Northdale - Tampa, FL Area Guide

Northdale nestles itself within Hillsborough County, therefore, sharing its notable history. Hillsborough County came into existence on January 25, 1834 from Alachua and Monroe counties. Originally, the boundaries included eight other present-day counties, but things shifted in 1911 when the western section separated and became Pinellas County. Hillsborough County houses state parks along with Lithia Springs, the largest natural spring in Florida.

No museums lie in the immediate section of Northdale, but residents have access to the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum just 8 miles away. View eclectic exhibits and contemporary art pieces from around the world. The museum hosts the annual Graduation Exhibition by USF Master of Fine Arts students, which showcases insights into current art trends. Locals also enjoy visiting the Museum of Science and Industry located 10 miles away in Busch Gardens. Participate in fun learning games, including a ropes course.

Eat out at one of the many restaurants that surround Northdale. Just a few miles away in Carrollwood and Lutz, residents have several dining options to choose from. Head to 4 Rivers Smokehouse for tasty barbecue dishes. Regulars rave about the brisket and the Texas Destroyers sandwich. All sandwiches come with two sides, and dinner platters come with 3 sides and a biscuit, ensuring a filling meal. Choose the macaroni and cheese or the sweet potato casserole. Others prefer the collard greens and baked cheese grits. You don't leave hungry at this establishment.

Terra Sur Cafe serves authentic Peruvian cuisine in a warm atmosphere with soft lighting and vibrant artwork. Customers indulge in the ceviche de pescado and the arroz con mariscos. Wash down your meal with a fine wine or foreign beer. Save room for dessert, and order the double chocolate cake or the tres leches cake.

Delectable Italian dishes await customers at Nabruzzi Trattoria. Order a wood-fired pizza or a pasta dish made from scratch. Locals come back for the pollo con fuoco, which consists of spicy chicken and pasta and the frutti de mare seafood platter. Sip on a glass of house wine, and indulge in a piece of tiramisu for dessert.

Grab a beer or a cocktail at one of the neighborhood bars that surround the area. House of Brews features a wide selection of beer and a full liquor bar. Watch your favorite sports team, or sit outside while sipping on your drink. Another local favorite, World of Beer, showcases live entertainment, and houses 50 tap beers and several more by the bottle.

When you want to hang out among the locals, head to The Wild Rover Pub and Brewery. This venue makes you feel like you're sitting in a traditional English pub. The laid-back environment invites those who want to hang out with friends while throwing back a few cold ones.

Over 80 percent of Northdale residents prefer to drive their own vehicles as their main means of transportation and park in free, residential spaces. Commuters gain easy access to Interstate 275 and reach Tampa's city center in approximately 25 minutes. If you prefer to use public transportation, jump aboard the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority's MetroRapid bus. Call ahead for cab service, or schedule a ride via Uber. Most streets do not provide pedestrian-friendly paths, so head to the bike trails when you feel like walking or cycling.

Although no parks sit directly in Northdale, residents have access to area parks within a few miles. Lettuce Lake Park consists of 240 acres with walking and jogging trails, and a boardwalk along the lake. Visitors take part in hiking and fishing. Kids enjoy looking at the wildlife including gators, snakes and turtles and playing on the playground. Rent a kayak or a canoe, and travel down the Hillsborough river. The property welcomes dogs, so bring the pooch along, too. Visitors pay $2 per vehicle to enter the park. The facility hosts annual summer camps for kids.

Al Lopez Park makes the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. The play area for children keeps the kids occupied for hours. Those who want to jog or walk have plenty of space to get in their daily exercise along the paved path. The grounds also has a section for dogs to play, so release the pooch from the leash, and let him burn off some energy. The park hosts the annual American Dream 5k and 1-mile walk in March and the annual Hunger Run 5k in April.

The cost of living in Northdale sits 3 percent higher than Tampa's average. Renters spend an average of $923 per month to rent a one-bedroom residence in this neighborhood. In order to reach the city center via the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority's MetroRapid bus, riders pay $2 for a one-way trip. When heading out for an ice cold brew, expect to pay between $5 to $8, and when filling up at the gas pump, costs average 1 percent lower than the national price.

In a mere 5 miles, residents reach Westfield Citrus Park shopping mall full of department stores and chain shops. Dillard's, Macy's and JC Penney lie on the property, as well as H&M and Express. For upscale shopping, travel 14 miles south to the International Plaza and Bay Street mall, and discover high-value stores including Burberry and Coach. Shoppers find a couple boutiques within a few miles of Northdale. J'adore Designer Boutique in Carrollwood sells vintage, consignment accessories and women's clothing. Discover designer labels at affordable prices along with new and gently used jewelry. Visit the shop, and feel the urban-chic boutique vibe. LMB Boutique in Citrus Park features the hottest trends in women's clothing and jewelry. Don't forget to pick out the perfect handbag to match your new outfit. The store also sells home decor items such as furniture and mirrors. Take a 3 mile drive to Carrollwood, and shop at Bearss Groves farmers market. The freshly squeezed juices and fresh produce keep customers coming back for more. The market also has an on-site barbecue vendor during the winter months and craft shows on Saturdays. For those who opt for supermarket-style shopping, a Whole Foods Market and Publix stand just miles away.