$495,602Average Value$273Average Price per Sq Ft41Homes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Golf carts are a favorite mode of getting around the Tarpon Springs Historic District.
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.
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Tarpon Springs Historic District Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Tarpon Springs Historic District, Tarpon Springs sell after 99 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Tarpon Springs Historic District, Tarpon Springs over the last 12 months is $371,250, down 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
"Price reduced ". Situated in the highly sought-after "Fruit Bowl" area of Tarpon Springs, this stunning 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence is located. This house has been completely renovated, including a new roof, new air conditioning, an updated kitchen with a quartz countertop, white shaker kitchen cabinets, waterproof luxury vinyl flooring throughout the house, updated bathrooms, and more. It
**Seller Financing will be considered, and the Seller is open to negotiation on terms, so that YOU can be successful!** Looking for a project? Are you looking for a piece of Tarpon Springs history, close to the Sponge Docks and an opportunity to develop your own style with a blank canvas? Bring your Contractors, Architects, Engineers and all those who play a role in your success to help your
Embrace quintessential Florida waterfront living in this beautifully renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo in the Moorings of Tarpon Springs community. This bright and airy second-floor unit features a water view from the owner's suite and a screened balcony with additional storage, plus the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer. Residents enjoy amenities including a waterfront pool, clubhouse,
An adorable two-bedroom home in Historical Tarpon Springs, Florida for lease! Large yard, and an eat-in kitchen. Walking distance to Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs. This single-family home is located within walking distance to Craig Park and historic downtown Tarpon Springs! Many Historical shops and enjoy the * Antique Alley on Tarpon Avenue. Walking distance to the Bayou and enjoy all Tarpon
Welcome to Callista Cay, a gated waterfront community in the heart of Tarpon Springs. With 3 bedrooms 2 1⁄2 bathrooms and just over 1,800 sqft of living space, you’ll fall in love with this home from the moment you arrive. Built in 2020, this concrete construction townhome will stand the test of time for years to come with all hurricane impact-rated windows and doors. The first floor is the
Mimi DeSettoCOASTAL PROPERTIES GROUP INTERNATIONAL
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