Top 5 Neighborhoods in Tampa for Families with Kids

Tampa, Florida, is an amazing place to call home. With a vibrant culture and big-city flair, it’s full of opportunities and great options for everyone. It’s also an active community with good employers, as well as a rich university scene. And, for those looking to relocate here, Tampa is more affordable than other, similar cities like Dallas, Texas. Utilities here average around $140 per month, and the average rent for a Tampa apartment is around $1,350.

Although it’s developing rapidly, the city also has some quieter suburbs and neighborhoods so there’s plenty of neighborhoods in Tampa for families. They are perfect for those who are looking to move here with their children. There are also plenty of things to do in Tampa and an abundance of activities for the kids to engage in. So, to help you as you research the best places to move to with your kids, we’ve put together this list of kid-friendly neighborhoods all over Tampa.

New Suburb Beautiful

This very small neighborhood is a welcoming area where many families with children choose to call home. Several highly ranked middle schools and high schools serve the area, including Wilson Middle School and Mitchell Elementary, as well as the popular Plant High School. It’s also Niche.com’s second-best neighborhood to raise a family in Tampa.

New Suburb Beautiful is truly a gorgeous neighborhood, with narrow, tree-lined streets. Here, the tall trees cast a beautiful shade during the hot summer days — perfect for walks and runs around the neighborhood. It also encompasses the beautiful Hyde Park, which includes a softball field where kids can enjoy a good workout and have fun with their friends. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Tampa for families.

Swann Estates

Swann Estates is a lovely, small neighborhood in Tampa. In this community, the renter-owner distribution is tilted more toward those who own their homes. And a large number of families living here have children. This area is served by highly ranked public schools, such as Terrace Community Middle School and Bell Creek Academy High School. There are also private schools available, such as Christ the King Catholic School, Jewish Community Center Preschool, and Star Gate Academy daycare. There are also many parks and recreational areas suited for children in the area, as well as exciting restaurants like Shells Seafood and Einstein Bros. Bagels bakery.

West Meadows

A slightly larger neighborhood, West Meadows has a dense, suburban feel, with many families owning their homes. This area is preferred by young professionals and families with kids and is also considered by Niche to be the #1 neighborhood to buy a house in Tampa. The schools in the neighborhood are also above average — the area is served by Clark Elementary School and Turner Elementary School, among others. The neighborhood is also home to Harold Clark Elementary School.

In terms of entertainment and recreation, there are many things to do here. But, the towering champion has to be the community’s clubhouse. The West Meadows Community Club comes complete with a swimming pool; gym facilities; two playground areas; dog parks; gazebos; baseball and soccer fields; basketball and volleyball courts; a tennis court and the possibility of tennis lessons; as well as a party room.

Palma Ceia

Palma Ceia is a neighborhood suited for raising children, as about 40% of families here have kids. It’s a densely suburban neighborhood, with more than 75% of people owning their homes. That’s not surprising, as the residents are continuously pushing to preserve the charm of the neighborhood. And, with 1920s bungalows and brick streets, this place seems to be taken straight out of a fairytale.

Although it seems like a quaint and tranquil area, Palma Ceia is well-connected to the rest of Tampa and major interest points. It’s also home to the Palma Ceia Design District.  It contains many unique boutiques — and other cute, local shops, such as Toffee to Go, a dessert spot that will likely be your kids’ favorite. The neighborhood also has a park and a golf and country club.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is a historic district with many bungalows and historic homes that give it a beautiful aesthetic. But, it also embraces modernity, too. It’s home to a whole six blocks of unique restaurants, local shops, indie boutiques, and more. Being close to important areas such as downtown Tampa, the neighborhood also sees plenty of developments and investments. This includes multifamily residential complexes. And, although nearly 80% of residents are homeowners here, the neighborhood still maintains an urban feel, and there are plenty of rental apartments for when you first plan your move.

What’s more, the neighborhood is home to Hyde Park Village, an open-air shopping district with upscale boutiques and restaurants. It’s also adjacent to the University of Tampa and within close proximity of Tampa General Hospital & USF Pediatrics, which is quite convenient and offers an added sense of security. Some of the schools in the neighborhood include Gorrie Elementary School and the Primrose School of South Tampa. Hyde Park also has a vibrant art scene. Hyde Park encourages local artists who gather at the Old Hyde Park Art Center. An interesting addition to the neighborhood has been Hyde House. It’s a stylish development that includes co-working spaces, private offices, and event rooms, all in an artistic, gallery-like environment.

As you can tell, these are some of the best places to raise a family in Tampa. But, as the city continues to develop, there are many other areas that present a lot of opportunities, too. Depending on the age of your kids, your necessities for work and your lifestyle — as well as your budget — you can balance out the options and find the perfect Tampa neighborhood for your individual needs because there are many options for neighborhoods in Tampa for families.