Your go-to resource for settling into a home you’ll love — anywhere in the Tampa Bay area. Welcome Home! Whether you come from across the country or are simply shifting to a new neighborhood this guide is here to help you get organized, comfortable and settled. Tampa is a city where there’s always something new to discover!

1. Getting Your Home Ready

·      Declutter Before You Move: Donate or sell items you no longer need. Whether you want to drop it all off at a Goodwill or you want to contribute to local charities, there’s lots of options! Metropolitan Ministries and Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores are great for making a difference in the community.

·      Service & Safety Check: Whether your home is brand new or just “new to you,” make sure you test smoke detectors, HVAC filters, and make sure all locks and lighting are functional.

·      Local Help When You Need It: Tampa has a wealth of movers, handymen, cleaners, and landscapers! Ask neighbors, check community Facebook groups, or try apps like Nextdoor to find out what will work best for you

2. Utilities & Services

Even if you’ve lived in Tampa for years - setting up, transferring, or upgrading services is part of every move.

 

·      Electric: Tampa Electric (TECO) – tecoenergy.com

·      Gas: Peoples Gas – peoplesgas.com

·      Water & Trash: City of Tampa Utilities – tampa.gov

·      Internet & Cable: Spectrum, Frontier, and T-Mobile Home Internet are common providers.


Pro Tip: Set appointments early — some installation slots book up fast.

 

3. Important Contacts

·      Emergency: 911

·      Police (Non-Emergency): (813) 231-6130

·      City of Tampa Customer Service: (813) 274-8811

·      Crisis Support (24/7): Dial 211 (First Contact of Tampa Bay)

·      American Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767

4. New in Town?

Here’s a Neighborhood and Community Guide that is just as useful to locals changing neighborhoods as it is to people new to the area. Let us help you to summarize what each Tampa neighborhood has to offer!

 

·       South Tampa – Walkable, full of shops and dining, close to Bayshore Boulevard.

·       Ybor City – If you want a lifestyle that is vibrant and unique, Ybor is just right for you! This lively town has rich history, vivacious nightlife and cultural events, great for people interested in the arts and new experiences.

·       Brandon – Suburban convenience meets big-city access. This community offers an easy commute to Tampa via I-75 and Selmon Expressway, lots of family-friendly parks and sports facilities, AND a wide rand of housing — starter homes, condos, established neighborhoods with large lots.

·       Riverview – Fast-growing suburb with newer communities. Many master-planned communities with HOA amenities like pools, playgrounds, and walking paths. Offers expansive new developments with modern amenities. Great for commuters to Tampa or MacDill AFB!

·       Apollo Beach – Coastal living with a relaxed pace. Lots of waterfront homes for those who love the boating lifestyle! This area offers quiet, community-oriented neighborhoods. A mix of waterfront estates, canal homes, and newer inland developments.

·       Gibsonton – This community has a historic small-town feel with easy access to I-75. You’ll find it is more quiet and less crowded than some neighboring suburbs, but not more remote, given that it’s a quick drive to shopping in Riverview or Brandon. Locals love how affordable housing is compared to nearby areas. Single-family homes, mobile homes, and some rural properties.

·       Seffner - Small-town feel with quick access to I-4 and Tampa. Here you’ll find affordable homes, some larger lots, and a quieter pace while still being close to Brandon’s shopping/dining.

·       Valrico - Family-friendly suburb with strong schools. Known for mature neighborhoods, parks, and great access to both Brandon and Lithia.

·       Lithia / FishHawk Ranch - Planned suburban community with top-rated schools. Popular for families, extensive trails, community pools, and parks.

·       Seminole Heights – Trendy with historic bungalows and a foodie scene.

·       Westchase – Suburban feel, highly rated schools, community pools.

 

Ways to plug in:

·       Join local Facebook groups or civic associations.

·       Attend seasonal festivals (Gasparilla, Tampa Riverfest).

·       Explore farmer’s markets and art walks.

 

5. Schools & Education

Whether you have kids or are thinking ahead:

  • Public: Hillsborough County Public Schools (hillsboroughschools.org)

  • Private: Tampa Prep, Berkeley Prep, Cambridge Christian, and many others.

  • Continuing Education: University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College, and local trade schools offer lifelong learning opportunities.

6. Health & Wellness

  • Major Hospitals: Tampa General, St. Joseph’s, AdventHealth.

  • Urgent Care: Fast-track clinics are everywhere — keep the closest one saved in your phone.

  • Fitness & Recreation: From the Riverwalk to Bayshore Boulevard to endless park trails, Tampa makes it easy. Check out any gyms in your area to find ways to stay active!

7. Fun & Free Time

·       Outdoors: Curtis Hixon Park, Lettuce Lake Park, Picnic Island Beach.

·       Culture & Art: Tampa Museum of Art, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, historic Ybor.

·       Sports: Catch a Lightning game, cheer on the Buccaneers, or enjoy a Rays baseball outing.


8. Moving & Settling Checklist

Before-Moving

☐ Declutter

☐ Schedule movers

☐ Set up/transfer utilities

☐ Measure New Space (Check doorways, hallways, and room sizes).

☐ Create Moving Binder (contracts, receipts, utility contact numbers).

First Week

☐ Check home safety

☐ Update Your Address (USPS, banks, insurance, voter registration).

☐ Register for community services, introduce yourself to neighbors

First Month

☐ Change Locks & Update Security Codes (local locksmiths like Pop-A-Lock Tampa, Mr. Rekey).

☐ Explore your neighborhood

☐ Find go-to grocery/coffee spots

☐ Attend a local event

 

9. Tips for Long-Time Locals

  • Refresh Your Routines: Even if you’re not “new” to Tampa, try a new restaurant in another neighborhood or join a club outside your usual circle.

  • Update Your Info: A move within the city still means updating your address with the DMV, voter registration, and postal service.

  • Discover Hidden Gems: Check Visit Tampa Bay for seasonal pop-ups, new exhibits, and community happenings you might have missed.

We know that transitioning into a new home comes with many challenges. But here at Known Real Estate, we are committed to assisting you every step of the way!