Moving to Hillsborough County, Florida

Why People Move to Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County is the heart of Tampa Bay. Home to the city of Tampa, it's the economic engine of the region with a population of over 1.5 million. People relocate here for jobs, no state income tax, year-round outdoor living, and a cost of living that's still lower than most major metros — though that gap is narrowing.

The county stretches from urban Tampa and its downtown skyline south through suburban Brandon, Valrico, and Riverview, all the way to waterfront communities like Apollo Beach and Sun City Center. Whether you want city energy, quiet suburbs, or something in between, Hillsborough has it.

Cities and Communities in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough has 28 distinct areas worth exploring. Here are the major ones:

Urban Tampa includes South Tampa, Seminole Heights, Ybor City, New Tampa, and Carrollwood — each with its own personality. South Tampa is walkable and established. Seminole Heights is the trendy, up-and-coming pick. New Tampa is newer construction and family-oriented.

East Hillsborough is where you get the most house for your money. Brandon, Valrico, Riverview, Lithia, and FishHawk Ranch are the core suburban communities. Great schools, newer homes, and easy access to I-75.

South Hillsborough includes Apollo Beach (waterfront, canal homes), Ruskin, Sun City Center (55+ community), and Wimauma. More affordable, growing fast.

Explore all 28 Hillsborough County cities →

Cost of Living

Hillsborough County's cost of living is about 3-5% above the national average, driven mostly by housing costs that have risen significantly since 2020. However, Florida has no state income tax, which offsets a lot — especially if you're moving from New York, California, or New Jersey.

Typical housing costs (2026):

• Median home price: ~$380,000
• Average rent (3BR): ~$2,100/month
• Property tax rate: ~0.95% (before homestead exemption)

Need help finding the right home? The NOW Team — Barrett Henry, REALTOR®

Schools

Hillsborough County Public Schools is one of the largest districts in the country. It's a mixed bag — some schools are excellent, others struggle. The key is knowing which zones to target.

Top-rated areas for schools: Valrico/FishHawk, South Tampa (Plant High School zone), Westchase, and New Tampa.

Getting Around

Hillsborough is a car county. Public transit exists (HART bus system) but it's limited. The Selmon Expressway, I-275, and I-75 are your main arteries. Commute times from the suburbs to downtown Tampa run 25-45 minutes depending on the time of day.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is consistently rated one of the best airports in the country and sits right in the middle of the county.

Setting Up Your New Home

Moving here and need help getting your home set up? Best Bay Services — Handyman & Home Services handles everything from TV mounting and furniture assembly to full renovations across Hillsborough County.

Need home security? ADT Home Security and SimpliSafe both serve the Tampa Bay area with professional monitoring.

Setting up internet? Spectrum Internet is the dominant provider in most of Hillsborough County, with T-Mobile Home Internet home internet available in many areas as a wireless alternative.

What to Do After You Move

1. Get your Florida driver's license within 30 days
2. Register your vehicle in Florida
3. File for homestead exemption if you bought a home (saves thousands on property taxes)
4. Set up utilities: TECO Energy (electric), City of Tampa Water or Hillsborough County Utilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hillsborough County a good place to live? Yes. It consistently ranks among the fastest-growing counties in Florida for a reason. Strong job market, no state income tax, year-round warm weather, and a diverse mix of urban and suburban communities.

What is the safest city in Hillsborough County? FishHawk Ranch, Valrico, and Westchase consistently have the lowest crime rates. South Tampa is also very safe for an urban area.

How far is Hillsborough County from the beach? The eastern suburbs (Brandon, Valrico) are about 45-60 minutes from the Gulf beaches. South Hillsborough communities like Apollo Beach are right on Tampa Bay with water access.

Is Hillsborough County expensive? It's moderate. More affordable than Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or any major northeastern city, but housing costs have risen. The lack of state income tax is a significant financial advantage.

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Thinking about relocating to Hillsborough County? Barrett Henry has been helping families move to Tampa Bay for over 23 years. The NOW Team — Barrett Henry, REALTOR®