MacDill Air Force Base

Off-Base Neighborhoods

One of the benefits of MacDill AFB is that it's so close to a big city which means there are many housing choices. Suburban options include Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico -- which are very popular among school-aged families -- and are within a 15-to-25-minute commute of the installation. St. Petersburg side of town has positives, but it is often overshadowed because of the unpredictability of the bridge and its closures.

On Base Housing

Families choosing to live on base will live in one of the five neighborhoods that make up the Harbor Bay community. Residents are close to the base amenities and have access to the resort-style pool, basketball courts, and a fitness room in the Welcome Center. You'll also have baseball and soccer fields as well as dog parks throughout the community. The Harbor Room is available to rent for special events.

Residents are invited to participate in housing-led events throughout the year including Octoberfest, Earth Day events, and popcorn after school on the first Friday of each month.

Schools

Families that live on base and in the local area of MacDill AFB attend schools in the Hillsborough County School District, the eighth largest in the U.S. In this county, students can attend any school that is open to them, even if they are not zoned for it. There is a period of an open application, and a lottery system is used for magnet schools as well as selecting a school of choice.

Students that live on base attend Tinker Elementary School, which serves grades K-8 and is located on base. Robinson High School -- located just outside the gates -- is the zoned high school for MacDill AFB resident families.

Cost of Living and BAH

The cost of living in Florida, and particularly in the Tampa area, is above the national average, which corresponds to the cost of housing in the area around MacDill AFB. And while MacDill AFB BAH is higher than most installations, and it may not be enough to cover the rental rates in such a high-demand and high cost-of-living area. 

MacDill AFB BAH varies depending on rank and whether or not you have dependents. To determine your BAH at MacDill AFB, use our BAH calculator.

Housing Costs

The median sales price home in Tampa is $389,000, at about $249 per square foot. The nearby towns of Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico are priced similarly, with Valrico being the most expensive at around $430,000. The rental market is robust, but prices may not align well with BAH.

Weather

MacDill AFB is true Florida weather, where the summers are long, hot, and humid. April to November is the summer season and you can expect higher utility bills. Winters are mild, and spring and fall are very short. Often it seems like "not summer" and summer are the two main seasons. From November to April, lows are in the 50s. It rains almost every day, but only for a little bit, which is very welcome in the summer.

Base Amenities

MacDill AFB has many amenities; you won't have to go off base for everything. From the 36 holes at Bay Palms Golf Course to bowling to enjoying a picnic by Lewis Lake, there's something for everyone on base. The commissary is open seven days a week and the Exchange has Docs Dental and The Joint Chiropractic, as well a tattoo parlor and optometrist.

Area Attractions

There are so many things to do in the Tampa area, including Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, and Dinosaur World. Also in the Hillsborough County area are several museums, ZooTampa, and the Florida Aquarium. Alafia River State Park and Hillsborough River State Park are great places for those who enjoy the outdoors.

One very popular event is Gasparilla, a huge festival that celebrates the history of Tampa Bay. A family-friendly carnival during the day and a Mardi Gras nightlife, Gasparilla is an event everyone should experience. Tampa also has several professional teams, giving each sports fan something to do. There are many farmers' markets in the area, including Downtown Tampa Market, Dunedin Green Market, Fresh Market a Hyde Park Village, Friday Fresh Market, and Gulfport Fresh Market.

Food and Drink

Food variety is great in the area, specifically with a huge selection of Hispanic cuisine. If you're looking for a wilder nightlife scene, Ybor City offers bars, clubs, and all manner of restaurants. For fine dining and quiet date nights, Circles Waterfront in Apollo Beach is highly recommended. Sunset Grill and Beach in Ruskin features a relaxed beach vibe and live music. And for breakfasts right on the beach, try Seahorse in Pass-A-Grille Beach.