A Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Chicago

Hi, and welcome to ApartmentHomeLiving.com, we're here to provide you with all the information you need about top areas in and around Tampa that are great choices to call home. I'm Vickie, a long-time resident of Tampa, and ready to share my take on the top 10 neighborhoods that offer a comfortable and convenient way of life and plenty of options in affordably priced Tampa apartments and rental homes.

Nestled beside Tampa Bay and just a few miles from the Gulf on the Southwest side of Florida, Tampa is a popular destination for new businesses and residents. The city's history is intriguing, with plenty of things to do and places to see. Come along for the ride as we explore the best Tampa neighborhoods and all they have to offer.

Westshore

In my humble opinion, Westshore is one of the best areas to live easily because there is so much available to do, plus its convenience to multiple locations. Hop on Kennedy Blvd. and head straight to the University of Tampa, or continue across the bridge and be in the heart of downtown. Westshore is home to long-standing Westshore Plaza (I had a job there when it first opened), with many shopping and dining venues, plus an AMC movie theater. How great is that! The neighborhood offers numerous restaurants and bars to suit all taste buds, and offers easy access for a drive to St. Petersburg and the pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, and is only 3 miles from Tampa International Airport. On top of that, you're just minutes from Cypress Point Park and the Courtney Campbell Causeway with even more dining venues, such as Bahama Breeze and Whisky Joe's for happy hour and beautiful sunsets. Oh, if you want to catch some rays while basking in the sun, Ben T Davis Beach situated on Tampa Bay awaits just a short drive away.

Carver City - Lincoln Gardens

This urban neighborhood is another gem in Tampa's list of preferred places to call home, especially for young professionals. Bordered by I-275, Dale Mabry Hwy, and W Boy Scout Blvd., in the Carver City - Lincoln Gardens area you are just minutes from Westshore, Tampa International Airport, Raymond James Stadium, and Hillsborough Community College. There is also upscale shopping, dining, and night-life at nearby International Plaza. It doesn't get much better than this to have so many options. Once you get used to the city streets, here's a tip - explore the many backstreets and neighborhood cut-throughs for even faster access to Tampa businesses, attractions, and mouthwatering food at Jimbo's Pit Bar BBQ, just 4 minutes away.

Old West Tampa

Old West Tampa is near the Hillsborough River, which is impressive as it runs for 60 miles. I've spent many an afternoon relaxing beside the river when enjoying the day at Lowry Park aka Zoo Tampa in business since 1957. Old West Tampa is near downtown and the Tampa River Walk, Amelia Arena for all sorts of events, and Hyde Park Village, which offers a variety of retail shops, dining venues, coffee cafés, and a movie theater. The neighborhood offers plenty of options for potential residents, from townhomes to studio apartments.

Stadium Area

Sports and concert enthusiasts will find the Stadium Area rich with events throughout the year. I have attended more than a few rock concerts and cheered on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football team at Ray James (Ray J) Stadium. Across the street from the stadium, there's baseball at Steinbrenner Field. In the stadium area, you are minutes away from St Joseph's Hospital, Al Lopez Park for picnics and walking trails, the Bucs training facility (which is cool to visit during training sessions), and one of my favorite restaurants - Mom's Place Restaurant, just down the street from Ray J, is a step back in time. My mom and brother have eaten here many times. Good downhome food and hospitality is what you can expect. The restaurant has served the Tampa community for over 30 years.

Pinecrest-West Park

A short drive from Drew Park down Lois Avenue and across Hillsborough Avenue takes you to the Pinecrest and West Park neighborhoods. When you cross Hillsborough Avenue, you'll stay on Lois Avenue and pass Alexander Elementary School. This is a vintage school (went there in the 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades.) You can hang a left at the stop sign and go straight, which takes you into West Park, or, at the stop sign, turn left, then a quick right to get into Pinecrest. Students living in these neighborhoods attend Pierce Junior High School and Leto High School (my Alma mater). Both are well-established neighborhoods with access to multiple dining venues, drug stores, Walmart, a shopping plaza, and more. For travelers, Tampa International Airport is about a 15-minute drive.

MacFarlane

It has been a while since I drove through MacFarlane, but I remember it as being a vibrant neighborhood with plenty of style. It is located within the city limits and has easy access to I-275 for commuters. The neighborhood has a nearby Walmart Supercenter and Home Depot and nearby restaurants. There's also the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and MacFarlane Park Elementary School. If you're in the mood for exercising, take a hike on Macfarlane Park Trail. If you need to go downtown, it takes less than 20 minutes. While downtown, be sure to enjoy Riverwalk, the Channel District, and authentic cuisine and ride the streetcar in historic Ybor City.

Bellingham Oaks

One of my favorite areas in Tampa is Town N Country because it is where I got my first job. This is another long-standing area and the Bellingham Oaks neighborhood fits perfectly. Hillsborough Avenue is the main roadway leading to Town 'N Country. Along the route, take your pick of shopping plazas, restaurants, cafés, grocery and drug stores, and places for adults to enjoy a cool and refreshing beverage. Schools serving the area include Morgan Elementary School, Town 'N Country Elementary School, and Webb Junior High School. If you need medical assistance, HCA Florida West Hospital is less than 10 minutes away. For outdoor fun in the sun, enjoy the 25-acre Town 'N Country Park. Kids and adults have plenty to do, and if you're like me and enjoy the outdoors and exercise, this is the place to go for tennis, pickleball, basketball, softball, picnic, plus there's a playground. Less than 15 minutes away, adults can take in live horse racing action at Tampa Bay Downs.

Oak Grove

When it comes to the Oak Grove area, it is a mix of new and old Florida. It is a cozy and well-established neighborhood that has been serving the Tampa community and residents for many years. It is conveniently located and bordered by Habana Avenue, Armenia Avenue, and Martin Luther King Blvd. Within the neighborhood borders, you'll have access to numerous medical facilities, specialists, and St. Joseph's Hospital, which is good if you are looking for employment in the medical field. For dining, one place I highly recommend is Rick's on the River, just down the road apiece on Martin Luther King Blvd. Enjoy fresh and beyond excellent entrées and a refreshing bar plus live music. Dine inside or outside, and if you are in the mood, take the water taxi from Rick's for a scenic ride to downtown Tampa.

Sunrise

The Sunrise area is almost at my back door. It is a cozy community tucked away between Waters Avenue and Kirby Street. Waters Avenue is a main artery in Tampa's network of streets. You can access Armenia, Habana, Florida, and Dale Mabry, to name just a few. The area has it all with short jaunts to Winn-Dixie for groceries, Home Depot, Walmart, Lowry Park, and my all-time favorite, Bo's Ice Cream on Florida Avenue for an upside-down banana split. It is also near the impressive 214-foot Sulphur Springs Water Tower built in 1927. Plan a visit, have a picnic, and take a walk beside the Hillsborough River. If you like to play golf, visit Babe Zaharias Golf Course just 10 minutes away. Adams Middle School and Chamberlain High School are just minutes away.

Drew Park

Drew Park has a long history as a military installation dating back to 1928 when the area became Drew Field Airport. It was used as a sub-base for MacDill AFB during WWI and had barracks, airstrips, and POW camps during WWII. When WWII ended, Drew Field was deactivated and the property returned to the city. When you drive through the neighborhood, you can still see some of the original barracks used at the time. At some point, they were turned into apartments for civilians. My aunt and uncle rented one of the 1-bedroom apartments back in the day. Within the neighborhood is Lois Elementary School. I went there in 4th grade, and years later, attended Hillsborough Community College, which still has an outstanding campus. Residents of Drew Park have convenient access to two of the city's main thoroughfares, Hillsborough Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway, and can enjoy endless shopping adventures at International Plaza, just 10 minutes away, Raymond James Stadium, and Steinbrenner Field.