Is Temple Terrace Heights safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Temple Terrace Heights as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Temple Terrace Heights
“Go with care. Temple Terrace Heights is a predominantly quiet, older residential pocket, but its proximity to busy commercial corridors like Busch Boulevard brings elevated rates of property crime and occasional spillover incidents. Visitors will find daylight visits straightforward, though standard urban precautions are advised after dark.”
Recent regional news coverage in the surrounding Busch Boulevard corridor focuses on ongoing Hillsborough County pedestrian safety improvements and periodic enforcement operations targeting vehicle break-ins.
About the area
Temple Terrace Heights is a mixed residential neighborhood located just southwest of Temple Terrace and south of the University of South Florida. Characterized by modest mid-century single-family homes, small apartment complexes, and lush mature oak canopies, it serves largely as a commuter community for university staff and local workers.
- Suburban Mix
- Mature Oaks
- Car-Dependent
- University Adjacent
Walking and biking in Temple Terrace Heights
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 53/100
Shared bike lanes exist along sections of 56th Street and Busch Boulevard, but high-speed arterial traffic makes recreational cycling safer inside neighborhood side streets or along the Hillsborough River trails further east.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Primarily calm, low-traffic residential interior streets with established tree cover
- Close proximity to the University of South Florida, Busch Gardens, and major hospital systems
- Lower violent crime profile inside the residential core compared to areas immediately west along Fowler and Fletcher
- Accessible housing and rental options compared to Tampa's coastal neighborhoods
Cons
- Elevated rate of property crimes, particularly vehicle burglaries along apartment perimeters and main avenues
- Higher poverty and lower median household incomes relative to Hillsborough County averages
- Pedestrian safety concerns and occasional late-night disturbances along Busch Boulevard and 56th Street
- Limited street lighting on certain secondary residential blocks
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior residential blocks but is moderately common along the commercial intersections of Busch Boulevard and 56th Street, where individuals occasionally panhandle near shopping plazas and bus stops.
What Temple Terrace Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet with neighbors walking dogs and commuters heading toward Busch Boulevard and 56th Street.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally calm with modest residential traffic and normal commercial activity along the boundary roads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Commercial perimeters become busy, but the residential streets remain subdued and reasonably safe for a stroll.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Activity slows down; walking alone along commercial corridors or poorly lit side streets is not recommended due to reduced visibility and property crime risk.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) provides local bus service in the area, primarily via Route 39 along Busch Boulevard and Route 6/48 along 56th Street, connecting riders to the University Area Transit Center and downtown Tampa.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, consisting of private driveways, dedicated surface lots at local businesses, and unrestricted curbside parking on most residential streets.
Things to do in Temple Terrace Heights
- Explore the nearby botanical pathways and historic golf grounds along the Hillsborough River in Temple Terrace
- Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, situated just minutes to the west
- Spend time outdoors at nearby Riverhills Park, offering river boardwalks and picnic areas
Local favorites
- Acropolis Greek Taverna - Riverhills · Greek Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)A lively staple serving classic gyros, souvlaki, and flaming saganaki with occasional traditional entertainment.
- Keke's Breakfast Cafe · Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · 4.5★ (1420)Popular Florida diner chain serving made-to-order pancakes, waffles, and savory breakfast skillets.
- Tacos Sonrisas · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (380)Unassuming local spot serving authentic Mexican street tacos, quesadillas, and house-made salsas.
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.