Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is a great place to live, from the amazing weather to the friendly people. With beaches galore, new restaurants to try, and professional sports teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you’ll never get bored of living in Tampa.
While Tampa has everything a city can offer, even the most loved cities have drawbacks. So the cost of living, large population, and traffic may outweigh Tampa’s positives. Fortunately, you have options if you want to live in one of the cities near Tampa without signing a year-long lease or buying a home in the area.
We’ve gathered a list of 11 cities near Tampa, all within 50 miles of the city, that you may want to consider living in this year. Let’s take a look.
#1: Town ‘n’ Country, FL
Miles from Tampa: 11
Population: 90,000
Median home sale price: $398,750
Walk Score: 33
Bike Score: 27
Transit Score: 44
Town ‘n’ Country is a great place to live if you’re looking for stunning weather, quaint neighborhoods, and close proximity to downtown Tampa and the Tampa International Airport. And there are plenty of things for residents to do in Town ‘n’ Country.
You can visit the Town ‘n’ Country Recreation Center, where you can find basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. Take a walk or bike ride through Town ‘n’ Country Park, home to a variety of trails and paths to explore, as well as a playground and picnic area. There are also many events held in Town ‘n’ Country throughout the year, including the Town ‘n’ Country Festival and the Town ‘n’ Country Art Festival.
Homes for sale in Town ‘n’ Country, FL
Apartments for rent in Town ‘n’ Country, FL
#2: Brandon, FL
Miles from Tampa: 12
Population: 116,000
Median home sale price: $370,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,669
Walk Score: 24
Transit Score: 39
Brandon, another one of the great cities near Tampa, is known for its abundance of shops, restaurants, parks, and numerous recreational activities. You can try your hand at axe throwing at Bury the Hatchet or visit the Galactic Playgrounds, a recreational place for people of all ages to learn all about science.
Make sure to check out one of the many outdoor activities in Brandon. You can take a walk or bike ride through Brandon Park, have a picnic in the park, play tennis or basketball at the Brandon Sports & Recreation Center, or go fishing or kayaking at Lake Brandon.
Homes for sale in Brandon, FL
Apartments for rent in Brandon, FL
#3: Riverview, FL
Miles from Tampa: 16
Population: 96,000
Median home sale price: $415,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,918
Walk Score: 15
Transit Score: 37
Riverview is one of the oldest settlements in Florida, home to around 96,000 people. It’s known for the Bell Creek Nature Preserve, a 477-acre preserve designed to protect local species from urban development. You can also find riverfront views of the Alafia River.
There are plenty of things for residents to do in Riverview. Make sure to explore the Alafia River State Park, take a walk or ride a bike along the Riverwalk, or head into Tampa for an afternoon checking out one of the many museums.
Homes for sale in Riverview, FL
Apartments for rent in Riverview, FL
#4: Pinellas Park, FL
Miles from Tampa: 19
Population: 53,500
Median home sale price: $325,100
Average 1-bed rent: $1,615
Walk Score: 40
Bike Score: 30
Transit Score: 51
Pinellas Park is known for its proximity to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, and its vibrant culture, and is one of many great Tampa suburbs.
There are plenty of activities to do in Pinellas Park. You can visit England Brothers Park, check out the Freedom Lake Park, explore the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, and play a round of golf at Mainlands Golf Course.
Homes for sale in Pinellas Park, FL
Apartments for rent in Pinellas Park, FL
#5: Largo, FL
Miles from Tampa: 23
Population: 85,000
Median home sale price: $367,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,525
Walk Score: 43
Bike Score: 31
Transit Score: 52
Largo is a beautiful city with ocean views to the wear and bay views to the east. The city is home to a diverse population and a variety of businesses and attractions. Largo is known for its mild climate, its wide variety of outdoor activities, and its lively arts and entertainment scene.
There are a variety of things residents can do in Largo from visiting the Largo Cultural Center, taking a walk or bike ride through one of the city’s many parks, fishing or swimming at one of the area’s many beaches, and visiting one of the city’s many museums or art galleries.
Homes for sale in Largo, FL
Apartments for rent in Largo, FL
#6: Clearwater, FL
Miles from Tampa: 23
Population: 116,000
Median home sale price: $365,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,882
Walk Score: 42
Bike Score: 29
Transit Score: 56
Just north of Largo is Clearwater, home to sunny weather and sandy beaches. In Clearwater, you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The Aquarium is a marine life rescue center that houses dolphins, sea turtles, and other sea life. Clearwater is also home to Pier 60 Park, a seaside promenade which offers stunning coastal views.
Aside from lounging at the beach or visiting the aquarium, you can go on a dolphin cruise, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the waterways, take a tour of the city, and visit the Moccasin Lake Nature Park or Courtney Campbell Causeway Beach.
Homes for sale in Clearwater, FL
Apartments for rent in Clearwater, FL
#7: Palm Harbor, FL
Miles from Tampa: 24
Population: 62,000
Median home sale price: $430,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,030
Walk Score: 30
Bike Score: 21
Transit Score: 46
Palm Harbor is a smaller city north of Clearwater that’s recognized for championship golfing at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club and year-round warm weather. Palm Harbor is home to Wall Springs Park, a 107-acre park known for its historic spring, a former turn-of-the-century spa and bathing area.
Palm Harbor is located on the Gulf of Mexico, so there are many opportunities for swimming, fishing, and and other water activities. The area is also home to several state parks and nature trails.
Homes for sale in Palm Harbor, FL
Apartments for rent in Palm Harbor, FL
#8: St. Petersburg, FL
Miles from Tampa: 24
Population: 264,000
Median home sale price: $399,900
Average 1-bed rent: $2,057
Walk Score: 43
Bike Score: 33
Transit Score: 59
St. Petersburg is known for its pleasant weather and beautiful beaches. There’s no shortage of sunny days as St. Petersburg holds the Guinness World Record for the longest stretch of sunshine, with 768 consecutive sunny days.
St. Petersburg is a great place to live for art lovers. The Dali Museum is a must-see, and the downtown area is also full of art galleries and museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts. In addition to all the great art, St. Petersburg also has a beautiful waterfront that is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
Homes for sale in St. Petersburg, FL
Apartments for rent in St. Petersburg, FL
#9: Lakeland, FL
Miles from Tampa: 35
Population: 110,500
Median home sale price: $325,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,123
Walk Score: 35
Transit Score: 51
One of the cities near Tampa you should check out is Lakeland. Lakeland is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, and many of the buildings on the campus of Florida Southern College were designed by the famed architect.
The Polk Museum of Art is a great place to start exploring Lakeland. If you’re looking for something a little more active, take a walk or bike ride through the Lake Mirror Promenade. And, of course, don’t forget to enjoy a meal at one of the many great restaurants in downtown Lakeland. Finally, and finish up your day with a trip to the Lakeland Farmer’s Market or a dip in Lake Hollingsworth.
Homes for sale in Lakeland, FL
Apartments for rent in Lakeland, FL
#10: Bradenton, FL
Miles from Tampa: 45
Population: 57,500
Median home sale price: $417,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,775
Walk Score: 40
Bike Score: 28
Transit Score: 43
Bradenton’s residents enjoy access to plenty of parks and green space, as well as a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Bradenton is most famous for Cortez Historic Fishing Village, the oldest working fishing village in Florida.
Bradenton has a few unique claims to fame, such as being the home of horse surfing – a fusion of horseback riding and surfing. The city also has the state’s largest live-work art community, the Village of Arts. There are many other things to do in Bradenton, including visiting the Bradenton Riverwalk, the De Soto National Memorial, the Manatee Village Historical Park, and The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
Homes for sale in Bradenton, FL
Apartments for rent in Bradenton, FL
#11: Spring Hill, FL
Miles from Tampa: 47
Population: 114,000
Median home sale price: $370,000
Walk Score: 15
Transit Score: 32
Spring Hill is a city located north of Tampa and is known for its warm climate and its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The city is home to several parks and recreation areas, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.
You can go on a nature hike at one of the many parks in the area, visit the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to see the mermaid shows, take a scenic drive down the Nature Coast Scenic Highway, or visit the Delta Woods Park. Spring Hill is also popular for fishing or kayaking on one of the many rivers and lakes in the area.
Homes for sale in Spring Hill, FL
Apartments for rent in Spring Hill, FL
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Tampa. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
