Tampa / St. Petersburg Real Estate News

Every home buyer has a wish list of needs and wants in a new place to live. For some walkability, interior finishes, and curb appeal are a huge deal, and for others being close to local amenities like parks and schools outweighs everything. And if living near top-ranked schools in Tampa is at or near the top of your wish list, here's a short list of neighborhoods you'll likely want to consider. 

Hyde Park

Located close to Downtown Tampa, Hyde Park is a popular residential neighborhood filled with historic homes and bungalows, plus you’ll find some upscale shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby. There are close to a dozen schools in the Hyde Park area, including Wilson Middle School, which gets high marks for its test scores and a seven out of 10 from GreatSchools. Wilson Middle School has been nationally recognized in the past as a “Blue Ribbon School of Excellence”. Gorrie Elementary School is also an award-winning school in Hyde Park. It gets a 10 out of 10 for test scores and student progress, and an overall nine out of 10 from GreatSchools. 

FishHawk Ranch

The FishHawk Ranch neighborhood positions residents close to several top-rated schools, itself. Some residents living in Fish Hawk Ranch attend Fishhawk Creek Elementary School, which gets an overall rating of nine out of 10 from Great Schools, with high marks for test scores and student progress. Another local school in this area is Bevis Elementary School, which received an overall “A-“ from Niche.com. The school gets an “A” for academics, and an “A-“ for diversity and teachers. 

New Tampa 

Trendy New Tampa is popular for its art and culture, but it’s also celebrated for its local schools. Locally, Tampa Palms Elementary School gets an overall seven out of 10 from GreatSchools, but even higher marks for its test scores and its student progress. Chiles Elementary School gets a perfect 10 out of 10 for student progress, a nine out of ten for student test scores, and an overall nine out of 10 rating from GreatSchools. 

South Tampa

The incredibly desirable South Tampa neighborhood is where you’ll find Plant High School, which typically covers those living on or close to MacDill Air Force Base. The highly rated Plant High School gets an overall “A+” from Niche.com, with high marks for its college prep and its academics. Ballast Point is the closest neighborhood to the base. 

Sunset Park

Staying in the same general area, those in Sunset Park not only attend Plant High School, but also the nearby Coleman Middle School. Coleman gets an overall grade of nine out of 10 from GreatSchools, including a nine for its test scores, its student progress, and its equity. Sunset Park is about a 15-minute drive from downtown and nightlife. Along with its schools, the area is known for its upscale homes with oversized yards.  

Citrus Park

Living in Citrus Park means living close to area shops and retailers, and also some highly rated public schools. Walker Middle Magnet School is found in the Citrus Park area, which gets high marks for its test scores and its student progress. Highly rated Northwest Elementary School gets an overall “A-“ grade from Niche.com, with high marks for diversity, teachers, and academics.