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University Square

University Square

$286,524 Average Value
$252 Average Price per Sq Ft
23 Homes For Sale

University Square has budget-friendly homes in central Tampa

University Square offers affordable homes near Tampa’s top attractions. “It’s in a pocket near Busch Gardens and the University of South Florida,” says Tampa Realtor Jeff Tabares of Wealth Haven Realty. “There’s a strong pool of renters, and investors buy there because properties can be used as student housing.” Due to its landlocked location, the neighborhood experiences less storm damage than areas closer to the water. “It’s inland enough to be affected by wind, but not floods,” Tabares says.University Mall, which is undergoing significant redevelopment, sits just north. Within the next decade, it's projected to be a tech hub with shopping, dining, housing, offices and more. “It was completely demolished, and they’re rebuilding now,” Tabares says. “If University Mall becomes what they envision, these homes will be in a prime spot.”

University Square blends suburban living with ambitious redevelopment plans.
University Square blends suburban living with ambitious redevelopment plans.
University Square features cottages, ranch-style homes, and occasional split-level houses.
University Square features cottages, ranch-style homes, and occasional split-level houses.
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First-time buyers and investors drawn to affordable housing mix

Homes line flat roads, where the Florida sun shines on modest lots. Although succulents, palm trees and moss-draped live oaks grow in most yards, there’s not a lot of shade in the neighborhood. Small cottages typically have 1,000 square feet or less and one to three bedrooms and bathrooms. They can cost between $120,000 and $210,000. Ranch-style homes make up most of the neighborhood’s housing. Depending on size, age and condition, they can range in price from $220,000 to $440,000. Buyers may find Colonial Revival or split-level homes within the same price range, but they’re rare. Aside from investors and renters, University Square appeals to first-time buyers. Apartment complexes are also in the neighborhood.

Small cottages in University Square typically measure 1,000 square feet or less.
Small cottages in University Square typically measure 1,000 square feet or less.
University Square is a top choice for first-time homebuyers seeking affordable options.
University Square is a top choice for first-time homebuyers seeking affordable options.
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Rithm at Uptown redevelopment will add homes, offices and retail

Across state Road 582, Rithm at Uptown—a 100-acre redevelopment of the old University Mall—will transform the underused shopping center into a walkable mixed-use community with research labs, medical clinics, offices, thousands of homes and commercial space. Rithm stands for research, innovation, technology, humanity and medicine, reflecting the site’s uses. As it stands, Rithm has a Sprouts Farmers Market and Hub Tampa, an apartment complex for USF students. The multi-billion-dollar project is expected to be completed in 2030, but residents already have access to many nearby restaurants. Miller’s Ale House offers large portions of comfort food and a spot to watch sports; Angora Mediterranean Grill serves gyros and kebabs; and Talkin’s Tacos dishes Tex-Mex favorites. The Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen is just east of the neighborhood, with an expansive menu and lots of beer on tap.

The multi-billion-dollar Rithm project near University Square is expected to finish by 2030.
The multi-billion-dollar Rithm project near University Square is expected to finish by 2030.
The Rithm at Uptown project is transforming University Square’s old mall into a walkable community.
The Rithm at Uptown project is transforming University Square’s old mall into a walkable community.
Although Rithm won’t finish until 2030, University Square residents already enjoy Sprouts Farmers Market.
Although Rithm won’t finish until 2030, University Square residents already enjoy Sprouts Farmers Market.
Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen is a popular dining and brewery near University Square.
Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen is a popular dining and brewery near University Square.
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University of South Florida shapes the academic and cultural vibe

The University of South Florida, a public research university, is just outside the neighborhood. It educates about 50,000 students and has notable programs in industrial and organizational psychology, criminology, rehabilitation counseling and public health. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities, hand its medical school, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, is ranked Tier 1 in research by U.S. News and World Report.

A USF-branded water tower rises just outside University Square in Tampa.
A USF-branded water tower rises just outside University Square in Tampa.
Basketball fans can enjoy games at the USF Yuengling Center near University Square.
Basketball fans can enjoy games at the USF Yuengling Center near University Square.
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Students attend Hillsborough County Public Schools

Hillsborough County Public Schools serve University Square. Niche gives the district a B-plus. Parents can choose from magnet schools, controlled open enrollment and out-of-zone transfers. Acceptance depends on capacity and is usually determined by a lottery.Shaw Elementary and Witter Elementary are in the neighborhood and receive C’s from Niche. Shaw feeds into Buchanan Middle, which gets a C-plus, and Wharton High, earning a B. Wharton is a Cambridge School, meaning it offers advanced Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education diplomas.

Shaw Elementary School provides quality education for families in University Square.
Shaw Elementary School provides quality education for families in University Square.
Witter Elementary School serves families living in University Square.
Witter Elementary School serves families living in University Square.
Buchanan Middle School is a highly rated option for students in University Square.
Buchanan Middle School is a highly rated option for students in University Square.
Wharton High School in University Square focuses on developing creative and responsible students.
Wharton High School in University Square focuses on developing creative and responsible students.
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Outdoor recreation, from walking paths to water parks

The neighborhood’s Copeland Park offers various amenities. Its shaded playgrounds have monkey bars and swings, and its sports facilities include a ball field, as well as tennis and racquetball courts. Fitness equipment lines the extensive trail system, with paved and natural paths. The Copeland Center has an indoor gym, fitness center and computer lab, and the Copeland Pool is a summertime favorite. To the south, Rowlett Park rests along the Hillsborough River, with trails under oak and pine trees. From its Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail, visitors can launch canoes into the water. The park also features fitness stations, playgrounds, picnic areas and sports facilities, including Florida’s first wheelchair-accessible softball field for adult athletes. The public 18-hole Rogers Park Golf Course is adjacent to Rowlett Park. A 2-mile drive east leads to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Adventure Island water park. “People from all over the world come to the theme parks,” Tabares says. “They’re most popular from November to January, when it’s not too hot and there isn’t a cloud in the sky.”

Rowlett Park offers paved exercise trails for University Square residents to enjoy.
Rowlett Park offers paved exercise trails for University Square residents to enjoy.
Copeland Park is a favorite outdoor destination for University Square residents.
Copeland Park is a favorite outdoor destination for University Square residents.
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Easy access to interstates and downtown Tampa attractions

Interstate 275 is just west and can lead about 10 miles south to downtown Tampa, with attractions like the Water Street dining district; Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Benchmark International Arena, where the Tampa Bay Lightning take the ice; and Tampa International Airport. A short drive east leads to interstates 75 and 4. State roads 582 and 580 run east-west along the neighborhood’s northern and southern borders, respectively. Bus stops sit throughout the neighborhood. Top-tier medical facilities, including AdventHealth Tampa and the Moffitt Cancer Center, are about 2 miles away.

Adreanna DeMarino
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Paul Ayala
Photography Contributed By
Paul Ayala
Adam Barkley
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Adam Barkley

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Tampa International

24 min drive

Bus

22nd St & 111th Av

Bus

Busch Blvd & 30th St

Bus

Busch Blvd & Elmer St

Bus

22nd St & Bougainvillea Av

Bus

22nd St & 115th Av

Bus

Busch Blvd & 22nd St

Bus

30th St & Railroad Crossing

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime University Square US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
2,646
Number of Homes for Sale
23
Median Year Built
1961
Months of Supply
3.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,249
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
824
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
832
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
702
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
15
Median Rent
$1,645
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,895
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,223
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,450
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,300
Median Condo Rent
$1,275
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,350

Demographics

Total Population
10,364
Median Age
35
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$40,935
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$54,077

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
72.6%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
13.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.1%
% Population in Labor Force
61.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
53''
Average Winter Low Temperature
51°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

60 / 100

Moderately walkable

Walkability®

60 / 100

Some public transit

Transit®

50 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
University Square