Living in South Tampa
South Tampa is the peninsula between Old Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay, and it's long been the city's most sought-after address. Bayshore Boulevard — home to one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the world — frames the eastern edge with jogging, biking and waterfront mansions.
Neighborhoods such as Palma Ceia, Beach Park, Parkland Estates and Ballast Point offer everything from 1920s bungalows to brand-new custom builds, plus some of the top-rated public schools in Hillsborough County.
Market snapshot
South Tampa home prices right now
$1,324,611
Median sale price
56 days
Median days on market
+20.4%
Price change vs. last year
Approximate public figures for the three months ending September 2026 (ZIP 33629), from Redfin. Last updated October 2026. Ask Steve for exact, current MLS numbers.
Typical prices
$600K – $10M+
Home styles
Historic bungalows, new custom homes, waterfront estates
Commute
10 min to downtown, 15 min to the airport
Vibe
Established, upscale, social
County
Hillsborough County
Local highlights
- Bayshore Boulevard
- Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club
- SoHo dining district
- International Plaza nearby
Picnic Island Park
Head to South Tampa’s southwestern waterfront for sandy shoreline, picnic space, and a playground; check park notices before planning beach activities.
Visitor informationGadsden Park’s MacDill Trail
Use the asphalt loops at Gadsden Park for a walk or jog, with separate lake and playground circuits allowing a flexible outing.
Visitor informationPort Tampa City Library
Visit this South Tampa branch inside a historic bank building and explore its Maritime Reading Room for local nautical artifacts and reading material.
Visitor information
Things to do
- Run or bike Bayshore at sunrise
- Brunch on South Howard (SoHo)
- Fish off Ballast Point Pier
- Shop Hyde Park Village
Play disc golf at Picnic Island
Bring your discs to Picnic Island Park’s waterfront course; allow for wind and share the park carefully with walkers and other visitors.
Visitor informationSwim at Bobby Hicks Pool
Plan a lap or open-swim session at South Tampa’s municipal Bobby Hicks Pool; consult current programming schedules rather than relying on building hours.
Visitor informationPlay tennis at Cal Dickson
Bring a racket to the Cal Dickson courts on West Watrous Avenue; check posted availability because contracted instruction uses some courts.
Visitor informationVisit Palma Ceia’s dog park
Give your dog designated off-leash exercise at Palma Ceia Park on Marti Street; keep dogs leashed outside the dog park and follow posted rules.
Visitor information
Check the linked visitor information for current hours, reservations, seasonal access and any storm-related closures. Some outings are nearby rather than within the neighborhood.
Who loves South Tampa
A perfect day in South Tampa
Run or bike Bayshore Boulevard at sunrise with the bay on one side and historic mansions on the other. Brunch on South Howard, browse Hyde Park Village, then grab a fishing rod and watch the sunset from Ballast Point Pier.
Neighborhoods to know
Palma Ceia
Tree-lined streets around the historic golf and country club
Beach Park
Waterfront and near-water homes close to Westshore
Ballast Point
Laid-back bayfront living with a public pier and park
Where locals eat
- Bern's Steak House
- Datz
- Ciro's Speakeasy
- Dough bakery
Parks & outdoors
- Bayshore Boulevard linear park
- Ballast Point Park & Pier
- Picnic Island Park
- Gadsden Park
Schools
Home to several of Hillsborough County's most requested public schools, including Plant High, plus top private schools such as Academy of the Holy Names and Berkeley Prep nearby.
A little history
Much of South Tampa was developed in the 1910s–1920s boom, when streetcar lines pushed out along Bayshore. MacDill Air Force Base opened at the tip of the peninsula in 1941 and still anchors the southern end.
Events locals look forward to
Steve's honest take
What people love
- Top-requested public schools
- Close to everything in Tampa
- Bayshore's waterfront path
Good to know
- Among the highest prices in the metro
- Some low-lying streets flood in big storms
- Smaller lots on older streets
Typical drive times
15 min
Tampa International Airport
35 min
Nearest Gulf beach
10 min
Downtown Tampa
Approximate, without heavy traffic.
South Tampa questions, answered
Prices are approximate ranges and change with the market. Photos show the style of the area and are illustrative. Contact Steve for current listings and sold data in South Tampa.
