Thinking about living in Tampa? Not only is The Big Guava one of the best places to live in the Southeast, but it’s also one of the best cities for dogs! To determine the best neighborhoods in Tampa, we considered factors like affordable housing, overall crime rates, and available amenities. The following areas offer budget-friendly housing and rent prices, low crime, and a high quality of life. Here are five safe and affordable neighborhoods in Tampa to consider calling home!
| Neighborhood | Ballast Point | Beach Park | Hyde Park | Riverside Heights | Seminole Heights |
| Safer than % of Tampa Neighborhoods | 86% | 96% | 64% | 75% | 47% |
| Median Home Price | $407,620 | $413,225 | $394,010 | $249,700 | $131,633 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,429 | $1,947 | $1,718 | $1,337 | $958 |
| Median Household Income | $97,886 | $142,447 | $90,817 | $65,054 | $44,243 |
| High School Graduation Rate | 92% | 96% | 91% | 90% | 78% |
Is Tampa a Safe Place to Live in 2025?
Tampa is considered a relatively safe city to live in! The overall crime rate in Tampa is lower than the national average, and the city is safer than 16% of Florida cities—which means there are a variety of safe places to live in Tampa for people of all ages. Some of the safest Tampa neighborhoods include Ballast Point, Beach Park, and Riverside Heights.
Ballast Point
- Home Price: $407,620 median purchase price; $1,429 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Ready to buy a house in an affordable Tampa neighborhood? Ballast Point offers both new and historical homes in a variety of real estate styles, including modern farmhouses, bungalows, and townhomes. With MacDill Air Force Base right next door, this safe Tampa neighborhood is popular among retired veterans and active military for off-base housing. There are also many draws for families, including quality schools such as Ballast Point Elementary School and Chiaramonte Elementary School. Situated right on Hillsborough Bay, Ballast Point provides gorgeous ocean views, an array of restaurant options, and a quick drive to Downtown Tampa!
Things to Do in Ballast Point
Fish off the pier, bring your boat to sail around Hillsborough Bay, and cool off on the splash pad at one of the best parks in Tampa—Ballast Point Park. Bring your kids to the playground, let your pup run in the dog park, and walk MacDill Trail at Gadsden Park. Take horseback riding lessons for all ages, compete in horse shows, and sign the kids up for horsemanship camp at Perennial Farm. Learn to sail, work out in the fitness facility, and order a meal or drink in any of four different dining areas when you become a member at the Tampa Yacht & Country Club. Start your day with a Rainbow Acai Bowl, Vanilla Bean Milk Tea, or Mango Frappe at Boba and Berry. Try Turkish favorites including Haydari, Chicken Kofte, and Cheese Pie at Bayshore Mediterranean Grill. Sit out on the patio to enjoy Shrimp Dumplings, Sweet Potato Rolls, and Smoked Salmon Nigiri at Sakana Sushi Restaurant. Or share a plate of Mozzarella Caprese to go with an entree of Tortelli del Mugello or Coniglio in Umido at Beccofino Italian Bistro.
Q: Is Tampa more affordable than Miami?
A: Tampa is a more affordable place to live than Miami. The cost of living in Miami is 24% higher than the national average, whereas the cost of living in Tampa is only 7% higher than the U.S. average. Plus, Tampa’s income per capita is 27% higher than the U.S. average, while Miami’s income per capita is just 5% higher than the country’s average.
Beach Park
- Home Price: $413,225 median purchase price; $1,947 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 96% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
As one of the safest neighborhoods in Tampa, Beach Park attracts many families and retired people—it’s part of why Tampa is one of the best cities for retirees in the U.S.! For Beach Park real estate, you’ll find townhomes, condos, and an eclectic mix of housing styles, like Spanish Revival, Italianate, and ranches. Plus, Everglades University’s Tampa Campus is within Beach Park’s borders, and Tampa International Airport is just a short drive away. Known for being a welcoming community, you’ll see neighbors out walking their dogs along winding suburban streets lined with large oak, palm, and southern pine trees. With its serene feel and water views of Old Tampa Bay, this charming neighborhood is for anyone looking for a relaxed atmosphere while remaining close to Downtown Tampa.
Things to Do in Beach Park
Browse shops including Barnes & Noble and Jos. A. Bank, and grab a bite or drink at eateries like So Fresh at Town Square Center. Go for a run, throw a ball for your dog, or sit and read a book beneath huge shade trees at Swann Circle Park. Practice your technique and play tennis on one of eight outdoor, lighted courts at Cal Dickson Tennis Center. Join Centre Club to attend fun events like murder mystery parties, dine in the Origin Lounge, support the community, network, and more. Enjoy a cup of Kava with raspberry syrup or an Americano, and attend cool events like the Open Mic Market and Billie Eilish Yoga Class at Solstice Coffee & Kava. Opt for a gluten-free Bowl made with your choice of Almond Baked Chicken, Roasted Salmon, or Herb Grilled Steak with Home Made Pressed Juice at Fresh Kitchen. Create your own Poke Bowl with options including Sweet Potato Noodles, Shrimp, Mango, Yum Yum Sauce, and more at Poke Fish. Or bite into award-winning sandwiches such as “The Finest Cuban Sandwich on the Planet” or the Roast Beef Sandwich with Yucca Fries on the side at The Floridian.
Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Tampa?
A: There are a variety of safe neighborhoods in Tampa, including Beach Park, Ballast Point, Riverside Heights, and more. Beach Park stands out due to its friendly neighborhood vibe mixed with its low crime rates—which fall well below the city, state, and national averages.
Hyde Park
- Home Price: $394,010 median purchase price; $1,718 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families
If you want live in one of the best neighborhoods in Tampa and be near all the action, consider living in Hyde Park! Located just five minutes southwest of Downtown, Tampa’s oldest existing neighborhood offers a mix of historical bungalows and Craftsman homes alongside modern condos. This desirable area features plenty of giant shade trees, vibrant cafes, and fun things to do—including biking and walking trails along Hillsborough Bay. Plus, Hyde Park offers convenient access to big-city amenities, like The University of Tampa on the neighborhood’s northern edge, and Tampa General Hospital—which is located just across the bridge in Davis Islands!
Things to Do in Hyde Park
Shop big luxury brands like Zadig & Voltaire or local boutiques like Downtown Dogs and Sunni Spencer at Hyde Park Village—or attend events like Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery‘s Trivia Tuesdays. View art exhibitions like Fin, Fur and Feathers, see demos such as Cartooning and Digital Art, or take classes in drawing and watercolors at Old Hyde Park Art Center. Relax, have a picnic, and let your kids run around the playground at Anderson Park. Walk or ride your bike to enjoy scenic views of Tampa Bay on the Bayshore Boulevard Greenway, one of the longest continuous sidewalks in America! Sample Eastern European dishes such as Piroshki, Yabloko Salad, and Pork Shashlik at Babushka’s. Order Mexican street fare like the Grilled Chicken Loco Nachos, Habanero Beef Dang Quesadilla, and Carnitas Fiesta Bowl from Green Lemon. Find something for everyone with dishes including Plant-Based Alfredo Pasta, Dino & Jimmy Sushi Rolls, or a Slam-Gria at Water + Flour. Or make a reservation for award-winning Tampa steak like the Dry-Aged Porterhouse Steak, along with Soup Tasting and Baked Oysters at Bern’s Steak House.
Q: How safe is Tampa?
A: Despite being one of Florida’s largest cities, Tampa is still generally considered a safe place to live—and there’s no shortage of safe neighborhoods in Tampa, FL to choose from! However, as in any major city, certain areas experience higher crime—so it’s best to thoroughly research specific neighborhoods when considering moving.
Riverside Heights
- Home Price: $249,700 median purchase price; $1,337 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located along the Hillsborough River is cozy Riverside Heights, one of the safest Tampa neighborhoods. This area is known for its quiet streets and budget-friendly homes—which include bungalows and Craftsmen-style houses alongside Contemporary houses—helping to make Tampa one of the best cities to buy real estate! Those wanting to rent in Tampa can find spacious condos and apartments in Riverside Heights, too. The neighborhood has over a dozen HART bus stops for convenient transportation all around the city, and if you need to commute to Downtown Tampa, it’s just a quick ten-minute drive away.
Things to Do in Riverside Heights
Chase your kids around the playground, play catch, or do some yoga at Plymouth Park. Meet up with friends, spread a blanket for a picnic, or catch community events at Duran Park. Splash in the pool, utilize the gymnasium, or join the After School MLK program at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Complex. Empower your family by joining parent groups and bringing your kids to early childhood education classes at Community Roots Collective. Taste Guatemalan specialties such as Pollo en Crema, Huevos con Chorizo, and Pan Chapin at Rincon Guatemalteco. Chow down on Prime Beef Brisket or the BBQ Sandwich with Cilantro & Lime Coleslaw at The Brisket Shoppe. Bite into some of the best burgers in Tampa including Thee Tangy One and the Pizza Burger, or try Thee Grouper Sandwich at Thee Burger Spot. Or attend Monday Trivia Nights and sip locally-brewed beers like the Failsafe pilsner, Dimensions IPA, or Emanate imperial stout at Woven Water Brewing Company.
Q: Is Tampa affordable?
A: Though it’s a big city with excellent amenities, the cost of living in Tampa is only 7% higher than the national average—which is on par with other major cities nearby, like Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Plus, Tampa residents keep more money in their pockets as there’s no state income tax in Florida!
Seminole Heights
- Home Price: $131,633 median purchase price; $958 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 47% of Tampa neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Seminole Heights is a great place for both families and young professionals to call home. Consisting of Old Seminole, South Seminole, and Southeast Seminole Heights, this century-old neighborhood is a cultural hub lined with brick roads, eclectic shops, art galleries, and quirky bars. You’ll find more bungalows in Seminole Heights than in any other neighborhood in Tampa, as well as affordable Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern homes. The local community works hard to preserve the neighborhood’s unique character with annual Home Tours. On top of all that, residents can take advantage of Seminole Heights’ close proximity to ZooTampa at Lowry Park, as well as great neighborhood schools like Seminole Heights Elementary School!
Things to Do in Seminole Heights
Play an 18-hole golf game, try out the short course, or practice your swing on the Topracer Range at one of Tampa’s best golf courses—Rogers Park Golf Course. Grill a delicious meal, watch your kids on the playground, and play basketball at Henry & Ola Park. Check out books and movies, or attend recurring events such as Family Story Time at Seminole Heights Branch Library. Learn to blow glass objects like ornaments, sculptures, and wine glasses, or buy pre-made glass art at Gott Glass Studio & Gallery. Get tasty food like Shrimp Thermidor Biscuits, an Impossible Burger, or Chicken Pot Pie at Front Porch & Bart’s Tavern—which features live music on the weekends. Fill up on classic Tijuana-style or Mexican-American fusion cuisine with the Chile Relleno Burrito, Chimichanga, or Buffalo Taco at Xtreme Tacos. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a beautiful cake in flavors such as Framboise, Chocolate Peanut, and Salted Caramel from Chocolate Pi. And check out the cocktail bar that curates a new menu every week, with past favorites like the Que Sera, Pearl Grey, and Two Dozen Roses, at Mandarin Heights.
Q: Where is the most affordable place to live in Tampa?
A: The Seminole Heights neighborhood is one of the most affordable places to live in Tampa, offering low housing and rental costs compared to other top Tampa neighborhoods. With fun shops and galleries, great schools for children, and charming bungalows to settle down in, Seminole Heights is a fantastic place to live on a budget.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
