Temple Terrace's housing stock is anchored by its 1920s origins, with Mediterranean Revival and early Florida homes clustered near the golf course and city center reflecting the community's planned beginnings. Later mid-century and newer construction, along with apartments and condominiums, add to the mix, creating a varied inventory of detached homes and attached housing. The rolling, heavily treed lots and Hillsborough River frontage give many neighborhoods a distinctive character. The market serves a blend of long-time residents, university-affiliated households, and buyers seeking an established, central Tampa Bay location with historic character.

Temple Terrace's neighborhoods reflect its planned, golf-centered origins. The area around the golf course and city center holds some of the community's earliest 1920s homes, while neighborhoods such as Temple Terrace Estates and Terrace Park offer established single-family streets under mature tree canopy. Riverfront and river-adjacent properties along the Hillsborough River command attention for their views and access. The city's central location means it also blends into the surrounding Tampa and university area, with a mix of older homes, newer infill, and multifamily development across its neighborhoods.

Temple Terrace offers a small-city lifestyle within the Tampa Bay metro. The Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club anchors a golf-centered social scene, while the Hillsborough River and its parks support kayaking, walking, and riverside relaxation. The presence of Florida College and the adjacent University of South Florida lends an academic energy, with campus events and student life nearby. Residents enjoy a blend of quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods and quick access to downtown Tampa's dining, culture, and professional sports, along with the shopping and entertainment of the broader Tampa Bay region.

Public school students in Temple Terrace are served by Hillsborough County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Florida, which operates elementary, middle, and high schools across the city and the broader Tampa region. The city is also home to Florida College, a private Christian liberal arts institution, and borders the University of South Florida's Tampa campus, giving Temple Terrace a notably strong higher-education presence. Families relocating to the area typically confirm school assignments with the district, as boundaries extend across the city and neighboring Tampa.

Temple Terrace is well positioned within the Tampa Bay region. Interstate 75 runs along the city's eastern edge and Interstate 275 provides access toward downtown Tampa and across the bay to St. Petersburg, while U.S. Route 301 and Fowler Avenue serve as major local corridors. The city's adjacency to the University of South Florida means the campus and its surrounding employment and research district are just minutes away. Tampa International Airport is a short drive to the west, making Temple Terrace a central, connected base for commuters and travelers across the metro area.

Recreation in Temple Terrace centers on golf and the Hillsborough River. The Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, with its National Register-listed historic course, is the community's signature amenity. Riverfront parks and access points along the Hillsborough River support kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and walking trails, while city parks provide playgrounds and sports facilities. The presence of Florida College and the adjacent University of South Florida adds campus recreation and events. Within a short drive, residents can reach downtown Tampa's attractions, professional sports venues, and the broader recreational offerings of the Tampa Bay area.