Are you thinking about moving to Tampa, or are you a recent transplant to the area? Maybe you’re visiting Tampa Bay and looking for towns around Tampa FL to explore. There are more than 80 towns and cities around Tampa within just a 30-mile radius! This means that you can live in a nearby Gulf Coast city while still enjoying easy access to attractions in Downtown Tampa, like Busch Gardens and shopping centers like WestShore Plaza. Here’s a complete guide to the closest cities to Tampa, FL sorted by size and distance.
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Largest Cities Around Tampa Florida
The Tampa Bay area is home to three major cities within 25 square miles, plus dozens of large cities and towns near Tampa FL. Here are the closest Florida cities around Tampa with a population of at least 50,000.
Town ‘n’ Country | 11.4 Miles From Tampa
- Population: 86,253
- County: Hillsborough
- Median home price: $437,500
Out of the closest cities around Tampa, none offers the convenience and amenities you’ll find in Town ‘n’ Country. It’s the closest city to Tampa FL with a population over 50,000. It was one of the first Tampa suburbs and borders Tampa to the south with downtown Tampa barely 11 miles away. Frequent travelers can appreciate the convenience of the Tampa International Airport being located partially in the Town ‘n’ Country CDP while families and outdoor enthusiasts love amenities like the Jackson Springs Skate Park and nature preserves.
The community is one of the best towns close to Tampa FL, and is conveniently adjacent to the Courtney Campbell Causeway that links Tampa to Clearwater and Ben T. Davis Beach, Tampa’s best beach.
Brandon | 12.9 Miles From Tampa
- Population: 127,048
- County: Hillsborough
- Median home price: $355,000
It’s nearly the size of Clearwater, but this city close to Tampa isn’t actually a city; it’s a census-designated place or unincorporated community. If it were a city, it would be the second-largest Hillsborough County city after Tampa and one of the most popular cities around Tampa. Brandon grew rapidly in the 1970s, and it was already a congested and densely populated area with 430 businesses, three malls, and over 40,000 people living within 6 square miles. Since then, it’s grown even further both by population and land area.
Today, this neighboring city is a more affordable alternative to living in Tampa, despite the median home price rising significantly in the past three years alone! Young professionals and millennials appreciate the short commute to downtown and the stable local economy. It’s also packed with family-friendly amenities and local favorites like the Galactic Playgrounds Children Science Center, THG Ice Rink, and a Hillsborough Community College campus.
Riverview | 13.2 Miles From Tampa
- Population: 115,462
- County: Hillsborough
- Median home price: $377,000
If you’re looking for the best cities around Tampa, then Riverview should be at the top of your list. South of Tampa and Brandon is the Riverview CDP, one of the largest towns near Tampa, Florida. This beautiful town in Tampa Bay is just minutes from Apollo Beach Nature Preserve and Davis Island beaches and sits on the shore of the Alafia River.
It’s known for its many lakes, nature preserves, and golf courses like Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, which makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. However, this Gulf Coast city is just a short drive from all of the urban amenities of the Downtown area, depending on traffic.
Pinellas Park | 19.2 Miles From Tampa
- Population: 53,560
- County: Pinellas
- Median home price: $310,000
Pinellas Park is the closest city to Tampa with more than 50,000 residents, although there are a few unincorporated communities and cities near Tampa FL like Town ‘n’ Country that are closer. Just north of St. Petersburg and across the bay from Tampa, the South Florida city of Pinellas Park is known for its equestrian community, with the Helen Howarth Park equestrian arena and the Amber Glen Equestrian Center. It’s a great place to live or visit for outdoor enthusiasts, with attractions such as Sawgrass Lake Park and a racetrack. You’ll also find vibrant community events to attend throughout the year.
Clearwater | 22.9 Miles From Tampa
- Population: 116,821
- County: Pinellas
- Median home price: $395,000
Directly west of Tampa, across the Courtney Campbell Causeway, is Clearwater, one of the major cities around Tampa and a principal city of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metro area. Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of America’s best beaches. The beach is separated from the rest of the city by the Intracoastal Waterway.
Clearwater isn’t just one of the best Tampa surrounding cities; it’s also one of the top tourist destinations in Tampa Bay, thanks to other attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. As one of the best cities around Tampa, you’ll also find plenty of shopping and dining options in Clearwater.
Largo | 22.7 Miles From Tampa
- Population: 82,343
- County: Pinellas
- Median home price: $319,950
The fourth largest of incorporated cities around Tampa Florida, Largo is just south of Clearwater, and it was once known as the Citrus City. Largo is now a popular Tampa suburb for families with a small-town feel yet big-city amenities and nightlife nearby. Residents appreciate the central location between Clearwater and St. Pete and directly across the bay from Tampa.
As one of the best towns near Tampa FL, Largo also boasts many of its own attractions like the Florida Botanical Gardens, Eagle Lake Park, and the 70-acre Largo Central Park with recreation and community events. Families appreciate kid-friendly Largo attractions like Sky Zone Trampoline Park and Splash Harbour Water Park, just outside the city limits.
Wesley Chapel | 23.0 Miles From Tampa
- Population: 83,673
- County: Pasco
- Median home price: $440,000
Wesley Chapel is one of the smaller cities around Tampa in Pasco County, within 25 miles of Tampa. It’s actually a CDP, not a city, but it’s one of those communities that seemingly has it all. It’s one of the most fun towns around Tampa FL is known for its excellent parks, local shops, and resort-style amenities, including the seven-acre Epperson Lagoon with swimming and paddling, a large ice rink, and The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping mall.
It’s adjacent to the amenities of other surrounding cities of Tampa FL in Land O’ Lakes, New Tampa, and Lutz, plus the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve with forest paths, fishing, and canoeing on the river.
St. Petersburg | 23.4 Miles from Tampa
- Population: 267,073
- County: Pinellas
- Median home price: $498,000
When it comes to cities around Tampa, St. Petersburg tops the list. St. Petersburg is the largest city in Pinellas County and the second largest city in the Tampa Bay metro area after Tampa. St. Pete is one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in Florida and is known for its miles of beaches, top-rated schools, and the St. Pete Pier, one of the latest attractions with 26 acres of green space, public art, beaches, restaurants, museums, shopping, and bars. St. Petersburg is also home to the famous Salvador Dalí Museum, one of the most visited attractions in Tampa Bay.
Palm Harbor | 23.7 Miles from Tampa
- Population: 61,512
- County: Pinellas
- Median home price: $349,900
Nearly equidistant from St. Petersburg and Tampa is one of the largest cities around Tampa, Palm Harbor. Palm Harbor is best known for its gorgeous shores and the Innisbrook Golf Resort with four championship courses. Take in the ocean views at the Crystal Beach Pier and spend an afternoon at Wall Springs Park, the crown jewel of Palm Harbor, with 210 acres of green space, a 35-foot observation tower, a playground, nature trails, and historic natural springs, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities. There are also plenty of great shopping and dining options in the best neighborhoods of Palm Harbor.
Other Tampa Bay Cities
Looking for other cities around Tampa? Retirees flock to Dunedin, named one of the best places to retire in the US, and Sun City Center, one of the premier 55+ retirement communities near Tampa.
Dunedin is also home to the popular Honeymoon Island State Park. Millennials, young professionals, and families enjoy the lifestyle in Lutz, known for its entertainment and the Tampa Premium Outlets mall. Tarpon Springs is also one of the most popular towns near Tampa FL, and is home to Brooker Creek Preserve.
You’ll find some of the best school districts in the cities around Tampa FL like Land O’ Lakes, with one of Tampa’s top 10 high schools, and Dunedin, an affordable Tampa town home to the highly rated Discovery Academy of Science school.
There are 25 towns and cities in Tampa Florida, with a population of 20,000 to 49,999 within 30 miles of the city center. All but four of these are CDPs or unincorporated towns in Tampa Bay, including some of the most desirable Tampa suburbs. Here is a list of cities around Tampa FL with populations under 50,000. Incorporated cities are in bold.
| Towns & Cities Near Tampa (20,000 to 49,999 Population) | |||
| County | Population (2020) | Distance from Tampa | |
| East Lake-Orient Park | Hillsborough | 29,213 | 6.5 mi |
| Egypt Lake-Leto | Hillsborough | 35,873 | 7.4 mi |
| Palm River-Clair Mel | Hillsborough | 27,844 | 8.0 mi |
| Lake Magdalene | Hillsborough | 32,083 | 9.6 mi |
| Temple Terrace | Hillsborough | 27,275 | 9.7 mi |
| Carrollwood | Hillsborough | 36,725 | 9.8 mi |
| University | Hillsborough | 48,127 | 9.9 mi |
| Lutz | Hillsborough | 27,106 | 14.5 mi |
| Valrico | Hillsborough | 40,239 | 14.6 mi |
| Westchase | Hillsborough | 24,885 | 16.1 mi |
| Citrus Park | Hillsborough | 28,804 | 16.2 mi |
| Bloomingdale | Hillsborough | 23,827 | 16.8 mi |
| Apollo Beach | Hillsborough | 33,355 | 17.6 mi |
| Lealman | Pinellas | 20,567 | 19.1 mi |
| Land O’ Lakes | Pasco | 38,910 | 19.2 mi |
| Northdale | Hillsborough | 25,710 | 20.5 mi |
| Ruskin | Hillsborough | 29,834 | 21.3 mi |
| East Lake | Pinellas | 33,283 | 23.3 mi |
| Fish Hawk | Hillsborough | 26,186 | 24.2 mi |
| Dunedin | Pinellas | 36,062 | 24.5 mi |
| Plant City | Hillsborough | 40,887 | 24.7 mi |
| Keystone | Hillsborough | 25,858 | 25.5 mi |
| Sun City Center | Hillsborough | 33,548 | 27.0 mi |
| Tarpon Springs | Pinellas | 25,791 | 30.9 mi |
Map of Cities Around Tampa Florida
This map of Tampa Florida’s surrounding cities shows all cities and towns around Tampa FL within 30 miles that have a population of at least 20,000.
Small Cities & Towns Around Tampa FL
You’ll find almost two dozen nice towns and cities around Tampa FL, and some places in Tampa Florida that offer small-town living close to the city. Safety Harbor is one of the smallest cities in Pinellas County, but as the name implies, it’s one of the safest cities in Tampa Bay, with a beautiful marina and a new waterfront park and boardwalk. In Oldsmar, get the thrill of a lifetime at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay with a 2.5-hour zip line adventure on the region’s longest zipline and a suspension bridge over the water.
Gibsonton is one of the best small cities near Tampa Florida. Once famous as “Carny Town,” it was home to hundreds of self-described “human oddities” and thousands of carnival workers with carnival zoning laws that allowed residents to keep and train exotic animals. Today, it’s a quiet suburban community full of condos and townhomes.
There are 20 smaller cities and towns around Tampa Florida. These towns near Tampa have a population below 20,000 and are within 25 miles of the Tampa city center. Here is a list of some of the top small towns near Tampa Florida. Incorporated cities are in bold.
Gibsonton is one of the best places to live near Tampa. Once famous as “Carny Town,” it was home to hundreds of self-described “human oddities” and thousands of carnival workers with carnival zoning laws that allows residents to keep and train exotic animals. Today, it’s a quiet suburban community.
There are 20 smaller cities and towns near Tampa FL. These towns near Tampa have a population below 20,000 and are within 25 miles of the Tampa city center. Incorporated cities are in bold.
| Small Cities & Towns Near Tampa | |||
| County | Population (2020) | Distance from Tampa | |
| Gibsonton | Hillsborough | 18,754 | 11.4 mi |
| Progress Village | Hillsborough | 10,450 | 11.5 mi |
| Mango | Hillsborough | 13,242 | 13.1 mi |
| Seffner | Hillsborough | 8,885 | 14.6 mi |
| Thonotosassa | Hillsborough | 15,764 | 15.2 mi |
| Feather Sound | Pinellas | 3,476 | 15.4 mi |
| Oldsmar | Pinellas | 14,904 | 16.6 mi |
| South Highpoint | Pinellas | 4,174 | 17.1 mi |
| Safety Harbor | Pinellas | 17,033 | 19.3 mi |
| Dover | Hillsborough | 3,009 | 19.9 mi |
| Kenneth City | Pinellas | 5,012 | 21.8 mi |
| Pebble Creek | Hillsborough | 10,447 | 21.8 mi |
| Ridgecrest | Pinellas | 3,571 | 22.9 mi |
| Bardmoor | Pinellas | 10,292 | 22.9 mi |
| Cheval | Hillsborough | 13,969 | 24.5 mi |
| Belleair | Pinellas | 4,428 | 24.5 mi |
| Seminole | Pinellas | 19,396 | 25.0 mi |
| Belleair Bluffs | Pinellas | 2,070 | 25.2 mi |
| Harbor Bluffs | Pinellas | 3,076 | 25.2 mi |
| Odessa | Pasco | 8,381 | 25.6 mi |
Major Cities Around Tampa
Want to take a road trip to some major cities near Tampa Florida? Tampa is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area, which spans across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties. It’s part of Central Florida in the greater Southeast region of the USA.
If your destination is beyond Florida’s borders, our long-distance movers from Tampa can handle the full haul with GPS-tracked trucks and full valuation coverage.
The closest major cities around Tampa Florida are part of the metro area and in other regions of the state. Here are the major cities close to Tampa in the Southeast, many of them within driving distance for a weekend getaway!
| Major Cities Near Tampa Florida | ||
| Population | Distance from Tampa | |
| Clearwater, FL | 115,975 | 23 miles |
| St. Petersburg, FL | 257,083 | 24 miles |
| Orlando, FL | 270,394 | 85 miles |
| Gainesville, FL | 133,611 | 130 miles |
| Jacksonville, FL | 949,611 | 199 miles |
| West Palm Beach, FL | 111,006 | 205 miles |
| Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 181,818 | 263 miles |
| Hialeah, FL | 237,069 | 270 miles |
| Tallahassee, FL | 192,885 | 275 miles |
| Miami, FL | 441,003 | 280 miles |
| Atlanta, GA | 463,878 | 456 miles |
| Charlotte, NC | 874,579 | 580 miles |
| Birmingham, AL | 212,461 | 602 miles |
| Raleigh, NC | 451,066 | 650 miles |
| Greensboro, NC | 285,342 | 652 miles |
| New Orleans, LA | 389,617 | 658 miles |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 228,590 | 714 miles |
| Richmond, VA | 220,289 | 794 miles |
Tampa Area Cities FAQs
What Is the Florida City South of Tampa Bay?
Bradenton and Sarasota, FL are both just south of Tampa Bay but are part of the Greater Tampa Bay area.
What Is the Nearest City to Tampa Florida?
Town ‘n’ Country borders Tampa and has a population of more than 100,000. The closest of the incorporated cities surrounding Tampa Florida is Pinellas Park, which is about 19 miles away.
What Are the Closest Cities to Tampa FL?
When it comes to the closest cities around Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg are the major cities close to Tampa FL
How Many Cities Around Tampa Bay Florida Are There?
There are more than 50 cities around Tampa Bay Florida, with at least 10,000 people, and many more smaller cities and towns in the Tampa metro area.
What Are the Cities 30 Minutes From Tampa Florida?
A few cities around Tampa within a 30-minute drive include Gibsonton, Mango, and Progress Village.
Are You Ready to Live in One of The Best Cities Around Tampa?
With so many exciting and beautiful cities around Tampa to explore, it’s hard to know where to start! One of the benefits of moving to the Tampa Bay area is that you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area’s best beaches, attractions, and restaurants. Whether you’re relocating within the metro or to a neighboring city, learn more about our 5-star professional movers serving Tampa and the surrounding area. Give us a call at (813) 922-1528 for a free moving quote.



