These Cities Near Tampa, Florida, Maximize Comfort Without Scrimping on Style

The Tampa Bay metro area has seen explosive growth over the past few years, to the tune of more than 51,600 new residents — the fifth-largest population gain in the nation — from 2022 to 2023. That’s on top of a 5.6 percent increase between 2016 and 2021. And all this growth? It’s great for the area’s economy — but it comes at a price. The cost of living in Tampa has spiked, as well as congestion in terms of traffic and housing demand. But never fear, newcomers. If you’re moving to the Tampa Bay area and looking for an affordable, less population-dense area, there are plenty of wonderful suburbs, towns, and cities near Tampa that will give you easy access to what the Bay area has to offer without those big-city price tags.

Moving to a city near Tampa Bay? See how PODS can help you make the move.

Cities Near Tampa, FL - FAQ

Q. What cities are 30 minutes from Tampa, FL?
A. Cities that are 30 minutes away from Tampa include Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, and Plant City.

Q. What cities are outside of Tampa, FL?
A. Some of the best suburbs and cities right outside of Tampa include Brandon, Land O’ Lakes, and Thonotosassa.

Q. What cities are within 50 miles of Tampa, FL?
A. Tampa neighboring cities that are within 50 miles include Winter Haven, Lakeland, Polk City, and Bartow. 

Q: What is the best suburb of Tampa, FL? 
A: Determining “the best” depends on individual preferences like lifestyle, commute to work, and family needs. But Davis Islands definitely stands out for its quality of life and overall desirability as a suburb of Tampa. Known for picturesque streets, historic homes, and a bustling downtown strip of shops and restaurants, Davis Islands (or “the Islands,” as locals call it) gives residents a distinctive blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. Other top picks include Wesley Chapel and Lutz.

Q: What is the nice town near Tampa? 
A: There are so many to consider! But if we had to narrow down all the nice towns near Tampa, FL, to one, Safety Harbor is a definite favorite — just 30 minutes from Tampa and nestled on the western shore of the bay. A vibrant, walkable downtown has quaint shops and restaurants (with many in restored historic buildings), and the centrally located John Wilson Park is where farmers markets, weddings, and other special events regularly take place. Another top pick near Tampa? Clearwater!

Q. Where is the safest place to live near Tampa?
A. Tampa is a relatively safe community overall, but if safety is your No. 1 priority, check out Oldsmar, Carrollwood, Westchase, New Tampa, Safety Harbor, and Dunedin. 

Q. What is the cheapest place to live near Tampa?
A. Suburbs with the lowest cost of living around the Tampa area include Bloomingdale, North Brooksville, High Point, Brookridge, Mulberry, and Moon Lake.

Best Cities Near Tampa, FL

We’ve selected these cities based on their commute time to Tampa and the nearby amenities, such as parks, attractions, and the creature comforts of city living. Living in any one of these cities will give you a great balance of big-city life (via easy access to Tampa and St. Pete) while still saving you money.

 

If you’re looking for the best neighborhoods in Tampa rather than cities, check out what we’ve written here.

 

1.Clearwater, FL

• Average rent: $1,775
• Average home value: $371,100
• Commute time to Tampa, without traffic: 30 minutes
• Great for: Families, schools, beaches, shopping, entertainment

On the west coast of Florida just over the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Clearwater is a highly popular neighboring city of Tampa — and a perennial spring break destination. It’s also the frequent winner of accolades for its beautiful beaches, and this year is no exception: Travel + Leisure named Clearwater Beach to its 25 Best Beaches in the USA list for 2024. But as one of the triad of Metro Tampa Bay cities, Clearwater is also home to year-round Floridians who appreciate more than just vacation vibes. 

Inland communities within a quick drive of the beaches are popular for families, thanks to reasonable home prices and lots of convenient amenities. In Countryside, for instance, residential options include spacious single-family houses, townhomes, and apartments. Families are also drawn to Clearwater for the highly rated schools of Pinellas County, attended by almost 94,000 students. The district earned an A- from Niche for 2024 and nabbed several impressive rankings for metrics among the 68 districts across the state of Florida: Pinellas County is the No. 9 Most Diverse; No. 15 Best School District; and No. 18 Best School District for Athletes.

As for dining and entertainment, the downtown Cleveland Street District has become a hub for dining and music, with the historic Capitol Theatre playing host to concerts and performances and the new BayCare Sound amphitheater — just opened in the summer of 2023 — welcoming bigger acts, including Peter Frampton, Melissa Etheridge, and UB40. The restaurant scene offers local favorites like Bascom’s Chop House for steak and seafood and Clear Sky on Cleveland for a cafe atmosphere before taking in a show at the Capitol or the Sound.

2. Land O’Lakes, FL

• Average rent: $1,875
• Average home value: $450,400
• Commute time to Tampa, without traffic: 30 minutes
• Great for: Lakes, eco-friendly living

Located north of Tampa, Land O' Lakes is a suburb that's true to its name: lots of lakes. In fact, more than 100! That means plenty of boating and other waterfront recreation, of course, but there’s more here than just lakes. White still primarily rural, Land O’ Lakes has grown over the past few years, like so many cities near Tampa, Florida, into an agreeable mix of suburban convenience and resort-style neighborhoods. One of the biggest is Connerton, a master-planned community with a pool and water park, golf course, and lots of other amenities for residents of its single-family homes, villas, and townhouses.

Although the dining scene in this city near Tampa, Florida, is mostly of the national chain variety, a few indie coffee shops have sprouted up — at Bee Coffee, you have to try the waffle pops! And shoppers don’t have to make the drive to downtown or other cities near Tampa: Bargain-seekers from all around the area find nirvana at Tampa Premium Outlets, home to Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth, Michael Kors, J Crew, and other top brands.

Downtown St. Pete is a bustling, eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants, with a sweeping waterfront district anchored by the St. Pete Pier.
(Source: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater via Facebook)

3. St. Petersburg, FL

• Average rent: $2,000
• Average home value: $384,500
• Commute time to Tampa, without traffic: 30 minutes
• Great for: Families, retirees, young professionals, arts, music, dining, shopping, upscale downtown living

St. Petersburg, known to locals as St. Pete, has come a long way in the past 20 years. From a sleepy retirement destination to a thriving arts, entertainment, and dining mecca on Florida’s west coast, the city has truly reinvented itself. And this city neighboring Tampa has many distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character. 

The Historic Old Northeast, with brick-lined streets and shaded early 20th-century homes, provides a serene atmosphere for families, retirees who’ve chosen Florida, and young professionals who’ve discovered this gem. A lively alternative for families is Shore Acres, known for beautiful waterways and well-maintained playgrounds, sports fields, and community centers. 

Downtown St. Pete is a bustling, eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants, with a sweeping waterfront district anchored by the St. Pete Pier. Downtown is also home to several arts destinations, including The Dalí, the world-renowned Salvador Dalí museum, and too many restaurants to count — although IL Ritorno is not to be missed for innovative Italian cuisine.

Carrollwood

• Average rent: $1,683
• Average home value: $382,676
• Commute time to Tampa, without traffic: 20 minutes
• Great for: Animal sanctuaries, shopping, and entertainment

Situated in Hillsborough County, Florida's Carrollwood is adjacent to two animal sanctuaries: Big Cats Rescue (of Tiger King fame) and the Zaksee Bird Sanctuary. Both of these places provide educational tours and allow visitors to learn more about the care and protection of these animals. Carrollwood is also close to Tampa’s major highways, making it easy to get downtown. Busch Gardens and ZooTampa are also right next doors.

4. East Lake 

• Average rent: $1,775
• Median home sale price: $443,700
• Commute time to Tampa: 40 minutes 
• Great for: Lake activities, natural parks, and shopping

East Lake is located along Lake Tarpon, the largest lake in the Tampa Bay area at 2,500+ acres. It’s known for being a phenomenal fishing spot — one of the best in the state for largemouth bass, in fact. Swimming is a no-no, though, thanks to a pesky population of alligators, so residents and visitors are advised to stay on dry land. But there are also plenty of other natural areas in East Lake, such as the Brooker Creek Preserve, where exploring the hiking and equestrian trails is highly encouraged. 

Homes in the East Lake area are generally suburb-style, master-planned communities, like so much of Florida. East Lake Woodlands is the quintessential destination for families looking for golfing, swimming, and other self-contained activities. Apartment complexes aren’t the norm here, but there are a few options, including Harbour Towne at Countrywoods, that offer the low-maintenance lifestyle and amenities residents in a neighboring city to Tampa may want, including swimming, tennis, and gyms.

5. Wesley Chapel 

• Average rent: $1,875
• Median home sale price: $432,600
• Commute time to Tampa: 30 minutes 
• Great for: Families, schools, restaurants, suburban lifestyle, safety

Quality schools and a reputation for safety have made Wesley Chapel one of the best destinations for Florida families. The location also helps. Located 25 miles north of Tampa, it's a convenient suburb for commuters and beachcombers — while still being far enough away to avoid the worst of downtown’s crowding. Even in this somewhat far flung burb, though, congestion is growing, as it is in most cities near Tampa, and rush-hour traffic can be brutal some days.

But once you get there, Wesley Chapel has a lot to offer. One of the newest faves is the MetroLagoon in the master-planned community of Epperson. The seven-acre, man-made lagoon has beaches, kayaks, paddleboards, slides, water obstacle courses — an endless array of activities. And as for the neighborhood, Epperson has a range of homes at various price points, from the $300s to more than $1 million.

6. Valrico

• Average rent: $1,725
• Median home sale price: $433,400
• Commute time to Tampa: 30 minutes 
• Great for: Outdoor living, history, nature trails 

The area we know today as Valrico was originally called Long Pond when it was founded in the mid-1800s. It was renamed after the Civil War to reflect the Spanish word for "rich valley" — and that it is. Today, Valrico is still an agricultural hub, part of what’s known in Florida as the “salad bowl,” for its thriving farmland that produces tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables in the spring harvest. 

The area has a suburban-rural feel with a mix of family and commercial farms in the outlying areas and single-family homes and townhouses in gated communities. It’s definitely a tranquil lifestyle for most Valrico residents, with big yards and open spaces to enjoy the Florida sunshine. And horse lovers will be in heaven, with equestrian trails in almost every park. Check out the nearby Sydney Dover Conservation Park, where a 7.5-mile trail (pro tip: It’s BYOH — bring your own horse) winds along gorgeous lakes that dot the property. It's also a great place to enjoy a morning run, for those who prefer two legs vs. four.

As far as dining goes, Valrico has a mix of chain eateries and local hotspots. Try The Stein & Vine, a popular gastropub in Brandon (just a short hop from Valrico) known for craft beers and an inventive menu. For the freshest experience, though, tap into Valrico’s farming roots and check out one of the many blueberry farms that welcome guests for you-pick adventures during the season (late spring).

Oldsmar is known for its tranquil, country-like atmosphere — but it’s still close enough to Tampa to have all the urban conveniences.
(Source: Malia Smiley - Realtor via Facebook)

7. Oldsmar , FL

• Average rent: $1,775
• Median home sale price: $403,300
• Commute time to Tampa: 30 minutes
• Great for: Families, nature, suburban amenities 

Oldsmar is situated along Mobbly Bay at the northern tip of Tampa Bay. This small waterfront city offers a mix of charming historic homes and more recent developments, including Hayes Park Village, a community built around a neighborhood green with a variety of housing styles and price points. Larger lots on the outskirts of town are plentiful, some with small farms and horseback riding facilities. Overall, Oldsmar is known for its tranquil, country-like atmosphere — but it’s still close enough to Tampa to have all the urban conveniences. 

The downtown area is a hub of local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues like the Oldsmar Historical Society Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits from the city’s founding and early days. And during the annual springtime Oldsmar Days & Nights festival, R.E. Olds Park transforms into a vibrant carnival with rides, car shows, live music, and lots of food.

8. Lutz, FL

• Average rent: $1,825
• Median home sale price: $497,000
• Commute time to Tampa: 20 minutes 
• Great for: Nature, outdoor activities, golfing, shopping

Rolling hills, orange groves, and lakes are the hallmarks of Lutz (pro tip: it’s pronounced “lootz”), but massive growth and development in recent decades has changed the flavor of much of the area. Golfing is still the No. 1 local recreation, whether it’s at exclusive clubs like TPC Tampa Bay and The Club at Cheval or more affordable public courses like Heritage Harbor.

Literally dozens of master-planned communities now make up Lutz — from pioneering developments like Pebble Creek Village, which started in the 1970s, to more recent apartment complexes and luxury estate communities. One of the most upscale areas in Lutz is Cordoba Estates, which features close to 300 executive-style homes on spacious lots, priced around the $1 million mark (on the low end). Resort-style amenities include a beach-entry community swimming pool, lush green space, and walking trails through the old Florida oaks. 

Given its proximity to the University of South Florida, Lutz also has quite a variety of apartment complexes. In the 5,000-acre, master-planned community of Tampa Palms, for instance, more than 200 apartment rental vacancies were listed as of June 2024. And although Lutz doesn’t have a traditional downtown shopping district, there are various retail and restaurant destinations scattered throughout the area — primarily along the State Road 54 corridor, home to a seemingly endless stretch of shopping centers and other commercial activity.

Numerous lakes in Odessa are lined with impressive estates and, when the weather’s nice, the buzz of boaters and jet skiers fills the air.
(Source: Austin Marks - Real Estate via Facebook)

9. Odessa, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
• Average home value: $686,300
• Commute time to Tampa: 30 minutes
• Great for: Nature, outdoor activities, golfing, and shopping 

Nestled in the rural heart of Florida's Pasco County, Odessa is a nature lover’s paradise. But it’s also just a quick drive to all the amenities of Westchase and the Veterans Expressway — and from there, just a 20-minute trip to Tampa International Airport and another 20 to downtown. Lake homes, upscale estates on spacious acreage, and horse farms are the norm in Odessa. But not-so-slowly creeping sprawl is making its way into the area, as well. Once-pristine country roads have been widened to accommodate the new congestion, and former orange groves and farmland are turning into planned communities.  

There’s still plenty of peaceful country living in Odessa, though. Numerous lakes are lined with impressive estates and, in some areas, more modest vacation homes, and when the weather’s nice, the buzz of boaters and jet skiers fills the air. Outdoor destinations for hikers, runners, and bicyclists in Odessa include Lake Rogers Park, which features a 2.5-mile loop around a beautiful lake (pro tip: watch out for gators and snakes!) and, for horseback-riding fans, the Northwest Equestrian Park Trail.

For dining and cultural pursuits, Odessa residents can head to Westchase or Tampa. But restaurants and shopping have become abundant near communities like The Preserve, which features multiple single-family home neighborhoods, plus the Pier 8 apartment complex. If luxury homes in a gated setting is what you’re looking for, Grey Hawk at Lake Polo is one of Odessa’s finest destinations. And with street names like Wind Whisper Drive and Silent Sands Lane, how can you resist?

9. Odessa, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
• Average home value: $686,300
• Commute time to Tampa: 30 minutes
• Great for: Nature, outdoor activities, golfing, and shopping 

Nestled in the rural heart of Florida's Pasco County, Odessa is a nature lover’s paradise. But it’s also just a quick drive to all the amenities of Westchase and the Veterans Expressway — and from there, just a 20-minute trip to Tampa International Airport and another 20 to downtown. Lake homes, upscale estates on spacious acreage, and horse farms are the norm in Odessa. But not-so-slowly creeping sprawl is making its way into the area, as well. Once-pristine country roads have been widened to accommodate the new congestion, and former orange groves and farmland are turning into planned communities.  

There’s still plenty of peaceful country living in Odessa, though. Numerous lakes are lined with impressive estates and, in some areas, more modest vacation homes, and when the weather’s nice, the buzz of boaters and jet skiers fills the air. Outdoor destinations for hikers, runners, and bicyclists in Odessa include Lake Rogers Park, which features a 2.5-mile loop around a beautiful lake (pro tip: watch out for gators and snakes!) and, for horseback-riding fans, the Northwest Equestrian Park Trail.

For dining and cultural pursuits, Odessa residents can head to Westchase or Tampa. But restaurants and shopping have become abundant near communities like The Preserve, which features multiple single-family home neighborhoods, plus the Pier 8 apartment complex. If luxury homes in a gated setting is what you’re looking for, Grey Hawk at Lake Polo is one of Odessa’s finest destinations. And with street names like Wind Whisper Drive and Silent Sands Lane, how can you resist? 

10. Bloomingdale, FL

• Average rent: $1,700
• Median home sale price: $219,100
• Commute time to Tampa: 30 minutes
• Great for: Rural feel, shopping, housing, public schools

Located in southeastern Hillsborough County, Bloomingdale runs the gamut from sprawling working farms and estates to more modest single-family residences. The area is home to more than 30 subdivisions, along with an 18-hole golf course, and amenities including a swim club, sports fields, playgrounds, parks, and miles of walking and biking trails. This community also has easy access to Interstates 75 and 301, making it easy to get to downtown Tampa and local business districts, Tampa International Airport, and St. Petersburg.

Kids in Bloomingdale attend Hillsborough County Public Schools, the seventh-largest district in the U.S. Overall, the district earned a B+ rating from Niche for 2024, plus state rankings in several categories, including the No. 1 Most Diverse; No. 4 Best School District for Athletes; and No. 23 Best School District overall.

   
North of St. Pete and west of Tampa, Palm Harbor features several beautiful communities with resort-style amenities.
(Source: Brooke Mason via Facebook)

11. Palm Harbor, FL

• Average rent: $1,800
• Median home sale price: $443,700
• Commute time to Tampa: 40 minutes
• Great for: Families, nature, beach access, public schools

Located north of St. Pete and west of Tampa, Palm Harbor is a combo of suburban sprawl and Florida nature. But tucked away in between are several nicely designed communities with all the resort-style amenities you’d expect on the Gulf Coast. Lansbrook, for instance, features 1,800 homes, luxury estates, condos, and apartments, all situated in distinctive neighborhoods between the Brooker Creek Preserve and Lake Tarpon. 

For nightlife options, if you like breweries, you’ll like this area — check out the da Bine Brewing Company, a standout in a region known for craft beers. Restaurants include all the chains plus some local stars like Thirsty Marlin, a beloved Old Florida-style mainstay for lunch, dinner, and cocktails.

Choose PODS for Your Move to a City Near Tampa, Florida

When you’re ready to move into your new home, a portable moving container from PODS can be delivered to your driveway. It can be used to pack and load all of your belongings at your own pace, and the company will then pick up and deliver the container. Storage is built into every move!

Editor's note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.