Insights from Emeri & Joe Lewkowicz of The Lewkowicz Group
One of the very first questions we hear from families moving to Tampa is, “Where are the best schools?” And honestly, it’s a smart place to start. After helping families buy, sell, and invest in Tampa real estate for over 40 combined years, we can tell you this with confidence: school zones matter—not just for your kids’ education, but for long-term home value and resale strength too.
At The Lewkowicz Group, we don’t just pull school ratings off a website. We live here, we work here, and we’ve watched these neighborhoods evolve year after year. So let’s break down some of the most sought-after school districts and areas in the Tampa Bay region for families—and why buyers consistently gravitate toward them.
South Tampa: Plant High School District
If you ask longtime Tampa residents about top school zones, Plant High School almost always comes up first.
This area is known for:
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Strong academics and extracurricular programs
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Consistently high demand from buyers
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Established neighborhoods with character and charm
Families love South Tampa not just for the schools, but for the lifestyle—walkable streets, proximity to downtown, Bayshore Boulevard, and easy access to MacDill AFB. Homes here tend to hold value extremely well, which is why we often advise both families and investors to keep a close eye on this district.
FishHawk Ranch: Newsome High School
Just east of Tampa, FishHawk Ranch is a master-planned community that continues to attract families year after year.
Why families love it:
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Top-performing public schools like Newsome High School
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Strong sense of community with pools, parks, and trails
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Newer homes and family-focused amenities
From our experience, FishHawk is ideal for families who want space, great schools, and a suburban feel—without being too far from Tampa’s job centers.
Westchase: Alonso High School
Westchase is another favorite, especially for families relocating from out of state.
What stands out:
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Highly regarded schools including Alonso High School
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Golf courses, community events, and planned neighborhoods
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Excellent resale value due to consistent buyer demand
This area strikes a great balance between convenience, school quality, and lifestyle—and we often recommend it to families who want a turnkey community feel.
Carrollwood & Northdale: Gaither and Steinbrenner Districts
For families looking for established neighborhoods with strong schools, Carrollwood and Northdale are excellent options.
Highlights include:
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Gaither High School and Steinbrenner High School
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Larger lots and mature landscaping
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Central location with easy access to downtown Tampa
These neighborhoods are especially appealing to buyers who want character, space, and schools that have built solid reputations over time.
Bloomingdale & Valrico
Another standout area for families is Bloomingdale, particularly for those prioritizing academics and stability.
Why it works:
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Well-rated schools and family-friendly neighborhoods
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Strong owner-occupancy rates
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Consistent appreciation over time
This area often flies under the radar for out-of-state buyers, but locals know its value—and so do savvy investors.
A Note on Magnet, Charter, and IB Programs
One thing we always remind families: school quality in Tampa isn’t limited to one ZIP code. Hillsborough County offers magnet programs, charter schools, and IB programs that can open up more housing options depending on your child’s needs.
This is where working with a local expert really matters. We help families align school preferences, commute times, lifestyle goals, and budget—not just pick a neighborhood off a list.
Our Advice as Tampa Real Estate Experts
After decades in this market, our biggest piece of advice is simple:
Buy the best school district you can comfortably afford.
Even if you don’t have school-aged children yet, strong school zones protect your investment and keep buyer demand high when it’s time to sell.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Tampa—and schools are part of the conversation—we’d love to help. At The Lewkowicz Group, we combine deep local knowledge with real-world experience to guide families toward smart, confident decisions.
Because in Tampa real estate, where you live shapes how you live—and we’re here to help you get it right.
