Downtown Tampa is a thriving community and an area you should consider as you narrow down your online home search. Whether you are looking for a burgeoning, family-friendly neighborhood or a more adult-oriented area with exciting nightlife, you’ll find plenty to love in downtown Tampa. Here are some important factors to consider in your downtown Tampa home search.
Location
It’s great that you’ve narrowed your search to downtown Tampa apartments for sale. However, you still have some choices to make. Do you work downtown and need your home to be the launchpad for a successful day? Will you be commuting? Or will your new home be a weekend refuge where you celebrate life’s wins in Tampa’s vibrant atmosphere? Will you be driving yourself, or will you be relying on a car service? These questions matter when choosing the best location for your downtown Tampa home. Fortunately, The McIntosh Group is well-versed in the area and can help you find the best neighborhood based on your answers!
How kid and dog-friendly is downtown Tampa?
If you have kids or dogs, your search for downtown Tampa apartments for sale may look a little different. From preschool to high school, the downtown area is home to some of the most exclusive schools in Florida. And, because downtown is an easy commute to anywhere in the area, you won’t be far away from other schools if you choose to go private.
If you have kids, you know that having a doctor nearby is a must. USF Health Pediatrics provides full-service medical care nearby. You’ll also find a variety of dentists and pediatric specialists to ensure that your family is well taken care of, whether you need general doctors for everyday healthcare needs or someone to handle an emergency.
There are also plenty of family-friendly activities in downtown Tampa. If your kids are born city-dwellers, they may enjoy HorsePower for Kids and Animal Sanctuary, where they can experience horseback riding, a zip line just for kids, and an animal petting area. There are opportunities to ride along the river on a river bike or kayak and a great variety of museums, zoos, and aquariums.
The downtown area is also an excellent area for a pet family. They have dog parks within walking distance, and specialty vets and emergency care facilities are in the area. The McIntosh Group is thrilled to help you find a great selection of homes in dog-friendly buildings. In fact, we enjoy working with pet lovers so much that we put together an entire guide to aid in their search.
Amenities
What do you need in your neighborhood?
Are you a weekend visitor who will be sleeping late and then on the hunt for the perfect coffee shop before an excellent dinner on the waterfront?
Are you looking for a new forever home for your family, with plenty of nearby conveniences and play opportunities?
Are you looking for a short commute to your downtown office, with an incredible gym that offers CrossFit and a bar with a smoky bourbon on the menu on your list of ‘must-haves’?
As you’re answering these questions, make that list so your realtor can help you check all of your boxes. Neighborhood amenities are important to consider in your downtown Tampa home search. It’s probably one of the most important factors to consider. No one wants to make a sizable property investment and then never get to enjoy it because all of their time is wrapped up in commuting to work, the gym, and errands.
What makes a neighborhood perfect for you?
Much like your list of essential amenities, this will be different for everyone. While most downtown Tampa neighborhoods will have some level of hustle and bustle, some communities will not be as active as others. Here’s a breakdown of some of downtown’s neighborhoods and what they have to offer:
Encore
The Encore neighborhood is downtown’s newest. It’s a revitalized area that has a mixture of upscale and affordable housing, hugely influenced by the area’s musical history. There’s lots of green space, a skate park, and some great activities for families and adults, making it a good area for young families.
Tampa Riverwalk
The Riverwalk area has become an area without a lot of vehicle traffic, so it’s great for someone who is looking for a slower, quieter place to spend their time. It’s a bit more low-key, but it’s still Tampa. It’s considered a “gathering place,” and there are plenty of activities since it’s right on the river. It’s just not quite as lively as some of the other parts of downtown. We recommend this area to older home buyers or those who are particularly eco-friendly and won’t mind walking or biking more than using their car.
Channel District
If you love being involved in the arts, music, and local activities, then the Channel District may be the perfect neighborhood. It’s home to Amalie Arena, where the Tampa Bay Lightning play, as well as the Florida Aquarium and the Channelside Bay Plaza, where you can always find something to do if there’s nothing cool happening anywhere else. The Channel District is always full of the vibrant life that defines Tampa.
River Arts District
The River Arts District is also called “Tampa’s Town Square.” The River Arts District is really the heart of downtown Tampa. When you’re in the market for a new home, this neighborhood should be your starting point because everything that makes Tampa, Tampa, is nearby. The McIntosh Group especially recommends homes in the River Arts District for families because of the John F. Germany Public Library, The Glazer Children’s Museum, and the Tampa Bay History Center.
There are no bad neighborhoods in downtown Tampa. Which neighborhood is the best for you depends entirely on your tastes. As you’re making that list of which amenities are the most important for you, consider what kind of neighborhood will fit your lifestyle.
Work with The McIntosh Group to find your dream home
When you’re ready to take the next step in your Tampa home search, reach out to one of the agents at The McIntosh Group. We’re specialists in the area and happy to help you choose the perfect home!