Tampa Bay Neighborhoods, from a gay perspective.

If you are planning to move to gay Tampa Bay, then you are probably curious about where to live.  The bay area has three main cities / areas: Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.  Each city has its own personality and gay neighborhoods.  Below are the main gay neighborhoods, but for a more detailed guide to our neighborhoods, go to our Neighborhoods page.

Neighborhoods, the full story

Tampa Bay Gay Life:  

If you are looking be near a "gay section" then you should look to South Tampa and Central St. Petersburg.  Both areas are heavily gay and a decent amount of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and other gay businesses. 

Tampa's Gay Neighborhoods:   

South Tampa
You will find a very large concentration of gays in the South Tampa area, that area south of I275.  There are many gay bars,  restaurants, and businesses in this area.  Neighborhoods with higher concentrations of gay would be SoHo (South Howard area) and southern Palma Ceia.  Many of us live work and play without ever leaving South Tampa.  One of the most delightful drives that you will ever take is along Bayshore Blvd which features joggers along the bay and stately homes.

The Heights
Riverside Heights, Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights are the areas just north of downtown Tampa.  Riverside Heights is one of our gayest neighborhoods, followed closely by Seminole Heights.  Both are charming and affordable neighborhood of older homes.  Tampa Heights is our oldest area and is still trying to rebound.   

Carrollwood
If you want a newer suburban neighborhood, then Carrollwood is for you.  Its in the northern section of Tampa and has a decent concentration of gay people.  More value for your money here and less trips to Home Depot.

St. Petersburg Gay Neighborhoods:   

Historic Kenwood - This neighborhood is quickly becoming gay central for St. Petersburg.  Lots of gays and nearby bars. The housing is primarily bungalows from the 1920’s with hardwood floors and large front porches (the site of many “Porch Parties”)

Old Northeast - Many gays and a real sense of "neighborhood".  It has many bungalows, brick streets, and pretty views of the water.  This neighborhood is popular with couples.

Gulfport - Very popular with lesbians especially.  Gulfport is enjoying a rapid renaissance. Gulfport has become a haven for artists because of the laid-back atmosphere. The first Friday of every month is Gallery Walk along Beach Boulevard.   

Clearwater Gay Neighborhoods:   

Dunedin - Just north of Clearwater, this section has a old downtown which is very artsy.  It also has one of the few gay bars in northern Pinellas County.  Dunedin is affordable, with its main drawback of not being convenient to the rest of the bay area resulting in longer drive times.

Safety Harbor - Similar to Dunedin, Safety Harbor is an artsy town.  It does have a great advantage of being convenient to the bridges and roads.