At RE/MAX Florida Team, we’ve helped many people moving to the Tampa Bay area. Making sense of the area’s real estate options, different neighborhoods, and diverse lifestyles starts at the county level. We’re here to help you to find the right home and neighborhood in one of the three primary counties comprising Tampa Bay: Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco. The city of Tampa is in Hillsborough County, while St Petersburg and Clearwater are in Pinellas County.
From the laid-back country lifestyle of Pasco County to the bustling urban energy of downtown Tampa, or the eclectic and artistic atmosphere of St. Pete, the three central Tampa Bay counties offer diverse living options. However, one common thread ties the Bay-area lifestyle together: a deep connection to the water. Much of life in the Bay Area revolves around its waterways, whether it’s inland lakefront properties, golf courses with stunning water features, or the world-renowned white sandy beaches, boating, and water sports.
Crossing the Bay
Each of the counties has its own flavor and history, as well as appeal to different home buyers and diverse home needs. Your choice is highly dependent on where you work. Hillsborough and Pinellas are connected by three bridges, offering easy access to the other cities for entertainment and beaches. However, frequent crossings, especially for work, can be inconvenient due to heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours. If you’re moving to Tampa Bay and considering living on one side while working on the other, be prepared for long, unpredictable commutes, which can be worsened by accidents or bad weather. The distance may also make it harder to stay connected with friends or enjoy activities on both sides. It’s often better to find a community on the same side where you’ll spend most of your time.
Hillsborough County: The Center Of It All
Hillsborough County covers the city of Tampa and surrounding neighborhoods. It is generally a faster pace because of the airport, shopping, stadiums, and colleges, and many businesses.
Downtown Tampa is rapidly transforming into a vibrant residential living destination, driven by the explosion of new high-rise developments that cater to the growing demand for urban living. The Riverwalk along the water serves as the heart of the area, offering scenic waterfront views and easy access to popular attractions. Armature Works, a historic building turned bustling food hall, draws locals and visitors with its diverse dining options and community events. The ever expanding Channel District also adds even more restaurants, entertainment, commercial, and residential options. With its blend of cultural hotspots, outdoor activities, and convenient amenities, downtown Tampa has become an exciting place for new residents to call home.
South Tampa is one of the premier residential areas near Downtown, known for its historic charm and upscale living. Lined with old, stately homes set on tree-lined streets, the area offers a blend of classic elegance and modern convenience. Its close proximity to downtown means residents enjoy quick access to major business districts as well as some of Tampa’s best restaurants, boutique shopping, and entertainment venues, while still experiencing the tranquility of a residential community. With its mix of history, luxury, and convenience, South Tampa remains one of the most desirable places to live in the city.
To the east, north and south of Downtown Tampa, you will find a more spread out suburban feel. It is generally more organized into planned communities like Carrollwood and Tampa Palms and homes will cost less and be newer than the upscale residential area near Downtown and South Tampa. Most suburban communities have homes between new and 40 years old so you can find one to match your needs with regards to price, access to downtown, and leisure activities.
Many areas closer to downtown, like Seminole Heights and West Tampa, are undergoing a transformation, blending historic charm with modern revitalization. In these neighborhoods, you can find more affordable homes, rich in character, nestled closer to the heart of the city. The mix of old and new creates a unique, vibrant atmosphere that reflects the area’s regrowth while honoring its past.
Pinellas County: Beaches And Smaller Communities
Few places in the world have greater access to gorgeous white sand beaches than Pinellas County, home to the area’s second-largest city, St. Petersburg, as well as Clearwater, which is also a hub for major employers. While Pinellas County has the most densely populated county in the State and can feel very congested, there are many smaller cities within it that serve as “pockets” to provide a community feel. The city of “St. Pete” has a sophisticated food and art scene as well as a currently revitalized downtown city living center. along with proximity to the miles of beautiful Gulf beaches. Pinellas County extends as far north as the charming communities of Dunedin and Tarpon Springs.
Unlike Tampa, which has suburbs surrounding it, St. Petersburg is encircled by water, preventing the typical urban/suburban feel most cities develop into. Instead, the area has a more local feel, with each neighborhood or town having its own distinct identity. Towns like Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, and Gulfport, as well as several beach communities along the coast, all have their own charm. Many of these places are older, featuring quaint downtown areas with farmer’s markets and events like “Third Friday.” While Pinellas County does have some suburban areas in the northern part, most of these towns maintain an independent, small-town vibe. Despite this, they are all well connected, making it easy to travel throughout the Tampa Bay area, though the ambiance in Pinellas County feels more intimate compared to Hillsborough County.
Pasco County: Slower-paced ‘Old Florida’ and New Homes
New home construction continues around the Tampa area, and thousands of new homes have been built or are under construction in Pasco County north of Tampa and St. Pete/Clearwater, including rapidly-growing upscale suburban-type areas like Wesley Chapel, Trinity, and Odessa. Pasco County also has many towns and neighborhoods with an “Old Florida” feel, along with charming small towns like New Port Richey. Pasco County offers easy access to both Tampa and St. Pete as well as the availability of larger parcels of land. The Veterans Expressway and I-75 run straight through Pasco county and make for easy trips to the large cities and beaches of Tampa Bay.
Pasco County is more spread out than the other two Tampa Bay counties. You can generally find better prices for both old and new homes. You’ll also find lower property tax and utilities costs.
Call the RE/MAX Florida Team
There is a neighborhood for everyone in the Tampa area, whether it’s a rural home with land, a waterfront property with a dock, a golf community, or a contemporary high rise with every amenity in bustling Downtown Tampa. Our team at RE/MAX Florida Alliance Group know Tampa’s counties well and can help you to locate the right home in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County: contact us today.
