Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Tampa
One request I get over and over again is that buyers want to live in neighborhoods that are walkable. That may seem like an easy task, however, there are only a few of these types of neighborhoods that fit the bill here in Tampa, Fl.
Picture a walkable neighborhood. You lose weight each time you walk to the grocery store. You stumble home from last call without calling an Uber. You spend less money on your car—or you don’t own a car. When you shop, you support your local economy. You talk to your neighbors. This is South Tampa!
What makes a neighborhood walkable?
Walkable communities tend to have the following characteristics:
A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a discernible center, whether it’s a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.
Density: The neighborhood is dense enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to be cost-effective.
Mixed income, mixed use: Housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor. Businesses and residences are located near each other.
Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and play.
Accessibility: The neighborhood is accessible to everyone and has wheelchair access, plenty of benches with shade, sidewalks on all streets, etc.
Well connected, speed controlled streets: Streets form a connected grid that improves traffic by providing many routes to any destination. Streets are narrow to control speed, and shaded by trees to protect pedestrians.
Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back.
Close schools and workplaces: Schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
Some neighborhoods in South Tampa that are popular are:
- Hyde Park Historic District This Historic District is known for its close proximity to Kate Jackson Park, and just 5 minutes’ drive to downtown Tampa. You’ll also be able to walk to A-rated Gorrie Elementary & Wilson Middle Schools
- Palma Ceia Palma Ceia, known for its famed Golf Course where you’ll find homes like these. Step back in time to brick-lined streets with mature trees, quaint shops, and restaurants along MacDill Ave
- Davis Islands and Harbour Island These both have a small village like feel and are surrounded by beautiful Tampa Bay.
- Channelside District Up and coming just outside of Downtown Tampa with expansive growth. A new Publix grocery store, bars, restaurants, 3 new hotels and a trolley system to take you to Ybor City. The entire Channelside District is undergoing a huge transformation. One of the best articles I’ve seen about what the future of Channelside will look like can be found here.
- Downtown Tampa The Downtown Tampa area is also undergoing a transformation with more apartments and condos to be built in the near future.
- Ballast Point This is further away from walkability but should be mentioned because there’s still so much growth to be had and home prices are still much more affordable than some of these other neighborhoods I’ve mentioned. Take Bayshore Blvd to Downtown Tampa in just 10 minutes.
Have another walkable neighborhood in Tampa that you think we should add to the list? Just send us an email or to receive a list of homes, condos or townhomes for sale in these popular South Tampa neighborhoods email us with your request.
Looking to sell your South Tampa Home? Fill out my home evaluation form here.
