Tampa's Five Greatest Neighborhoods

rentwell
By Rentwell

View of downtown Tampa from Harbor IslandIn 2018, US News and World Report ranked Tampa as one of the Best Places to Live in the United States, noting that living in Tampa is "like being on vacation all year." Located north of the bay, Tampa has a hip social scene and a thriving Hispanic community, and is notable for Ybor City, once known as 'the Cigar Capital of the World.'"

If you are considering moving to Tampa, or just heading for a visit, check out this list of the city's best neighborhoods.

Our Top 5 Neighborhoods in Tampa

  1. Harbour Island: Harbour Island is a triangle-shaped island surrounded by the Seddon, Sparkman Channel, and Garrison Channels. The TECO Streetcar system gives residents easy access to downtown Tampa and Channelside. Niche ranks this Tampa neighborhood as the 14th best neighborhood in the country and the best in Florida. For Tampa, it is ranked first in these categories: Best Places to Live, Best Places to Raise a Family, and Best Neighborhoods to Live. It is home to many residences including high-rise condos, apartments, row homes, single-family homes, and large houses.

  2. Ybor City: This historic neighborhood began in 1880 as a hub for immigrants from Cuba, Spain, and Italy. Most of these immigrants found work in the cigar industry, and over the next 20 years, the cigar industry transformed Tampa into a large, thriving city. Today, Ybor City is home to artists who gave new life to the neighborhood, updating old buildings and diversifying the neighborhood.

  3. SoHo/Hyde Park: This stylish community is popular among young professionals. The center of the community is home to vibrant entertainment options, including a beautiful park with a fountain in the center, as well as shops and restaurants. This cool neighborhood is near Bayshore Boulevard, an iconic, 4.5-mile stretch that's perfect for morning walks, jogs, or bike rides. 

  4. Seminole Heights: Seminole Heights is home to the famed Taco Bus, a bus serving cheap, authentic Mexican cuisine 24/7! Even though the Taco Bus is a fun neighborhood feature, there are plenty of other things to love about this bohemian neighborhood. It features eclectic housing styles, gourmet restaurants, and quaint used furniture stores. Refurbishing antique pieces is a favorite activity of Seminole Heights residents. Another popular haunt is the Phoenix Glass Studio, where you can watch live glass blowing demos and other art events. Historic home tours are also available.

  5. Davis Islands: Davis Islands offers beautiful views of the Port of Tampa, and it's also located just a hop skip and a jump from Downtown Tampa. The two islands that make up the neighborhood are called "Little Grassy Key" and "Big Grassy Key." They are located at the mouth of the Hillsborough River. Many of the original Mediterranean-style structures, built in the 1920's, are still standing today.

Now that you know some of the best areas for relocating to Tampa, check out the local properties we have for rent.