Quick Answer
Should I buy in Seffner or Temple Terrace FL?
Seffner offers lower prices (5 to 15% cheaper), larger lots, and a quieter rural character. Temple Terrace offers closer Tampa commute (8 vs 14 miles), an established city with its own services, and proximity to USF for rental demand. Choose Seffner for budget and space; choose Temple Terrace for commute and urban proximity.
Seffner (33584) and Temple Terrace (33617/33637) sit adjacent in Hillsborough County and attract buyers at similar price points who are searching for affordability within reasonable reach of Tampa. I sell homes in both communities, and the right choice genuinely depends on your priorities. Here is an honest comparison.
Seffner vs Temple Terrace: The Key Differences
| Category |
Seffner FL |
Temple Terrace FL |
| Zip Code(s) | 33584 | 33617, 33637 |
| Government | Unincorporated Hillsborough County | Incorporated city |
| Median Home Price | $265K–$320K (est.) | $300K–$380K (est.) |
| Miles to Downtown Tampa | ~14 miles | ~8 miles |
| Commute Time (peak) | 30–50 minutes | 20–35 minutes |
| Primary High School | Armwood HS or Sumner HS | Chamberlain HS or Wharton HS |
| Lot Sizes | Larger, rural character | Smaller, suburban character |
| USF Proximity | ~20 minutes | Adjacent (~5 minutes) |
| City Services | County services only | City services plus county |
| Property Tax Millage | County only (~18–20 mills) | County plus city (~21–24 mills) |
| New Construction | Occasional infill and rural builds | Limited, mostly resale |
Where Is Seffner, FL?
Seffner is an unincorporated community in eastern Hillsborough County, bordered by Tampa to the west, Brandon to the south, and Thonotosassa to the north. It sits along I-4 and US-92 (Adamo Drive), giving it practical highway access to both Tampa and Lakeland. The community has a mix of rural properties with acreage and smaller subdivisions near the Brandon-Seffner boundary.
Seffner does not have its own city government. It is governed entirely by Hillsborough County, which means county services (fire, sheriff, public works), county millage rates without a city layer, and Hillsborough County Public Schools. For buyers who want more space for the money and do not mind the slightly longer Tampa commute, Seffner is a consistent value option.
Where Is Temple Terrace, FL?
Temple Terrace is an incorporated city in northeastern Hillsborough County, directly northeast of Tampa and adjacent to the University of South Florida (USF). The city was developed beginning in the 1920s around a golf course (Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club), giving it a distinctive established character with mature oak trees and historic bungalow architecture alongside newer subdivisions.
Temple Terrace has its own city government, police department, parks system, and utility services. The proximity to USF creates a consistent rental demand from students, faculty, and hospital workers (Tampa General Hospital, AdventHealth Temple Terrace, and Moffitt Cancer Center are all within 15 minutes). This makes Temple Terrace a viable investment market as well as a residential community.
Schools: Seffner vs Temple Terrace
Both communities are served by Hillsborough County Public Schools (901 E Kennedy Blvd Tampa, (813) 272-4000, hillsboroughschools.org). School assignment depends on the specific home address, so always confirm zone before making an offer.
| Level |
Seffner (primary) |
Temple Terrace (primary) |
| Elementary | Mango Elementary, Colson Elementary | Lewis Elementary, Terrace Community Middle |
| Middle School | Burnett Middle School | Terrace Community Middle |
| High School | Armwood HS (4752 Eureka Springs Rd) or Sumner HS | Chamberlain HS or Wharton HS (by address) |
Wharton High School in New Tampa is generally regarded as one of the stronger high schools in Hillsborough County, and some Temple Terrace addresses zone there. Sumner High School, which serves some Seffner addresses, is a newer school that is still building its track record. Buyers prioritizing school quality should confirm the exact zone for each property they consider.
Commute Comparison: Seffner vs Temple Terrace
Temple Terrace wins on commute for most Tampa employment destinations:
| Destination |
From Seffner |
From Temple Terrace |
| Downtown Tampa | 30–50 min | 20–35 min |
| USF/Busch Gardens area | 25–40 min | 5–15 min |
| Brandon Town Center | 15–20 min | 20–30 min |
| MacDill AFB | 35–55 min | 30–45 min |
| Tampa International Airport | 30–50 min | 25–40 min |
| Lakeland | 35–50 min | 45–60 min |
Investment Property: Seffner vs Temple Terrace
Temple Terrace has a structural advantage for investment properties due to its proximity to USF. The university generates a consistent demand for rental housing from students, graduate students, faculty, and hospital workers (multiple major healthcare facilities are within a 10-minute drive). Vacancy rates in Temple Terrace tend to be low and turnover predictable on the academic calendar cycle.
Seffner's investment case is simpler: working-family rentals with lower purchase prices and decent gross yields. Cap rates in Seffner may be slightly better on paper because of lower acquisition costs, but Temple Terrace's USF anchor makes it a more defensive investment in slower rental markets.
Both communities are within range of ViVi Property Management services for Tampa Bay investors who want professional management.
Which Community Is Right for You?
Choose Seffner If:
- Budget is your primary constraint and you want the most house for the money
- You prefer larger lots and some rural space over suburban density
- You commute to Brandon, Lakeland, or eastern destinations more than downtown Tampa
- You want lower combined millage (no city layer) on your property taxes
- You are comfortable with county services only (no dedicated city fire or police)
Choose Temple Terrace If:
- Commute time to Tampa or USF-area employment is a priority
- You value an established city with mature neighborhoods and walkable areas
- You are buying an investment property and want the USF rental demand anchor
- You prefer the feel of an incorporated community with its own government and services
- The school zone matters less than location and commute
Buying in Seffner or Temple Terrace?
I have sold homes in both communities and can give you an unbiased read on specific neighborhoods, school zones, and the current market in each. Call or text for a no-pressure conversation.
(813) 733-7907 | Barrett Henry, REMAX Collective
About Barrett Henry
Barrett Henry is a Broker Associate at REMAX Collective with 23+ years of real estate experience. He specializes in residential sales, investment properties, and relocation across the Tampa Bay area. Call or text (813) 733-7907 or visit nowtb.com/contact.
Frequently Asked Questions: Seffner vs Temple Terrace FL
What is the main difference between Seffner and Temple Terrace FL?
Seffner is an unincorporated Hillsborough County community with lower prices, larger lots, and a longer Tampa commute. Temple Terrace is an incorporated city closer to Tampa and USF, with an established character and consistent rental demand. Temple Terrace commands a 5 to 15% price premium over comparable Seffner homes.
Which has better schools, Seffner or Temple Terrace?
Temple Terrace feeds into Chamberlain HS and Wharton HS depending on address. Seffner primarily feeds into Armwood HS and Sumner HS. Wharton HS is generally regarded as the strongest school zone option, and it serves some Temple Terrace addresses. School assignment in both communities depends on specific home address, so always confirm before making an offer.
Are homes cheaper in Seffner or Temple Terrace?
Seffner homes are generally 5 to 15% cheaper than comparable Temple Terrace homes. Seffner has more rural properties with larger lots at lower price points. Temple Terrace commands a modest premium due to its closer Tampa location, established city character, and proximity to USF.
How far is each community from downtown Tampa?
Seffner is approximately 14 miles east of downtown Tampa, with a peak commute of 30 to 50 minutes. Temple Terrace is approximately 8 miles northeast of downtown Tampa, with a peak commute of 20 to 35 minutes. Temple Terrace has a meaningful commute advantage for most Tampa employment destinations.
Is Seffner or Temple Terrace better for investment properties?
Temple Terrace has a structural advantage due to USF proximity, which creates consistent rental demand from students, faculty, and healthcare workers. Seffner offers lower acquisition costs and decent gross yields for working-family rentals. For defensive investment with lower vacancy risk, Temple Terrace edges out Seffner.
