Is Allendale Acres safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Allendale Acres as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Allendale Acres
“Go with care. Allendale Acres is primarily a modest residential pocket, but its proximity to busier East Tampa commercial corridors brings elevated property crime rates. Visitors staying in rental accommodations or driving through during the day will encounter few issues, though basic urban precautions should be taken after dark.”
Recent local reporting has highlighted ongoing city traffic calming initiatives and routine property crime enforcement along the nearby Hillsborough Avenue commercial corridor.
About the area
Allendale Acres is an unassuming residential neighborhood in northeast Tampa characterized by mid-century single-family homes and modest lots. It offers quick access to major corridors like East Hillsborough Avenue, placing visitors close to Temple Terrace, the Hillsborough River, and Busch Gardens. The area serves mainly as a residential base rather than a distinct tourist destination.
- Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
- Modest
Walking and biking in Allendale Acres
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There are no municipal bike-share stations in Allendale Acres, and bike lanes are limited primarily to nearby arterial roads rather than dedicated greenway trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Quiet, low-traffic residential interior streets
- Convenient driving access to Busch Gardens, USF, and I-4
- Established single-family homes provide a stable residential pocket compared to surrounding transit hubs
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime and auto break-ins along perimeter streets
- Lower median household income and higher poverty rate than county averages
- Inconsistent street lighting and discontinuous sidewalk infrastructure on residential blocks
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is rare along the inner residential streets, though unhoused individuals and panhandling can occasionally be seen near major bus stops and retail plazas along East Hillsborough Avenue.
What Allendale Acres is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Quiet and low-key with residents heading to work, offering a calm environment for neighborhood walks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Residential streets remain peaceful with minimal traffic, feeling standard and generally safe.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly at dusk; streets are dimly lit so sticking to illuminated roads is best.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with minimal foot traffic; walking alone late at night along outer corridors is not advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
The neighborhood is served by Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus lines operating along East Hillsborough Avenue and nearby thoroughfares. There is no rail transit or dedicated BRT service in the immediate area.
Street parking is readily available and free on residential roads, and adjacent commercial plazas offer free surface parking lots.
Things to do in Allendale Acres
- Enjoy outdoor recreation and river views at nearby Riverhills Park along the Hillsborough River
- Visit the rides and animal attractions at neighboring Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Sample authentic regional Latin dishes along the nearby East Hillsborough Avenue dining corridor
Local favorites
- TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (1850)A popular local casual counter-serve eatery known for generous portions of authentic tacos and burritos.
- Faedo's On The Go · Cuban Sandwich Shop · 4.6★ (720)A beloved bakery and sandwich counter serving traditional Tampa-style pressed Cuban sandwiches and devil crab.
- Fat Boy's BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (640)A no-frills neighborhood staple offering classic smoked ribs, pulled pork, and hearty Southern sides.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.