10 Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for Families

Looking for the best neighborhoods in Tampa for families? You’re in the right place. Tampa Bay has many great places to raise kids. These areas have good schools, fun activities, and safe streets. Plus, they offer strong communities where families feel at home.

Here are the best neighborhoods in Tampa for families.

1. FishHawk Ranch (Lithia)

FishHawk Ranch consistently ranks as Florida’s #1 family community, and for good reason. This 4,000-acre master-planned development in Lithia was designed as the first certified “green community” in Hillsborough County. With over 5,000 homes surrounded by preserved natural areas, it offers families the rare combination of A-rated schools and resort-style amenities just 40 minutes from Tampa.

Why Families Love It:

• Top schools like Bevis Elementary (ranked #1 in the county)
• Also has great middle and high schools nearby
• Over 25 miles of walking and bike trails
• Many pools and water parks for kids
• Lots of parks and playgrounds
• Fun events like food truck nights
• Shopping and restaurants in the town center

Homes start around $300,000 for townhomes, with luxury estates available over $1 million. This wide range accommodates many family budgets and various needs. Highly recommend taking a look at homes in your budget within this sweet little (ok not so little) community.

2. Westchase

Westchase has earned recognition from Travel + Leisure as one of the “Coolest Suburbs Worth a Visit” in America. This 2,000-acre master-planned community contains 29 distinct neighborhoods and 3,500 homes, all built around preserved lands and extensive green spaces. Located in northwest Tampa, it’s strategically positioned just 25 minutes from Tampa International Airport and 35 minutes from Gulf Coast beaches.

Why Families Love It:

• Great schools like Westchase Elementary
• Beautiful parks and playgrounds everywhere
• Golf course for family fun
• Swimming pools and tennis courts
• Nature trails for walking
• Shopping center with stores and restaurants
• Strong rules that keep the area nice
• Fun events all year long

Westchase is just 25 minutes from the airport and 35 minutes from the beach. Families get quiet suburban living with easy access to everything Tampa offers. It’s a great location!

3. Tampa Palms

Tampa Palms holds the prestigious title of “America’s Best Master-Planned Community” awarded in the late 1980s, and it continues to live up to that reputation today. This New Tampa neighborhood features 24 distinct residential villages along the scenic Hillsborough River, offering families an impressive 80% lower crime rate than Tampa’s city average. The community’s unique positioning provides both waterfront living and convenient access to Tampa’s business districts.

Why Families Love It:

• Very safe with much less crime than other Tampa areas
• Good schools including Tampa Palms Elementary
• Pretty nature areas by the river
• Community pools and playgrounds
• Tennis and basketball courts
• Easy shopping and dining nearby
• 24 different sections with various home styles

To sum it up, Tampa Palms mixes quiet river living with family fun, making it perfect for raising kids in a safe, beautiful environment.

4. Hunter’s Green

Hunter’s Green stands as one of Tampa’s most exclusive gated communities, housing over 3,000 residents across 65 acres of protected wetlands dotted with 43 pristine lakes. This New Tampa enclave has been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders as a top master-planned community. With 24/7 manned security and a Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole golf course, it attracts families seeking luxury living with comprehensive recreational amenities.

Why Families Love It:

• Top schools in the area
• Guards at the gates 24/7
• Private golf course and country club
• Tennis courts and fitness center
• Park with sports courts and walking trails
• Dog park for family pets
• Pretty lakes and nature areas
• Fun neighborhood events

Essentially, Hunter’s Green gives families luxury living with extensive activities, making it ideal for families who want premium amenities and security.

5. Lutz

Lutz offers families a unique blend of rural charm and suburban convenience, with crime rates 30% below the national average. This Pasco County community is home to Steinbrenner High School, consistently ranked as the #2 high school in Greater Tampa, and provides residents with larger lot sizes at more affordable prices. Despite its peaceful, small-town atmosphere, Lutz maintains easy highway access to Tampa’s employment centers and attractions.

Why Families Love It:

• Excellent schools like Steinbrenner High School
• Small town feel where everyone knows each other
• Nature parks for hiking and outdoor fun
• Golf and tennis club with kids’ camps
• Much safer than most places
• Bigger homes with more yard space
• Easy drive to Tampa on main roads

Lutz is a great choice as it gives families the best of both worlds – more space and quiet living while keeping Tampa close by for work and entertainment.

6. Safety Harbor

Safety Harbor delivers authentic small-town charm as a waterfront municipality on Tampa Bay’s western shore, with a walkable downtown core that hosts year-round community events. This historic city consistently ranks among Tampa Bay’s safest areas while maintaining an active Main Street filled with local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The community’s crown jewel, Philippe Park, offers 122 acres of bayfront recreation with ancient Native American burial mounds and stunning sunset views.

Why Families Love It:

• Walkable downtown with shops and cafes
• Good schools including Safety Harbor Elementary
• Fun events like wine festivals and farmers markets
• Beautiful park with trails and bay views
• Easy drive to Tampa
• Friendly neighbors who know each other
• Mix of old historic homes and new houses

Safety Harbor offers small town living with big city access, perfect for families who want a close-knit community feel. The downtown is really cute and a must visit on your home (and community) search.

7. Riverview

Riverview has emerged as one of Tampa Bay’s fastest-growing communities, offering families new construction homes and modern amenities at significantly lower prices than established Tampa neighborhoods. Located along the scenic Alafia River in southeast Hillsborough County, this area provides easy access to both Tampa’s job market and outdoor recreation. The community’s rapid development has brought new schools, shopping centers, and family entertainment options while maintaining affordable housing costs.

Why Families Love It:

• Close to the Alafia River for water fun
• Good schools in the county system
• New homes with modern features
• Community parks and sports fields
• Movie theater with premium screens
• Shopping centers and restaurants nearby
• More affordable than other Tampa areas

For families wanting more house for less money, Riverview delivers excellent value while still providing good schools and activities.

8. Palma Ceia (South Tampa)

Palma Ceia represents South Tampa’s premier family neighborhood, boasting a remarkable 74% lower crime rate than Tampa’s city average and serving some of the area’s most prestigious schools, including Plant High School. This historic district features tree-lined streets with 1920s Mediterranean and Craftsman-style homes, many recently renovated with modern amenities. The neighborhood’s location provides walking access to Bayshore Boulevard’s scenic waterfront and puts families within minutes of Hyde Park Village and downtown Tampa.

Why Families Love It:

• Plant High School (one of Tampa’s best)
• Much safer than most Tampa areas
• Nice parks with playgrounds
• Walkable streets with big trees
• Historic golf club
• Close to Bayshore Boulevard for waterfront walks
• Easy access to downtown and airport
• Beautiful old homes with character

While Palma Ceia costs more, families receive exceptional schools, safety, and proximity to Tampa’s best urban amenities in return.

9. West Meadows

West Meadows delivers master-planned community amenities at remarkably affordable prices, featuring a 35-acre community recreation center that rivals those found in luxury developments. This New Tampa neighborhood consists of 12 distinct residential villages, each designed around the community’s centerpiece lakes and nature preserves. With home prices significantly below other planned communities, West Meadows proves that families don’t need to sacrifice quality amenities for affordability.

Why Families Love It:

• Good schools like Turner Elementary
• Huge community center with playgrounds
• Sports fields for baseball, soccer, and basketball
• Swimming pool and tennis courts
• Pretty ponds and walking trails
• Dog park for pets
• Fitness center and club house
• 12 different sections with various homes
• Lower prices than other planned communities

West Meadows provides features found in expensive communities at much lower prices, making it excellent for budget-conscious families who don’t want to compromise on amenities.

10. Hyde Park

Hyde Park combines urban sophistication with neighborhood charm as Tampa’s most walkable historic district, featuring restored bungalows and grand homes from the early 1900s. This South Tampa community puts families within walking distance of Hyde Park Village’s premier shopping and dining, while serving top-rated schools like Gorrie Elementary and Wilson Middle School. The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard, and the University of Tampa creates an ideal setting for families who want cultural amenities without sacrificing community feel.

Why Families Love It:

• Great schools like Gorrie Elementary
• Hyde Park Village for shopping and dining
• Walkable streets with historic homes
• Close to Bayshore Boulevard waterfront path
• Art festivals and cultural events
• Near downtown museums and attractions
• Strong community feel in the city

Hyde Park appeals to families who want city amenities while maintaining a genuine neighborhood atmosphere with excellent schools.

Why These Are the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for Families

These communities stand out as the best neighborhoods in Tampa for families for several key reasons. They all feature good to excellent schools and offer safe environments for children. Each area includes parks, pools, and activities designed specifically for kids.

These neighborhoods also foster strong communities where neighbors know each other and look out for families. Each area offers different price points and home styles to match various family needs.

Tips for Choosing the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for Families

When exploring the best neighborhoods in Tampa for families, consider what matters most to your situation:

• Schools: Do you need the highest-rated schools in Tampa?
• Budget: What’s your comfortable home price range?
• Activities: Do your kids need access to pools, sports, and parks?
• Commute: How far can you reasonably drive to work?
• Community: Do you want active neighborhood events and social opportunities?

Visit these areas in person and drive around during different times of day. Talk to current residents to get their honest perspectives on daily life in each community.

Moving to the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for Families

The best neighborhoods in Tampa for families offer something for everyone, from luxury gated communities to affordable family-focused areas. All these neighborhoods prioritize families with quality schools, safe streets, and engaging activities.

These areas have gained popularity because they genuinely work well for raising kids. They provide great schools and education, safety, and a sense of community that families need to thrive.

When you’re ready to move to one of the best neighborhoods in Tampa for families, start by visiting these communities in person. Consider your budget and family priorities carefully. Choose the community that feels like the right fit for your family’s lifestyle and goals.

Tampa’s family neighborhoods continue improving each year, making now an excellent time to find your ideal family home in one of these family friendly communities.