2022 Best Suburbs to Live in the Tampa Area

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  46 reviews

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

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 24,185

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  52 reviews

Current Resident: We are a family of 6 and been here 2 years. My kids range from the ages of 7 - 19. So we have a kid in every level of schooling in Fishhawk. Schools are the best from the grammar, middle school and High School. A+!! I dont know how people knock any of these school. We came from NY and these schools are much better. My kids made so many friends and everyone was so welcoming! If you visit the pools and are sociable its impossible not to make friends. We met some great people here and we spend hoildays with them. Fish hawk is a community where there are transplants from everywhere. My experience is they are all looking for the tight knit community. Its the best thing we ever did! Newsome Girl sports is great. The flag football is the best in the state. The best thing about Fish hawk are the people! Maybe I have been lucky but everyone we met have been fantastic! We are putting down our roots and cant picture us anywhere else. Its a safe neighborhood. Its the best place to raise kids!... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 24,463

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  38 reviews

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 38 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 25,397

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  93 reviews

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 93 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Population 35,846

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  24 reviews

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

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Population 10,569

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.77 out of 5  43 reviews

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

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 31,211

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.64 out of 5  28 reviews

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 28 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 25,042

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  280 reviews

Current Resident: It’s every weekend in Wesley Chapel is when I’m volunteering for the Autistic Kids in my community that I’m most passionate. I’ve been enrolled into Florida A&M University to study psychology because of my experience with those kids and my own 2 brothers who are Autistic. Seeing them struggle first hand as Black kids with mental disabilities caused me to step up as an older sister and find out who I am and who I will continue to be in the future. I get to interact with them, learn more about them, and come up with more strategies to develop their social skills like when I would create my own hand made boardgames with questions targeted towards only them specifically all while keeping them engaged. I really become happy beyond belief when I see their eyes light up when they get those questions right and it shows me that all my effort and energy really pays off in end.... Read 280 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 65,134

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  41 reviews

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

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 24,924

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  128 reviews

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 128 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 23,827

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.68 out of 5  128 reviews

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 128 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 26,585

• Suburb of St. Petersburg, FL

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

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

• grade A

• grade B

• Population 3,351

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 4.02 out of 5  53 reviews

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

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 27,440

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  39 reviews

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

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 12,839

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.72 out of 5  119 reviews

Current Resident: We're a family of 5 and have been here for 14 months. We're hoping to buy a house in this area next year (if the economy shapes up). It's clean and quiet. It's easy to access everything we need with just a short drive. We commute to West Tampa for work, and traffic sucks, but that's everywhere in Tampa. The beach is about 30 minutes away.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 89,679

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  173 reviews

Current Resident: The people are nice and the suburbs are clean and feel safe. Most people I meet here seem excited to get to know someone new. I will say that if what you are looking for is a place to get away, this is not it. By the day it seems that more people move here and another apartment complex gets built. But if that's your speed, go for it! It is all more than nice. Unlike the last city in which I resided, I feel perfectly safe walking alone through most of Land O' Lakes, even at night.... Read 173 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 38,674

• Suburb of St. Petersburg, FL

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  71 reviews

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 71 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Population 17,093

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  331 reviews

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 331 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 115,330

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: Wonderful little area, lots to do around. Many new developments around so there's plenty of nice housing and apartments. You'll never go a day without making a stop at the several Publixes that reside close to each other. The beach is only a half hour away which is lovely and there are many nature parks nearby to hike or play ball with. Traffic has increased but it's a good sign of a healthy area because many people are looking to move here due to school zoning. Overall the area is nice, the municipal is kept clean and the people that dwell here are often quite sweet. Definitely has been a pleasure to live in a safe place that I call home... Read 30 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 7,682

• Suburb of Lakeland, FL

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  36 reviews

Nearby Resident: Great little town. Perfect location between Lakeland and Bartow. All the needs in one area. Grocery, fastfood, bank and post office... Read 36 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Population 11,326

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  157 reviews

Current Resident: Valrico is a very busy place. It used to be farm country but has grown tremendously. There are many places to eat and shop. There is a variety of people from all walks of life here to spread their culture and it is a melting pot of everything you might want; family friendly with many schools; hospitals, clinics, and a growing job market. There is something here for everyone.... Read 157 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 39,632

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  351 reviews

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 351 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 98,928

• Suburb of St. Petersburg, FL

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  Rating 4.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: My experience living in Belleair has been pretty good so far. I love being by the water. One of my favorite routes to run is over the Belleair causeway.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Population 4,266

• Suburb of St. Petersburg, FL

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  34 reviews

Former Resident: After leaving for college, I miss the general homey-ness of Gulfport. It is a great place to live and experience. The Tuesday Morning Market is one of my favorites, because I get to roam the small, yet scenic streets of Downtown Gulfport and support local businesses. Among the younger population of Gulfport, the community is very accepting. You'll see several pride flags just driving down each street. Another one of my favorite places is the Gulfport Public Library. It is vast with a large collection of all kinds of literature. And if you venture out back to the garden, you get a lovely view of both Downtown Gulfport and the garden in which you're sitting. Speaking of Downtown, I love the pier. Its nice to just sit there, even late at night and you'll still feel safe. Another place to go late at night is Gulfport Beach Park. There's a little swing that sits at the water and it's so nice and serene. It's one of my safe places. Overall, I love Gulfport and the people in it. Go Gulfport!... Read 34 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B minus

• Population 11,830

• Suburb of Tampa, FL

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  56 reviews

Former Resident: East Lake thank goodness is not a suburb of Tampa. It is in PINELLAS COUNTY. Not even the same demographics nor kind of people live there. Eastlake is a fabulous area to live in. Lots of families, great schools, and lots to do in the area... Read 56 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 32,714