3,337 | 563 |
| Elfers | 14,573 | $173,400 | 29 min | B | 3,250 | 548 |
| Zephyrhills | 22,304 | $191,700 | 29 min | B- | 590 | 367 |
| Bayonet Point | 26,713 | $160,000 | 28 min | B | 3,596 | 607 |
| Holiday | 24,939 | $145,700 | 29 min | B | 3,463 | 584 |
| Shady Hills | 11,690 | $225,600 | 34 minutes | B | 2,825 | 477 |
| Jasmine Estates | 21,525 | $172,400 | 27 min | B | 3,451 | 582 |
| Hudson | 12,944 | $239,200 | 33 min | B | 2,609 | 440 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
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Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.