Moving to Tampa with your family? The Big Guava offers affordable real estate, quick beach access, great schools, and lots of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. If you’re thinking about living in Tampa, check out these top Tampa neighborhoods for families!
| Neighborhoods | Davis Islands | Hyde Park | Palma Ceia | Tampa Palms | West Meadows |
| Median Home Price | $636,833 | $394,010 | $540,380 | $326,938 | $286,900 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,247 | $1,718 | $1,397 | $1,514 | $1,445 |
| Median Household Income | $103,501 | $90,817 | $133,176 | $98,343 | $93,494 |
| Home Appreciation Price | 21% | 35% | 24% | 22% | 10% |
| High School Graduation Rate | 96% | 91% | 96% | 95% | 95% |
Davis Islands
- Home Price: $636,833 median purchase price; $1,247 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Tampa neighborhoods
With endless waterfront views and activities, Davis Islands is a quaint enclave just minutes from Downtown Tampa and home to big-city amenities like Tampa General Hospital and USF Pediatrics. Residents in this family-friendly Tampa neighborhood have a variety of housing options, including Tampa beach homes and ranches with Spanish-Revival architecture and other modern designs. Families in this area enjoy upscale living and can stay active with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities—like playing catch and picnicking at Seaplane Basin Park or biking along the Davis Island Trail. This proud community loves connecting with their neighbors through events sponsored by the Davis Islands Civic Association, such as community egg hunts, the D.I. Turkey Trot, and more.
Things to Do in Davis Islands
Enjoy the beautiful Tampa weather, build sandcastles, or dip your toes into the water at the dog-friendly Davis Islands Beach. Crush the competition with your serve across any of the eight clay courts or use the practice wall at the Sandra W Freedman Tennis Complex. Cool off in the Roy Jenkins Pool, a rooftop oasis featuring a full-sized lap pool, toddler splash pad, and plenty of shaded areas to relax. Watch sailboats race across the water, embark on a cruise, and grab a bite to eat at the Davis Island Yacht Club. Start your day off with a Bagel with Cream Cheese, “The Kerri,” or a Steak, Egg & Cheese Sandwich at Farrell’s on the Island. Order Tampa Thai food favorites like the Larb Salad, Tom Kha Gai Soup, and Pad Thai at Thai Island. Fill up on fresh pies like the Margherita, White, or Meat Lovers Pizza at Islands Pizza Tavern. Or feast on some of the best Mexican food in Tampa, like the Burrito Diablo, Tacos Barbacoa, and Shrimp Bowl at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant.
Hyde Park
Less than ten minutes from downtown, Hyde Park is a safe Tampa neighborhood and an active community with tons of fun family things to do in Tampa—including live entertainment, restaurants, after-school programs, and more! The Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association brings even more all-ages activities to the neighborhood with events like the Historic Hyde Park Home Tour, film screenings, and Squirt Fest. There’s also no shortage of great education options, thanks to nearby Tampa schools like Gorrie Elementary School, St. Johns Episcopal Parish Day School, and Wilson Middle School, as well as The University of Tampa. Other draws to this popular Tampa neighborhood include the Bayshore Boulevard Greenway—a scenic pedestrian trail leading to Downtown Tampa—and easy access to practical amenities like grocery stores, banks, gas stations, and more.
Things to Do in Hyde Park
Sign your kids up for after-school programs like Club J or take advantage of the pool and fitness center at the Shanna & Bryan Glazer Family JCC. Take the whole family to see empowering plays centered around the voices of women and girls at Powerstories Theatre—or get your little ones involved in the Tampa Girlstories Leadership (GLT) Program. Learn about local history, immerse yourself in an authentic representation of the Gilded Age, and check out the historical Writing & Reading Room at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Buy a bouquet from Posies Flower Truck on Wednesdays and Fridays, grab an ice cream cone at OddFellows Ice Cream Co., or browse the many other shops, restaurants, and events at Hyde Park Village. Start your day with The Tampa Omelet or Sweet Potato Pancake, or grab a Hyde Park Cheeseburger for lunch at Goody Goody Burgers. Fill up on Tampa Italian food favorites like Grilled Octopus, Rigatoni, or Spinach Ricotta Ravioli at Timpano. Feel at home when you treat yourself to Pot Stickers, Poke, Fried Rice, and more at Asian Kitchen. Or get a babysitter for the night and treat yourself to Shrimp Cocktail, Traditional Caviar, or Lobster Rolls at Bouzy.
Palma Ceia
As one of the safest neighborhoods in Tampa, Palma Ceia is another great place for families relocating to Florida. Craftsman, Neo-Colonial, and Mediterranean homes are common in the area, but stunning Tampa real estate is just part of the neighborhood’s charm. Palma Ceia is also located near the beautiful Hillsborough Bay, offering some of the best views in Tampa and quick access to bay-front green spaces like Fred Ball Park—where families can play tennis, walk their furry friends, or have picnics in the shade. This popular Big Guava neighborhood is mostly residential, but has a wide variety of restaurants and businesses along Bay to Bay Boulevard, and is also located just ten minutes from Downtown Tampa, where even more family activities await. However, Palma Ceia’s most notable feature is its reputation as the go-to spot for golfing in Tampa, since the neighborhood is home to the area’s oldest private golf club—Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, founded in 1916.
Things to Do in Palma Ceia
Engage with the arts as a family at the Michael Murphy Gallery, featuring original works from the likes of Warhol, Picasso, and Dali. Shop functional fashion for kids and adults alike at Why Not Boutique. Get equipped for family bike rides with specialized bicycles and gear from Outspokin Bicycles. Let your kids explore the playground, stretch your legs on a walk, or use the exercise equipment at Palma Ceia Park. Begin the day with a Cold Brew, Buddy Brew Screw, or Bucco Bruce at Buddy Brew Coffee. Indulge in fresh bakery items like the 7 Grain Pan Loaf, Charred Octopus, or Spicy Vegan Pizza from one of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa, Pane Rustica Restaurant & Bakery. Take the family to lunch and choose from a selection of Kids Bento Boxes, Chicken Donburi Bowls, Sashimi Plates, and more at Kelp Sushi Joint. Or make reservations at Restaurant BT to savor Vietnamese fare like Snapper A La Sai Gon, as well as other fusion plates like Peking Duck Burritos.
Tampa Palms
A planned community located near the Hillsborough River, Tampa Palms has been called “your small town by the river” by its developers. Located less than 15 minutes from the University of South Florida and near great schools like Tampa Palms Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, and Freedom High School, this neighborhood is ideal for families moving to Tampa and looking for a laid-back community to settle down in. Tampa Palms’ homes, which belong to an HOA, are marked by an updated, tropical aesthetic and include property styles from estates and custom single-family homes to townhomes and apartments—many with palm trees and other native flora in the yard. This neighborhood’s private feel is solidified by the large Tampa parks and nature preserves that borders the area, including Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve.
Things to Do in Tampa Palms
Test your skills on the 18-hole golf course, play on one of 11 Har-Tru tennis courts, or have your kids join Tampa Summer Camps, After School Care Camp, or the Kids Corner at the world-class Tampa Palms Country Club. Swim laps in the Junior-Olympic size pool or play pickleball with the whole family at Compton Park. Take your little ones to the playground, visit the observation tower for views of the Hillsborough River, or go on a ranger-led educational tour on the weekends at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park. Head just outside the neighborhood for fun rollercoasters like Tigris, Montu, Air Grover, and more at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Eat your fill of sushi rolls like the Dancing Krab Roll, Philadelphia Roll, or Ninja Roll at Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi Eatery, one of the best Tampa Palms restaurants. Chow down classic bar food like Street Tacos, a Slider Flight, and Fattened Shrimp at The Fat Rabbit Pub. Experience authentic Thai cuisine at Thai Ruby, serving Tom Kah Kai, Tom Yum Shrimp, and Pineapple Fried Rice. Or sample the Spicy Basil Fried Rice, Pad Ka Proa, or Panang Curry at Palm Thai.
West Meadows
- Home Price: $286,900 median purchase price; $1,445 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 92% of Tampa neighborhoods
If you’re looking for a safe and affordable area to settle down with your little ones, check out West Meadows! This tree-lined master-planned community is one of the best areas of Tampa to live for families, with 12 diverse “villages” offering a variety of housing options to choose from—including ranches, townhomes, and single-family homes with Mediterranean influences. West Meadows also provides a range of kid-friendly amenities, like local nature preserves, walking trails, and gathering spots such as the West Meadows Clubhouse. Residents stay informed about fun community events—like fireworks at the clubhouse—through the monthly community newsletter. And with excellent schools like Clark Elementary School and Hunter’s Green Elementary School, as well as convenient access to emergency care at HCA Florida New Tampa Emergency, it’s no surprise that West Meadows is a popular place to raise a family in Tampa.
Things to Do in West Meadows
Challenge a friend to a tennis match, do an indoor workout, and dive in the pool at the West Meadows Clubhouse. Ride your bike on a paved loop, explore nature trails, or enjoy a picnic at Flatwoods Conservation Park. Go bird-watching as you hike through 2,500 acres of natural habitats like swamps, forests, and freshwater marshes at the Cypress Creek Nature Preserve. Satisfy your shopping needs just ten minutes north at The Shops at Wiregrass, featuring popular stores like American Eagle Outfitters, Barnes & Noble, Buckle, and more. Feast on the Vegetable Spring Rolls, Garlic Naan, Butter Chicken, and more at Minerva Indian Restaurant. Munch on authentic Cuban cuisine like the Stuffed Potato, Mojo Roasted Park, and Fried Pork Bites from Las Palmas Latin Grill. Fill up on Thai Coconut Shrimp, Dumplings, and Vegetable Spring Rolls from Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine. Or try the Fried Fresh Calamari, Meatball Sandwich, and Pesto Pasta at Frammi.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
