The Best South Tampa Neighborhoods To Call Home

Welcome to South Tampa, a vibrant region boasting some of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Tampa Bay area. Whether you're planning to relocate, invest in property, or simply explore, knowing the best neighborhoods in South Tampa is crucial. This guide offers an in-depth look at various neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and amenities, aiding you in making an informed decision.

Why South Tampa?

South Tampa is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle. Nestled between Tampa Bay and Old Hillsborough Bay, this area offers stunning waterfront views, upscale amenities, and a sense of community that appeals to many of today's home buyers. With top-rated schools, diverse dining and shopping options, and a plethora of recreational activities, South Tampa truly has something for everyone looking for a "forever home."

Davis Islands

Davis Islands offers a unique blend of island living and urban convenience. This picturesque neighborhood, connected to downtown Tampa by a short bridge, provides residents with easy access to city amenities while enjoying a serene island lifestyle. With its numerous marinas and waterfront properties, Davis Islands is a boater's paradise where residents can dock their boats right at their doorstep and easily access Tampa Bay's waters. The community is active and engaged, with residents participating in local events, sports leagues, and social gatherings. The neighborhood's parks, walking trails, and recreational facilities contribute to a healthy and vibrant lifestyle.

Bayshore Beautiful

Bayshore Beautiful truly lives up to its name with picturesque waterfront views along Bayshore Boulevard, the longest continuous sidewalk in the world. This neighborhood beautifully blends old-world charm and modern luxury, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can enjoy a range of activities, from jogging and biking along the boulevard to kayaking in Tampa Bay. Nearby Ballast Point Park offers a fishing pier, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Additionally, South Tampa's Bayshore Beautiful neighborhood features upscale dining options and boutique shops, catering to those who appreciate a refined lifestyle, all while being conveniently close to downtown Tampa.

New Suburb Beautiful

New Suburb Beautiful truly lives up to its name with its historical elegance, picturesque streets, and well-preserved homes surrounded by lush landscaping, creating a charming and inviting atmosphere. Despite being close to bustling areas, the New Suburb Beautiful neighborhood maintains a quiet, residential feel, offering a peaceful ambiance and a friendly community that serves as a perfect retreat from city life. Residents enjoy strong community bonds, frequently gathering for social events and activities, which fosters a sense of pride and belonging while preserving the neighborhood's historical charm.

Virginia Park

Virginia Park is a perfect example of a small, close-knit neighborhood within South Tampa. The area has been around since the early 1900s and is known for its quaint bungalows and historic properties that share common traits like open-concept floor plans, large porches, and mature trees. But the beauty of Virginia Park doesn't only lie in its homes. In addition to the housing, the neighborhood's actual layout is also a great selling point. It's about as straightforward as they come, consisting of tens of rows of streets spread across several avenues. Grid-like patterns make finding your way around a breeze. Plus, the area is well-served by public transportation, making it easy to explore beyond Virginia Park’s boundaries.

Historic Hyde Park

Historic Hyde Park is just as its name suggests - historic. Established more than 100 years ago, this community boasts estates, parks, and even trees original to Tampa's humble beginnings. You can't mistake the 19th-century style for anything else but charming. Hyde Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tampa and it shows, with many homes boasting original features such as wood floors, crown molding, and fireplaces. Most Hyde Park homes have been well-maintained to keep their class but are also enhanced with modernities like contemporary kitchens, updated bathrooms, and new HVAC systems. The streets of Hyde Park are lined with quaint restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques that showcase the best Tampa has to offer. Waterfront views of Hillsborough Bay and a sense of safety make Hyde Park an ideal place to live, work, or vacation.

Culbreath Isles

Nestled just below Beach Park Isles, Culbreath Isles is a small and tight-knit neighborhood on Tampa's Southwest coast. It's home to a wealth of waterfront properties that have long been among the most sought-after in the city. While the selection is quite diverse, one easy commonality to point out between available options is size - these homes are more like estates, most towering multiple floors in height and featuring their own courtyards. They've been built along a series of deep-water canals which effectively serve as secondary streets for residents. It's just as easy to take a boat out for a spin here as it is a regular car. Living in Culbreath Isles means living in a community that was built for leisure.

Palma Ceia West

Want to live in a community that's as classy as it is modern? Just move to Palma Ceia West. This bundle of homes is one of the most prestigious and beloved neighborhoods in Tampa Bay. It has everything from beautiful Spanish-style architecture to huge, lush green spaces. There are also a number of newer developments with modern twists of style to be found throughout the community's streets. Bordering the west side of the S Dale Mabry Hwy, Palma Ceia West couldn't be any better situated within Tampa. Here, you're a matter of minutes away from parks, shops, restaurants, and all that the city has to offer. Palma Ceia Country Club isn't far east, making weekend plans and activities nice and easy.

Sunset Park

Sunset Park offers a serene waterfront experience with beautiful homes and scenic views of Tampa Bay, making it perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of numerous recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and picnicking amidst the neighborhood's lush greenery and open spaces. Additionally, the Sunset Park neighborhood in South Tampa also features excellent schools and safe, quiet streets, which makes it an ideal place to raise children while prioritizing family values and quality of life.

The Isles at Old Tampa Bay

The Isles at Old Tampa Bay is one of the area's last unspoiled plots of waterfront land. It's in the process of being developed into a coastal community of 550 residences, set for completion sooner rather than later. Homes don't come cheap here and buyers can expect to shell out at least one million dollars for your own. That price tag might be worth it to some people though, especially considering the massive space and sprawling views of the surrounding bay. The Isles is located in a prime spot, just off the coast of Tampa Bay and near some stunning natural attractions. Its marina and 189 boat slips will be a welcome feature for those who prefer to live their life on the water. With such high expectations and so many things going for it, we'd be remiss to not include The Isles at Old Tampa Bay on our list. 

Soho District

The Soho District, short for South Howard Avenue, is a trendy urban neighborhood celebrated for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene, attracting anyone who loves to be in the middle of all the action with its lively atmosphere and modern living options. As a culinary and entertainment hub, it features a diverse range of restaurants, bars, and cafes, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate, from upscale dining to casual eateries. With walkable streets and convenient amenities, the Soho District in South Tampa offers a lifestyle filled with excitement and ease, all while being centrally located for easy access to downtown Tampa and other popular destinations.