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2021 Best Suburbs to Live in the Tampa Area

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  1. Westchase

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 46 reviews
    #1 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Beautiful community to live in. I’m a native Tampan, and this is my second time living here, and hopefully the last time I will ever move. The homes are kept up nicely, there are shops, restaurants, pubs, grocery stores, doctors, and convenience stores ALL inside of the neighborhood. It has a beautiful golf course, tennis courts where famous tennis players have played, community pools although many homeowners have their own pools, small parks, and a walking trail. It is convenient to the beach. Honeymoon Island is 11 miles from here, and from there you can take the ferry to beautiful Caladesi Island. It’s very close to Palm Harbor and Clearwater.
    I live here, and NOT South Tampa bcs if you’ve ever been through a hurricane you do NOT want to be anywhere in any part of south Tampa. The streets flood as soon as it rains
    A few areas of WestChase are on the flood border as these are close to the bay where you can fish, canoe, or just relax (in Oldsmar) - oldsmar borders WestChase
    Read 46 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 23,923 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Fish Hawk

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 46 reviews
    #2 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Fishhawk is a great place to live, I currently attend Newsome High school which is about 5 mins from where I live. Fishhawk is a very kid friendly environment which offers great education as well as after school activities such as soccer, tennis, baseball. Also there are many parks and recreational areas to enjoy after school or on the weekends. In Fishhawk there are an abundance of fantastic restaurants to try that the whole family can enjoy. Fishhawk is a close connected community that centers around being safe and enjoying daily activities. There are many young parents with kids that lives in Fishhawk so there are plenty of opportunities to get babysitters to watch the kids once and awhile. Fishhawk is a great place to live and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 21,929 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Carrollwood

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 92 reviews
    #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Former Resident: I lived in Carrollwood from 2008 to 2015.I moved from Tampa to get out of the city and enjoy a more surburban lifestyle. I lived all that time at The Park at Lake Magdalene.Rent for my upstairs 1 bedroom apt overlooking a pond and trees water,sewer trash included was back then a very affordable $600 a month! I also had decent neighbors no riff raff.I worked inTampa doing security. I finally moved out and left Carrollwood to live with and care for my elderly mom after dad passed away. I enjoyed living in Carrollwood during my nearly eight years there. I t was clean,safe pretty(loved the parks and bike trails) good shopping area and close enough to Tampa Citrus Park and Tampa Palms.The apt with the pond and woods view from my 2nd story apt balcony with so beautiful. Best apt ever!
    Read 92 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 35,686 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Keystone

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 37 reviews
    #4 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Keystone is a rural 32-mile area in Lutz and Odessa area. Equestrian and Agricultural neighborhoods. Beautiful parks, homes, ranches still are breath taking. Large lakes for water sports and large equestrian centers for horse shows and trail riding. Keystone is the best-kept secret in Hillsborough County!
    Read 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 25,493 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Pebble Creek

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 24 reviews
    #5 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: It contains a very safe and easy access environment for all ages. The diversity is slowly becoming an abundant thing. People here are very kind to one another, very clean and well mannered. The real state here is very profitable, along with the community schools being excellent. Overall, a very nice and suburban area for our community to thrive and raise our next upcoming generation!
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 10,249 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Bloomingdale

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 27 reviews
    #6 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: The area is quiet and great for raising a family. It is close to several stores and the area mall and the schools are all in close proximity to anywhere you may live in the area. Also, the area is up and coming, as stores are continually being built and new housing developments are being built. The biggest downside is the traffic, the typical rush hours of eight and five are the worst. The crime rate is pretty low overall in my particular area, I have had absolutely no issues and the neighbors look out for each other and are relatively friendly.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 24,446 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Lake Magdalene

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 43 reviews
    #7 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: My experience in Lake Magdalene has been pretty good so far. My neighborhood is overall quiet. People keep to themselves and there has never been any trouble. It is also safe for family and friends to play outside. I do wish we had more security like a neighborhood watch or cameras for extra safety. I also would like neighborhood meetings for neighbors to exchange ideas and talk about what they want changed in the neighborhood.
    Read 43 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 30,805 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Wesley Chapel

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 270 reviews
    #8 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Wesley Chapel is a general suburban area, very family-friendly, and one of the safest cities near the west coast. There are many neighborhood developments in a vast range of pricing, so no matter your budget you should be able to find a home with a suitable mortgage. Beaches are about an hour away, so they make for nice trips during the summer. The schools are about average, however, there are charter options as well. Very little crime is reported, once a few years there's some thieving in regards to purses and unlocked cars. As a southern state, there are ample conservatives in the area, although it is not uncommon to find liberals in less rural areas of the city.
    Read 270 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 58,208 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Northdale

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 41 reviews
    #9 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Northdale has everything you could want. There’s great schools, a bunch of stores and restaurants and great people.
    Read 41 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 23,510 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Lutz

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 117 reviews
    #10 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Lutz is an exclusive community that is exceptionally difficult to get into. If you get an opportunity, take it! The “heart” of Lutz is at US41 and Lutz Lake Fern. Lutz features some of the wealthiest properties of Tampa suburbs such as The Sanctuary, Wellington Manors, Lakes of Wellington and numerous lakefront properties with ample green space. Lutz houses some of the best educational institutions in the state of FL with Lutz Preparatory Academy and Sun Lake Academy of Math and Science. Several churches such as Idlewild Baptist Church, Grace Family and Creekside Church. Downtown Tampa a small drive to the south. Lutz has ample shopping at outlets and wire grass with a nightlife, numerous restaurants, and family activities such as Ice Rinks, Arcades, bowling, laser tag, lagoons, and parks. One can truly live the city life with luxury of a large suburban home with land. It contains a rich history with dedicated monuments. Lutz is the best town I have ever lived in!
    Read 117 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 22,235 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Temple Terrace

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 125 reviews
    #11 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: My experience living in Temple Terrace has been kinda boring for the most part, in large part to the global pandemic. I came to the Temple Terrace area in early 2020, so right before everything that happened in 2020, from that point on there was not a whole lot to do in the area and the fact that some places are not completely open. The changes that I would like to be seen is the roads are probably some of the worst roads in the surrounding area, which will create problems for myself and others. Temple Terrace is a small town and very low profile
    Read 125 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 26,539 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Citrus Park

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 53 reviews
    #12 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Niche User: I absolutely love this location! Economically, this area is very affordable and competitive with the surrounding areas.I have lived here since I was two years old and see familiar faces and friends frequently when I am out and about. Clearwater Beach is a 30 minute drive at most, while St. Pete Beach is only a little further out. There are many great elementary, middle and high schools to choose from, both public and private. This location is growing, but not so fast as to over-populate. It is a great place, especially, for a growing family to live. It is relatively close to downtown Tampa and has a lot of great local activities to enjoy. I would choose to live here again in a heartbeat!
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 27,026 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Feather Sound

    • Suburb of St. Petersburg, FL
    • 1 review
    #13 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Feather Sound is very family friendly and safe neighborhood. My parents have lived here for 23 years and love the area. It is close to the interstate, and therefore easy to get to everything.
    Read 1 Review

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 3,671 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Cheval

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 39 reviews
    #14 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Nearby Resident: Cheval is a great neighborhood, very family friendly and in the perfect area. 3 A rated schools 5 minutes or less from neighborhood. Lutz is a great area to live in and especially amazing for families with young children.
    Read 39 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 10,808 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Town 'n' Country

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 117 reviews
    #15 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: I like living in Town 'n' Country because its a very small and quiet environment. The people that I have encountered here are always so nice and friendly. Everyone works extremely hard to maintain the outward appearance of the surrounding properties, so the area tends to remain very neat and presentable. This community is constantly growing with businesses and living quarters that match the needs of the residents. We are surrounded by water, which not only provides a beautiful and relaxing scenery, but it is also great for boating or fishing. Overall, I am not a Florida native, but Town 'n' Country has provided such a great living experience for me that I would not prefer to live anywhere else.
    Read 117 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 87,338 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Safety Harbor

    • Suburb of St. Petersburg, FL
    • 66 reviews
    #16 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: I love Safety Harbor! As a resident, I find SH a safe, quaint community nestled between Tampa Bay, bustling neighboring cities and Gulf of Mexico beaches. SH celebrated it's centennial in 2017, but dates back far beyond. Arrowheads can still be found; a sprawling oak tree downtown dates back to the 1600s & a world-famous health spa attracts visitors all year round. I stroll Main Street and enjoy restaurants, coffee shops, & walking past historical homes surrounded by mature oaks, palms, pines & magnolias. SH has a museum, library, businesses, job opportunities, friendly churches, good schools, & social diversity. SH hosts wine-tasting events, concerts, outdoor markets, parades & fun-runs. I see sun rises, dolphins, manatees & waterbirds from Bayshore, the boardwalk, the marina, the fishing pier...I walk, run, & bike on the trail free of traffic. AM or PM, there's enjoyment to be had no matter one's income or preference. I continue to discover treasured history as well as modern SH.
    Read 66 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 17,803 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Land O' Lakes

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 166 reviews
    #17 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: I have lived in Land O Lakes for a few years and there are lots of changes going on with the area. There are new home developments being made as well as construction with new roads and traffic lights being put into place to manage the volume of traffic during rush hours. Though it may be a slight annoyance, it's much needed with continuous development. Land O Lakes is a good medium between city and country. Easy drive to anywhere like Clearwater beach, downtown Tampa, Orlando, or even Rainbow river. The attractions aren't that far if you're willing to weave through traffic.
    Read 166 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 38,410 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Brandon

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 320 reviews
    #18 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Having grown up in Brandon, Florida for the past 26 years of my life I am able to say that the town is wonderful! Brandon has rich history of being the premier suburb of Tampa and yet at the same time being a town all by itself. It is home to the first high school, middle school and elementary school in Hillsborough County. Brandon, Florida is not just a place on a map or quiet town, it is the heart of Hillsborough County and it has grown and is continues to grow into the future. Without the town of Brandon, Tampa, FL would struggle to thrive as it does today, so please come visit Brandon and we will welcome you!
    Read 320 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 115,911 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Lakeland Highlands

    • Suburb of Lakeland, FL
    • 35 reviews
    #19 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Nearby Resident: Great little town. Perfect location between Lakeland and Bartow. All the needs in one area. Grocery, fastfood, bank and post office
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 12,332 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Odessa

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 24 reviews
    #20 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: I really enjoyed my experience, I was helped very well by the employees. The deli service was excellent and very helpful when trying to pick a sandwich. The cashier was very nice, he asked me how my day was and we talked about anime for a little. It was very easy to find what I was looking for in the store. The organization is perfect and the store is clean. Overall I really enjoyed my time in this Publix.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 8,036 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Riverview

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 331 reviews
    #21 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Moving to Riverview three years ago, I had no idea what to expect. It was a completely different scene from living in New Tampa for 13 years! Although I had some difficulties with transportation, considering the immense traffic and commute time to other places, like in brandon or tampa, I believe that this move was WORTH IT. People here are simply amazing, brilliant, friendly. We have some small cafes and restaurants that are absolutely astounding. Yes, I live in Riverview.
    Read 331 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 95,338 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Valrico

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 151 reviews
    #22 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: I truly enjoy living in Valrico, Florida. I feel safe in my neighborhood for the most part. The traffic gets congested at certain times of the day, but it is not intolerable. There are many gas stations, restaurants, and stores in my area. I like my school because a majority of the students and staff are kind. I would change the roads or stop building so many neighborhoods because traffic is the biggest issue.
    Read 151 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 37,980 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. East Lake

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 54 reviews
    #23 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: East Lake is friendly, with a lot of people, good education (especially for engineering), close to downtown Tarpon Springs. Housing is nice, but people are not caught up in who owns what, and are typically very friendly. In addition, there is an unlimited retro arcade in the area, which is AMAZING!!!
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 32,169 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Palm Harbor

    • Suburb of Tampa, FL
    • 206 reviews
    #24 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Palm Harbor is a great place to live! It is quiet, family oriented, small town feel, but next to Tampa which is a big city. We have the best possible schools, libraries, and parks galore! And, we're just minutes from one of the top beaches in the U.S.
    Read 206 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • 62,310 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Gulfport

    • Suburb of St. Petersburg, FL
    • 34 reviews
    #25 Best Suburbs to Live in Tampa Area

    Current Resident: Love Gulfport. It’s an eclectic charming waterfront town that feels small and community minded while being a stones throw from the amenities of downtown St. Pete and just a few minutes drive from the gulf beaches. Gulfport is full of artists and you can see that everywhere you look. Gulfport has an award winning library, and even though the town isn’t always described as kid or family oriented, there are 4 great playgrounds, a skate park, a wonderful rec center with a great after school program, and the town is located very close to some wonderful magnet schools.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 12,335 Population
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Kid's Community College Preparatory High School

    • Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 11 reviews

    Alum: As a graduate ( and student of 9 years)of KCC/ KCC Prep, I can tell you this school is perfect if you’re looking to give your scholar an interactive and individualized education. Scholars learn using technology, which helps by giving them tools they need in a manner that is more familiar to them. The professors are dedicated to your child’s well being and their educational success is always the priority. The campus is full of leaders who mentor and guide your child through any trials they may face,in academics and in life. When you join KCC you dont become a number or a name on a peice of paper, you become family and every professor will stop at nothing to see your child succeed. Amazing experience, I would do it all over again if I could.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 275 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Review Your Area 

  35. Sponsored

    Bishop McNamara High School

    • Private School
    • FORESTVILLE, MD
    • 9-12
    • 334 reviews

    Senior: My high school experience at Bishop Mcnamara, I see as a privledge . Being able to come up with the finances and tools to experience a private school education is one I see now as a great investment and amazing oppurtunity. Each day when I walk into Bishop Mcnamara I am greeted with a smile, a how are you doing or a pat on the back from my administration or a staff member. I am constantly challenged to think and push myself through my variety of AP, college prep and honors courses. The challenge and love doesn't stop in the classroom. Involved in every single dance art possible, my plate is definitely a full one. But I see that my school sees art as an importance to me, so they make it a priority to be of importance to them. I am thankful for Bishop Mcnamara and how it has shaped me as a individual, performer of the arts and as a student. I strongly believe the tools I have gained have prepared me for school after I leave this institution and then some!
    Read 334 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 841 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Fork Union Military Academy

    • Private School
    • FORK UNION,, VA
    • 7-12
    • 99 reviews

    Parent: We enrolled our son in Fork Union Military Academy after seeing so many YouTube videos that touted the benefits of the one-subject program and the school. The promise of focus, structure, and accomplishment came through. He passed all his classes in this, his first year, a sophomore at FUMA.

    We took advantage of their academic success program. There he found continuous support and cheers! They found novel approaches to reach him, took the time to learn about him, and flexed their approaches. I have been concerned in the past about the ability of teachers who are not Black to 'see my son' as an individual. At FUMA, they know him, challenge him to be his best, hold him accountable, and motivate him.

    I am proud of what he has done this year. As a testament to the place, he is looking forward to going back in the Fall - he's proud that he's earned a promotion in rank and knows he can do even better academically. Amazing.
    Read 99 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 340 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
    Virtual Tour