Finding your place and settling in at a new duty station is something military families are used to doing. But when searching for a home in your new city, there are many things to consider, like where other military families live, the local traffic patterns, and, ultimately, what kind of lifestyle you want.
How close to the base do you want to be? Do you want to stay within your BAH, or are you open to expanding the budget a bit? Do you want to live in the bustling city or a spacious suburb where you can stretch your legs? Chances are, you’ve asked yourself these questions already. However, each military move and duty station is different from the last, and your needs may fluctuate.
The good news is that the Tampa area offers diverse options suiting a variety of needs. Keep reading to learn about the area as you begin your search for MacDill AFB homes for sale or rent.
Nestled on the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State, Tampa is a vibrant city with easy water access and something for everyone in the family.
There are a million ways to keep cool during the summer. You can easily rent a boat for water activities, go saltwater fishing, or relax on the beach with your toes in the sand.
If beach life isn’t your idea of a good time, don’t worry. While it's a popular pastime, it doesn't define this city. This cultural area offers more than sand and sunshine. Clothe yourself in the local spirit and head to the stadiums to cheer on the Tampa Bay Rays and Buccaneers.
And if you're looking to make lasting memories with kids, take advantage of all the family-friendly attractions around the city. Busch Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, and the Florida Aquarium are just a few to get you started.
Let’s not forget about the yummy food here. The sheer number of Cuban eateries in the area will likely please and enlighten your palate. Besito Mexican Restaurant, Angry Pepper, Rick’s Beef, and Mama's Kitchen are great spots to start your two to three-year food tour.
History buffs will feel right at home in historic Ybor City. Full of Old World charm and museums, restaurants, and local merchants, this area is worth a visit, even if you’re not seeking a blast from the past.
Tampa hosts community events year-round. The most memorable is the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest. This event brings hundreds of ships through Tampa Bay to downtown. People come to enjoy a pirate-themed day around the invasion of legendary pirate Jose Gaspar. It’s fun, it’s family-friendly, and you don’t want to miss it!
Note: If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, the kids will be happy to learn that Disney World is a mere hour and a half away.
Eager to learn more about the area? Be sure to grab our free Military Family Guide to MacDill AFB below.
MacDill Air Force Base is home to the 6th Air Mobility Wing and includes the 6th Operations Group, the 6th Maintenance Group, the 6th Mission Support Group, and the 6th Medical Group.
In addition to the 6th Air Mobility Wing, MacDill is also home to 28 mission partners, including the:
There are many options when it comes to looking for MacDill AFB homes for rent or sale. With each city neighborhood and suburb offering a unique culture, it's best to understand what each one offers and go from there.
Adjacent to MacDill AFB, South Tampa provides the ultimate convenience to the base, offering a short commute and easy access to base amenities.
With playgrounds, kid gyms, a swim school, and more, this area can be a good fit for families with children of any age.
Things to do in South Tampa:
Apollo Beach is popular among families because of the good school ratings, quantity of parks and playgrounds, and things to do nearby. It’s approximately 40 minutes from MacDill AFB, depending on traffic. You won't need to look far for entertainment; community events and outings are abundant.
Things to do in Apollo Beach:
If you're looking for a nice, more affordable, family-friendly suburb outside Tampa, consider Brandon. Though the commute to base is approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic, you may find it a fair trade for Brandon’s quieter atmosphere.
Things to do in Brandon:
If separation between work and home is sacred to you and you’re up for a longer commute (about 50 minutes, depending on traffic), then Lithia might be the perfect fit for you. The fresh air and space in the suburbs could be a welcome contrast to the busy work environment and bustle of Tampa city life.
But it’s quiet for a reason. Instead of attractions to keep you busy, there’s a ton of space to run free and breathe fresh air.
Things to do in Lithia:
There are so many areas to explore near MacDill AFB, each one a little different from the next, so be sure to take your time researching, exploring, and getting to know the area so you find the right fit for you.