One of the reasons people choose to live in Florida is the close proximity to the water. This is particularly true in Tampa, where residents have access to Tampa Bay and are a short drive from the Gulf of Mexico. Given the beauty of the Bay, many Tampa residents share a goal of one day living directly along the water.

Tampa has many gorgeous waterfront homes across a diverse array of neighborhoods. While some of these communities feature large, expensive homes, it is possible to buy a waterfront home in Tampa at a range of price points. Each neighborhood features its unique charms - and offers plenty of reasons to fall in love with Tampa.

Eaton Realty provides comprehensive real estate services to clients throughout Hillsborough County. Whether you seek a cozy bungalow with great water views or a sprawling mansion directly on the water, we can help you achieve your dreams. Reach out today to talk to a member of our Tampa real estate team.

Tampa Waterfront Neighborhoods

Tampa is fortunate to be situated directly on Tampa Bay, along with numerous rivers and smaller bays such as Hillsborough Bay. This access to water, along with the nearby Gulf of Mexico, made Tampa a bustling center of commerce. Today, Port Tampa Bay is the largest port in Florida and the 10th largest in the nation.

Tampa’s location also allows residents to live directly along the water.  It has numerous diverse waterfront neighborhoods, each with its own unique charms. Popular waterfront neighborhoods in Tampa include:

• Ballast Point: Located directly on Hillsborough Bay, Ballast Point is north of MacDill Air Force Base and south of downtown Tampa. It is a largely residential neighborhood with houses and condos available at various price points. Ballast Point Park is one of several parks and outdoor attractions.
• Bayshore Beautiful: Just north of Ballast Point, Bayshore Beautiful is a residential neighborhood with a small shopping, nightlife, and dining district. It is known for its stately homes and Bayshore Boulevard, the longest continuous pedestrian walkway in the world.
• Beach Park: just south of the Tampa International Airport and the Westshore Business District, Beach Park is a residential neighborhood known for its large oak trees and winding streets. The houses in this well-established neighborhood feature a variety of architectural styles, including many large, modern homes.
• Davis Islands: Located south of downtown Tampa, this exclusive neighborhood is filled with upscale homes. It includes many historic houses—many of which share a distinctive Mediterranean style—as well as newer luxury homes. The neighborhood is home to Tampa General Hospital, Peter O. Knight Airport, and multiple parks, beaches, and marinas.
• Harbour Island: an island neighborhood within Tampa, Harbour Island is located across the Garrison Channel from downtown Tampa. This community features condominiums, apartments, and single-family homes. It offers a smaller town charm right in the city - with the ability to hop on the TECO Line Streetcar to head downtown and Channelside.
• Sunset Park: located south of Tampa International Airport, Sunset Park sits on the west side of the Tampa peninsula. It features many large, pricier homes along its waterfront. Sunset Park is known for its tranquil environment and strong sense of community.

Of course, there are many more neighborhoods along the water in Tampa. If you are interested in purchasing a waterfront home, our real estate agents can help you decide which community is right for you.

Why Live on the Tampa Waterfront?

For most people, the idea of living directly on the water is like a dream. You will fall asleep each night - and wake each morning - to the sound of the water gently lapping on the shores. The soothing sounds of the water are known to help with a great night's sleep. 

Of course, the benefits of waterfront living go beyond sleep. Being so close to tranquil waters can help with stress management. When you have beautiful views from every window, you can almost feel the stress and anxiety melting away from your body.

It also allows you to have a closer connection to nature, with plentiful fresh, clean air and soothing breezes across the Bay. A waterfront home may also offer greater privacy, with no neighbors on at least one side of your house.

Being in a waterfront home can also help you maintain an active lifestyle. This is especially true if you’re into fishing, boating, or other water activities. 

There are also financial benefits to owning a waterfront house. These types of homes tend to be highly desirable. This means your home will likely maintain - or increase - in value.

More specific to Tampa, the neighborhoods along the water tend to be smaller, close-knit communities. This can decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially in a bigger city like Tampa. The neighborhoods also tend to be more tranquil, with plenty of green space. Again, this can make you feel like you are in an oasis…while still being minutes from downtown Tampa.

Waterfront homes in Tampa have a lot to offer - which is why so many people would love to buy one. With many different neighborhoods situated along Tampa Bay, you will have your pick of places to live if you want to buy a house on the water in Tampa.

What to Know Before Buying a Waterfront Home in Tampa

There are many benefits to a waterfront house - from prestige to property value to cleaner air to the ability to walk out of your back door and get onto the water. Yet waterfront properties are a bit different. There are some unique considerations that you should keep in mind when searching for your ideal waterfront property.

Find The Right Realtor To Work With

First, you should work with a Tampa real estate agent who has specific experience with waterfront properties. They will have inside knowledge of what you should be looking for in a house. They can also help you view the property as a whole - not just the house. 

For example, they might be able to advise you that a particular house seems like a great deal because boat access is limited, which might be a problem if you have a boat that you’d like to dock at your house. Understanding this “bigger picture” as it relates to water access, zoning, restrictions on the use of the water, environmental regulations, and more is critical to making sure you make a good investment. 

Assess Expenses Associated With Waterfront Properties

Second, you should fully consider the financial aspects of owning a waterfront property before embarking on the buying process. You will typically need more costly insurance for wind, flooding, and general hazards. You may also have more difficulty obtaining a mortgage, particularly if the house has a high price tag. Before you start your house hunt, you may choose to get prequalified for your loan.

Engage An Experienced Home Inspector

Third, waterfront properties come with different hazards and concerns than inland houses. These homes take more abuse from the weather than other houses, so they should be built with features that can withstand the elements. A thorough property inspection by a Tampa-based inspector with experience in waterfront properties is imperative. They can flag potential problems and help you make a smart decision on your new home.

Working with a seasoned Tampa Realtor is the key to making a good investment in a waterfront home that will meet your needs and lifestyle. Eaton Realty can advise you of the pros and cons of each house - and can connect you with experts who will provide more specific advice related to the property. Working collaboratively, we can help you buy the waterfront home of your dreams.

The Eaton Realty Difference

Eaton Realty was founded by Craig Eaton, who has more than 40 years of real estate experience, including work as a loan officer, a general contractor, a landlord, and a broker. This diverse experience helps inform our work and allows us to provide comprehensive advice to our clients on any potential real estate sale or purchase.

We understand that each client comes to us with different wants and needs, whether they are interested in a downtown high-rise condo unit or a large single-family home on the water. We listen to our clients to understand the type of house that would best meet their needs and budget. We will then help you through each step, from getting prequalified to finding listings, negotiating a great deal, and closing on the property.
If you are in the market for a waterfront home in Tampa, give us a call at 813-672-8022 or fill out our online contact form.