Tampa Falls Off Zillow’s Top 10 – Should You Be Worried?

Tampa has fallen off Zillow’s Top 10 list. Does this mean we are headed for a crash? I don’t think so. I'll talk about the reasons why this happened and what it means for Tampa Bay residents.

For Tampa, its consistent presence on the list in previous years was a testament to its rapid growth and desirability. The city attracted an influx of residents, particularly from states like New York and California, who were drawn by Florida’s lack of state income tax, relatively affordable housing, and high quality of life. As a result, Tampa’s real estate market flourished, with home prices and rents reaching record highs. For example, from December 2019 to December 2024, there has been about a 60 percent price increase in homes in Tampa.

Several factors may explain Tampa’s exclusion from Zillow’s Top 10 in 2025. While the city remains an attractive destination, shifting economic, demographic, and real estate trends have likely played a role.

After several years of explosive growth, Tampa’s real estate market may simply be stabilizing. Home prices in the region skyrocketed during the pandemic, driven by low interest rates, remote work trends, and an influx of out-of-state buyers. However, as interest rates have risen and migration patterns have normalized, the frenzied pace of growth has cooled. Stabilization isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it indicates a healthier, more sustainable market—but it might make Tampa less likely to stand out on a list dominated by emerging hotspots.

One of Tampa’s biggest selling points has historically been its affordability. However, as demand soared over the past decade, so did home prices and rents. Median home prices in Tampa now rival those in traditionally more expensive metros, which could deter budget-conscious buyers. While Tampa remains more affordable than places like Miami or San Francisco, it’s no longer the bargain it once was, making it less competitive on a national scale.

Rapid growth has strained Tampa’s infrastructure. Traffic congestion, limited public transportation options, and overburdened schools have become pressing concerns for residents. While the city is making efforts to address these challenges through projects like the expansion of the Howard Frankland Bridge and improvements to Tampa International Airport, these initiatives take time. In the short term, infrastructure issues may have dampened Tampa’s appeal to some.

Tampa’s absence from Zillow’s Top 10 list doesn’t indicate trouble for the real estate market. Instead, it may mark a period of growth and stabilization rather than decline. The city’s rapid market expansion in recent years brought excitement but also challenges like affordability concerns and inventory shortages. A more balanced market could stabilize prices, making homeownership more accessible to local buyers. This shift might actually be a hidden advantage—less media attention could reduce competition from out-of-state investors and speculators, giving local buyers better opportunities to secure their dream homes at more reasonable prices.

Despite not making Zillow’s Top 10 list for 2025, Tampa continues to thrive as a dynamic and desirable city thanks to its strong job growth, cultural vibrancy, natural beauty, and transformative developments. Its diverse economy, encompassing sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology, provides abundant opportunities for residents. The city’s cultural scene, highlighted by attractions such as the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Salvador Dalí Museum, adds to its appeal. With sunny weather, Gulf Coast beaches, and ample outdoor recreational activities, Tampa offers an ideal lifestyle for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, major projects like Water Street Tampa, the WestShore Plaza redevelopment, and the RITHM at Uptown innovation community are reshaping the urban landscape and securing Tampa's competitive edge for the future.