Best Suburbs of Tampa, Florida

Tampa is the major center of economic and tourist activity in western Florida. From Busch Gardens and ZooTampa to the Florida Aquarium and the Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa is a hive of activity. Not to mention, Tampa Bay is a popular spot to catch some rays and enjoy the sand beneath your feet. If you’re ready to live in Tampa today, there are plenty of builders offering great move-in ready homes. But with its population at nearly 400,000, you may desire a smaller-town feel. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Tampa suburbs to help inform your choice.

10. Citrus Park

• Population: 24,252
• Median Home Value: $215,400
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,351
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 397

Citrus Park, located in Hillsborough County north of Tampa, is home to two great animal sanctuaries: Big Cat Rescue and Zaksee Florida Bird Sanctuary. Both offer tours and educational opportunities to learn more about protecting these great animals. In addition, Citrus Park has plenty of first-class amenities, including its shopping centers, parks and places of worship.

9. Land O’ Lakes

• Population: 31,996
• Median Home Value: $227,900
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 34 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,094
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 353

Land O’ Lakes is located 20 miles north of Tampa. As one would expect from the name, this suburb is full of lakes! No matter where you choose to live, there’s guaranteed to be a lake near you, which means plenty of water activities. Land O’ Lakes also offers good parks, shopping opportunities and golf. Take a look at the homes available at Land O’ Lakes!

8. Westchase

• Population: 21,747
• Median Home Value: $344,800
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 33 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 958
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 162

Westchase is located just west of Citrus Park. This community has all of the essentials: great restaurants, beautiful parks and even plenty of lakes to cool down in. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the multiple golf courses or playing soccer or baseball at the Ed Radice Sports Complex. Tampa is only a 30-minute drive away, so Westchase residents don’t have to venture far to visit the big city.

7. East Lake

• Population: 30,962
• Median Home Value: $327,100
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 986
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 166

East Lake is a community settled along Lake Tarpon. The lake provides a great way to cool down on hot summer days; whether you like to kayak, swim or merely picnic, you’re guaranteed to have a pleasant day. East Lake is also home to other great nature spots, such as the Brooker Creek Preserve & Environmental Education Center. Just beyond the lake lies Tarpon Springs, where residents can shop to their heart’s content at various shopping plazas.

6. Valrico

• Population: 35,545
• Median Home Value: $220,200
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 33 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 276
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 33

Valrico deserves a spot on this list for many reasons. Its most noteworthy feature is its low crime rates — the lowest violent and nonviolent crime rates of the Tampa suburbs. If that’s not enough incentive to move here, Valrico residents also can enjoy the Brandon Boulevard Shoppes, which features rows of stores and restaurants. Your new home in Valrico is waiting for you!

5. Wesley Chapel

• Population: 44,092
• Median Home Value: $215,000
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 360
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 55

Wesley Chapel is one of the larger suburbs on the list, with a population of more than 44,000 residents. There’s a wide variety of activities to enjoy here, including shopping at the Tampa Premium Outlets, swimming at The Ridge Community Center or jogging in one of the many parks. With the town’s particularly low violent crime rate, residents can have peace of mind as they go about their days. Check out what new home builders have to offer here!

4. Oldsmar

• Population: 14,841
• Median Home Value: $194,500
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 336
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 31

Oldsmar is located along Mobbly Bay, approximately 17 miles northwest of Tampa. Residents can enjoy the sunny bay shore practically in their own backyard. Another highlight is Empower Adventures Tampa Bay, where you can partake in zip line and boating adventures. And, of course, there’s no shortage of parks, restaurants and other suburban amenities you’d expect to find. Browse the home listings in Oldsmar!

3. Palm Harbor

• Population: 57,439
• Median Home Value: $216,000
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 27 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 588
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 44 

Palm Harbor is located on the western coast of Florida, which means plenty of beach time! One unique feature is the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary Foundation, which provides tours and educational opportunities. Thanks to the low violent crime rate, residents can walk the beach or hit up the shopping districts without fear. Find your new Palm Harbor home!

2. Cheval 

• Population: 10,702
• Median Home Value: $336,500
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 869
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 147

Cheval is a small community located north of Tampa. Multiple lakes reside within Cheval’s jurisdiction, so those looking to relax by the waterside will love it here. Cheval is also home to top-notch golfing, shopping and parks. 

1. Keystone

• Population: 24,039
• Median Home Value: $371,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 35 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 858
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 162

At the top of our list of Tampa suburbs is Keystone. Home to numerous parks, nature preserves and lakes, this town offers plenty of hiking trails and greenery. Foodies will enjoy the highly rated restaurants in the area, and families will appreciate the great education system. Keystone is truly a great place to call home!

Additional Suburbs

Suburb	Pop.	Median Home Value	Mean Travel to Work	School Rank	Property Crimes	Violent Crimes
Greater Northdale	22,079	$233,400	31 minutes	A-	1,987	335
Bloomingdale	22,711	$226,400	34 minutes	A-	1,814	306
Fish Hawk	14,087	$341,100	37 minutes	A-	931	157
Trinity	10,907	$268,200	29 minutes	A-	1,253	211
Plant City	39,156	$154,300	24 minutes	B+	1,198	186
Thonotosassa	13,014	$143,100	27 minutes	B+	203	34
Brandon	103,483	$174,300	27 minutes	B+	1,651	239
Temple Terrace	26,471	$205,200	26 minutes	B+	571	67
Town ‘n’ Country	78,442	$158,300	27 minutes	B+	2,929	494
Riverview	71,050	$198,000	32 minutes	B+	803	121
Lake Magdalene	28,509	$222,100	29 minutes	B+	1,877	317
Lutz	19,344	$282,400	32 minutes	B+	1,578	266
Safety Harbor	18,031	$247,100	25 minutes	B	227	24
Clearwater	116,478	$191,600	24 minutes	B	3,087	510
Dunedin	36,580	$181,700	26 minutes	B	652	52
Pinellas Park	53,098	$138,300	21 minutes	B	2,423	224
Saint Petersburg	265,351	$182,900	23 minutes	B	8,784	1,660
Largo	84,996	$117,900	24 minutes	B	2,593	322
Seminole	18,866	$184,000	25 minutes	B	604	24
Tarpon Springs	25,571	$195,800	27 minutes	B	530	51
Gulfport	12,401	$167,700	25 minutes	B	398	15
Sun City Center	19,258	$169,700	32 minutes	B	165	25
Greater Carrollwood	33,365	$228,700	27 minutes	B	1,902	321
Apollo Beach	14,055	$262,200	33 minutes	B	1,451	245
Lealman	19,879	$84,100	22 minutes	B	3,483	588
West Lealman	15,651	$95,000	23 minutes	B	3,203	540
Mango	11,313	$113,600	24 minutes	B	3,062	517
Lakeland	110,516	$132,100	22 minutes	B-	3,417	361
New Port Richey	16,494	$76,900	29 minutes	B-	599	160
Spring Hill	98,621	$132,700	31 minutes	B-	3,337	563
Effers	13,986	$72,800	28 minutes	B-	3,250	548
Zephyrhills	15,563	$94,800	26 minutes	C+	612	47
Bayonet Point	23,467	$83,700	28 minutes	C+	3,596	607
Holiday	22,403	$69,500	31 minutes	C+	3,463	584
Shady Hills	11,523	$120,000	37 minutes	C+	2,825	477
Jasmine Estates	18,989	$80,900	27 minutes	C	3,451	582
Hudson	12,158	$141,300	35 minutes	C	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.