Hey Tampa people, what is your favorite local 'hood to hang out in? (neighborhood)

[Obamanation]

1. SoHo/Hyde Park

2. Ybor

3. Downtown Tampa

4. Channelside

5. Davis Islands

6. Harbour Island

7. Other (Specify Casino, Westshore, etc.)

In your reply, list your reasons for liking that area so much as well as anything it can do to improve.

[Negotiator75]

They may not be replying because I think people that hang out in hoods wont be posting on forums? Wouldn't be "gangsta".

[tilli]

Well I'll take a stab at it I guess. I don't really "hang out" anymore now that I am not a teenager.

SoHo/Hyde Park - there are an amazing amount of cute little restaurants and shops here, it's a fun little hip neighborhood. Unfortunately because it is so hip you run into more than the normal amount of snootiness and prices seem elevated.

Ybor - I used to go clubbing when I was in college. Now I basically never go to Ybor unless I am craving a Carmine's deviled crab. There are also lots of little restaurants and shops in the area, but unlike SoHo/Hyde Park, the Ybor area is surrounded by blight. It's a shame that they have focused on night clubs instead of history.

Downtown - nobody really hangs out downtown except people attending conventions. Tampa's downtown is fundamentally a financial district and most of its population clears out each night at quitting time.

Channelside - I really like Channelside. Again with the restaurants and shops (although the prices are even more elevated here), but there is also the Florida Aquarium (awesome) and the cruise ship terminal. If you are lucky enough to go there when a ship is embarking or disembarking, it is pretty amazing seeing the multi story buildings dwarfed by some of the smallest cruise ships still operating. (They have to fit under the Sunshine Skyway.) Their movie theatre serves wine and beer and has an IMAX screen that plays first run movies. I enjoy playing pool at Splitsville in the afternoon before the crowds arrive.

Davis Islands, Harbour Island - no experience.

[Keeper]

Originally Posted by Negotiator75

They may not be replying because I think people that hang out in hoods wont be posting on forums? Wouldn't be "gangsta".

I have to agree..

Each place has something to offer.. it is just what you are looking for at the time.

[mikewu9900]

my favorte night life place is channelside

[Obamanation]

Seriously, talking about Gangstas and that sort? Allow me to translate:

Informal - What 'hood do you like to hang out in?

Formal - What Tampa or adjacent neighborhood do you like to go (to eat out, whatever)?

So with that said, the responses so far seem accurate. Although Downtown is picking up! Look on that site, there is more than you think. Tampa Downtown Partnership - Elevating The Potential

It's very close but my vote goes for SoHo, more balanced IMHO. Shopping and dining that is tops in the area, and friendly people.

[xlabel]

I dunno- it's a tossup between College Hill and suitcase city.