As an avid traveler and frequent visitor to Tampa, FL over the years, I’ve gotten to know the city pretty well. While Tampa has a lot to offer tourists, like beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and a lively arts scene, there are certain areas that are best avoided if you want to stay safe. As in any major city, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates than others that tourists may want to steer clear of. In this article, I’ll share my insider knowledge on the areas to avoid in Tampa based on safety concerns.
When visiting a new place, it’s always wise to do your research ahead of time on the safer areas to stay and attractions to visit. This is especially important in a city as large and diverse as Tampa. With some simple preparation, you can enjoy all that Tampa offers without accidentally wandering into troubled neighborhoods. I’ve made this mistake myself when visiting cities I’m less familiar with, so I want to help fellow travelers avoid the same experience. Read on for my tips on the areas to avoid in Tampa to make the most of your Florida vacation.
See Also: Best hotels in Tampa
1. Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs is a district of Tampa located a few miles north of downtown. While it was once a popular tourist destination thanks to its mineral springs, the neighborhood has suffered from poverty and crime issues for decades. As a result, Sulphur Springs has one of the highest violent crime rates in all of Tampa. Muggings, drug dealing, gang violence, and shootings are common occurrences in this area. Unless you have a specific reason to visit, it’s best for tourists to avoid Sulphur Springs entirely. The district lacks major attractions and is far from the main tourism centers. Stay south of downtown or east toward Ybor City for a safer Tampa visit.
2. Ybor City
Ybor City might sound like a thriving neighborhood to check out based on the name, but parts of this historic area are afflicted by frequent crime. Named after a prominent cigar manufacturer from the late 1800s, Ybor City was once a major hub for cigar factories and Latin culture in Tampa. While the northern end near 7th Avenue offers trendy bars and restaurants in restored brick buildings, the southern parts of Ybor City can be unsafe. The streets south of Adamo Drive tend to be emptier and more rundown. Muggings and drug deals often take place on these streets, even during daylight hours. Overall, it’s best not to wander beyond the main Ybor City entertainment district unless you’re on a large tour group.
3. Downtown
Like many major downtowns, Tampa’s city center has pockets of high crime rates that tourists may want to avoid. Some of the streets immediately north and east of downtown Tampa have issues with drug use, prostitution, and related violent crime. Certain underpasses and alleys also attract transients and illicit behaviors you don’t want to stumble upon. While downtown Tampa near the Convention Center and Amalie Arena is generally safe and patrolled, don’t venture too far from the busy central streets at night. Whether walking or driving through downtown, be alert and aware of people around you. Also, try to park in garages rather than dark surface lots.
4. East Ybor
Directly east of the tourist-friendly Ybor City, East Ybor is significantly more dangerous and troubled. This small neighborhood suffers from rampant crime rates, including robberies, shootings, and drug trafficking. Abandoned houses and buildings provide cover for criminal activity, especially at night. The streets in East Ybor are dimly lit and often empty, making it easy to get lost or turned around. As a visitor, I suggest avoiding East Ybor entirely, even during the daytime. There is nothing of interest to see here anyway. You’re better off spending your time in actual Ybor City just to the west.
5. Highland Pines
The Highland Pines area is located several miles northwest of downtown Tampa near the intersection of Hillsborough Avenue and Florida Avenue. This neighborhood has long dealt with issues like poverty, gang violence, and drug dealing. While initiatives have aimed to revitalize Highland Pines, it remains plagued by frequent shootings, robberies, and aggravated assaults. Car break-ins are also very common here. As a visitor, I’d recommend avoiding Highland Pines, including driving through the area. You won’t miss any crucial Tampa attractions by steering clear of this high-crime zone.
6. North Tampa
The expansive district of North Tampa encompasses a wide area north of downtown and east of the University of South Florida. While many parts of North Tampa are perfectly safe, certain neighborhoods have problems with gang violence and gun crime. Hot spots include areas near Main Street, Nebraska Avenue, 15th Street, and MLK Jr. Boulevard. Car thefts and break-ins often occur in these neighborhoods as well. If you’re staying at hotels along Fowler Avenue or Busch Boulevard, exercise extra caution when venturing east or south at night. Try to drive or take an Uber directly to the attractions you want to visit in North Tampa.
7. Drew Park
Situated west of Tampa International Airport, the neighborhood of Drew Park has gradually declined over the past few decades in terms of safety and crime rates. Drug dealing and prostitution are visible both day and night along major roads like Hillsborough Avenue and Florida Avenue. The motels and strip malls here attract criminal activity, while limited street lighting creates dark pockets at night. As a visitor, I’d recommend avoiding this area entirely. With the airport and stadiums both nearby, there’s no compelling reason for tourists to visit Drew Park anyway. You’ll have a much better time staying closer to downtown Tampa.
8. Historic Ybor
Not to be confused with the main Ybor City entertainment district, Historic Ybor refers to the southern section beyond 7th Avenue. As mentioned previously, the Historic Ybor area contains beautiful architecture and brick streets reminiscent of its glory days. However, it also suffers from blight, drugs, prostitution, and frequent gang violence down the less populated streets. Historic Ybor has a reputation for rattling gunfire at night. Even during the day, muggings and assaults occur with some regularity. It’s best to steer clear of Historic Ybor altogether and stay in the northern part of Ybor City proper.
9. Orient Park
Located east of downtown Tampa, the Orient Park neighborhood has long dealt with severe crime and poverty issues. Gang violence and drug trafficking are rampant here, especially along the major commercial corridors. Prostitution is also common, even during daylight hours. Shootings and violent assaults happen on a daily basis, putting innocent residents and visitors at risk. As a tourist, I strongly recommend avoiding Orient Park entirely when visiting Tampa. There is nothing to see or do here anyway. You’ll be much better off spending time downtown and in the nearby Channelside district.
10. Grant Park
Grant Park is a small neighborhood south of downtown Tampa troubled by frequent criminal activity. Drug dealing and gang violence are constant problems, especially at night. The streets do not see much foot traffic, allowing criminals to conduct their business with less risk. Shootings and armed robberies regularly occur within Grant Park, putting innocent visitors at risk. As an avid Tampa tourist over the years, I have no reason to ever visit Grant Park. I suggest tourists also avoid the area unless they have a specific destination in mind and exercise extreme caution.
11. Woodland Terrace
Located a few miles northeast of downtown Tampa, Woodland Terrace is another neighborhood afflicted with frequent crime and poverty issues. The area along Woodland Avenue is considered one of the most dangerous in Tampa. Violent crimes like armed robberies and aggravated assaults happen on a near-daily basis. Illicit drug sales are also common within Woodland Terrace at all hours. As a visitor, I’d recommend avoiding this neighborhood altogether. With so many amazing attractions and restaurants in safer parts of Tampa, there’s no reason to visit Woodland Terrace and put yourself at risk.
Conclusion
While Tampa has plenty of areas best avoided due to high crime rates, the city still shines as a vacation destination. By staying in the downtown area and popular neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Channelside, and Harbor Island, you can safely enjoy everything Tampa offers. Ybor City, Bayshore Boulevard, Busch Gardens, and the Riverwalk are exceptional tourist spots you can visit without worry. Just use common sense and avoid the dangerous neighborhoods mentioned here. Let me know if you have any other questions before your Tampa trip! I’m happy to share more insider tips on the best things to see and do.
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