Is Andover safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Andover as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Andover
“Go. Andover is a peaceful, low-crime residential neighborhood in the greater North Tampa area that poses few safety risks for visitors. As with most suburban areas, basic precautions like locking car doors are generally all that is needed.”
About the area
Andover is an established suburban community in North Tampa characterized by quiet residential cul-de-sacs, mature landscaping, and single-family homes. While it offers virtually no commercial or tourist infrastructure within its boundaries, it provides a safe and tranquil suburban setting.
- Suburban
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Andover
Walk score: 26/100 · Bike score: 41/100
The neighborhood lacks dedicated bike lanes and bike-share hubs, though residential streets have low speed limits; accessing major trails like Flatwoods Park requires a short drive.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to the broader Tampa metropolitan area.
- Strong homeownership rates and well-kept residential properties supporting neighborhood stability.
- Quiet, low-traffic neighborhood roads that feel safe and peaceful throughout the day.
Cons
- Opportunistic property crime, primarily unlocked vehicle burglaries, can occasionally occur.
- Nearly complete absence of walkable retail, dining, or public venues within the neighborhood.
- Subdued street lighting in some interior residential sections after dark.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within Andover's residential streets, though occasional panhandling may be observed along major commercial crossroads nearby.
What Andover is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very safe and calm, with residents walking dogs and heading out for morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and tranquil with minimal street activity and safe walking conditions.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Peaceful and low-key as traffic winds down, feeling safe for an evening stroll.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet with low vehicle and foot traffic; dark residential corridors warrant basic situational awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) operates bus routes along surrounding North Tampa thoroughfares such as Fletcher Avenue and Florida Avenue, but internal streets have no direct transit service.
Parking is free, abundant, and straightforward, consisting of private driveways and unrestricted residential curb parking.
Things to do in Andover
- Take a quiet morning walk or jog through the shaded residential streets and cul-de-sacs.
- Explore the nearby USF Botanical Gardens located just a short drive to the east.
- Visit neighboring Lake Magdalene for scenic waterfront drives and suburban greenery.
Local favorites
- Mr. Dunderbak's Biergarten · German Restaurant & Pub · 4.7★ (3150)A long-running, beloved local institution serving authentic German fare and craft beer just outside the neighborhood.
- Tarek's Cafe · American / Breakfast · 4.6★ (920)A popular, casual diner nearby serving hearty breakfast platters and comfort lunch staples.
- Vallarta's Mexican Restaurant · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (1640)A vibrant neighborhood staple known for large portions, classic combo platters, and margaritas.
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.