Living on Davis Islands in Tampa Bay

Considering a move to Tampa Bay?  Tampa has many unique and attractive Tampa neighborhoods, but few can compare to the close-knit community and beautiful atmosphere of Davis Islands.

Davis Islands is known for its wealth, outdoor recreation, and waterfront homes. 

Developers dream…

Tampa’s island suburb was the dream of Dave Davis who envisioned the “Florida version of the Great Gatsby”.  In the early 1920s, Davis pioneered the dredge and fill operation between “Little Grassy Key” and “Big Grassy Key” at the mouth of the Hillsborough River.  

This huge undertaking merged the two naturally-made islands to create Davis Islands.  You can still see many of Davis Islands original Mediterranean-style buildings like the Place of Florence. Davis Islands Downtown Tampa Location.

How big is Davis Islands?

Davis Islands is 3.3 miles south of downtown Tampa, has a population of about 5,500, and is next to the Port of Tampa, the state’s largest deep-water port.   

While driving around Davis Island you’ll notice most streets are named after bodies of water and islands.  The streets are mostly alphabetical starting with Adalia Avenue, the first street you’ll cross when you arrive on Davis Islands from the mainland and ending with Severn Avenue at the southern end of the island.  There are no traffic lights on the island.

Residents of Davis Islands will also enjoy how close and convenient it is to downtown Tampa.. Within minutes you can find yourself at Channelside for luxury retail experiences, gourmet cuisine, and creative spaces along lush, waterfront parks, with city skyline views. 

It is close to The Straz Center for Performing Arts which is the place to go for musical and theater performances as well as Amalie Arena where you can see a Tampa Bay Lightning Game. 

Restaurants, Shops, Nightlife on the Island

Davis Islands is home to its own fun nightlife, shops, and small restaurants at your fingertips.  If you like to socialize it’s difficult to beat the small lifestyle you’ll enjoy living on Davis Islands.  It is a very easygoing and quiet neighborhood with most amenities very close. 

There are a ton of things to do on Davis Islands as it includes a business district, recreational facilities, and nightlife with bars.  It is very pedestrian and pet friendly which makes it easy to shop, dine, and have fun on foot.  

East Davis Boulevard is the main commercial district with blocks of bars, cafes, and restaurants.  There are spots for sidewalk dining allowing you to enjoy Tampa’s weather.  

Davis Islands favorite is 220 East with seafood, steaks, and burgers in a casual/fine dining atmosphere.  

“Margaritas” Mexican Restaurant delivers classic Tex-Mex and handcrafted margaritas.  

“Thai Island’ Restaurant is a popular spot with dishes like soft-shell crab, sizzling curry and Thai Island Scallops.

 “TeBella Tea Company” is a lively café and tea shop with more than 85 varieties of tea plus artisanal chocolates and French macaroons.

Learn More about Buyer Brokerage Services

Don’t forget about the dogs…Woof!

You don’t have to leave the Island for your pet needs, Wag Natural Pet & Grooming carries all-natural dog and cat food as well as grooming services.

There are two dog parks on the Island including Davis Island Dog Beach where your pup can run off leash, however, word is that swimming isn’t ideal due to current water conditions.

Davis Islands is about Boating and Recreation…with endless opportunities

Boating Life is abundant in Davis Islands as most homes are right on the water.   It is also home to the Davis Island Yacht Club, a private member-owned yacht club located at the south end of Davis Island.  

The club hosts a heavy schedule of sailing races, an active cruising fleet, and a strong youth sailing organization.  “The principal purpose of the Club shall be to promote sailing in all its forms; to form a social nucleus with activities for people primarily interested in sailing, to develop and maintain active relationships with other sailing organizations, to promote racing and cruising for pure enjoyment, to promote safety on the waterways, and to foster a spirit of good fellowship and helpfulness”.  

There are two main requirements to begin the membership process:  

• You must be sponsored by two Regular or Life members who have been members in good standing for at least one year 
• Applicants (per Board of Directors) shall be “actively engaged in sailing, known to the sponsors for at least one year and/or involved in a sailing association (US Sailing/other club). 

Davis Islands has endless opportunities for outdoor recreation like biking, boating, beaching, picnicking, tennis and catching some sun. 

It is also one of the best places to watch the Gasparilla Pirate Festival.  Tampa has been hosting this event every year since 1904.  The theme of the festivities is a friendly invasion by the mythical pirate Jose Gasper, aka Gasparilla, who is a popular figure in Florida folklore.  

The focus of Gasparilla is the Parade of Pirates which is held the last Saturday in January and is organized by the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.  On Gasparilla Day, members of YMKG sail through Tampa Bay aboard the Jose Gasparilla, a specialty built 165-foot-long pirate ship equipped with loud mini-cannons that fire continuously during its journey.  

Surrounded by thousands of spectators on decorated private boats, the pirates make their way to the Tampa Convention Center, where the mayor surrenders the key to the city in a playful fun ceremony.  

If you live on Davis Island you have front row seats to this event as it cruises right next to the Island itself. 

Living on Davis Islands soaks up the essence of Tampa Bay 

The Islands consist mostly of single-family homes as well as a few townhouses.

Many of the homes are older however there are several homes that are new and newer construction, with some new construction being built after the purchase of a tear down of an older home.  

If you want to purchase the land with an old tear down home you are starting at the price of $950,000.  A 3 bedroom/2 bath, 3 bedroom/3 bath, or 4 bedroom/2 bath starts around $1.8 million. A 6 bedroom/6 bath is priced at $12.5 million. Check out more below…