South Tampa is lined with palm trees, and you’ll feel the warm, salty breeze coming through from the ocean. But beyond that, it’s one of the best places in Florida to live in! South Tampa is known for Bayshore Boulevard, which is home to the longest continuous sidewalk in the world. Those moving to South Tampa do so for the upscale neighborhoods and residential homes. Though much of Tampa is a tourist attraction, living in South Tampa helps you stay in a beautiful area without all the tourists.
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History of South Tampa, FL
South Tampa may be known for its historic district, but the history of South Tampa is actually pretty short. It was only developed around 100 years ago in the beginning of the 1900s. In the 1880s, Henry B. Platt sold the land that made up South Tampa. No one had any plans to develop it because it was considered to be uninhabitable. There was too much brush, and the cost to clear it all would be monumental. However, a few investors, mainly the Mabry family, purchased the land in hopes of convincing people to reside there. Originally named “Beach Park by the Bay,” they hoped people wouldn’t mind that the city was nearly empty.
At the turn of the century, people began moving to South Tampa and clearing away the brush. Neighborhoods began to develop, like Palma Ceia. Between 1923-1926, a man named D.P. Davis began building desirable homes for those relocating to South Tampa. He cleared away the brush and developed over 300 lots. Within three hours, those lots all sold. It was around this time that the roads were paved and the historic district was created.
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South Tampa Location & Transportation
South Tampa suburbs include Beach Park, Ballast Point, Bayshore Beautiful, Bayshore Gardens, Bayside West, Belmar Shore, Davis Islands, Port Tampa, Fair Oaks-Manhattan Manor, Golfview, Hyde Park, New Suburb Beautiful, Virginia Park, Palma Ceia, Rattlesnake Gandy-Sun Bay South, South Westshore, parts of Sunset Park, Courier City-Oscawana and MacDill Air Force Base. South Tampa is District 4 of the Tampa City Council, and the zip codes in South Tampa are 33606, 33608, 33609, 33611, 33616, 33621, and 33629.
South Tampa is located between Kennedy Boulevard and MacDill Air Force Base. Tampa Bay is to the west of South Tampa, Hillsborough Bay is to the east, and West Tampa is on the north. Public transportation in South Tampa includes Tampa buses. If you’re driving through South Tampa, the main roadways are Dale Mabry Highway, Bay to Bay Boulevard, U.S. Route 92, West Shore Boulevard, Lee Ray Selmon Expressway, and Bayshore Boulevard. There is a lot of traffic in South Tampa if you are driving anywhere between the hours of 4 PM and 6 PM. However, parking in South Tampa is hardly ever an issue as there is plenty of lots and street parking.
People/Lifestyle/Culture in South Tampa
The people residing in South Tampa are diverse, family-oriented, and enjoy living in such a safe city. What’s so great about the South Tampa suburb is that there are so many different neighborhoods to choose from, so you can find a little of everything. Most of the people migrating to South Tampa are families and young professionals. There aren’t too many single professionals. The Beach Park neighborhood in South Tampa is filled with historic homes that were built in the 1930s and 1940s. Most of them have been redone on the inside, but others have been torn down completely and rebuilt. You’ll find plenty of families and older, established professionals.
Bayshore Beautiful is a South Tampa neighborhood with large homes and brick streets. It holds a lot of history, and the homes can get pretty expensive. Nearby is Bayshore Boulevard, which has many apartments, condos, and shops, and this is where you’ll find the young professionals that don’t have many children. Palma Ceia has million dollar homes and most people here are professionals who work downtown. Then you have Davis Islands, which are a small grouping of islands with plenty of shops and entertainment.
Overall, the culture in South Tampa is very lively. There are many festivals and independent shops. The restaurants are delicious, many people are business owners or work downtown for larger corporations, and the general overall consensus is that those living South Tampa are educated, diverse, and family-friendly.
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.
What to Eat, Do, and Shop in South Tampa
If you’re looking for fun things to do in South Tampa, you’re in luck! There’s a ton of places to explore, restaurants to grab a bite, and attractions to see. If you have dogs, you have to check out the Davis Island Dog Park. With plenty of space for your dog to run free and play in the water, it’s one of the top off leash dog parks in the area. Marcelino Chelo Huerta Jr Friendship Park is the best green space for your kids to play at. There is a toddler playground and a big kid playground, so everyone can enjoy the time.
If you’re looking for South Tampa restaurants, there are so many to eat at. Some of the top-rated restaurants in South Tampa are Renzo’s, which serves Argentinian food in a casual atmosphere, Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, which is the perfect South Tampa restaurant for couples, and Datz, full of American cuisine that’s as creative as it is delicious. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, check out Yogurtology, which has creative frozen yogurt flavors!
Really, the best part of South Tampa is the shopping. Those living in South Tampa often shop on Bayshore Boulevard, which has tons of boutiques and independently owned stores. If you need the best grocery store in South Tampa, you have to check out Bayshore Market, which has everything from gourmet cheeses to delicious fresh baked bread. Potting Shed is a local florist that’s a favorite amongst those who want to buy a bouquet or get unique plants. For those looking for a South Tampa mall or boutique shops, you can’t go wrong with Hyde Park Village, which is an open-air mall full of high end retailers.
- Davis Island Dog Park, 864 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, (813) 274-8615
- Marcelino Chelo Huerta Jr Friendship Park, 4124 W Bay to Bay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629, (813) 832-1200
- Renzo’s, 3644 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609, (813) 870-3606
- Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, 4483 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216, (904) 551-5920
- Datz, 2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629, (813) 831-7000
- Yogurtology, 3017 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611, (813) 839-4200
- Bayshore Boulevard
- Bayshore Market, 5025 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611, (813) 831-5759
- Potting Shed, 4127 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33611, (813) 831-1969
- Hyde Park Village, 1602 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, (813) 254-6210
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South Tampa Real Estate
There is truly a mixture of everything in South Tampa real estate. If you want condos downtown, you can find modern flats that are in skyrise buildings. If you want neighborhoods, you’ll find that South Tampa suburbs are home to historic buildings that hold their charm. There are also towering palms and oaks, casting shade amongst brick streets. Finally, you’ll find new construction and family homes, with plenty of waterfront properties as well for those residing in South Tampa. The average price of a home in South Tampa is $430,000 or $235 per square foot. Condos and apartments tend to be in the $300,000-$450,000 range, whereas homes are in the $800,000+ range.
Davis Islands is one of the most expensive homes where you’ll find lots of new construction in the $1 million to $2 million range. Older homes that hold their historic charm are around $800,000. Hyde Park is mostly condos and apartments, which sell in the $300,000-$500,000 range. In some of the more expensive parts of South Tampa, like Palma Ceia, you’ll find condos that sell for $1 million. Rent in South Tampa is some of the most expensive around, and average rents in this area range from $1,500-$2,053 according to Rent Jungle.
Though South Tampa’s cost of living may not be the most affordable, it’s one of the most beautiful places to live. It’s a safe community perfect for families! If you’re moving to South Tampa, call 2 College Brothers. We’re the top-rated South Tampa moving company that will handle all the heavy lifting so you can relocate without stress.
