Top Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Tampa
There's Never a Dull Moment When Living in Tampa Town!
Hi, I'm Vickie, and welcome to Apartment Home Living. As a long-time resident of Tampa, I'm here to serve as your expert local guide in and around the city's neighborhoods that are near to local colleges and universities. Whether you're changing from on-campus student housing, making a move to your own home as a new college student, or you're relocating to Tampa, we will share information and a few firsthand experiences along the way to help make the choice an easier experience.
University of Tampa
The University of Tampa, located just across the river from Downtown Tampa, is a private university that consistently ranks as a top-ranked educational destination. Along with its educational prowess, the university has a long and interesting history. It is known for many things, such as its beautiful architecture, towering golden minarets, and the historic Henry B. Plant Museum, formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel, constructed from 1888-1891. Each year, you can tour the museum during the Christmas holidays at your leisure with a ticket to the Victorian Stroll. I can say from personal experience, this is one of the most memorable tours I've ever taken.
Students have a choice of more than 200 programs, which include majors, minors, and graduate programs offered year-round. Students can also apply to participate in the many athletic programs that comprise the Tampa Spartans.
The university has an impressive list of accreditations, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and many more.
You may hear or see references to SoHo and NoHo, which are areas in Hyde Park. The neighborhood is historic, which is obvious when driving through the tree-lined neighborhood nestled near Bayshore Boulevard. The neighborhood offers access to charming bungalows and apartment communities near the University of Tampa. When you choose to live in Hyde Park, shopping and dining are plentiful in Hyde Park Village. For entertainment, be sure to plan a visit to SoHo. For exercise, join the many health enthusiasts who are jogging, running, or walking along Bayshore Boulevard's 4.5-mile waterfront sidewalk, the second longest in the U.S.
You can walk to the university from Downtown Tampa apartments. How great is that? Downtown offers a variety of things to do, from cultural destinations and sporting events to walks along the Riverwalk and exciting entertainment venues.
From your apartment in downtown Tampa near the University of Tampa, you can take in a movie at the historic 1926 Tampa Theatre, which is well worth the visit just to check out the Mediterranean-style architecture and interior decor.
Downtown attractions can spark your imagination at The Florida Aquarium, you'll be taken back in time at the Tampa Museum of Art, you can cheer on your team at the Amalie Arena and enjoy live performances at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. If that isn't enough, take a tour of the American Victory Ship & Museum, please your palate with original Spanish fare at Columbia Cafe, or hop aboard the TECO line streetcar to historic Ybor City and the Channel District.
Just across the bridge from Bayshore Boulevard is Davis Island, which also has apartments along with exceptional residences. I have plenty of memories from back in the day of dancing venues that went on well into the night on the island. Things haven't changed when it comes to entertainment, as there is still lots to enjoy. There's Davis Island Beach for picnicking and an off-lease dog area, plus parks, restaurants, and bars.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, casually referred to as USF, has been a major public learning center for students since 1956. With its long history, students can rely on their professors to provide in-depth training and programs. The university is a "Preeminent State Research University", which means it has met the academic and research standards required to receive the designation by the Florida Board of Governors. The university is considered to be one of the top public research educational centers.
Students at USF have access to more than 200 programs for degree programs and those interested in undergraduate majors. USF also offers doctoral programs as well as specialist and graduate programs.
The university is located in a prime area for things to do when you're not in class. I can attest to this as I worked for a while in the USF library. No matter which way you go when leaving the massive 1,600-acre campus, there's something to see, do, or explore. While on campus, be sure to visit the universities botanical garden. They are lovely and offer a peaceful respite to unwind and relax. I've been there and done that, too.
Just five minutes from USF and a short drive from student apartments, no matter if it is morning, noon, or night, there is no lack of entertainment. The university is just minutes from Busch Gardens, the Museum of Science and Industry, Adventure Island, and Hillsborough River State Park. There is also one of my favorite places, Lettuce Lake Park. Learn about the brewing industry at Yuengling Center, tee off at Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, or finish off the day at a local eatery, such as the Firehouse Grill & Pub, try Russian specialties at Babushka's, or enjoy Asian cuisine at the Zen Noodle Bar.
Take a drive along Bruce B. Downs Boulevard for about 11 minutes, and you will be at the University of South Florida campus. In New Tampa, which resides in the northeast corner of Tampa, you have the best of both worlds. The neighborhood is a little further away from the hectic rush hour drive that is closer to major streets and highways, but you are still just a short drive to the same attractions and destinations as Temple Terrace residents.
Getting to Forest Hills apartments from the university takes less than 15 minutes. Forest Hills is another favorite location for me as I spent a lot of my childhood biking around the neighborhood with my best friend. Just across Busch Boulevard, which is one option for accessing Forest Hills, is where I call home, so, I know the area well.
Forest Hills is a quiet, laid-back neighborhood with access to many attractions, dining, and shopping venues. ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a must-see with its many animals. The zoo is known worldwide for its manatee rescue program. Across the street from the zoo runs the Hillsborough River. At the park, there are shelters for picnicking, a boat ramp, and a walking trail. It is a nice place to spend time relaxing.
Within the Forest Hills neighborhood, you can play a round of golf at the Babe Zaharias Golf Course established in 1926. The 18-hole course offers challenging game play. Be sure to stop in at the cafe for breakfast or lunch. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Saint Leo University - Tampa Education Center
Located on Howard Avenue and W. La Salle St in the historic Berriman-Morgan Cigar Factory, Saint Leo's education center offers major and minor programs covering elementary education, the arts and sciences, and business. Saint Leo was founded in 1889 as a private university that has received many top ratings over the years.
The Tampa Education Center is a good choice for adult students interested in an environment focused on flexible class schedules that suit student needs. The center also offers distance learning and online classes. Students can choose from more than 60 programs at affordable prices.
The Old West Tampa neighborhood has had the "old" descriptor since 1895 as this is when the area was first incorporated. It is a little like stepping back to a different time with the neighborhood's traditional Florida-style housing and its historic commercial buildings. The atmosphere has an urban presence with a variety of retail venues, cafes, restaurants, and parks.
Like many neighborhoods in Tampa, the West Riverfront area has an urban vibe. With its proximity to the University of Tampa, residents have access to the same area attractions: downtown Tampa, Ybor City, Hyde Park, the Channel District, and Harbour Island.
Other conveniences include short drive time to Tampa General Hospital, Tampa International Airport, and for more shopping, Westshore Mall, which is open seven days a week. I worked at the mall when it first opened. It has plenty to offer with over 100 retailers plus numerous eateries and an AMC Theatre.
Just a short drive from Saint Leo's Tampa campus is the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood, which had its beginnings in the 1880s. It has the distinction of being the first suburb in Tampa and continues to be a magnet drawing residents to the area.
The neighborhood remains true to its roots as a vibrant place to call home, consisting of multiple green spaces and picnicking at Water Works Park. At Armature Works, enjoy a menu of food, coffee, and cocktails served by indie vendors while enjoying visually creative and inspiring artwork by local artists.
Keiser University
Conveniently located on West Waters Avenue and a variety of Tampa apartments near Keiser University, students also have easy access to the Veterans Expressway.
Keiser is a private university, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report in its top 25 for social mobility for 2025. It is the university's 5th straight year receiving the ranking.
At the university, students have more than 100 programs available for both graduate and undergraduate pursuits. Students receive individual attention, small classes, one-class-at-a-time, and four-week schedules to promote the utmost opportunity for skill-building and a positive learning environment from teachers and industry experts.
One of the draws of living in the Town "n" Country area is its central location. My first job was at a bank on Waters Avenue in TNC. The area was busy then, and has become even more so with many markets, restaurants, retail stores, bars, and bistros. Residents are just 11 minutes from Citrus Park Town Center, with the malls more than 140 shops, stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. You can also take the short drive down State Rd 60 and be at the sugar sands and shimmering waters of Clearwater Beach.
Like the other neighborhoods in the area, Bay Crest Park is a friendly place to call home. The park contains three neighborhoods. There's lots to do with county parks nearby, plus the Upper Tampa Bay Park is a short drive away. There's also a boat ramp and a launch facility for those who want to explore the waterways. Residents of Bay Crest Park can register to get a decal and permit to access and use the boat ramp. There is also an assortment of restaurants and cafes guaranteed to tantalize the taste buds.
Rocky Creek is less than five minutes from the Town "N' Country community. Like TNC, it is a walkable neighborhood with plenty of exciting options for things to do. For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, there is hiking, fishing, and access to the 16-acre Rocky Creek Trails Nature Preserve. Hikers and birdwatchers will enjoy a trip to the 0.5-mile Rocky Creek Park Trail for a quick jog or avian observation. For more fun, consider a visit to Jackson Springs Skate Park, less than 2 minutes away.
We hope your travel time throughout Tampa in search of apartments near the University of Tampa, the University of South Florida, and Saint Leo University has been an enjoyable and beneficial ride. With the information we have provided, you have a variety of neighborhoods, atmospheres, environments, and price ranges to consider when choosing your next home in Tampa.
