Harbor Island vs. Davis Island (Tampa: apartment, renting, condo)

[AnalyzeThis]

So I was born/lived in NY until the 9th grade, then my family relocated to Tampa, FL where I lived until I went to college @ UF. After UF I got a job with DoD working where I am living now in Virginia. However, I miss my family/childhood friends TREMENDOUSLY and it has been entirely too difficult these last 6 years not living with them. So I've decided to move back to FL and have some great job prospects at MacDill. I am not as familiar with South Tampa as Carrollwood/New Tampa area as that is where my family lives. I think I am interested in living on either Harbor Island or Davis Island. Ideally I would LOVE to have a townhome with a small yard for my two Pomeranians. I did check out homes in the diff. South Tampa neighborhoods (via online) but found the areas to be real hit or miss, plus many didn't have a garage which is a must for me.

So to those who are familiar can you provide a comparison of Harbor Island vs Davis Island? Right now I am leaning towards Harbor Island b/c they have some great townhomes. I plan on (God willing) visiting in the next month or two.

Thanks!

[Keeper]

Harbor Island housing is newer where Davis Island is older. Davis Island has a lot of medical staff because it is so close to TGH.

Are you looking to buy or rent?

[Stewabby]

I think Davis Island gives you a better chance for a yard but both areas are really nice you can't really go wrong with either. Davis Island has a dog beach where the Poms can hang out too. Although my Pom feels a little shy around the big dogs there.

[AnalyzeThis]

I am looking to buy vs renting. I intend to stay in Tampa for the long haul.

[AnalyzeThis]

Stewabby - My dogs are probably a little more 'brave' around big dogs than I'd like them to be...you know the Napoleon complex! lol But I would LOVE to take them to a dog beach. I take them to dog parks often up here.

If you live on Harbor Island can you still access the dog beach on Davis Island?

[Stewabby]

Yes, it's a public beach and anyone can access them.

[AnalyzeThis]

Thanks for clarifying Stewabby!

Can any one else give me some info on the 2 areas?

[tampaguy03]

To me Harbor Island is more upscale, newer, closer to downtown proper, trolley service available, three restaurants and a conveinience mart. Davis Islands is much larger and has older, and more historic architecture, a Main Street with more stores and restaurants, its a very self sustaining island with Tampa General Hostpital, an Community College, Sailing and Yacht Club, Airport, Public Beach and Dog Park. More single family homes exisit on Davis Islands.

[gypsychic]

I personally prefer Davis Islands, Tampaguy has described the areas well. It has a nice relaxing vibe. If you are younger, which it sounds like you are, you might prefer Harbor Island. You probably just need to visit some places in both areas to see what suits you most.

Good luck!

[TampaKaren]

I hope this doesn't come across too authoritative, but it's Harbour (as in the Bahamas), not Harbor. Harbour Island used to be a seaport I think and it was called Seddon Island. Today, the island is gated and consists of residential, office, and retail. Most of the residential property is newer construction than you will find on Davis Island. I believe Island Walk was an apartment to condo conversion project. Parkcrest and The Plaza (OMG!) have lots of opportunities. Jackson's Bistro is a great place for food, drink, and socializing. Both islands are in flood and hurricane evacuation zones.