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Tarpon Springs Historic District

Tarpon Springs Historic District

$500,575 Average Value
$233 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

A coastal historic village known for its Greek culture and sponge diving industry

Florida’s Tarpon Springs Historic District is a quaint coastal village with a strong Greek heritage and a thriving sponge-diving industry. On the northern part of the Pinellas peninsula, the district boasts historic architecture and eclectic mom-and-pop shops on Spring Bayou. Greek influences abound, from restaurants to festivals to religious ceremonies, as the city of Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek-Americans in the nation. It’s been that way since 1905, when Greeks flocked to the area for its lucrative sponge trade, harvesting the Gulf waters for natural sponges to sell. The industry's influence on the local economy and lifestyle earned the city the nickname “Sponge Capital of the World." Tarpon Springs Historic District underwent revitalization in 2010, and today, it continues to lure more and more homebuyers. “People obviously come here for the proximity to the Gulf, but the big Greek ancestry is the most famous thing about the community,” says Keith Jamison, Realtor with Real Broker LLC. “We say it’s like going to Greece without a passport."
Tarpon Springs celebrates the history of the sponge diver with a statue on the Sponge Docks.
Tarpon Springs celebrates the history of the sponge diver with a statue on the Sponge Docks.
There is nowhere in the area quite like the Tarpon Springs Historic District.
There is nowhere in the area quite like the Tarpon Springs Historic District.
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Mom and pop restaurants, quaint boutiques and Historic Greektown

Mom-and-pops line Tarpon Avenue, the heart of the district. “There are so many amenities nearby. You can walk into any restaurant, and if you’ve been there a couple times, they all probably know your name,” says Judy Eaves, Realtor with Re/Max Action First and Tarpon Springs resident. Its walkable streets are home to clothing store Little Beach Boutique, Bear Haven Vintage Toys and The Court of Two Sisters, an antiques shop. Tarpon Tavern offers American pub fare in a 1920s-era building, and Back Draughts Pizza is the go-to spot for wood-fired slices. The district has Winn-Dixie for essentials. The waterfront Historic Greektown sits on the northern edge of the community. With streets named after Greek places like Athens, it’s home to authentic Greek restaurants like Mykonos and Greek-owned businesses. Along the waterfront are various sponge-related businesses like The Sponge Exchange, a shopping mall. The Replay Museum, at the neighborhood’s center, features over 100 vintage arcade games. And the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum, located at Craig Park, highlights the history of the Greek community and the town.
Tarpon Springs is a mecca of shopping and Greek style food.
Tarpon Springs is a mecca of shopping and Greek style food.
Gallery of Fun Finds is run by local artists, that make many of the items for sale.
Gallery of Fun Finds is run by local artists, that make many of the items for sale.
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Fun on the bayou and strolling the Sponge Docks

The community hugs the sides of Whitcomb and Spring Bayous, popular spots for fishing and boating. On the shores of Spring Bayou, Craig Park is a favorite for waterfront picnics and concerts at its bandshell. The park also has tennis courts and boat launches and is a prime viewing place for manatees and dolphins. The Sponge Docks are a major part of the community’s culture, serving as an attraction and economic driver. Residents can purchase sea sponges and watch sponge boats coming in. Tarpon Springs Splash Park sits directly east and features a maritime-themed water park with a dog park and kayak launch. Tarpon Springs Golf Course hugs its southern edge and is a public 18-hole course that’s served the city since 1927. Gulf Coast beaches are less than 4 miles west, and the 155-acre Fred Howard Park is a local favorite for swimming and windsurfing. “Everybody pretty much goes to Fred Howard Park,” Jamison says. “There’s a little island beach at the end of it. That’s the most popular spot for people to go to the beach.”
There is a nice sidewalk path that is a long the shoreline at Craig Park.
There is a nice sidewalk path that is a long the shoreline at Craig Park.
The World Famous Sponge docks are the big draw to Tarpon Springs.
The World Famous Sponge docks are the big draw to Tarpon Springs.
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Historic bungalows and Victorians dating to the 1800s

Tarpon Springs Historic District’s brick-lined streets have 145 historic sites, many of them homes dating to the 1800s. The walkable district offers Craftsman-style bungalows from the 1920s, Mediterranean Revival mansions built in the 1990s and historic Victorians on the water from the 1910s. Prices range from the mid-$200,000s for a two-bedroom to the mid-$700,000s for a four-bedroom. There are also a few historic homes worth over $1 million. “The proximity to the water brings people in, especially because there are so many affordable housing options in a great location for people who want to be close to the water,” Jamison says. Houses don’t come up for sale very often, with 16 selling in the last year. Property sizes average between 900 square feet and 3,000 square feet. Most historic properties have maintained their original features, like wrap-around porches, stately columns and ornate latticework. Lot sizes can stretch up to a quarter acre, and higher-priced homes overlook the bayous. Townhouses are available in the Bayou Village development. Three bedrooms start in the mid-$300,000s. Residents are within walking distance of Spring Bayou, Craig Park, shopping, dining and a church. The neighborhood has a CAP Index Crime Score of 5/10, slightly higher than the national average of 4.
In Tarpon Springs Historic District, this contemporary Tudor style home with a beautiful yard.
In Tarpon Springs Historic District, this contemporary Tudor style home with a beautiful yard.
There is a variety of architectural styles to see in Tarpon Springs.
There is a variety of architectural styles to see in Tarpon Springs.
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Tarpon Springs schools make the grade

Pinellas County Schools serves the area and is the seventh-largest in Florida. Kids can attend the B-minus-rated Tarpon Springs Elementary, followed by Tarpon Springs Middle, which has an A-minus Niche grade. The elementary school offers a STEM club. Students can finish their education at Tarpon Springs High, which earns a B and provides football and cross-country teams. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Parochial School, a private school serving K-5.
Tarpon Springs High School has been a top rated high school for over 10 years.
Tarpon Springs High School has been a top rated high school for over 10 years.
Sunset Hills Elementary School is an above average, public school located in Tarpon Springs, FL.
Sunset Hills Elementary School is an above average, public school located in Tarpon Springs, FL.
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Home to one of the largest Greek religious celebrations

The area is known for its religious celebrations, hosted by Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, at the heart of the district. Epiphany is its biggest religious event. Held in January, it attracts thousands of Greek Americans nationwide. Tarpon Springs also celebrates Greek Independence Day every March with a parade and festival at the Sponge Docks. The docks are also the site of the annual Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival in November and tree lighting in December. “Everyone’s so welcoming and friendly here,” says Eaves. “I love the hometown feel of it. It’s truly a place where everybody knows everybody.”

Prone to hurricanes

The neighborhood’s proximity to the coast makes it prone to hurricanes and flooding. Most properties have hurricane-resistant windows, shutters and other protections.

Thirteen miles from Clearwater

Pinellas Avenue cuts through the neighborhood. This route connects to Highway 19, which provides access to the region. Tampa is about 28 miles east, Tampa International Airport is approximately 22 miles away, and Clearwater is about a 13-mile drive. Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority provides public transportation, and bus stops are along Pinellas and Tarpon avenues. AdventHealth North Pinellas is the closest hospital, less than 2 miles south.
Tarpon Springs Historic District has a Trolley line that can take you to most places.
Tarpon Springs Historic District has a Trolley line that can take you to most places.
Golf carts are a favorite mode of getting around the Tarpon Springs Historic District.
Golf carts are a favorite mode of getting around the Tarpon Springs Historic District.
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Amy David
Written By
Amy David
David Hall
Photography Contributed By
David Hall

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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

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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Tampa International

42 min drive

Bus

Pinellas Ave N & Cypress St

Bus

Pinellas Ave S & Court St W

Bus

Pinellas Ave N & Spruce St E

Bus

Pinellas Ave S & Safford Ave

Bus

Pinellas Ave N & Pine St E

Bus

Arfaras St & Dodecanese Blvd

Bus

Pinellas Ave N & Orange St W

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Tarpon Springs Historic District US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Tarpon Springs Historic District Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$324,708
Median Sale Price
$263,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$333,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$261,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$639,990
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-37%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$233

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
639
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
1972
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,144
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,086
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
981
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
766
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Open Houses

  • Friday, Aug 1
    6 - 8pm

    49 W Boyer St, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

    $385,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,873 Sq Ft
    • 49 W Boyer St

    Charming Historic Home in the Heart of Tarpon Springs! Welcome to a beautifully renovated 1925 bungalow nestled in the sought-after "Fruit Bowl" neighborhood of Tarpon Springs. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence seamlessly blends historic charm with modern upgrades, offering an ideal retreat just steps from Spring Bayou and the vibrant downtown area. Some key features include a spacious layout

    Emmalee Wallace TREASURED HOME COLLECTION

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,406
Median Age
51
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$74,999
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$116,783

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.5%
Advanced Degrees
16.2%
% Population in Labor Force
53.8%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
55''
Average Winter Low Temperature
52°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

69 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

30 / 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.

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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
Tarpon Springs Historic District