Is West Lake Farms safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates West Lake Farms as “Go”.
Gogo's take on West Lake Farms
“Go. West Lake Farms is a peaceful, secluded residential enclave in North Tampa with low violent crime and stable homeownership. Visitors have little reason to worry about personal safety, though the neighborhood is strictly residential with almost no commercial destinations within its borders.”
About the area
West Lake Farms is a quiet, lake-dotted suburban neighborhood located in northern Hillsborough County near Carrollwood. Characterized by spacious single-family lots, tree-canopied streets, and scenic waterfront views, it offers a calm residential atmosphere minutes from major retail corridors.
- Suburban / Secluded
- Family-Friendly
- Lakeside
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in West Lake Farms
Walk score: 22/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no dedicated bike-share stations or protected bike lanes within the neighborhood, though quiet residential streets are manageable for casual cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to broader Tampa averages
- High homeownership rate with well-maintained single-family properties and low vacancy
- Quiet, low-traffic residential streets safe for daytime walking and jogging
- Above-average household incomes and stable suburban demographics
Cons
- Virtually no sidewalks or dedicated pedestrian lighting throughout inner subdivision roads
- Entirely car-dependent with no retail or dining located directly within the neighborhood
- Property crime like opportunistic vehicle break-ins can occur if cars are left unlocked
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within West Lake Farms due to its strictly residential layout, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen along major commercial thoroughfares like Dale Mabry Highway.
What West Lake Farms is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with locals walking dogs or jogging along quiet residential lanes as the sun rises over the water.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very low activity and completely safe, with occasional neighborhood traffic and service vehicles.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential, safe for evening strolls although street illumination is sparse.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark with virtually no pedestrian or vehicular traffic; personal safety risks are minimal.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) operates bus routes along major peripheral arterials like North Dale Mabry Highway and Florida Avenue, but there is no direct bus service entering the interior neighborhood streets.
Ample, free private driveway parking is standard across the neighborhood; residential street parking is permitted but rarely necessary.
Things to do in West Lake Farms
- Take a quiet scenic walk or jog along the shaded lakeside neighborhood lanes
- Enjoy catch-and-release fishing or kayaking on accessible neighborhood waterways
- Explore nearby Lake Magdalene and Carrollwood community parks just a short drive away
Local favorites
- Terra Sur Cafe · Peruvian Restaurant · 4.7★ (1280)Acclaimed local staple nearby serving traditional Peruvian dishes, ceviche, and fine South American wines.
- The Brass Tap - Carrollwood · Craft Beer Bar · 4.5★ (840)Popular nearby neighborhood pub featuring dozens of craft drafts, bar bites, and live music.
- Brocato's Sandwich Shop · Deli & Sandwich Shop · 4.5★ (3200)Historic Tampa institution a short drive south famous for giant Cuban sandwiches and stuffed devil crabs.
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.