Sun, Sand, and a Short Commute: The Renters Guide to Tampa's Best Neighborhoods

Hi, and welcome to ApartmentHomeLiving.com, where you'll find information about Tampa's inviting, diverse, and community-friendly neighborhoods. I'm Vickie, a long-time Tampa resident, and I'll be your guide to show you around town and introduce you to some of the neighborhoods to consider when choosing your next home or apartment in our fair city.

Tampa General Hospital

Davis Island

Davis Island rental apartments, condos, and homes near Tampa General Hospital offer the convenience of a short drive to work. Who wouldn't like that! Just like in the past, when I used to come to the island on Saturday night with friends to dine and dance, Davis Island has remained and retained that "fun" attitude with numerous restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and much more, all within three square miles. I enjoy the small beach area where private watercraft are docked and relaxation time with the seagulls at Seaplane Basin Park. There's also the Sandra Freedman Tennis Complex, cooling-off time at the Roy Jenkins pool, or booking a helicopter tour with flyVENTURE. Davis Island is at the top of my list as the place to live, where everything you need is in one place, amid island charm.

Bayshore Beautiful

Let me say, when you choose South Tampa as your next address, you've chosen a location with a lot of history, nostalgia, scenic landscapes, and convenient access to luxury housing near Tampa General Hospital. Residents living in Bayshore Beautiful are just a few minutes from historic Bayshore Boulevard, noted for having the world's longest sidewalk that runs continuously for 4.5 miles. You'll also find rentals along Bayshore Boulevard. It's a beautiful setting where you can bike, jog, and run while enjoying the views of the bay. Nearby is Ballast Point Park for picnics, walks along the 600-foot pier, food and drinks, and a water park for kids, or head in the other direction to downtown, Harbour Island, and Channelside.

Harbour Island

When you choose Harbour Island for your next home, like Davis Island, it's in a world of its own. This is also on my list of favorite places because there is just so much to do on the island, plus you're just minutes from downtown, the Tampa Riverwalk, the Florida Aquarium, and events at Amalie Arena. At The Pointe, satisfy your palate at Jackson's Bistro, Bar & Sushi, among others, take a waterfront fitness class, or check out the fashionable boats at the marina. Upscale waterfront apartments and condominiums featuring numerous amenities are available. Convenience-wise, it's a 10-minute drive to Tampa General.

Hyde Park

Tampa apartments near Hyde Park are part of what I consider the "triangle" of the city, because, like Davis Island (7 minutes) and Harbour Island (10 minutes), Hyde Park is only 6 minutes away from Tampa General. This is just a hop, skip, and jump from work! Within the historic neighborhood, choose a rental from among historic bungalows or modern luxury condos. Be sure to take advantage of all the many retail clothing shops, tasteful bars, and mouthwatering restaurants in Hyde Park Village, and the nightlife and upscale dining along South Howard Avenue, aka SoHo. My list of favorite places is getting longer as my first apartment was in one of the vintage homes turned apartments. Years later, my niece also chose the Hyde Park/SoHo area for apartment living and the short drive to work at TGH.

University of South Florida

Hunters Green

Situated in New Tampa, the Hunters Green neighborhood offers many choices in rental homes and apartments featuring multiple floor plans, amenities, and price ranges. If you're like me and enjoy the outdoors, this part of Tampa has more than a few places for fun. Spend the day at Hillsborough River State Park, Flatwoods Park, or John B. Sargeant Sr. Park. For a very nice place to relax, visit the USF Botanical Gardens. Beautiful place located on the college campus with 16 acres and more than 3,000 plants. There are year-round events, such as the spring, fall, and native plant festivals. Trust me, the festivals are worth a visit.

Forest Hills

While on a map it may seem like the Forest Hills neighborhood is a long way from USF, it isn't because I've traveled the route many times, and unless there is an accident, it takes less than 15 minutes to get to USF, and, again, once you know your way around, there is more than one route to take. Forest Hills is a lovely community of vintage Florida-style homes set among tree-lined streets and nearby modern condos. The neighborhood offers an easy-going and family-friendly lifestyle while being near many places to go and things to do. Nearby, you'll find grocery stores, markets, banks, assorted businesses, retail stores, discount stores, and Krispy Kreme, known for its legendary donuts! If you have children in school, Adams Middle School and Chamberlain High School are located on N Boulevard, and so much more. For entertainment, show off your best moves at the well-maintained Babe Zaharias Golf Course, built in 1936. Also, just minutes away, there's the Hillsborough River for boating, Zoo Tampa, and the historic Sulphur Springs Water Tower Park, where you can have a picnic and take a stroll beside the river. For card buffs, play your best hand at TGT Poker & Racebook, formerly the Tampa Greyhound Track. Lots of action going on!

Temple Crest

Another of the Tampa apartments near the University of South Florida is Temple Crest, conveniently located just 3 miles from the college. Along with apartments, the neighborhood also offers townhomes. The neighborhood resides south of Busch Boulevard, where you'll have easy access to casual and specialty dining venues, fast-food options, drugstores, Busch Gardens, and Adventure Island. Temple Crest is less than 10 minutes from USF and less than 15 minutes from the Moffitt Magnolia Campus. When you want to cool down, refresh, and replenish, take a free tour and enjoy free tastings at the Yuengling Tampa Brewing Warehouse, noted as the oldest brewery in America.

Pebble Creek Village

Like the Hunters Green community, Pebble Creek Village is ideal for those who prefer a neighborhood with opportunities to get out and about and enjoy nature. You also won't have to worry about a lack of options for dining. Throughout the university area, there are many cafés, specialty restaurants, sports bars, pubs, ale houses, and pizzerias. Those are just a few of the options! Along with parks for hiking, don't miss out on an adventure at Busch Gardens, the Museum of Science and Industry, and endless fun at Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park. If you go downtown, stop at the Tampa Convention Center and purchase a round-trip ticket aboard the Pirate Water Taxi from the center to the zoo.

Raymond James Financial

Downtown Tampa

You will be in the heart of the city when you choose one of the downtown apartments near Raymond James Financial. Pick your pleasure from studios, one-and two-bedroom apartments, and pet-friendly residences. I worked downtown for a while, so did my mom. It's a place where memories are made. You'll see modern structures along with vintage architecture, which gives the city a special blended vibe of old and new. There are tasteful restaurants, museums, the Riverwalk, arts and crafts shows, easy access to the University of Tampa, and experience Gasparilla and the annual pirate invasion. Whatever your itinerary, be sure to include a movie at the historic Tampa Theatre, built in 1926. Me, and many of my friends and family will tell you the theater takes you back to another time.

Channel District

Just a short drive from downtown takes you to Sparkman Wharf, located in the city's Channel District, where you can choose a studio or an apartment or enjoy the views from a high-rise condo to call home. The district has been a favorite destination for many years (yes, I've been there, too). The district, along with Sparkman Wharf, continues to provide residents with a long list of things to see and do. Examples of what you'll have access to include the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk, a beer garden, casual dining options, bowling, sushi bars, a fitness and wellness studio, outdoor movies, shopping, and more. When you want to visit downtown or Ybor City, leave the driving to the free TECO Line Streetcar.

Ybor City

Enjoy the history, culture, and food 24/7 when you choose Tampa apartments in Ybor City, such as beautifully detailed apartments in a restored cigar factory. Established in 1885, Ybor City is noted as a National Historic Landmark District and stands out as a desirable place to live. Known as the "Cigar Capital of the World," you'll see vintage architecture, take a stroll through Ybor City Museum State Park, enjoy plenty of entertainment and vibrant nightlife, take a tour, shop at quaint venues, go to the year-round Ybor City Saturday Market and, of course, you can dine on authentic Cuban cuisine, like scrumptious pastry, fresh Cuban bread, and a cup of savory café con leche anytime you like. Whatever you do, don't miss the Flamenco dancers and authentic Spanish/Cuban menus at the historic family-owned and operated Columbia Restaurant, in business since 1905. Oh, keep your eye open for colorful roosters and hens roving the streets. They are protected by a city ordinance, and Ybor is a designated bird sanctuary, which means they have the right-of-way at all times!

Tampa International Airport

Tampa Shores

Tampa apartments near Tampa International Airport offer many choices in lifestyle, features, activities, and a short drive to work. Located in the Town N Country district, As one of the employers in Tampa with thousands of employees, choosing a home near the airport is a great place to call home after a busy day. Tampa Shores is a quiet and beautifully landscaped neighborhood with homes and apartments for rent, and it is only 11 minutes from the airport. Nearby activities include miniature golf, massage and spa venues, and a variety of restaurants and bars along the Courtney Campbell Causeway, about 20 minutes away.

Beach Park

Beach Park apartments near Tampa International Airport are another of the city's neighborhoods that remains a focal point for new residents, with condos and apartments, plus houses available in the community. From modern to charming, the area provides an upscale and serene atmosphere, and a short 7-minute drive to the airport. You'll have your choice of shopping boutiques and malls, dining options, parks, and more. The list goes on because of the neighborhood's location near major streets, such as Kennedy Boulevard, Westshore Boulevard, and South Dale Mabry Highway.

Westchase

Choosing Westchase puts you in a desirable neighborhood for residents interested in renting a condo, townhouse, and single-family homes, and only 17 minutes from TPA. With its convenient location near West Hillsborough, you have access to area businesses, which include supermarkets, restaurants, retail shopping venues at Citrus Park Mall, and International Plaza. If you like the excitement of horse racing, you're just 11 minutes from Tampa Bay Downs.

Twelve Oaks

When searching for Tampa apartments near TPA that focus on community events and nearby outdoor activities, consider Twelve Oaks. I worked at a local bank and remembered the community was first established in the 70s. It is a well-maintained community just 12 minutes from work. The neighborhood invites residents to enjoy walking, biking, and jogging, or head to Morgan Woods Park for a picnic. Shimberg Sports Complex is also nearby, plus many local businesses and shopping along Waters Avenue. Webb Middle School is less than 10 minutes away. One of the things I like about the Town N Country area is, once you learn the layout of the land, you'll find many shortcuts to get where you're going.

In Closing...

Business is booming in Tampa, from established companies to newer businesses on the rise, making the city a good place to call home. Whether you're drawn to the waterfront charm of Davis Island, the historic energy of Ybor City, the buzz of Downtown, or the laid-back neighborhoods surrounding Tampa International Airport, there is a perfect place here for everyone. Tampa is more than just a great place to work — it's a city that invites you to live fully, with world-class dining, beautiful parks, vibrant culture, and a community spirit that makes you feel welcome from day one. As someone who has called this city home, I can tell you firsthand that once Tampa gets into your heart, it never really leaves. I hope this guide helps you find your perfect neighborhood and your perfect home. Welcome to Tampa — I think you're going to love it here!