Is East Lake-Orient Park Safe, Pros and cons of living in East Lake-Orient Park
East Lake-Orient Park is an unincorporated census-designated place located in Hillsborough County, Florida. It is situated just northeast of Tampa, offering residents a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to the amenities of a larger city. The area has a history rooted in agriculture and ranching, and in recent years, it has become known for its golf courses and retirement communities. It also serves as the home of the Florida State Fairgrounds, attracting visitors throughout the year.
The community offers a blend of residential areas with a variety of neighborhoods, catering to different lifestyle preferences. Its proximity to Tampa means residents can enjoy the benefits of urban living, such as diverse employment opportunities, cultural attractions, and entertainment options, while residing in a more tranquil setting. East Lake-Orient Park is a place where suburban comfort meets the convenience of a nearby metropolitan center.
Is it Safe to Live in East Lake-Orient Park?
East Lake-Orient Park has an overall crime rate that is 4% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, violent crimes within the area are reported to be 3% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). In East Lake-Orient Park, there is a 1 in 46 chance of becoming a victim of crime (as reported by AreaVibes).
While the overall crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, it is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. Some sources indicate that the southwest part of the city is considered the safest, with chances of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 24 in the west to 1 in 44 in the southwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Year over year, crime in East Lake-Orient Park has decreased by 7% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Demographics and Population
East Lake-Orient Park is home to a population of approximately 29,213 residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in the community is 34.5 years, with a slightly higher median age for females at 34.9 years compared to males at 33.6 years (as reported by World Population Review). The racial makeup of East Lake-Orient Park is diverse, with Black or African American residents constituting the largest group at 37.9%, followed by Hispanic residents at 25.4%, and White residents at 23.8% (as reported by Census Dots).
The population density is 1,849 people per square mile, which is significantly above the national average (as reported by NextBurb). Approximately 88.1% of residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The area has become more racially diverse since the 2020 Census and is considered more diverse than Florida overall (as reported by Census Dots).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in East Lake-Orient Park is generally considered to be in line with the national average, with some sources indicating it is 94.1% of the national average (as reported by 2 College Brothers). For a family of two adults and two children, the estimated monthly budget is around $6,941 (as reported by 2 College Brothers). The median property value in East Lake-Orient Park was $233,200 in 2024, representing a 5.28% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA).
Housing costs are a significant factor in the overall cost of living. The average home price in East Lake-Orient Park is approximately $250,000, with average apartment rents around $1,614 for a 983 sq. ft. unit (as reported by 2 College Brothers). The homeownership rate in East Lake-Orient Park is 51.4%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
Housing Costs
The average rent for an apartment in East Lake-Orient Park is approximately $1,395, reflecting a 2.69% decrease from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). Studio apartments are the most budget-friendly option, averaging $900 for 384 square feet. One-bedroom apartments offer about 750 square feet for $1,201, while two-bedroom units average $1,468 for 1,064 square feet. For larger households, three-bedroom apartments provide more space at an average of 1,401 square feet for $1,790 (as reported by RentCafe).
The median sale price of a home in East Lake-Orient Park was $329,000 in February 2026, showing a 9.7% increase year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). Homes are selling after an average of 78 days on the market, which is a significant increase from 28 days in the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $250, up 21.4% since last year (as reported by Redfin).
Everyday Expenses
The cost of everyday items can vary, but for an individual living alone, estimated monthly expenses include rent at approximately $1,348.78 and electricity at $161.99 (as reported by 2 College Brothers). Other common expenses include gas, with an average price of $2.51, and groceries such as milk, with an average cost of $2.86 (as reported by 2 College Brothers).
Transportation costs are also a factor, with an average commute time of 26.8 minutes, which is slightly longer than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Car ownership is similar to the national average, with about two cars per household (as reported by Data USA).
Job Market and Economy
The employment landscape in East Lake-Orient Park has seen some shifts, with employment declining at a rate of -2.97% between 2023 and 2024, from 14.4k to 14k employees (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services (as reported by Data USA).
In terms of job roles, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Business & Financial Operations Occupations are the most common for those living in East Lake-Orient Park (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in East Lake-Orient Park is $56,573 (as reported by World Population Review), with a poverty rate of 17.82% (as reported by World Population Review).
Major Employers
Several significant employers contribute to the job market in and around East Lake-Orient Park. Major employers in the area include BayCare Health System, Publix Super Markets Inc., Hillsborough County School District, HCA West Florida Division, and the University of South Florida (as reported by 2 College Brothers). These organizations provide a range of employment opportunities across various sectors.
The broader Tampa Bay area also boasts a strong economy with major industries such as life sciences and healthcare, defense, and information technology. Government entities like Hillsborough County and the State of Florida are also substantial employers in the region (as reported by TBAYtoday).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in East Lake-Orient Park is reported to be 7% (as reported by NextBurb). This figure is higher than the Tampa Metro Area average of 4% (as reported by NextBurb). While specific local unemployment data can fluctuate, this indicates a segment of the workforce is actively seeking employment.
The median household income in East Lake-Orient Park is $56,401, which is below the Tampa Metro average of $72,743 (as reported by NextBurb). The per capita income in East Lake-Orient Park is $25,204 (as reported by NextBurb).
Climate and Weather
East Lake-Orient Park experiences a climate characterized by long, hot, oppressive, wet, and mostly cloudy summers, while winters are short, cool, windy, and partly cloudy (as reported by Weather Spark). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 50°F to 92°F, with rare occurrences below 36°F or above 95°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The hot season generally spans from early May to early October, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 88°F. July is typically the hottest month, with highs around 91°F and lows of 74°F. The cool season lasts from early December to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 76°F. January usually brings the coldest temperatures, with average lows around 50°F and highs of 72°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Temperature and Rainfall
The average annual rainfall in East Lake-Orient Park is approximately 50 inches (as reported by Livability.com). During the summer months, from May to October, the air can feel uncomfortably humid (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The water temperature is warmest between June and October, averaging above 81°F, with August being the warmest month (as reported by Weather Spark).
The time of year with cooler water temperatures lasts from mid-December to late March, with an average temperature below 69°F. February typically has the coolest water temperatures, averaging around 65°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The area does not typically experience snowfall (as reported by Livability.com).
Education and Schools
Information regarding specific school ratings within East Lake-Orient Park can be varied, with some sources indicating an average school rating of 4 out of 5 (as reported by NextBurb). However, detailed Niche or GreatSchools ratings for public schools specifically within the East Lake-Orient Park CDP are not readily available in a consolidated format.
Nearby areas offer a range of educational institutions. For instance, East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs is a highly rated public school with an overall Niche grade of A, known for its STEM programs (as reported by Niche and Palm Harbor, FL – NeighborhoodScout). East Lake Elementary School, located in Orlando, FL, is described as an above-average public school (as reported by Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in East Lake-Orient Park
One of the primary advantages of living in East Lake-Orient Park is its affordable cost of living, which is generally considered to be around the national average (as reported by 2 College Brothers). The community’s proximity to Tampa offers convenient access to employment, entertainment, and cultural attractions, providing a balance between suburban tranquility and urban convenience (as reported by 2 College Brothers).
However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. East Lake-Orient Park has limited public transportation options, which may be a concern for residents who do not own a vehicle (as reported by 2 College Brothers). Additionally, the crime rate, while showing a decrease year-over-year, is noted to be higher than the national average in some reports (as reported by AreaVibes).