Moving to Temple Terrace, FL: Living Guide

Temple Terrace is the small city on Tampa’s northeast edge that most people only know from driving past it on 56th Street. Stop and look around and you’ll find something different: a planned 1920s golf-course community with Mediterranean Revival homes, big oak trees, and the Hillsborough River curving along its eastern and southern sides. It incorporated in 1925, and it still runs its own police, parks and city services.

The city suits a wide mix of people. University of South Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center employees like the short trip to campus. Families like the parks and the river. Buyers priced out of South Tampa like that Temple Terrace’s median home value sits well below Tampa’s. And renters have plenty of apartment options along the 56th Street corridor. With about 27,000 residents, it has a real downtown project underway and a slower pace than the city next door.

Planning a move to Temple Terrace? Call our Tampa team at 813-544-0048 or get your price online.

Where Is Temple Terrace?

Temple Terrace sits in northeastern Hillsborough County. Tampa wraps around it to the west and north, the unincorporated Del Rio area lies to the south, and rural Hillsborough County near Interstate 75 lies to the east. The Hillsborough River flows through the eastern and southern parts of the city and forms part of its southern boundary.

The University of South Florida’s main campus is right next door in North Tampa, about seven miles north of downtown Tampa. Wikipedia’s entry on Florida College, which is in Temple Terrace, describes the city as roughly 20 minutes northeast of Tampa.

Main roads: 56th Street is the city’s main north-south commercial corridor, and Interstate 75 runs just east of town.
Nearest major airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA), on the other side of Tampa in the Westshore district.
Area codes: 813 and 656. The 656 overlay started service in February 2022, so all local calls need 10-digit dialing.

The city covers 7.32 square miles of land, according to the 2020 Census, and had 3,647 people per square mile. That makes it far more compact than the rural communities to its east.

Temple Terrace Population & Demographics

Temple Terrace has grown slowly and steadily. It had 24,541 residents at the 2010 Census, 26,690 at the 2020 Census, and the Census Bureau estimates 27,075 as of July 1, 2025, a 1.4% gain since 2020. Thanks to USF next door, it’s a fairly well-educated city: 44.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, well above the Florida rate. It’s also a city of renters and owners in almost equal numbers, with a 50.4% owner-occupancy rate.

Measure	Temple Terrace	Florida	United States
Population (July 1, 2025 estimate)	27,075	—	—
Population (2020 Census)	26,690	—	—
Median age (2020 Census)	35.5	—	—
Residents under 18	20.1%	—	—
Residents 65 and older	16.3%	—	—
Median household income (2020–2024)	$69,252	$74,568	$80,734
Per capita income (2020–2024)	$38,513	—	—
Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25+)	44.5%	34.1%	35.7%
Owner-occupied housing rate	50.4%	67.6%	—
Households (2020–2024)	11,630	—	—
Persons per household	2.28	—	—
Persons in poverty	9.0%	12.0%	10.2%
Mean travel time to work	26.0 min	28.0 min	—

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (Vintage 2025 estimates, 2020 Census, and 2020–2024 American Community Survey); median age from the 2020 Census as reported by Wikipedia.

A few more Census details: Temple Terrace has 1,162 veterans, and 14.8% of residents were born outside the United States. At the 2020 Census the population was 53.1% white, 23.2% Black and 5.8% Asian, with 12.4% reporting two or more races.

Is Temple Terrace Safe?

Safety in Temple Terrace, like anywhere, varies by street and by block. We didn’t find a recent, reliable crime data source worth quoting, so we’d rather point you to the people who know. Temple Terrace has its own police department, and the city posts police activity logs online. Addresses just outside the city limits are covered by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office or Tampa Police, so check which agency serves the address you’re considering. Drive the neighborhood on a weeknight and a Saturday before you sign.

Cost of Living in Temple Terrace

Home Prices

Temple Terrace is one of the more affordable ways to live close to central Tampa. The Census Bureau puts the median value of owner-occupied homes at $334,800 for 2020–2024. That’s below both the Florida median of $359,000 and the City of Tampa’s $420,400.

Recent sales run higher. Redfin reports a median sale price of $379,749 in Temple Terrace for August 2026, up 22.9% from a year earlier, with 91 homes sold and a median of 60 days on the market. The median price per square foot was $208. Redfin rates the market “somewhat competitive.”

Prices vary a lot by section. The historic golf-course neighborhood known as Temple Terrace Estates had a median sale price of $445,000 in September 2026, according to Momentum Realty’s neighborhood data, which counts 424 homes there built between 1926 and 2024. For comparison, Redfin’s median sale price for Tampa as a whole was $478,683 in August 2026.

For homeowners with a mortgage, the Census median monthly owner cost is $1,743. Budget for Florida homeowners insurance and, near the river, possibly flood insurance on top of that.

Rent

Temple Terrace has more renters than most suburbs, and rents have been easing. Apartments.com’s September 2026 data shows average rents of about $1,333 for a one-bedroom, $1,605 for a two-bedroom and $2,001 for a three-bedroom, with prices down 4.3% from a year earlier. Tampa’s average one-bedroom rent on the same site was $1,651, so Temple Terrace comes in noticeably cheaper.

The Census median gross rent for 2020–2024 was $1,594, compared with $1,669 for Florida. Many apartment communities cluster along 56th Street and near USF, so expect a mix of students, young professionals and families.

Best Neighborhoods in Temple Terrace

Temple Terrace Estates and the Historic Golf Course Area

This is where the city started. In the 1920s, developers built a golf course and residential areas on land that had been Bertha Palmer’s 19,000-acre “Riverhills” game preserve, and architects including M. Leo Elliott and Dwight James Baum designed homes in the Mediterranean Revival style. The course hosted the Florida Open in 1925 and 1926. Expect curving streets, mature trees and a mix of original 1920s homes, mid-century ranches and newer builds. It suits buyers who want character and don’t mind older-home upkeep.

Near the Hillsborough River and Riverhills Park

Streets near the river and Riverhills Park appeal to people who want to paddle, fish or keep a small boat. Redfin tracks a “Temple Terrace Riverside” neighborhood where recent sales ranged from $245,000 to $560,000 and the market scored 64 on its Compete Score, which it calls “somewhat competitive.” Homes here range from modest ranches to larger updated houses. Check flood zones and insurance quotes early, since river frontage and low-lying lots can change your monthly budget.

The 56th Street Corridor and Downtown Temple Terrace

The 56th Street corridor is the city’s commercial spine and where most of its apartments sit. It’s the practical choice for renters, USF staff and anyone who wants shops and restaurants close by. The city is actively building a walkable downtown here: in June 2026, the City Council picked Fountain Square TT to develop a 1.75-acre site at 8901 N. 56th Street with a two-story Mediterranean-style building, retail and restaurant space, rooftop dining and about 12,000 square feet of public gathering space.

Weather & Climate in Temple Terrace

Temple Terrace shares Tampa’s humid subtropical climate. Using NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for Tampa International Airport, Current Results reports average January highs around 71°F with lows around 52°F. In July and August, average highs are about 91°F with nighttime lows around 77°F. The area gets about 49.5 inches of rain a year over roughly 108 rainy days, and summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms.

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Hillsborough County made significant changes to its evacuation zones for 2026, including a new Zone E, and all manufactured and mobile homes are always in Zone A. Look up your new address at HCFL.gov/HEAT before move day.

Best months to move: October through April bring cooler, drier weather. If you have to move in summer, book a morning start.

Things to Do in Temple Terrace

Riverhills Park

This 10.39-acre city park at 329 S. Riverhills Drive is the city’s front door to the Hillsborough River. It has a boat ramp, a boardwalk, fishing, bird watching, a community garden, trails, picnic shelters and a playground. It’s a good first stop to meet neighbors and learn the river.

Paddling and Fishing the Hillsborough River

The City of Temple Terrace describes the river as narrow and winding upstream, ideal for canoes and kayaks, and broader and straighter downstream, where people run power boats, water-ski and wakeboard. Fishing is good along the whole stretch. You’ll see alligators too, so keep pets on a leash near the water.

Lettuce Lake Park

Just northwest of the city at 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, this Hillsborough County park has a 3,500-foot boardwalk through the Hillsborough River’s hardwood swamp floodplain, a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail, picnic areas and a visitors center. Entry is $2 per vehicle, cash only. As of August 2026 the county reported that the observation tower and kayak launch were closed for reconstruction and sections of the boardwalk were under repair, so check the county’s page before you go.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The 335-acre Africa-themed zoo and theme park opened in 1959 and sits just west of Temple Terrace near USF. It has eight roller coasters, including SheiKra and Iron Gwazi, plus giraffes, gorillas, elephants and big cats.

Flatwoods Conservation Park

Northeast of town at 14302 Morris Bridge Road, Flatwoods is known for its seven-mile paved loop road that works as a bike and running trail, plus off-road bike trails and nature trails. Entry is $2 per vehicle.

Where to Eat in Temple Terrace

Stefano Greek Italian Restaurant

A Temple Terrace standby since 1994, Stefano at 8600 N. 56th Street serves homemade Greek and Italian dishes. The restaurant says it has been nominated as Temple Terrace’s Best Place to Eat eight years in a row, and it’s an easy first dinner out after a long moving day.

Gaspar’s Patio Bar & Grille

Down the street at 8448 N. 56th Street, Gaspar’s is a casual bar and grille with a big patio and live music. It’s open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. until late.

Babushka’s

At 12639 N. 56th Street, Babushka’s serves homemade Eastern European comfort food: borscht, dumplings, pierogi and more. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual chain options along the corridor. It’s closed Mondays.

Jobs & Economy

Temple Terrace’s biggest economic advantage is its neighbor. The University of South Florida, founded in 1956, enrolled about 48,700 students in 2023–24 and employs thousands of faculty and staff. Moffitt Cancer Center, one of two National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers based in Florida, is on the USF campus. Busch Gardens is also right next door.

Across the county, Tampa General Hospital reports about 15,000 team members and providers systemwide. MacDill Air Force Base in South Tampa, home to U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, has about 15,000 people working on the installation. The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council lists information technology, defense, financial and professional services, life sciences and healthcare, logistics and manufacturing as the region’s target industries.

Inside the city, Florida College, a private Christian college founded in 1946, occupies a 20-acre campus that includes the historic Temple Terrace Country Club building, now called Sutton Hall.

Schools in Temple Terrace

Temple Terrace’s public schools are part of Hillsborough County Public Schools, which describes itself as the nation’s 7th largest school district. Schools serving the city include Temple Terrace Elementary, Riverhills Elementary, Lewis Elementary, Terrace Community Middle School, Angelo L. Greco Middle School, C. Leon King High School and Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School. School zones don’t always follow city limits, so confirm the zoned schools for a specific address with the district before you sign.

For higher education, Florida College had 591 students in 2023–24, and USF is just across the city line. The Temple Terrace Public Library, established in 1959, is a good free resource for newcomers.

Temple Terrace Quick Facts

County	Hillsborough County
Incorporated	May 28, 1925
Government	Council-manager
Population	27,075 (July 1, 2025 estimate)
Land area	7.32 square miles (2020 Census)
ZIP codes	33617, 33637 (33687 for P.O. boxes)
Area codes	813 and 656 (10-digit dialing)
Nearest major airport	Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Main roads	56th Street, I-75
Law enforcement	Temple Terrace Police Department
Public schools	Hillsborough County Public Schools

Moving to Temple Terrace: Tips From Our Crew

Plan around USF’s calendar. Move-in and move-out weeks near campus bring extra traffic and fill apartment loading zones. If you’re moving into a complex near 56th Street or USF, ask the office about the busiest days and book around them.
Reserve the elevator and loading area. Many apartment communities require a reservation and a certificate of insurance (COI) before movers can use the elevator or dock. Send us the building’s requirements and we’ll provide the COI for free.
Measure doors in the older homes. Houses from the 1920s through the 1960s often have narrower doorways, tighter hallways and smaller closets than new builds. Measure big pieces ahead of time, or tell us so we can bring the right pads and tools for disassembly.
Watch the trees and narrow streets. Low oak limbs and curving streets in the historic neighborhoods can make it tricky to park a full-size moving truck right at the door. We scout the approach and plan where the truck will sit before move day.
Know which city serves your address. A Temple Terrace mailing address doesn’t always mean the home is inside city limits; some may be in Tampa or unincorporated Hillsborough County. That affects trash pickup, water service and police. Check before you set up utilities.
Beat the heat and the storms. Summer highs average about 91°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. We start early, keep mattresses and electronics wrapped, and keep a backup date in mind during hurricane season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Temple Terrace

How much do movers cost in Temple Terrace?

It depends on your home’s size, the distance, stairs or elevators, packing needs and your moving date. A one-bedroom apartment near USF is priced very differently from a four-bedroom house in the historic district. The best way to get a real number is to call 813-544-0048 for a free quote. An owner calls you back within 15 minutes between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. You can also see how our Temple Terrace movers plan each job.

Is Temple Terrace part of Tampa?

No. Temple Terrace is its own city, incorporated in 1925, with a council-manager government, its own police department and its own parks. It borders Tampa on the west and north and shares the 813 and 656 area codes, so many people assume it’s part of Tampa.

Is Temple Terrace cheaper than Tampa?

For most households, yes. The Census median home value for 2020–2024 was $334,800 in Temple Terrace versus $420,400 in Tampa. Redfin’s August 2026 median sale price was about $380,000 in Temple Terrace and about $479,000 in Tampa. Apartments.com’s average one-bedroom rent was $1,333 versus $1,651 in Tampa.

Is Temple Terrace a good place to live if I work at USF or Moffitt?

It’s one of the most convenient. USF’s main campus, which includes Moffitt Cancer Center, sits right next to Temple Terrace. The city’s average commute is 26.0 minutes, according to the Census Bureau, and many residents close to Fowler Avenue have a much shorter drive. Test the route at rush hour before you choose a street.

Can you help if I’m moving to Temple Terrace from out of state?

Yes. For long-distance moves, you get a binding estimate, so your price never changes after booking, plus your own dedicated truck, the same W-2 crew from door to door and a guaranteed delivery date. We never charge a rescheduling fee, and military families get 5% off through our military moves program.

Move to Temple Terrace With A & M Friendly Movers

A & M Friendly Movers has been family-owned since 2015. With our Owner’s Promise, you talk to an owner, not a call center. If anything is damaged, an owner calls you the same day, and claims are resolved in 60–90 days. Every crew member is a background-checked, drug-tested W-2 employee, never a subcontractor.

Our Tampa office covers all of Hillsborough County (FL Mover Reg. IM3566), from apartment moves off 56th Street to historic homes by the golf course. We also offer packing and unpacking, storage and piano and safe moving. Learn more about our Temple Terrace movers, read our reviews, or call 813-544-0048 today.

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Moving to Temple Terrace, FL: Living in Temple Terrace Guide