Top 5 Picks | Best Suburbs Near Tampa, Florida in 2023

I often get asked for recommendations on the best suburbs and neighborhoods to live in around Tampa. There are so many great options in this sunny region, but I have my personal top 5 picks based on amenities, location, affordability and lifestyle. Here's an overview of my top suggestions for those looking to relocate to the Tampa Bay area in last 2023 and beyond.

1. (Go North) Wesley Chapel, Tampa Palms, Land O' Lakes

First up on my list is the area north and slightly northeast of downtown Tampa, including Wesley Chapel, Tampa Palms, Zephyrhills, Land O' Lakes and Lutz. This area provides a great combination of new construction neighborhoods, amenities, schools and access to Tampa's job centers while still being removed from the hustle and bustle of the city center. 

I love this area because it has seen a boom in master-planned communities built on former ranch land over the past 20 years. This allows for intentional planning with integrated residential and commercial spaces. Families can find brand new homes in all sizes and price ranges. Schools are newly built to accommodate the growing population. And you have easy access to shopping, dining and recreation all within your own suburban town.

The trade-off is you'll be 20-25 miles from downtown Tampa, but with remote work on the rise, more people are opting for suburban comfort. Wesley Chapel in particular is developing its own employment and entertainment base, making it feel less like a bedroom community nowadays. Overall, if you want new construction, great schools and a family-friendly planned community, I suggest looking north of Tampa.

2. (East/SE tampa) Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach 

Next up is the area east and southeast of downtown Tampa, including popular suburbs like Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Ruskin and Sun City Center. This area became popular because it provides easy access to Tampa's job centers like downtown, the Westshore business district and the airport area, while delivering substantial savings on housing costs. 

In Brandon, you can find homes for hundreds of thousands less than comparable properties in South Tampa or Westchase, while only being 10-15 miles from downtown. The further southeast you go towards Apollo Beach and Ruskin, prices get even more affordable. You'll get all the benefits of suburban living - newer homes, yards, schools, parks - without the hour commute from the far northern suburbs.

You also get closer to the Sarasota FL metro as you go southeast towards Ruskin and Sun City Center. So if you want a more chill coastal retirement community vibe but still accessible to Tampa, this could be a great fit. The trade-off again is you lose some of that master-planned community feel, as development here worked around existing neighborhoods. But for commute access and family-sized affordable housing, I always suggest looking east.

3. (West Tampa) Westchase, Carrollwood, Northdale

Another attractive suburb option is heading west from downtown towards Westchase, Carrollwood and Northdale. In this area you're centered almost evenly between Tampa's job centers and the beautiful Gulf beaches. You can drive 20 minutes to either downtown Tampa or Clearwater Beach. It's really the best of both worlds.

You have some nice newer development in Westchase, along with the mature family-friendly neighborhoods of Carrollwood and Northdale with their large homes and lots. I suggest this area for people who want to be able to enjoy after-work city life and weekend beach days without a long drive. Yes, you could be closer to one or the other by going north or south of town. But here you strike a nice balance.

If you want to be central to both Tampa and the beaches for work and play, this is your spot.

4. (NE St Pete) Old Northeast, Crescent Lake, Euclid-St. Paul

Now we'll cross the bridge into St. Petersburg, which has a completely different laid-back, artistic vibe compared to big city Tampa. Downtown St. Pete is artistic and funky, while inland neighborhoods like Old Northeast, Crescent Lake and Euclid-St. Paul are historic and charming. 

This northeast St. Pete area is typically considered the most desirable, with its brick streets, bungalows and waterfront parks. Walkability is high, as is a sense of community pride and neighborliness. Many are drawn to this area because it reminds me of historic neighborhoods in cities like Charleston, Savannah and St. Augustine. 

Homes are on the smaller side, often with quirky touches like rear alley garages. Yards are small but filled with beautiful tropical landscaping. And everything is centered around delightful parks along the waterfront. The neighborhoods have been meticulously maintained through generations, keeping their pre-war Florida charm.

If you want an authentic old Florida lifestyle with front porch tranquility and walking to nearby cafes, this northeast St. Pete zone should be high on your list. It offers so much character you just can't find in the newer suburbs.

5. (*Bonus) Dunedin

Lastly, I suggest looking just north of Clearwater in the small coastal town of Dunedin. While it neighbors the touristy Clearwater Beach area, Dunedin has preserved its quaint, retro charm through smart development policies and community pride. It's a throwback to old Florida before the high rises and condos took over much of the coast.

Dunedin has one of the best preserved historic downtowns in the region, with indie shops, craft breweries and casual eateries that draw you in. Neighborhoods around downtown have a similar vibe to St. Pete's Crescent Lake or Euclid-St. Paul, with brick streets and craftsman bungalows. It's an ideal town for walking, paddling and beach days followed by live local music at night.

Schools may be hit or miss, so families should research options. But for couples or empty nesters seeking quintessential small town Florida living close to Tampa Bay's urban amenities and Gulf beaches, I highly recommend Dunedin. It's become a favorite for many seeking that elusive balance of career, entertainment and coastal tranquility. 

So there you have it - my top 5 recommendations for Tampa area suburbs to consider in 2023. Each caters to a different lifestyle, stage of life and set of priorities. I hope mapping out the pros and cons helps simplify your relocation search. Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm always happy to chat more about finding your perfect spot in the Tampa Bay region.