Is FishHawk safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates FishHawk as “Go”.
Gogo's take on FishHawk
“Go. FishHawk is an exceptionally safe, master-planned suburban community in southeastern Hillsborough County with negligible violent crime rates and an upscale family environment. Visitors will encounter pristine residential villages, expansive nature preserves, and virtually zero personal safety concerns.”
About the area
FishHawk (encompassing FishHawk Ranch and surrounding Lithia) is an affluent, master-planned community known for top-rated schools, resort-style amenities, and extensive nature trails. It offers a peaceful, family-oriented residential atmosphere with small commercial town centers and abundant green spaces.
- Family-Friendly
- Master-Planned
- Suburban Oasis
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet & Verdant
Walking and biking in FishHawk
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 42/100
While there is no municipal bike-share system, FishHawk features more than 25 miles of dedicated internal multi-use paved trails, though protected connections along surrounding high-speed arterial roads like FishHawk Boulevard are limited.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are among the lowest in the Tampa Bay metropolitan region
- High median household income exceeding $120,000 with very low poverty and high homeownership rates
- Over 25 miles of paved, well-maintained multi-use nature trails woven throughout the neighborhoods
- Well-lit community common areas, active community development district maintenance, and frequent local sheriff patrols
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with lengthy commute times to downtown Tampa and MacDill AFB
- Isolated from urban entertainment, nightlife, and cultural destinations
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle burglaries targeting unlocked cars in residential driveways
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in FishHawk; there are no encampments or panhandling, as social services and shelters are located in central Brandon and Tampa.
What FishHawk is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and parents walking children along community trails with zero safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet residential feel with light traffic around school zones and retail centers like Park Square.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-centered with residents dining out locally or walking dogs before sundown.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely tranquil and dark across suburban streets, remaining safe to walk though virtually empty of pedestrian traffic.
Transit, parking and getting around
FishHawk has virtually no public transit service; Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) operates limited commuter express routes from nearby Brandon/Lithia park-and-rides into downtown Tampa, but a personal vehicle is necessary for travel.
Parking is completely free and abundant in commercial plazas, school lots, and community centers, with standard private driveway and street parking in residential subdivisions.
Things to do in FishHawk
- Hike, run, or bike the extensive FishHawk Ranch trail network connecting nature preserves and neighborhood parks
- Explore the wilderness trails, picnic pavilions, and boardwalks at the adjacent Lithia Springs Regional Park
- Dine outdoors and enjoy family community events at the Park Square town center
Local favorites
- The Landing Bar & Grill · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (1150)A popular neighborhood gathering spot in Park Square offering burgers, wings, craft beers, and outdoor patio seating.
- FishHawk Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (480)Longstanding local eatery serving New York-style thin-crust pies, calzones, and classic Italian subs.
- Art Monkey LLC · Art Studio & Cafe · 4.7★ (190)A family-friendly pottery painting studio and ice cream parlor located in the heart of Park Square.
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.