$1,697,541Average Value$210Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
One of Tampa Bay’s most sought-after tree-canopied suburbs
Hugging the shoreline of Old Tampa Bay, Sunset Park is a fitting name for this South Tampa neighborhood. "We've got the sun, we've got these beautiful old oak trees – it really does feel like living in a park," says Robin Smillie, one of three directors of the Sunset Park Homeowners Association (SPAHA). Grand estates graced with private piers share protected mangroves, while residents are within reach of Hyde Park Village, Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club and all that Tampa offers up and down the main Dale Mabry corridor. SPAHA is active within the neighborhood. Members, including Smillie and Paige Gonzalez, usually get involved in city council meetings and local schools, which are considered some of the best in the Tampa Bay area. Sunset Park is often ranked as one of the top five neighborhoods in Tampa. Smillie, who has lived here since the 1970s, says that, like him, most residents stay for decades and generations. "My neighbor said she'd stay here for the rest of her life, and she just passed away. I guess she really did stick to her word."
Oak-shaded Art Deco and Spanish or Tudor estates on Old Tampa Bay
In 2024, Sunset Park celebrated its 100th anniversary. Sometimes referred to as "Home of the Poets," Sunset Park's residential streets carry names of famous literary figures, including Homer, Tennyson, Dickens and Poe. In the 1950s, developers dredged a cluster of islands – referred to as "fingers" by locals – just wide enough for a cul-de-sac. The canals now undulate between tight rows of custom mansions on one-third-acre lots, often ranging in price between $1 to $6 million. New builds are modern, emphasizing a boxy shape and minimalistic clean lines. "The newer the house, the bigger they get," Smillie says. "Instead of yard space, you get square footage." Older residences are farther inland on half-acre lots and larger than most South Tampa neighborhoods. These properties — often ranch-style, Art Deco, Spanish or Tudor — boast some of the neighborhood's largest oaks. Pricing can range from $800,000 to $2 million. Gonzalez says that homes very rarely become available. "When something becomes available, we let all of our friends know. The house across the street was listed, and I immediately told my good friend about it. She lives there now and just loves it." Because of its sought-after location, property value tends to be recession-proof here and consistently tick upwards.
Street names at the corner in front of home in Sunset Park.
Overhead view of rows of grand estates with private boating docks.
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Desirable HCPS district, A-plus Plant High
Public schools are in the Hillsborough County Public School District, named the No. 2 best district in Tampa by Niche. Kids can start at Mabry Elementary School and move on to Coleman Middle, both earning an A-minus grade on Niche. Older students advance to Plant High, which earns Niche's highest A-plus grade and sports championship-winning girls' volleyball and boys' tennis teams. It is the No. 1-ranked high school in Tampa Bay. Faith-based schools, such as Bayshore Christian and Academy of the Holy Names, offer private options.
Biking the sidewalk along Bayshore Boulevard, fishing charters and private piers
The neighborhood's namesake park is set off Old Tampa Bay, offering waterfront views, fishing spots and boat docks. Dundee Park is set to receive additions, such as a boardwalk and kayak launch in the nearby lake. But what sets this South Tampa suburb apart is the century-plus old oak trees that canopy over the streets in Sunset Park. "The trees here are everything," Smillie says. "We had fourteen children living on this street at one time. We blocked it off during the Olympics one year and created our own ball field." Now faded, a white spray-painted first base is still noticeable on the tree across from Smillie's home. Other perks of residing in Sunset Park include proximity to the longest sidewalk in the country on Bayshore Boulevard and the exclusive Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club.
Boats dock at this local boating dock in Sunset Park.
Private ports to dock your boats along the water in Sunset Park.
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Get a quick snack, some cold ice, or try a new food at the Rainbow Food Market.
Bucket Bread at Wright's and Henderson Boulevard Shopping Center
Henderson Boulevard Shopping Center offers a cat café, Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse and grocers Target, Sprouts Farmers Market and The Fresh Market. A South Tampa staple, Wright's Gourmet House opened in 1963 and was one of the city's first restaurants to offer frozen meals. Most notable are the sandwiches, which feature the shop's specialty Bucket Bread. The owners bake the bread in a round pan, a style that has inspired copycats. Wright's is also known for its rum cake and other sweet treats. Bay to Bay Boulevard brings residents through Palma Ceia and into SoHo, as well as the outdoor mall Hyde Park Village. Sunset Park is near WestShore Plaza —home to well-known department stores like JCPenney — and International Plaza, known for more high-end brands and a list of dining and entertainment options.
Getting in and around Sunset Park requires a car
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) bus stops along the main Dale Mabry artery to connect with the Tampa International Airport, 6 miles north. Residents are only 6 miles from Downtown Tampa and 18 miles from downtown St. Petersburg via the Howard Franklin or Gandy bridges. I-275, State Route 92 and The Selmon Expressway are all within 3 miles. Living in South Tampa means proximity to Bayshore Boulevard and its 10-foot-wide sidewalk, which runs 4.5 miles to downtown Tampa. It is the longest continuous sidewalk in the U.S. HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital is under 3 miles east for medical care.
From neighborhood block parties to a pirate invasion during Gasparilla season
Every January, Sunset Park residents look forward to the return of the week-long Gasparilla Pirate Fest. The fest attracts over 500,000 spectators to its parades, which go up and down Bayshore Boulevard, mock pirate invasions and celebratory fireworks. Gasparilla continues to run from January until April and includes additional events like the annual Gasparilla Music Festival. SPAHA hosts regular family-friendly events, such as movies in the park and seasonal block parties.
Weather warnings for Tampa Bay area
In 2024, two back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, hit Tampa Bay, causing excessive flooding of up to eight feet in Sunset Park. Smillie had never experienced flooding in the neighborhood before Helene and Milton. "You're either staying and repairing your house or selling it as a complete teardown. But the land still sells – an empty lot just sold for a million dollars the other day." Due to new insurance requirements for flooding coverage, the lowest floor elevation, including basements, must be above the base flood elevation (BFE) plus 1 foot.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelly Parks,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sevilla Running Circle
Corona Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Friendship Park
Swann Circle Park
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Cal Dickson Tennis Center
Tennis
Carol Kennedy Field
Baseball/Softball
Trails
Transit
Airport
Tampa International
12 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sunset Park
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Sunset Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sunset Park, Tampa sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunset Park, Tampa over the last 12 months is $336,205, up 43% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy peace of mind...No water intrusion here! Discover the beauty of tree-lined streets in the heart of Sunset Park, where you'll find a spacious owner's suite designed for your comfort. The lovely owner’s bedroom suite is on the first floor and features a generous custom walk-in closet and a beautifully updated bathroom, complete with dual vanities and a sleek frameless glass
Welcome to 5010 W Dickens Avenue, a rare Sunset Park gem where timeless architecturemeets exceptional design and scale.Nestled high and dry in one of South Tampa’s most beloved enclaves the “Poet Streets,”this custom residence was thoughtfully designed by architect Jim Ludwig and masterfullybuilt by Steve Fisher of Classic Builders. With over 8,000 square feet under roof
WATERFRONT ACCESS on a true double lot! If you are looking for waterfront property without the lack of privacy a canal front home often provides, you have just found your dream opportunity! This Sunset Park estate is situated on a rare half acre lot with deeded water access and a private dock/boat lift directly across the street. The elevated difference is the true enjoyment of your resort style
Stunning, Rare, Oversized Lot for Sale in Sunset Park - one of South Tampa's most desirable neighborhoods. Longfellow is a quiet, picturesque street with beautiful trees and luxury homes. This generous 76' x 206' home site encompasses over a third of an acre (.35 acres) and is deep enough to accommodate a large home with plenty of room for a pool and still have a large backyard. The existing
Shovel-Ready Sunset Park Lot Under $500K – Seller Financing or JV AvailableWelcome to 3013 S Manhattan Ave – a rare, cleared, and shovel-ready homesite in the heart of Sunset Park, one of South Tampa’s most desirable neighborhoods. Measuring 63’ x 100’, this lot is zoned for top-rated schools: Mabry Elementary, Coleman Middle, and Plant High School. This is currently the only available
Great opportunity to build on this 70 X 125 Canal Front lot. Centrally located to West Shore Plaza, International Mall, the West ShoreBusiness Districts, Tampa International Airport, Bridges to St Pete & Clearwater and many fine eating establishments. This canal wasdredged several years ago so easy access to Tampa Bay. We want to emphasize the beautiful views (especially the sunsets from
Welcome to this stunningly fully renovated Eleveted home avilable toOffering a rare blend of timeless style, modern upgrades, and true peace of mind. Set on a beautifully landscaped corner lot in one of Sunset Park’s most desirable pockets, this home wows with its curb appeal: a travertine walkway and elegant steps lead you to the grand entrance. Inside, a soaring two-story foyer sets the tone,
Stunning Custom-Built 2024 Milana Home – 5 Beds, 5 Baths, Private Pool & Spa! Experience luxury living at its finest in this newly built 5-bedroom, 5 full baths + 2 half baths two-story home by Milana Custom Homes. Designed with exquisite detail and high-end finishes, this home offers both elegance and comfort for the most discerning renter. Main Floor Highlights:Enter through a grand open
5 bedrooms 2 bath home Located in Prestigious Palma Ceia Neighborhood of South Tampa. Close to all the prominent locations; Short 12-minute drive to University of Tampa, and near to Hyde Park, Soho and Downtown Tampa, MacDill Air Force Base and the Westshore Business District.Size: 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Date: Available: August 1, 2025 Rent: Only $3750/month
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelly Parks,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,978
Median Age
44
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$191,373
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$206,306
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.1%
College Graduates
75.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
42.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
46/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
26/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
