5 Desirable Towns Near Tampa You Will Want to Relocate to in 2026

Updated on July 28, 2026: This story was originally published on February 22, 2021, and has been updated with new information.

If you are looking to relocate to the Tampa area, you are in good company - According to a recent survey, 41% of Americans plan to move in 2026, with 1 in 4 planning to move to a new state. Florida is one of the top states people would like to move to, and the Tampa area, in particular, is a top relocation destination in Florida.

Just what makes Greater Tampa real estate so hot?

• Job Market: Tampa offers a healthy job market with industry diversity, good salaries, and a low unemployment rate.
• Low Taxes: Florida has no state income tax, and sales tax in Tampa is lower than the national average.
• Cost of Living: Tampa offers a lower cost of living compared to similarly sized cities.
• Tampa Homes Cost 25% Less Than Miami Homes: Tampa offers more affordable housing compared to other coastal Florida cities like Miami.
• Quality of Life: Tampa's thriving job market, low cost of living, beautiful sunshine, and coastal access combine to create a high quality of life.

When we talk about Tampa, it's not only the city that's growing - the majority of people planning to move in 2026 are seeking locations outside of the hustle and bustle of a busy downtown area, meaning Tampa suburbs are hot! Here are 5 desirable towns near Tampa that you'll want to consider for your new home in Florida.

1. Lakeland 

Lakeland sits to the east of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Area. With its unique Old Florida history, a strong sense of community, and an array of outdoor activities, new homes in Lakeland are highly desirable.

Lakeland is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation and for many, this is because Lakeland offers a "right-sized" city - neither too big nor too small. Lakeland also offers several big benefits for homebuyers:

• A central location on the I-4 corridor, which means less than an hour's commute to Downtown Tampa and just a hair longer to Orlando and its famed attractions;
• A hotspot for new businesses and job growth, with both major companies and entrepreneurial start-ups calling Lakeland home;
• A lower cost of living than nearby Tampa or Orlando.

Just how much cheaper is Lakeland than Tampa? The median sale price of homes in Lakeland is $334,000 as of July 2026, which is about 21% cheaper than Tampa.

Activities in Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland is spread out over approximately 75 square miles and is filled with parks and lakes, hence the city’s name. In other words, if you love nature, you are going to love living in Lakeland!

Take a hike around Lake Parker Park or Circle B Bar Reserve, go boating on Lake Hollingsworth or stroll the path circling the lake, or check out Lakeland's newest park, Bonnet Springs Park, which has been called the Central Park of Florida and is ranked as the #2 best city park in the USA.

That's far from all Lakeland has to offer. Lakeland is full of historic charm and is known for its historic downtown and Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Plus, Lakeland offers modern amenities with diverse restaurants and food halls, entertainment venues, and community events, ensuring there is always something to do in this small city.

Where to Live in Lakeland

Lakeland has three distinct areas: Central or Downtown Lakeland, comprised of the area around the Downtown and Dixieland neighborhoods; North Lakeland, generally identified as the region north of I-4; and South Lakeland, or the area south of Downtown, or roughly south of Memorial Boulevard.

In addition, Lakeland has several smaller suburbs surrounding it, such as Auburndale, Bartow, and Winter Haven. Each of these areas of Lakeland has unique characteristics, so where to live in Lakeland depends on your personal preferences. Learn more about each of these areas and neighborhoods by checking out our new construction homes in Lakeland-Winter Haven. 

Local fun fact: Lakeland is the corporate home to Publix, Florida’s leading grocery supermarket chain!

2. Ruskin

About 20 miles south of Tampa, nestled adjacent to the Little Manatee River and waters of Tampa Bay, the bedroom community of Ruskin, part of Tampa’s SouthShore district, offers a charming small-town location and laid-back, nature-inspired setting.

Things to Do Near Ruskin

Ruskin offers plenty to do, with family-owned restaurants, annual festivals, and access to beaches and watersports:

• Enjoy unforgettable waterside dining, sunsets, and activities ranging from kayaking on the Little Manatee River to sunset cruises on Tampa Bay and deepwater fishing excursions in the Gulf;
• Take in a flick at the Ruskin Family Drive-In, known as the “last 50’s family drive-in” in the USA;
• The Southshore Bay Lagoon, located just east of Ruskin in Wimauma, is a unique inland oasis of sun, sand, and water with a tropical beach, swim-up bar, shaded cabanas, and water sports activities.

Where to Find the Best Homes in Ruskin

New construction homes in Ruskin are a popular choice for homebuyers thanks to their modern safety, efficiency, and design benefits, and the Sunridge Chase neighborhood stands out due to the choice and value it offers, with homes ranging from 1,500 to over 3,100 square feet in size, and attainable pricing from the $330's.

Local fun fact: The city of Ruskin was named for John Ruskin, an English writer, philosopher, and utopian.

3. Riverview

Riverview is another sought-after suburb to the south of Tampa, boasting highly-rated schools, abundant parks and recreation, and easy access to highways, beaches, and nightlife.

How close is Riverview to Tampa? Riverview is a quick 10-mile drive from Tampa's city limits, about 19 miles from Downtown Tampa, and 27 miles from the Tampa International Airport. In other words, your family can enjoy all the wonderful restaurants, entertainment, and amenities of the big city while benefitting from more laid-back, suburban surroundings.

Local Riverview Hotspots

Riverview is named for its location on the Alafia River, a popular destination for boating, kayaking, and enjoying riverside parks. Here, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get outside and commune with nature at destinations including the Rhodine Scrub Preserve and Nature Trails, the Bell Creek Nature Preserve, and the Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve.

You don't have to stray far for date night; Riverview is home to local favorites such as Tiki Docks River Bar & Grill, The Talking Pint Bar & Bistro, and Leaven Brewing, Riverview’s first brewery. 

For a unique attraction, visit the Showmen's Museum, which preserves the history of the American carnival.

Where to Live in Riverview

A great neighborhood in Riverview is Ridgewood. This peaceful neighborhood offers resort-style amenities, beautiful new construction homes in Riverview, FL, and stunning nature views. Another awesome place to hunt for the perfect home is around the Alafia River. 

Local fun fact: Riverview is said to be one of Florida’s oldest settlements and was originally situated next to the Alafia River. 

4. Zephyrhills

25 miles north of Tampa, the small city of Zephyrhills is not as well known as its neighbor, Wesley Chapel, the #1 suburb in Tampa. And this is just one of the reasons we think the smaller, quieter Zephyrhills is one of Tampa's best-kept secrets.

Why Zephyrhills is a Diamond in the Rough

Zephyrhills offers a rural-suburban setting with rolling green hills, lush trees and groves, and sparkling waters. It's less crowded than the nearby city, and in these laid-back surroundings, you'll find peaceful neighborhoods with beautiful homes at affordable prices - The median sales price in Zephyrhills is $360K, compared to $458K in neighboring Wesley Chapel and $425K in Tampa.

Zephyrhills is an eclectic community with unique activities:

• Zephyrhills is a destination for skydiving, with thrill-seekers from all around the world visiting the famous Z-Hills Skydive City;
• The Upper Hillsborough Preserve hosts 14 miles of trails through pine flatwoods abounding with wildlife; 
• WaterPlay at Zephyr Park is a free water park and splashpad operated seasonally by the City of Zephyrhills;
• Zephyrhills' Main Street offers local shops and eateries, and this small city is even home to a distillery and a brewery.

Plus, the commute to Tampa is so quick that it is easy to work in the city and enjoy the small-town vibes of Zephyrhills at the same time. 

Best New Homes in Zephyrhills, FL

Some of the best new homes in Zephyrhills are located in Stonebridge at Chapel Creek and its newest phase, Stonebridge North. This beautiful, nature-inspired community offers new construction homes situated amongst towering trees, sparkling ponds, and natural conservation, with waterfront homes and resort-style amenities providing entertainment and recreation for everyone in your household:

• Zero-entry pool
• Cabana
• Playground
• Open play area
• Dog park
• Nature trail
• Fitness trail

Local fun fact: The popular water brand, Zephyrhills Bottled Water, is sourced from a local freshwater spring in Zephyrhills, Florida. 

5. Plant City

Last but not least, real estate in Plant City, FL, is a great investment! Located about 15 miles east of Tampa, this quaint Florida hometown is known as the winter strawberry capital of the world and holds onto its heritage with the theme of “Embracing the Future, While Preserving the Past.” 

With many farms dotting the area, you'll find that Plant City offers a peaceful retreat while still providing access to grocery stores and daily necessities, employment opportunities, and entertainment.

The Convenience of Living in Plant City, FL

Plant City is located on the I-4 corridor, Central Florida's main east-west artery. With access to the Interstate and State Highways 92 and 60, you can easily commute to Lakeland (9 miles), Brandon (10 miles), and Tampa (15 miles).

Historic Downtown Plant City is home to local restaurants, antique shopping, and events, including a monthly car show. And, let's not forget the Florida Strawberry Festival, an annual festival with headlining entertainment, a carnival midway, and delicious, ruby-red, locally grown strawberries.

Affordable Real Estate in Plant City, FL

Plant City offers you an amazing opportunity. Despite the proximity to the city of Tampa, you can expect to pay far less for a new home in Plant City, with the median home price here at $364K. 

One of the best real estate investments in Plant City is new construction townhomes. We recently sold out of our townhomes in Terrace at Walden Lake thanks to the amazing value they offered, and are currently developing a new neighborhood of Plant City townhomes, the Towns at Walden Square, where 1,700+ square feet townhomes with a garage, a private covered lanai, and luxurious finishes will be available later this year, with pricing expected to start under $300,000.

Relocate to the Tampa Area with Highland Homes

With so many people relocating to Tampa in 2026, competition for homes is high. As demand stays strong, there are more people looking to buy in Tampa than there are available homes, and homebuyers need guidance navigating the Tampa real estate market. 

Here’s the great news: You can beat the low inventory crunch and build your own new construction home in one of these amazing Tampa suburbs with Highland Homes. 

Not only are new construction homes a fantastic investment for the future and save you countless maintenance costs, but they also provide you with options so you can buy a home without compromise. 

Whether you want a low-maintenance townhome in Plant City, FL, or to build your personalized dream home in Lakeland, Zephyrhills, Ruskin, Riverview, or Wimauma, we’ll help you find the right community and new home of your dreams, and guide you through every step of the process. Contact us to learn more!