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Tampa is the major center of economic and tourist activity in western Florida. From Busch Gardens and ZooTampa to the Florida Aquarium and the Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa is a hive of activity. Not to mention, Tampa Bay is a popular spot to catch some rays and enjoy the sand beneath your feet. If you’re ready to live in Tampa today, there are plenty of builders offering great move-in ready homes. But with its population at nearly 400,000, you may desire a smaller-town feel. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Tampa suburbs to help inform your choice.

10. Citrus Park

  • Population: 24,252
  • Median Home Value: $215,400
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
  • School Ranking: A-
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,351
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 397

Location Details:

Citrus Park, located in Hillsborough County north of Tampa, is home to two great animal sanctuaries: Big Cat Rescue and Zaksee Florida Bird Sanctuary. Both offer tours and educational opportunities to learn more about protecting these great animals. In addition, Citrus Park has plenty of first-class amenities, including its shopping centers, parks and places of worship.

9. Land O’ Lakes

  • Population: 31,996
  • Median Home Value: $227,900
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 34 minutes
  • School Ranking: A-
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,094
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 353

Location Details:

Land O’ Lakes is located 20 miles north of Tampa. As one would expect from the name, this suburb is full of lakes! No matter where you choose to live, there’s guaranteed to be a lake near you, which means plenty of water activities. Land O’ Lakes also offers good parks, shopping opportunities and golf. 

8. Westchase

  • Population: 21,747
  • Median Home Value: $344,800
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 33 minutes
  • School Ranking: A-
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 958
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 162

Location Details:

Westchase is located just west of Citrus Park. This community has all of the essentials: great restaurants, beautiful parks and even plenty of lakes to cool down in. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the multiple golf courses or playing soccer or baseball at the Ed Radice Sports Complex. Tampa is only a 30-minute drive away, so Westchase residents don’t have to venture far to visit the big city.

7. East Lake

  • Population: 30,962
  • Median Home Value: $327,100
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
  • School Ranking: A-
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 986
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 166

Location Details:

East Lake is a community settled along Lake Tarpon. The lake provides a great way to cool down on hot summer days; whether you like to kayak, swim or merely picnic, you’re guaranteed to have a pleasant day. East Lake is also home to other great nature spots, such as the Brooker Creek Preserve & Environmental Education Center. Just beyond the lake lies Tarpon Springs, where residents can shop to their heart’s content at various shopping plazas.

6. Valrico

  • Population: 35,545
  • Median Home Value: $220,200
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 33 minutes
  • School Ranking: A-
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 276
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 33

Location Details:

Valrico deserves a spot on this list for many reasons. Its most noteworthy feature is its low crime rates — the lowest violent and nonviolent crime rates of the Tampa suburbs. If that’s not enough incentive to move here, Valrico residents also can enjoy the Brandon Boulevard Shoppes, which features rows of stores and restaurants. 

5. Wesley Chapel

  • Population: 44,092
  • Median Home Value: $215,000
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
  • School Ranking: A-
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 360
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 55

Location Details:

Wesley Chapel is one of the larger suburbs on the list, with a population of more than 44,000 residents. There’s a wide variety of activities to enjoy here, including shopping at the Tampa Premium Outlets, swimming at The Ridge Community Center or jogging in one of the many parks. With the town’s particularly low violent crime rate, residents can have peace of mind as they go about their days. 

4. Oldsmar

  • Population: 14,841
  • Median Home Value: $194,500
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
  • School Ranking: A-
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 336
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 31

Location Details:

Oldsmar is located along Mobbly Bay, approximately 17 miles northwest of Tampa. Residents can enjoy the sunny bay shore practically in their own backyard. Another highlight is Empower Adventures Tampa Bay, where you can partake in zip line and boating adventures. And, of course, there’s no shortage of parks, restaurants and other suburban amenities you’d expect to find. 

3. Palm Harbor

  • Population: 57,439
  • Median Home Value: $216,000
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 27 minutes
  • School Ranking: A-
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 588
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 44 

Location Details:

Palm Harbor is located on the western coast of Florida, which means plenty of beach time! One unique feature is the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary Foundation, which provides tours and educational opportunities. Thanks to the low violent crime rate, residents can walk the beach or hit up the shopping districts without fear.

2. Cheval

  • Population: 10,702
  • Median Home Value: $336,500
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
  • School Ranking: A
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 869
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 147

Location Details:

Cheval is a small community located north of Tampa. Multiple lakes reside within Cheval’s jurisdiction, so those looking to relax by the waterside will love it here. Cheval is also home to top-notch golfing, shopping and parks. 

1. Keystone

  • Population: 24,039
  • Median Home Value: $371,700
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 35 minutes
  • School Ranking: A
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 858
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 162

Location Details:

At the top of our list of Tampa suburbs is Keystone. Home to numerous parks, nature preserves and lakes, this town offers plenty of hiking trails and greenery. Foodies will enjoy the highly rated restaurants in the area, and families will appreciate the great education system. Keystone is truly a great place to call home!