Tampa Heights is on the rise again. Just north of downtown, residents are embracing the neighborhood’s history and proximity to Tampa’s urban core. “Tampa Heights has changed a lot, and it’s become vibrant,” says Nicholas Buchanan, who focuses on the neighborhood as the lead Realtor for Keller Williams’ Buchanan Portfolio Group. Like Seminole Heights saw a resurgence last decade, Tampa Heights’ early-1900s, classic wood-frame bungalows with expansive porches and tree-lined streets are in higher demand than ever. Read about five homes that exemplify the state of the neighborhood this year below.
105 E. EUCLID AVE.
Homes like this fully restored three-bedroom from 1910 are the epitome of what people love about Tampa Heights, Buchanan says. “It’s just the historic charm. People are starting a new chapter in these 100-year-old homes,” he explains. “Homeowners are always finding old glass kitchen cabinet doors or an attic. They are paying more to have a restored home versus a renovated home because, as we’re spending more time in our living rooms, they want to talk about where this or that piece came from, or about the fireplace or the restored doorknobs. People like to have conversations about the history of their homes.”
313 W. FRANCES AVE.
Another restored bungalow, from 1903, this three-bedroom, four-bathroom features an addition, like many of the Tampa Heights homes that have been more recently updated. “They usually start off as smaller, two-bed, one-bath bungalows,” Buchanan explains. “Then throughout the years they’ve been expanded either through the back or propped up with a second floor. Then one to two bedrooms have been added on the second floor.” This house features an expansive, landscaped backyard with a wood deck, fire pit and outdoor shower. Plus, being just four blocks from Armature Works, it’s all about location. “The proximity to downtown, I think, is the main draw to Tampa Heights,” Buchanan says. “A lot of newer residents that are coming to Tampa Heights are a one-car household. It’s easy to get to work if you work downtown because you can take one of the little scooters or a Coast bike or share a car. The affordability and being so close to downtown is a really big factor.”
109 E. WOODLAWN AVE.
Another one of the biggest draws to Tampa Heights is homes like this restored 1924 Japanese-style bungalow, which has all the defining features of the neighborhood’s classic properties. “You’re going to have gorgeous wood floors. A lot of people have restored the floors to their original beauty,” Buchanan says. “You’re usually going to have one or two fireplaces. Some are wood burning, and some have been converted to gas. You’ll hopefully have all your original built-ins in the dining room with glass doors, baseboards and really ornate crown moulding on the ceilings. Then the front porches, or the wraparound porches, I think are what really define the Tampa Heights houses.”
3505 N. TAMPA ST.
“What’s happening now is people are coming in and, if the original homes aren’t able to be repaired, they’re being torn down and really cool modern single-families or modern townhouses with rooftop terraces are being put in their place,” Buchanan explains. Built in 2018, this Tampa Street three-bedroom is the perfect example of a new home built in the old Craftsman style. Its size is similar to that of an original Heights bungalow but with updated 21st-century granite counters, maple cabinets, and vaulted, airy ceilings. Buchanan estimates that roughly one-third of the neighborhood is new construction, so properties like this one are increasingly common in the area.
3512 N. HIGHLAND AVE.
“Tampa Heights does have a historic designation, so there are guidelines you have to follow,” Buchanan says. “There’s rules about the look of [the home], the look of the windows, the look of the front porch.” But there’s still room to have fun with exterior paint colors, like this 1913 home does. It also features a mix of classic new elements, like the front porch, wide foyer and cozy fireplace, paired with updated granite countertops and walk-in showers.
