Within the dozens of cities and towns that make up the Greater Tampa Bay region, dozens more neighborhoods each offer a unique community feel and lifestyle to suit every kind of family, from beachside bungalow to stately historic home. Subdivisions and planned developments join historic communities to round out GTB’s list of illustrious suburban areas.
Proximity to schools and restaurants, proximity to the urban lifestyle and the community feel with neighbors to lean on in time of need — ever been short an egg when baking a cake? — are just a few benefits of buying a home in one of these areas.
If looking for a fresh start, a change of scenery or a chance to learn a little more about fellow residents, check out these 20 notable neighborhoods.
- Avalon Park — Wesley Chapel
Gracing downtown Wesley Chapel is the neighborhood of Avalon Park, an all-in-one suburb catering to the ideals of community. Homes are grouped into different villages, each with their own style. Houses, townhouses and apartments border shops, offices and storefronts. Walkable and pristine, Avalon Park offers a contemporary vision of life in small-town America.
- Avila — Lutz
This North Tampa neighborhood is well-known for its glamorous homes and often famous residents. Featuring a golf course, a fitness center, pool and six tennis courts, Avila offers luxury, security and community. The grandeur of Avila makes it one of the most desirable neighborhoods in GTB.
- Beach Park — Tampa
Stunning houses and winding canals are the calling cards of Beach Park, a desirable suburban neighborhood located in South Tampa. A safe and tight-knit community, Beach Park is only a few minutes’ drive away from some of the city’s most popular spots, including Raymond James Stadium and downtown Tampa. The sunset views over the bay cannot hurt, either.
- Boca Ciega Bay — St. Petersburg
Situated on the body of water it is named for, the community of Boca Ciega Bay boasts pristine waterfront homes and luxurious living. Location here is key: flanked on the west by St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille Beach and on the east by I-275, a day trip to the shore or a quick route to the city is always within reach. Filled with iconic and mesmerizing architecture, and embodying the true Florida feel, Boca Ciega Bay is made for those seeking their version of the island escape.
- Coquina Key — St. Petersburg
Called the Friendly Island, the neighborhood of Coquina Key is picturesque St. Petersburg living. Single-family homes, condos and townhouses abound in this off-the-beaten-path community on the eastern coast of St. Petersburg. With direct access to the water, parks, playgrounds and tennis courts, the community of Coquina Key is active and energetic. Well-regarded nearby schools and tight-knit neighbors make this a friendly place to live.
- Davis Islands — Tampa
Built upon two manmade islands in the 1920s, Davis Islands has grown to become one of the most desirable places to live in the GTB area. Known for its storied history, famous residents and proximity to downtown Tampa, this community is small enough to walk while also large enough to warrant its own business district. A self-contained mini municipality, Davis Islands has an airport, hospital and commercial area. Homes are a mix of single-family houses, townhouses, apartments and condos.
- East Lake Woodlands — Oldsmar
Lush landscapes, two Championship 18-hole golf courses and a swanky country club located inside the community are just a few perks of calling East Lake Woodlands home. This community also offers a diverse range of housing types, including single family homes, condominiums and villas.
- Estancia — Wesley Chapel
For a taste of local resort living, Estancia at Wiregrass is the go-to neighborhood. Sprawling acres of lush nature surround gorgeous Mediterranean-style estates, while amenities like tennis courts, a fitness center and a pool provide opportunities for residents to meet and mingle. Minutes from Interstate 75, the Tampa Premium Outlets and the Shops at Wiregrass, living in Estancia can feel like an all-inclusive vacation.
- FishHawk Ranch — Lithia
Named for the nearby creek off the Alafia River, this neighborhood comprises more than 3,000 acres just outside of Tampa. A planned community, FishHawk is popular for its great schools, public amenities and outdoor entertainment. FishHawk has been noted for its eco-friendly initiatives. It was named Hillsborough County’s first green community by the Florida Green Building Association.
- Harbour Island — Tampa
Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, Harbour Island is walkable to many of the city’s major attractions. This family-friendly neighborhood is smack-dab in the middle of Tampa’s urban living scene. Comprised mostly of apartment complexes and condos, Harbour Island is ideal for young professionals and new families alike. Bars, restaurants and cafes are steps away, and the waterfront makes for some stunning sunset views.
- Historic Kenwood — St. Petersburg
The name is no joke: This neighborhood is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. In the style of Old Florida bungalows, this diverse and inclusive community strives to maintain their unique feel through architectural preservation and minimized landscaping. Oak trees, palms and jacarandas line the streets, while Seminole Park provides recreational activity. More than 2,000 historic buildings stand within Kenwood’s 375 acres, including small businesses and St. Petersburg High School.
- Island Estates — Clearwater Beach
Only minutes away from Clearwater Beach is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the area, Island Estates. Single-family homes and condos alike are palatial and luxurious, overlooking the pristine Gulf waters. Restaurants, bars and plenty of marinas dot the neighborhood, as well as the world-famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The active and tropical community is some of the best that life in Clearwater has to offer.
- Lake Jovita — Dade City
This master-planned community pairs top-notch amenities with scenic beauty. With 1,054 acres of picturesque lakes, rolling hills and state-of-the-art golf courses, living in Lake Jovita just might feel like a dream. Some of the subdivision’s amenities include pickleball and tennis courts, a community pool and kids’ area.
- Marina Pointe — Tampa
Along Tampa’s western waterfront is one of the area’s newest neighborhoods, Marina Pointe, an idyllic community featuring all of the city trappings. Apartments, townhomes and condos are all within walking distance of the Marina District’s many restaurants, bars and retail stores. This master-planned waterfront community has parks and trails, a yacht harbor and marina and is set to open in late 2022.
- Meadowlawn — St. Petersburg
True subdivisions are few and far between in St. Pete, but that does not mean this city lacks excellent laid-back, tight-knit communities — and Meadowlawn is one great example of these. Residents can enjoy homegrown foods through The Meadowlawn Ecological Center & Community Garden, which features 20 garden plots as part of the Healthy St. Pete Initiative. Residents also enjoy access to the adjacent Sawgrass Lake Park, with ample greenspace to explore — a treasure in urban St. Pete.
- Sand Key — Clearwater
Beachside has never taken on a more literal meaning. Nestled in between Clearwater Beach and Belleair Beach is the community of Sand Key. Sand Key offers a more peaceful alternative to the world-famous beaches nearby. Condos and townhomes are the primary styles of home, situated on either side of Gulf Boulevard. Sand Key Park, an expansive nature area with playgrounds, walking trails and plenty of shoreline, is only steps away.
- Southshore Bay — Wimauma
Wade into lagoon living at Southshore Bay. Metro Places, the creators of the Epperson Lagoon Community, presents Southshore Bay, Hillsborough County’s one and only lagoon community. Enjoy all the amenities of living at the expansive lagoon without breaking the bank. ULTRAFi technology keeps residents’ internet speeds lightning fast everywhere in the community, and dog parks keep those four-legged members of the family happy as well.
- Tampa Palms — Tampa
Just northeast of downtown is the neighborhood of Tampa Palms. This young community is full of master-planned developments and subdivisions, although its explosion in recent growth has led to more apartments and condos. Just a short hop away from I-75, Tampa Palms does not lack for the amenities of urban living. A sizeable commercial district and plenty of well-rated schools make Tampa Palms a self-sufficient community.
- Waterleaf — Riverview
This high-tech subdivision puts new meaning to modern family living. Waterleaf offers cutting edge Smart Homes that include ULTRAFi, a first-of-its-kind internet and cable experience that promises to be the fastest in-home internet service in the country. In addition, Waterleaf includes a list of outstanding amenities, including a resort-style pool, clubhouse, walking trails and gated entry.
- Westshore Yacht Club — Tampa
Is boating part of the dream home? If so, Westshore Yacht Club is the neighborhood to be in. Beautiful waterfront houses and condos look out over the bay, and community amenities are perfect for the current or aspiring avid seafarer. This South Tampa subdivision features an impressive mélange of services and conveniences, including an onsite restaurant, spa, around-the-clock security and nearly 150 slips in the marina.
By Ryan Walsh.
