Is Blackwater safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Blackwater as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Blackwater
“Go. Blackwater is a quiet, semi-rural and low-density community in northeastern Hillsborough County that experiences very little violent crime. Visitors traveling here for outdoor recreation or rural retreats will find a secure, peaceful environment, though basic situational awareness is recommended when exploring isolated nature areas.”
About the area
Blackwater is an expansive, pastoral community situated in northeastern Hillsborough County near Plant City, characterized by agricultural plots, ranches, and dense conservation lands. It attracts visitors largely for its equestrian trails, hiking, and proximity to regional agritourism destinations.
- Rural / Agricultural
- Nature-Oriented
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet / Low-Density
Walking and biking in Blackwater
Walk score: 10/100 · Bike score: 25/100
There is no bike-share access or dedicated urban cycling lanes, though gravel and mountain biking are popular on preserve trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than urban Tampa and state averages
- High rates of single-family homeownership fostering neighborhood stability
- Generous open spaces and conservation lands with minimal urban congestion
Cons
- Heavily isolated and car-dependent with minimal municipal infrastructure
- Remote unlit roadways and unpaved paths can present nighttime navigation hazards
- Emergency response times are longer compared to central urban districts
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this rural area, with no established encampments or shelters located nearby.
What Blackwater is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with early morning nature enthusiasts, equestrians, and agricultural workers active.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and bright with light residential traffic and visitors exploring local preserves.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and very low-key, though roads become dark quickly due to lack of municipal streetlights.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and isolated; safe from street crime but unadvisable for walking along rural roads.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is virtually nonexistent here; Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) does not run fixed bus routes through this rural pocket, requiring private vehicles for all travel.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, consisting of unpaved lots at trailheads and large private driveways with no metered parking.
Things to do in Blackwater
- Hike and birdwatch along scenic nature loops at Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve
- Explore horseback riding and wildlife viewing at the adjacent Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve
- Pick fresh strawberries and sample craft fruit wines at nearby Keel Farms
Local favorites
- Keel Farms · Winery & Brewery · 4.6★ (3200)A popular family farm featuring tastings of fruit wines, craft beers, and farm-to-table dining.
- Parkesdale Farm Market · Market · 4.7★ (4800)Famous regional roadside market serving iconic strawberry shortcake and local produce.
- Fred's Market Restaurant · Southern Restaurant · 4.4★ (3100)Longstanding buffet serving classic Southern comfort staples, barbecue, and scratch-made 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.