Considering moving to Palma Ceia, Tampa? This gorgeous Tampa neighborhood in South Tampa offers charm, tranquility, and convenience in spades. Palma Ceia is known for its European charm, brick-lined streets, the specialty boutiques of the Palma Ceia Design District, and the Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, Tampa’s oldest. Is Palma Ceia a good place to live? Absolutely if you want to be minutes from downtown, SoHo, and Davis Islands with world-class shopping and dining at your fingertips. Palma Ceia offers a more laid back atmosphere perfect for singles, young professionals, and families. Here’s what you’re going to love about living in Palma Ceia.
Palma Ceia, FL History
Palma Ceia’s history dates back to 1903 when golf was rapidly growing in popularity and the Tampa Bay area was experiencing a major real estate boom. In 1903, attorney and developer Thomas Palmer and his wife began developing the area which they originally called Madrid. When a revised subdivision plan was submitted for the neighborhood years later, the spring running through the land was named Palmera Spring, likely a modification of the couple’s surname.
In 1910, the Palmers teamed with James Taylor, a real estate developer who stated his company, the Tampa Bay Land Company, would be constructing Palma Ceia Park and Palma Ceia. It isn’t known why or when the name was changed from Palmera to Palma Ceia but the name doesn’t have any meaning. It’s possible it was an homage to Terra Ceia in Manatee County, however.
At the time, Palma Ceia included the region south of the present-day golf course to Bay to Bay and from Dale Mabry east to MacDill Avenue. Taylor offered 100 acres of a subdivision to businessmen to lease for $1 annually, with an option to buy for $150,000 after ten years, for the golf course provided the club paid the property taxes. With this offer, the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club was created as Tampa Bay’s first private golf club.
Today, Palma Ceia is still known for the upscale Palma Ceia Golf Club and the neighborhood’s large collection of historic homes.
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Palma Ceia, FL Location & Transportation – Getting Around Palma Ceia, Tampa
Palma Ceia is located in South Tampa about 4 miles southwest of downtown Tampa in the 33629 zip code and area code 813. The neighborhood is just a half-mile from Bayshore Boulevard and it’s surrounded by the communities of Bayshore Beautiful, Bayshore Gardens, Golfview, Palma Ceia West, Sunset Park, Belmar Shore, and South Westshore. Across Hillsborough Bay just east of Palma Ceia is Davis Islands, easily reachable within minutes after moving to Palma Ceia!
The Palma Ceia neighborhood is served by HART bus route 36 and 360LX at Bay to Bay Blvd which connects to South Tampa route 19. Route 19 runs from Britton Plaza Transfer Center to Marion Transfer Center through Hyde Park and Davis Islands. You can learn more about getting around on public transportation in Tampa here.
The main streets passing through Palma Ceia are Bayshore Boulevard which runs along the shore a half-mile from the Palma Ceia Design District, South MacDill Avenue which is home to shopping and dining, and Bay to Bay Boulevard which runs east to west.
Palma Ceia Lifestyle & Culture – What’s it Like Living in Palma Ceia, Tampa?
Palma Ceia is known for its rich history, beautiful single-family homes, and walkable neighborhood. There’s a good mix of retirees, families, and young professionals in the community, each drawn to one of the neighborhood’s unique features and amenities. The median household income in Palma Ceia is $115,700, far higher than the average $56,000 in Hillsborough County, with a highly educated population. Nearly 67% of residents have at least a bachelor’s degree. About 4,500 people live in Palma Ceia with a racial and ethnic composition that’s 79% white, 13% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 1% Black, and 3% two or more races.
Living in Palma Ceia is a paradise if you love the outdoors. Along with world-class golfing, residents enjoy Palma Ceia Park and the nearby Bayside Boulevard. The world’s longest sidewalk is great for taking a relaxing stroll or going for a run while taking in magnificent views of Tampa Bay and downtown Tampa.
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One of the perks of living in Palma Ceia? Its excellent school system! Palma Ceia is served by Plant High School, one of the best schools in Tampa with a 65.2 College Readiness Score. This, combined with Palma Ceia’s reputation as one of Tampa’s safest neighborhoods, makes the area attractive for families. Many young professionals also call Palma Ceia home thanks to its convenient access to downtown.
Things to Do in Palma Ceia, Tampa – Shopping, Eating & Attractions
While living in Palma Ceia, Tampa, you’ll have endless amenities at your fingertips. One of the best things to do in Palma Ceia? The Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, the most well-known Palma Ceia attraction and the city’s oldest private golf club. Enjoy a fitness center, clay tennis courts, an Olympic-sized pool, a restaurant, social activities, and one of the country’s best golf courses. There are also beautiful parks in the neighborhood to enjoy Tampa’s famous weather like Fred Ball Park, a dog-friendly bayside park, and Palma Ceia Park with a playground and basketball courts.
You’ll enjoy tons of restaurants and small eateries within walking distance after moving to Palma Ceia. A favorite among locals is Datz, the flagship location of this popular restaurant and bar chain known for its craft beer and deli. Whether you’re looking for amazing cocktails, a light lunch, or breakfast with friends, Pane Rustica is the place to be in the Palma Ceia Village shopping center with famously fresh bread. In the mood for something different? You’ll love Byblos, one of the best restaurants in Palma Ceia with traditional Lebanese cuisine and hookahs with a cozy environment.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Largo, FL or let us introduce you to a local agent in the area.
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In the mood for some retail therapy? The main shopping area you’ll enjoy while living in Palma Ceia is the small Palma Ceia Village shopping center. The Palma Ceia Business & Design District (PCBDD) is home to boutiques, shops, and art galleries to explore. The Design District is centered on S MacDill Ave & W Bay to Bay Blvd.
Here’s where to find the best activities and attractions in Palma Ceia:
- Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, 1601 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 253-3101
- Fred Ball Park, 2621 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 274-8615
- Palma Ceia Park, 2200 S Marti St, Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 274-8211
- Datz – South Tampa, 2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 831-7000
- Pane Rustica, 3225 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 902-8828
- Byblos, 2832 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 805-7977
- Palma Ceia Village, S MacDill Ave #3325, Tampa, FL 33629
Palma Ceia, Tampa Real Estate
Before moving to Palma Ceia, Tampa, you’ll probably want to know more about your housing options. Palma Ceia is known for its historic homes and bungalows with a median sales price of $710,000. Homes tend to sell quickly in the neighborhood with just 8 median days on market. While there is limited new construction in the area, many of the homes in the area are historic. You’ll find 2- and 3-bedroom homes under $500,000 and larger upscale or new homes priced at up to $1 million or more. You can get an idea of what’s within your budget by searching for Palma Ceia, Tampa homes for sale ahead of your move.
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Planning to rent while living in Palma Ceia, FL? There are many great condos and apartment buildings to choose from! The average rent in Palma Ceia is $1,200, according to RentCafe, which makes it one of the more affordable Tampa neighborhoods.
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Looking For A New Home In The Area? Let Us Connect You With A Local Real Estate Professional.
We know a little about moving. A successful move starts early, having the right Real Estate team makes a big difference.
Local by Laramar offers several rental properties in Palma Ceia. Palma Ceia Apartments on Teresa Circle is a beautiful pet-friendly community with upscale amenities like a fenced pet park, fitness center, and pool with poolside cabanas and an outdoor kitchen. The apartments on W San Juan are more expensive but feature lush landscaping, private balconies or patios, and townhome living.
Does living in Palma Ceia, FL sound like a dream? If you’ve settled on Palma Ceia as your new home, call the award-winning Palma Ceia movers at 2 College Brothers today for a free estimate. We’ll help you relocate to this beautiful community without the stress.
