Living in East Tampa

What It’s Like to Live in East Tampa

On our map, “East Tampa” covers a lot of ground: historic Ybor City just east of downtown, the riverfront city of Temple Terrace, the University of South Florida area, and New Tampa to the northeast. (There’s also a City of Tampa neighborhood officially named East Tampa, near Ybor.)

Each area feels very different. Ybor is historic and lively, Temple Terrace has an established, tree-lined feel along the Hillsborough River, and New Tampa is known for master-planned communities with lots of green space nearby.

Areas We Cover in This Guide

• Ybor City
• Temple Terrace
• USF / University Area
• New Tampa
• Tampa Palms
• Pebble Creek

Homes You’ll Find in East Tampa

In Ybor City you’ll find historic “casitas,” the small homes originally built for cigar workers, along with newer townhomes and condos. Temple Terrace, incorporated in 1925, is known for Mediterranean Revival homes and was one of the first planned golf-course communities in the country.

New Tampa is mostly master-planned neighborhoods, many with community amenities. Pebble Creek is its oldest neighborhood, and Tampa Palms is the oldest area within city limits.

Parks, Trails & Things to Do in East Tampa

• Ybor City’s 7th AvenueRestaurants, shops and history on a street once named one of the “10 Great Streets in America.”
• Ybor City Museum State ParkThe story of Ybor’s cigar-making history and its Cuban, Spanish and Italian roots.
• Lettuce Lake Conservation ParkOver 1,800 acres of river floodplain with a paved trail, a boardwalk and playgrounds.
• Hillsborough River State ParkRare Class II rapids on the river, 7 miles of trails, camping and historic Fort Foster.
• Flatwoods ParkA 7-mile paved loop that’s great for biking and running.
• TECO Line StreetcarA historic-style streetcar connecting Ybor City to downtown and Channelside.

Schools in East Tampa

All of these areas are served by Hillsborough County Public Schools. Boundaries can change, so we always check the specific address with the Hillsborough County Public Schools school locator.

Getting Around

Ybor City is only about a mile from downtown. Temple Terrace and the USF area are about 8 miles out, and New Tampa is roughly 13 miles northeast. I-4, I-275, I-75 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard are the main routes, depending on where you land.

Good to Know Before You Buy in East Tampa

• Some communities have CDDs. Tampa Palms, for example, has a Community Development District that handles landscaping, parks and stormwater. Ask about CDD and HOA fees on any New Tampa home.
• Ybor is a historic district. Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District and a City of Tampa local historic district, so exterior changes are reviewed.
• Near the river? Check the map. Temple Terrace and parts of North Tampa border the Hillsborough River. Look up homes with FEMA’s flood map search and Hillsborough County’s HEAT tool.

East Tampa FAQs

Distances are approximate straight-line miles. Always confirm school assignments, flood zones, and any HOA or CDD fees for a specific address before you buy.