Is Pinewood safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Pinewood as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Pinewood
“Go with care. Pinewood is a primarily working-class residential neighborhood in North Tampa that sees elevated rates of property crime and occasional violent incidents along nearby commercial corridors. Daytime visits to local spots or passing through toward nearby attractions like Busch Gardens are generally safe, but visitors should remain vigilant and avoid walking through unlit residential streets late at night.”
Local news coverage in the broader North Tampa and Busch Boulevard corridor frequently covers recurring issues with vehicle thefts, commercial robbery along major arteries, and traffic safety initiatives.
About the area
Pinewood is an unassuming, predominantly residential community in North Tampa located just north of Busch Boulevard and west of the USF area. It features a mix of modest mid-century single-family homes, small apartment complexes, and neighborhood commercial strips. Visitors typically pass through on their way to major regional attractions rather than seeking out dedicated tourist destinations within the neighborhood itself.
- Suburban / Working-Class
- Car-Dependent
- Residential
- Modest / Functional
Walking and biking in Pinewood
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure is minimal aside from standard painted bike lanes on select arterial roads; no bike-share hubs or direct connections to major paved greenways exist within the neighborhood borders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient proximity to major Tampa thoroughfares, I-275, and regional attractions like Busch Gardens
- Lower violent crime compared to dense urban centers further south, with quiet residential pockets
- Diverse, affordable local dining options along nearby Busch Boulevard and Nebraska Avenue corridors
- Predominantly single-family residential character with relatively low through-traffic on interior streets
Cons
- Elevated property crime rates, specifically opportunistic vehicle burglaries and catalytic converter thefts
- Lower-than-average median household income and pockets of aging housing stock with deferred maintenance
- Subpar pedestrian infrastructure, including inconsistent sidewalks and inadequate street lighting on side streets
- Spillover crime and transient activity along the surrounding major commercial corridors
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the interior residential streets of Pinewood, but individuals experiencing homelessness and occasional panhandling are commonly seen near bus stops and commercial plazas along Busch Boulevard and Nebraska Avenue.
What Pinewood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Quiet and straightforward as residents commute; walking along main streets feels safe with typical daylight situational awareness.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active residential and light commercial traffic; generally safe for driving and patronizing local businesses.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity winds down quickly on residential roads while commercial corridors remain busy; caution is advised around major intersections.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Dimly lit residential streets and higher vulnerability to property crimes make late-night pedestrian transit ill-advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) serves the area via local bus routes along Busch Boulevard (Route 39) and Nebraska Avenue (Route 1 / MetroRapid), with no direct rail service available.
Parking is almost entirely free and widely available via private driveways, dedicated shopping plaza lots, and unrestricted residential street parking.
Things to do in Pinewood
- Explore the nearby thrill rides and animal habitats at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, situated just minutes east
- Sample diverse international cuisine and authentic casual eateries along the Busch Boulevard corridor
- Spend an afternoon enjoying outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing at the nearby Lowry Park
Local favorites
- Mel's Hot Dogs · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (3850)A legendary Tampa institution serving up classic Chicago-style dogs, fries, and nostalgic decor just down the road.
- Jerk Hut Island Grille & Beach Club · Jamaican Restaurant · 4.3★ (1620)Vibrant nearby spot offering authentic jerk chicken, curry dishes, and live reggae music.
- La Teresita Grocery & Bakery · Cuban Bakery · 4.5★ (920)Popular neighborhood counter offering traditional Cuban bread, pastries, and hearty prepared specialties.
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.