Living in The Heights

What It’s Like to Live in The Heights

“The Heights” is what a lot of locals call the historic neighborhoods just north of downtown: Tampa Heights, Seminole Heights and Riverside Heights. They sit along the Hillsborough River, a few minutes from downtown and the Riverwalk.

It’s a great fit if you want character, front porches and a neighborhood where you can walk to a park, a coffee shop or dinner. Seminole Heights in particular is known for its independent restaurants, and Tampa Heights connects right into the Riverwalk.

Neighborhoods in The Heights

• Tampa Heights
• Old Seminole Heights
• South Seminole Heights
• Southeast Seminole Heights
• Riverside Heights

Homes You’ll Find in The Heights

Seminole Heights is known for its early-1900s Craftsman bungalows, many with deep front porches. Tampa Heights, which was developed starting in the 1880s, mixes historic homes with newer townhomes and mixed-use buildings closer to downtown.

Both Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights are City of Tampa local historic districts, so exterior changes go through design review. That’s part of what keeps the streets looking the way they do.

Parks, Trails & Things to Do in The Heights

• Tampa RiverwalkA 2.6-mile walkway along the river that runs from the Channelside District up to Tampa Heights.
• Water Works ParkA splash pad, playground, dog park, boat docks and a stop for the Pirate Water Taxi.
• Armature WorksA restored 1910 streetcar warehouse on the river with a food hall, event spaces and a rooftop.
• Riverfront parksSeminole Heights has the longest stretch of riverfront parkland in Tampa, including Alan Wright Park, Ed Lopez Park and Rogers Park Golf Course.
• Henry & Ola ParkBall fields, a playground and a dog park in Old Seminole Heights.
• Lake RobertaWalking paths around a small neighborhood lake.

Schools in The Heights

The Heights is served by Hillsborough County Public Schools. Boundaries can change, so we always confirm the specific address with the Hillsborough County Public Schools school locator.

Getting Around

Tampa Heights is only about a mile and a half from downtown, and Seminole Heights is a few miles farther north. I-275 and Florida Avenue frame the Seminole Heights historic district, and North Boulevard and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard are major routes through Tampa Heights. Tampa International Airport is roughly 4 to 5 miles away.

Good to Know Before You Buy in The Heights

• Historic district rules. Planning a new porch, windows or an addition? In a local historic district, exterior work needs city review, so plan your timeline with that in mind.
• Older homes need a closer look. Many homes here are around 100 years old. A thorough inspection of the roof, electrical, plumbing and foundation is a must.
• Near the river? Check the flood map. Look up homes close to the Hillsborough River with FEMA’s flood map search and Hillsborough County’s HEAT tool.

The Heights 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.