Between Busch Gardens And The Iconic Ybor City Is Tampa's Secret Trendy Neighborhood

The sprawling Florida city of Tampa hosts a wealth of neighborhoods and enclaves, from the cultural melting pot of Ybor City, birthplace of the legendary Cuban sandwich, to the upscale ambiance of Hyde Park. Many Tampa visitors head to the revitalized Channel District to catch concerts at Benchmark International Arena, or ride rides at Busch Gardens, a family-friendly theme park. Yet locals in the know might point you toward a trendy area gaining traction for the destination-worthy restaurants, bars, and breweries that have popped up around landscaped streets lined with historic Craftsmans. Old Seminole Heights, a small faction within broader Seminole Heights, is north of Downtown and known for old, often colorful bungalows – a quintessential Old Florida aesthetic, just look at any of the area's real estate pages. Some are also listed as historic districts. But the neighborhood has more than just curb appeal.

Old Seminole Heights is on the northern fringe of the greater Seminole Heights neighborhood (which also includes South and Southeast Seminole Heights), sometimes loosely referred to as "The Heights." It's generally defined by the Hillsborough River to the north, Hillsborough Avenue to the south, Florida Avenue to the west, and 15th Street to the east. It sits 5 miles north of Benchmark Arena, a 10-mile drive from Tampa International Airport (TPA), and just 4 miles west of Busch Gardens — making it easily accessible on any Tampa trip.

One of the neighborhood's favorite perennial events is the Annual Old Seminole Heights Home Tour, and the 26th Annual is scheduled for February 15, 2026. Self-guided tour tickets cost $25, and visitors get the chance to peek inside some of the vintage bungalows — the average age of the homes on the 2025 tour was 107 – learn about the architecture, and hear stories of Floridians who lived here a century ago. 

Seminole Heights was established around 1911, as low-slung bungalow-style homes became the architectural rage, popularized by British-Colonial India thanks to their cooling designs for Florida heat. Per Tampa Magazine, Seminole Heights has more of these small, wide-eaved, wood-framed buildings than any other Tampa neighborhood, along with possibly "the highest concentration of porch swings per square mile," per one cheeky real estate blog. The streetcar helped fuel early growth, and Seminole Heights' steadfastness is credited to its tightly-knit community. When Interstate 275 divided the area, Seminole Heights fell into decline.

Now, however, independent restaurants, breweries, and housing demands have revitalized Old Seminole and its surroundings. Rooster & the Till is a James Beard Award finalist that serves fresh and innovative American dishes sourced locally — think duck breast with sumac onions and gnocchi with short ribs. Mango's Southern Kitchen + Bar serves elevated soul food with Caribbean flair, and it's popular — so reservations are recommended. Front Porch is a Seminole Heights brunch classic, and Bo's Ice Cream is a local legend since 1955. "It never ceases to live up to the lines and hype. Just a solid landmark in Tampa," praised one Redditor. For a casual neighborhood pizzeria, look no further than Cappy's, and for cozy caffeinating, Spaddy's coffee trailer pulls espressos and serves vegan burritos in a charming outdoor setting. Tampa's excellent craft beer scene is also prevalent, featuring breweries like Ology and Angry Chair, while Independent Bar serves drinks and bar food in a transformed, historic gas station.

Some popular spots like Chop Chop Shop — which had replaced historic diner Nicko's — and Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe — an eclectic brunch favorite for 15 years — have sadly closed. Yet the area continues to grow, offering plenty of delectable reasons to head to The Heights.

Seminole Heights gets an A grade from Niche, which calls it one of the best places to live. Schools are highly rated, safety earns relatively good marks, and there are plenty of parks and green spaces in addition to the larger number of restaurants and other businesses. The population is just over 17,000 and skews young, just 37 — although that number encompasses all of Seminole Heights — and homes and businesses are spread out, with plenty of room to breathe despite the very urban setting. Home median prices for Seminole Heights in late 2025 were around $486,000, according to Redfin, and a one-bedroom apartment rents for about $1,400 (though statistics show a majority of residents are homeowners). It's somewhat walkable, only earning a 61 from WalkScore, but the area will eventually be serviced by the inaugural segments of the Green ARTery, a 22-mile multi-use paved trail that plans to connect multiple communities throughout Tampa.

Old Seminole Heights "thrives on backyard [barbecues] and impromptu porch hangouts," per Vreeland Real Estate, retaining its defining, close-knit feel. Rivercrest Park in nearby South Seminole Heights offers fishing docks and kayak launches along with a playground and picnic tables, giving the neighborhood water views despite the fact that the neighborhood's a bit of a commute from the beaches on the Gulf or the Bay. On the second Sunday of each month, the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market welcomes dozens of local vendors sharing fresh produce, meat, artisan goods, and cooked food year-round. While Southeast Seminole Heights holds the corner on thrifting, there are a few vintage shops in Old Seminole. Vintage on Central is located in a classic Craftsman bungalow, and Guava City Vintage houses a number of vendors in a bright, open space.