Living in South Tampa

What It’s Like to Live in South Tampa

South Tampa is the peninsula between Hillsborough Bay and Old Tampa Bay, stretching from Kennedy Boulevard down to MacDill Air Force Base. It’s close to everything: downtown, Westshore, the airport, and the water.

Families love it for the walkable pockets, the mature oaks, and the sense that you’re living in a real neighborhood rather than a subdivision. Weekend mornings on Bayshore, dinner in Hyde Park Village, and a short drive to work are a big part of the draw.

Neighborhoods in South Tampa

• Hyde Park
• Palma Ceia
• Davis Islands
• Bayshore Beautiful
• Ballast Point
• Beach Park
• Port Tampa

Homes You’ll Find in South Tampa

South Tampa has a little of everything. Hyde Park, which the City of Tampa calls its oldest existing neighborhood, is known for renovated homes in the Florida styles of the 1920s and 1930s on shady streets. Davis Islands was built in the 1920s and still has Mediterranean-style architecture, while Palma Ceia is known for its brick streets.

You’ll also find mid-century homes, renovations, and newer construction throughout the peninsula. Hyde Park is a city historic district, so exterior changes there go through the city’s Architectural Review Commission.

Parks, Trails & Things to Do in South Tampa

• Bayshore BoulevardA 4.5-mile stretch of waterfront with a wide sidewalk that’s perfect for walks, runs, bikes and strollers.
• Hyde Park VillageAn open-air shopping and dining district between Swann and Rome Avenues.
• Picnic Island ParkA beach, dog beach, fishing pier, boat ramp, kayak launch and playground at the south end of the peninsula.
• Davis IslandsA 1.3-mile trail, a dog park and dog beach, a public pool and a tennis complex.
• Palma Ceia Design DistrictShops and restaurants around MacDill Avenue and Bay to Bay Boulevard.
• SoHo (South Howard)Restaurants, bars and boutiques close to Hyde Park.

Schools in South Tampa

South Tampa is served by Hillsborough County Public Schools. School boundaries can change from year to year, so we always check the specific address with the Hillsborough County Public Schools school locator before you fall in love with a house.

Getting Around

Most of South Tampa is only a few miles from downtown, and the Westshore business district and Tampa International Airport are close by. Dale Mabry Highway, Gandy Boulevard, Bayshore Boulevard, Bay to Bay Boulevard and the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway are the main routes, and the Gandy Bridge connects straight to St. Petersburg.

Good to Know Before You Buy in South Tampa

• Check flood and evacuation info by address. South Tampa is surrounded by water, and storm surge has affected some low-lying areas. Look up any home with Hillsborough County’s HEAT tool and FEMA’s flood map search, and ask about flood insurance early.
• Historic districts have design rules. If you’re buying in Hyde Park and plan to renovate the outside, build in time for the city’s review process.
• Close to MacDill. MacDill Air Force Base sits at the southern tip of the peninsula, which makes South Tampa a natural fit for many military families.

South Tampa FAQs

Distances are approximate straight-line miles. Always confirm school assignments, flood zones, and any HOA or CDD fees for a specific address before you buy.