If you love a big city lifestyle by the water, there are few places better for you than Tampa. Tampa is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, home to well over two million people. It is a center of commerce and culture on Florida’s western coast along the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa is an amazing place to live, but just outside the city, you’ll find numerous suburbs that offer just as good a quality of life.
Whether you are looking for a quieter city with a beautiful waterfront, suburbs with stunning natural scenery, or a quaint town that feels far removed from big city living, Tampa has options to explore. Let’s look at some of the suburbs near Tampa that offer a dream Florida lifestyle.
Palm Harbor
Palm Harbor is a scenic community that provides a mid-sized city for those that want less congestion and the same waterfront appeal as Tampa. Palm Harbor is home to around 60,000 residents and is a 35-minute drive from the city. The lifestyle in this community should appeal to anyone that loves the water and outdoor recreation.
Palm Harbor is famed for its great golf, and is home to the world-renowned Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club. It also has excellent beaches, parks, and mineral springs for a natural spa experience. It is a picturesque community that embodies Florida’s warm weather appeal.
Odessa
Odessa is a quiet little community home to many affluent residents. Hosting less than 8,000 people, it is a peaceful, private place. Odessa is a community with abundant lakes and trees, giving it a natural appeal that makes it one of the most desirable places to live in Florida.
Another reason many choose to live in Odessa is because of its beautiful luxury real estate options. Odessa has many gated properties that line the Odessa lakes, along with secluded mansions offering waterfront access. It is a quiet and scenic city with an excellent quality of life.
Wesley Chapel
Wesley Chapel is a community with a classically suburban look and feel. It has an array of housing developments, winding streets, and large commercial spaces. It is known as a very safe town that is ideal for raising a family. Home to a population of 60,000 that has been continuously growing, this mid-sized city is just 30 minutes north of Tampa and has excellent shops and restaurants, including the Shops at Wiregrass outdoor mall.
Wesley Chapel has an array of real estate options that can accommodate different budgets. It has quality schools, a man-made lagoon built in 2018, and lovely parks for outdoor strolls.
Treasure Island
This city’s name calls to mind a swashbuckling adventure, but the town’s reality is much more tranquil. Treasure Island is a peaceful beachfront city on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico. Treasure Island is a 40-minute drive from Tampa but is much closer to St. Petersburg. It is a tourist destination with a small permanent population of 7,000.
Many flock to Treasure Island for the scenic sandy beaches and the turquoise waters. It is a popular destination for those looking to sunbathe, fish, or go boating along the Gulf of Mexico. The city also has local wildlife like manatees and dolphins, so nature lovers will find much to enjoy in this West Florida Coast gem.
