Living in South Tampa

I live in South Tampa, and to be honest, I have not heard of South Tampa Square? Where is it located?

I live in Pinellas county ( across the bay) I own a rental property VERY close to Mac Dill, it is on Wisconsin Ave & Dale mabry...I would say it is NOT an area that is safe. I don't know exactly where " South Tampa Square " is but the South Tampa area of Dale Mabry near Mac Dill is not great if you ask me.

Hi there,
I'm not sure where South Tampa Square is, but my husband and I live in s. tampa right by the base. Yes, we live in one of those shotty-looking neighborhoods right off of MacDill. We have lived here for over 5 years and have never had a problem on our street. Now, I won't speak for the rest of our neighborhood (I've seen some sketchy looking people walking along the main road) but our dead end street has been nothing but wonderful to live on. Our neighbors are courteous and wonderful. Some older and some younger couples with small children.Our road dead ends to Gasden Park. The park has two dogs parks, a playground (not as nice as Ballast Point) several baseball fields and a wonderful walking trail that surrounds a small fishing pond/lake that is beautiful. People roller blade, walk their dogs and their kids along the trail all day/evening. I wouldn't walk alone there at night, but that's anywhere in Tampa. I have ran along there when dark though, but not with the baby. The city has come a long way in fixing up this area. Yes, at first, moving from Westchase, this area of town really scared me, but my husband works on base and loves his "commute." So, I'd just take a close look at your immediate neighbors and the area surrounding your home. Chances are, if you feel safe there and like the area, then everything will be fine. There are no guarantees whereever you live. Our good friends sold their house on our street 3 years ago to live on Harbour Island. Since then, they've had one bike stolen, an attempted scooter theft (busted lock and starter) and my girlfriend was chased down on her bike by a bunch of young men as she was entering their gated community.
While here, on the other hand, I left my PURSE on the hood of my car sitting in our driveway OVERNIGHT after coming home from a night out on the town (pre baby and I wasn't driving!) and it was there (all contents included) when I got up in the morning.
I don't know if that's what kind of response you were looking for, but that's been our/my experience.
good luck!
K.

South Tampa is beautiful, you will be very happy there.

Nice area close to the base - BUT the past couple of years the weather has been really crazy. SO you never know when we will be in the path of a hurricane...if there is a hurricane this area is a low coastal zone & you will need to evacuate. Make sure you have a plan of where to go.

Have you looked in other communities Tampa has to offer... Westchase, Brandon/Riverview, North Tampa etc? these areas have sidewalks, parks, jogging paths, play areas, sidewalk cafe's, grocery stores...pretty self sufficient.

I was born and raised in South Tampa. Most people raised south of Gandy Blvd. never leave. There is lots of extended families and it's common to run into old high school friends. I have always felt safe walking around the neighborhoods but summer is comming so walking isn't very enjoyable, especially for the kids. Check out Picnic Island in port tampa, for quick and easy beach access for keeping cool this summer. There are playgrounds everywhere. If you live close to the AFB be ready for buggles at 7am, air horns at 12, The Star Spangled banner at 5:30, and taps at 10pm. Yes you hear it off base too.

Hi K.,

My husband lived in Hyde Park for 7 years, I for 11. We moved to the sticks 10 years ago. If I was to move back into Tampa, it would be to Hyde Park. That is if we could afford it. It is a great area. A lot of singles encompass the area, but there are families, too. Good schools (from what I hear, ours were born after we moved). You can walk to almost everything. As far as safety is concerned, I would say it is pretty safe. There are a few areas in Hyde Park that are safer than others. But for the most part, I would still feel safe walking after dark. I used to walk my two dogs late at night all the time by myself, before I was married. But remember, it is Tampa, and that alone is to make you be on your guard a bit. We still hang out down there when we can. There is an area called Soho which is South Howard Ave. That is mostly townhomes and restaurants. The area I am referring to is south of Swann and east of Howard...that is Hyde Park. There are some other neighborhoods around the area, New Suburb Beautiful, Palma Ceia, etc...but Hyde Park is best....just my opinion. There is also a great park, called Kate Jackson...it is actually called something else, now, but in the old days it was called Kate Jackson park. They have a water play area, great playground, recreation center, etc...on the corner of Rome/Morrison. The biggest downside, is it is in a flood zone. Well, welcome, and hope this helps!

I've lived all around S Tampa and never had a problem. As for the MacDill AB area alson known as Port Tampa that's a lil ghetto but Gandy/Westshore where they are building the yacht Club is great we lived in The Camden apts and loved it. I always walked the dogs and baby over there.