Some people dream of wide-open spaces, while others prefer the energy of a city skyline. From walkable streets and neighborhood restaurants to waterfront views and vibrant cultural scenes, downtown living offers a lifestyle unlike any other. We spoke with Tampa Bay residents who have chosen to call downtown home to learn what they love most about living in the heart of the city.
Downtown Area: Water Street
I’m originally from Indiana, but Tampa has become home. I was drawn to the growth and lifestyle here, and Water Street gives me the right mix of energy.
When looking for a place to live, walkability and views were at the top of my list. I work from my home office often, so I wanted somewhere with a waterfront feel — calm during the day but still close to everything at night.
The easy access, the views and the overall walkable lifestyle sealed it for me. It has the convenience of downtown living while still feeling like a calm, clean neighborhood.
Downtown feels like its own little bubble — a clean, walkable, active bubble that has almost everything you need close by. There’s real convenience in being able to walk to coffee, dinner, events, the Riverwalk or just take the pup out for a stroll.
Being next door to Benchmark International Arena is a major perk. Concerts, Lightning games and other events can all be last-minute decisions, which is one of the best parts of living here. The Water Street/Channelside area is also filled with dog owners, which definitely makes day-to-day living better for the pup.
Walking the Riverwalk and Bayshore, taking an easy bike ride to Life Time for pickleball or Hyde Park Village for lunch, and being close to the water are all big advantages. I also like sneaking in a few swings at Yeoman’s Topgolf Swing Suite when I can. And Cardi loves the old-school trolley, so sometimes the ride itself becomes the activity — though she prefers taking it to Pete’s Bagels in Ybor for the dog park.
I’m lucky to have sunrise water views and sunset city views. The dog park and dog spa in my building definitely have their perks.
The Market at EDITION is one of my go-to spots, especially for morning coffee, and the wood-fired pizza is underrated. Columbia Cafe is another favorite — grab a table along the Riverwalk, order the famous Cuban sandwich combo and don’t skip the table side sangria. Anchor and Brine is a great spot for dinner and drinks with a marina vibe, especially when the weather is nice.
Tampa’s downtown is definitely trending in the right direction. You get the energy of the city, the water, the walkability and a neighborhood feel all at once. And Cardi says, “Thank you to Orangetheory Fitness, Wine on Water and The EDITION for all the amazing treats on my walks — especially the ones bigger than my head!”
Downtown Area: Channelside
I’m originally from New York. I visited Tampa once as a college senior and signed a lease right after that trip. I’ve loved it here ever since.
When I was looking for a place to live, walkability was easily the No. 1 priority. I wanted to be able to walk to cafes, restaurants and everything else I needed.
One of the things I love most about living downtown is that it’s walkable, safe and clean. There are lots of great people here, everything I need is within a mile, and I’ve never once felt unsafe.
For the price I pay, it’s perfect. I have a two-bedroom apartment with a dedicated home office, a balcony with a great view of the cruise ship port, and I can walk almost everywhere. The building is also brand new.
Some of my favorite downtown restaurants are The Pearl, Jackson’s, Boulon, Ulele and American Social.
Some of my favorite activities include walking to local cafes, working around downtown, playing tennis at Life Time and spending weekend nights at American Social or exploring Water Street.
Michael Saunders & Company
As Michael Saunders & Company celebrates 50 years, it is strengthening its presence in downtown St. Petersburg. Since opening its St. Pete office in late 2025, the firm’s advisors have achieved more than $165 million in year-to-date sales, reflecting the area’s remarkable momentum. That growth is why the company is opening its flagship office at the base of 400 Central, the city’s tallest building.
While the downtown office is new, the company’s connection to St. Petersburg is not. Through its Developer Services division, Michael Saunders & Company has collaborated on residential projects that have helped shape the city’s skyline, from Vinoy Place in the early 2000s to The Residences at 400 Central, where the firm serves as the exclusive sales and marketing partner. The new office is the next logical step in a relationship that has been years in the making.
“We chose downtown St. Petersburg for the same reasons our clients do,” says Drayton Saunders, president of Michael Saunders & Company. “This is a city in motion — walkable streets, a thriving arts scene, waterfront parks and some of the best dining in Tampa Bay. Living and working here means unmatched convenience and a genuine sense of community, from marinas and museums to festivals and First Fridays.”
Serving clients across the Gulf Coast and greater Tampa Bay, the firm’s philosophy remains unchanged: “Wherever we serve, our greatest measure of success remains the relationships we build and the communities we’re proud to help shape.”
Michael Saunders & Company
449 Central Ave., Suite 104,
St. Petersburg | (727) 472-1144
michaelsaunders.com
