The Temple Terrace community, located in northeastern Hillsborough County is known for its luscious landscape, beautiful nature views, and active local community. Located just around the corner from the University of South Florida (USF), Temple Terrace is a great choice for residents who want the perks of university life without living directly next to campus.

Thing to do in Temple Terrace

With access to several shopping plazas and popular local hubs, Temple Terrace will give you plenty to do during the week or after hours. Some of the best spots in town are just a quick bike or car ride away.

(Clockwise from top left) MOSI, Temple Terrace Public Library, Lettuce Lake Park, Moffitt Cancer Center, Big Top Flea Market, Sake House

A DAY AT THE MUSEUM

One of the main attractions in the Temple Terrace area is the renowned Museum of Science & Industry, a scientific playground with over 450 hands-on activities. Tickets for the day are reasonably priced and include all the exhibit galleries, one Saunders Planetarium show, and an IMAX Dome Theatre film. Check their website for an updated schedule of new and interesting events. MOSI is also host to the annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival, usually held in the months of February and March. Experience live armored jousting, countless stages of entertainment, themed weekends, and fun and food for the whole family!

THEME PARK ADVENTURES

Open 365 days a year, Busch Gardens Tampa is one of the top destinations for entertainment and themed celebrations in Temple Terrace. With a large collection of rollercoasters, several world-class shows, and state-of-the-art animal habitats, Busch Gardens is the ultimate family adventure park. Themed events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmastown are special annual treats that Temple Terrace residents look forward to all year long.

ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Living in Temple Terrace is a great choice for residents with active lifestyles. If you enjoy popular gyms loaded with strength and cardio equipment, Anytime Fitness, Shapes Total Fitness, and Planet Fitness are all located within a few minutes of each other. Golf enthusiasts can visit the Terrace Hill Golf Club, while a nearby school for Traditional Tae Kwon Do can help you hone you or your family's martial arts skills.

STAYING IN TUNE

Whether you play an instrument already or have always wanted to learn, Temple Terrace has a few local shops for all your musical needs. Virginia's Piano Studio offers free consultations with private piano classes for both children and adults. Nearby Taylor Robinson Music & Voice Lessons has a wide range of lessons for instruments like guitar, drums, and keyboards, while also teaching students how to perform, write music, and promote their creations.

CONVENIENT LIBRARY ACCESS

Around the corner, Temple Terrace Public Library is a beloved stop for locals, serving as a source for thousands of books as well as unique classes and group gatherings. While the schedule changes on a regular basis, commonly offered events include board game nights, meditation, and a range of book clubs. This is an opportune way to quickly make new friends!

LETTUCE LAKE PARK

For a relaxing outdoor adventure, head over to the massive Lettuce Lake Park and enjoy biking, walking, or running on the numerous trails throughout the park. You can also rent canoes and kayaks, go fishing, camp, or have a picnic or barbecue at one of several on-site covered shelters.

DINING AND NIGHTLIFE AROUND TEMPLE TERRACE

The only hard part about dining out in Temple Terrace is making up your mind! You'll quickly learn about local favorites and busy spots during lunch and dinner; however, there are faster in-and-out options around every corner as well.

INTERNATIONAL SAMPLINGS

Sake House is a cornerstone in the Tampa community, offering delicious dining, carryout, and delivery to nearby areas. With outstanding sushi cuisine served regularly and varying Saturday and Sunday brunch specials, this is a great spot to swing by at any time. Bacco and Venere Restaurant will satisfy your Italian cravings with authentic cuisine, including sausage, meatballs, and pasta made fresh in their own kitchen.

AMERICAN EATS

Another Temple Terrace favorite is Gator's Dockside, a sports pub with a family-friendly vibe and generously portioned plates. Nearby, you'll also find an Outback Steakhouse, Beef O'Brady's, and Bob Evans.

ALL YOU CAN EAT

Not sure what you're in the mood for? A buffet is good solution to uncertain cravings! The Golden Corral is a well-known name with both hot and cold buffets, including salad bars and bakeries. For a different palate, Dhaniya Drums Indian Food is popular during lunch time with some of the most loved Indian cuisine staples laid out fresh.

SCHOOLS SERVING TEMPLE TERRACE

Below are a few schools serving apartments near Temple Terrace.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Children in grades K-5 are zoned for Lewis Elementary School.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Middle school students are zoned for Greco Middle School.

HIGH SCHOOLS

High school students are zoned for King High School.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Some of the main private schools include Montessori Preparatory School, Corpus Christi Catholic School, Florida College Academy, and Aberdeen Preparatory School.

Please note that public school zoning is subject to change from time to time. Please visit the Hillsborough County School District Website to confirm school zones before making a housing decision.

SHOPPING IN THE TEMPLE TERRACE

If you love flea markets and smaller businesses, the Temple Terrace area has some exciting places in store for you! The Big Top Flea Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations near Temple Terrace. With more than 500 vendors on 36 acres, you'll have to come back a few times before you can get through all the fun shops and mouth-watering concession stands.

Just a few miles to the west is University Mall, a convenient indoor mall with unique shops and common department stores. The mall also offers a wide range of services, including hair, nails, and shoe repair, so you can get everything you need in one spot. Other unique retail shops include Mademisses Fashion & Accessories, IQ Outfitters, and Anarchist Closet.

BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN TEMPLE TERRACE

With a population of just over 20,000, the Temple Terrace area is a fruitful location for employment and business pursuits. Major employers include the University of South Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center, both of which offer a wide range of departments, fields of study, and opportunities for growth for job-seeking residents. This creates a strong community atmosphere of networking, education, and leadership.

The Temple Terrace community is also full of small business and employers that expand options for job opportunities.

TRAFFIC AND DRIVING NEAR TEMPLE TERRACE

To the east of Temple Terrace, you'll have easy access to Interstate 75. This highway extends several miles north and south, allowing residents to conveniently commute to any of the neighboring areas, such as New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Brandon. To the west, you can also utilize Interstate 275 to get to downtown Tampa and the famous Ybor City Historic District.

Traffic can get busy during peak times, like early morning before work or during rush hour. To avoid getting stuck in long lines, it's best to check traffic before you head out for the day and determine the least congested route. Once you get used to the typical traffic flows in Temple Terrace, you'll find it easy to get around town and find your favorite routes.

(Photo credits, clockwise from top left) MOSI, Temple Terrace Public Library, Lettuce Lake Park, Sake House, Big Top Flea Market, Moffitt Cancer Center