Davis Island or Hyde Park (houses, neighborhood, college)

[tarheelgal27]

Family of 5, likes walking places...your suggestions?

[Tampa Homes]

I love Davis Islands myself. It's a cool little community and has such a laid back feel to it. Hyde Park would probably be closer to and have more restaurants etc, although DI is just a quick ride over that bridge and voila. Some would probably argue that Hyde Park is better suited for those who like to "walk places." Both have easy access to Bayshore.

[Tim Tim Tim]

If you like to walk places definitely hyde park. Davis island has a few small shops but thats it. Hyde park has much more to do

[BBMW]

My take was Davis Island = older population, Hyde Park/SoHo = younger (and partying)

[tarheelgal27]

Thanks all for your thoughts, moving after being in one place for 19 years is tough!

[Tim Tim Tim]

Davis is older people generally but there is NOTHING to do on the island. Unless your a pilot or have a boat (theres an airport and marina on the island) then there isnt much there but houses.

I personally think hyde park is cool but its not for me to live there. Its just like any area im sure, once you go to the restraunts so many times, your just ready for a change.

[griff609]

With kids I would say Davis Islands. The sidewalks are huge, the streets are wide and fairly well lit at night. There is a little league ball field and playground over by the Marina. They just finished a great walking/bike path around the airfield with a Park area for kids to run around. There is also a dog beach and separate park area both fenced in, if you have dogs. There are more than half a dozen restaurants, some new (Baileys is awesome) some old (220 East), a couple bars, a gas station, and a small convienence store and pharmacy. Davis Islands is a quiet and relaxed area right downtown. I'm not sure if some of the posters in this thread have been here recently.

I love Hyde park but the sidewalks are narrow and really crappy and nonexistant in some areas, also the streets are very dark at night due to most of the trees. There are many more bars and restaurants in Hyde Park but lots more traffic as well. Most everything is off of Howard, Armenia, Platt and Swann. The only real livable areas would be South on Howard or on Swann towards Hyde Park Village to stay within walking distance.

Hyde Park village is great for a movie and dinner, such an underrated area. Cinebistro is awesome! No kids permitted though.

On Howard from Platt to Swann is usually very busy with college kids and the bar scene, which can get pretty loud. I had friends that lived in that specific area and it can get pretty lively at times. Futher south on Howard it tones down a bit and you'll see a lot less of the college crowd. Hyde park has a Greenwise and a Sweetbay there is also a Publix near the Davis Island bridges. These stores are all within about 2-4 miles of each other. I believe there is small park next to the Sweetbay.

I live on Harbour Island and I ride my bicycle everywhere. I highly recommend it. Coming off Davis Island you have a great starting point, to the left is Bayshore and Hyde Park, to the right is Downtown, Channelside, and Harbour Island.

[tarheelgal27]

Wow, griff609, what valuable info! Thanks for the thoughts! It seems like the neighborhood we're in now, which we love. Now, to find a house!