$1,661,180Average Value$515Average Price per Sq Ft66Homes 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
Are you familiar with the Sunset Park neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Sunset Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sunset Park, Tampa sell after 109 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunset Park, Tampa over the last 12 months is $1,050,000, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home flooded (for the first time ever) during Hurricane Helene and is being sold "as-is". Remediation efforts are complete but were limited to pulling out wet drywall and flooring and drying out the home. No repairs have been made. Photos are pre-storm to show its potential. | Welcome home to this traditional brick home situated on a quarter-acre lot in the highly sought-after Sunset Park
An incredible opportunity awaits in the heart of South Tampa’s Sunset Park / Henderson Beach neighborhood. Situated on an oversized 76x129 lot (approx. 9,804 sq. ft.), this property offers the ideal setting to design and build your next dream home. The existing 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence with a private pool experienced water intrusion from Hurricane Helene, and while restoration work has been
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
Killer Deal on 5 bed 2 bath home in South Tampa Sunset ParkOnly $3,200 for the rent and just $999.00 deposit for qualified Tenant. Act nowFeatures :5 bedrooms and 2 Full bathroomsHardwood Flooring throughout. Ceramic Tile Flooring in Kitchen and BathroomsModern Kitchen with White Shaker Cabinets and Stainless Steel AppliancesCeiling Fans and LightingUpdated
Sunset Park Charmer | Welcome to this beautifully-appointed one-story home on a large corner lot in one of the most desirable areas of Tampa. Fully-furnished and ready for tenants, all you’ll have to bring is your toothbrush. Thoughtful, high quality furnishings are included for convenience and comfort, with a king bed in the primary suite, a queen bed in one bedroom, a full bed in another, and a
Exquisite Sunset Park Pool Estate –Prime South Tampa Leasing OpportunityNestled on an expansive 1⁄4-acre corner lot in the crown jewel neighborhood of Sunset Park, this timeless 1958 mid-century ranch has been meticulously curated for the most discerning resident. Spanning 2,142 sq ft of refined living space, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence seamlessly blends classic architectural elegance
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