West Tampa, Florida is a diverse neighborhood. It has a large Hispanic and African-American community. Before the 1960s, the area had a high crime rate and was home to many poor and run-down buildings. It lacked sidewalks and decent street lighting. As other areas of Tampa grew and developed, West Tampa suffered. At one point, it was the most dangerous neighborhood in Tampa.
In the early 2000s, the local library got a $2 million facelift. Meanwhile, hopes for a new post office never materialized. The Tampa-Hillsborough Urban League abandoned the project after it went over budget. As a result, the 1912 building sat empty for many years. However, developer Michael Turanchik saw the potential in West Tampa and redeveloped it. He built 55 shotgun-style homes, some of them within the city’s National Historic District.
Located just west of the downtown core, West Tampa has a diverse population. There are several ethnic communities within the neighborhood, including Cuban, Irish, and Italian. Its earliest residents were not originally from the surrounding area. In fact, most of them were Cuban immigrants. For a few years, West Tampa was almost exclusively Cuban, though a steady influx of Spaniards and Italians eventually made the neighborhood more similar to Ybor City. Another Fantastic Place.
The historic West Tampa Free Public Library opened in 1914. The building was constructed with a $17,500 Andrew Carnegie grant. The structure is still in use today. At one time, the building was home to a wide variety of businesses. The first floor, located on Howard Avenue, was home to the D. Garcia Meats and Eulogio Leira stores. Other businesses in the area included Gallego’s Barber Shop and La Florida Grocery.
When looking for a new place in West Tampa, consider how many amenities the area offers. The neighborhood should not be too cookie-cutter or have houses that all look alike. There should also be enough space for parking. Some neighborhoods have garages that are full. Additionally, the maintenance of the neighborhood can help you decide if the neighbors are nice or undesirable. Browse Around this Site.
If you’re a college student or young professional, you’ll likely be renting an apartment. The downtown area is full of activities for people of all ages. For those looking for a night out, you’ll want to head to the Coyote Ugly Saloon, where there are live musicians and dancing floors. Additionally, the East 7th Avenue corridor features many lounges. You can enjoy billiards and DJ sets at places like Bradley’s on 7th.
In addition to its beaches, Tampa is home to a diverse collection of neighborhoods and districts. From historic districts to waterside hideaways, the city’s neighborhoods have distinct personalities. Each neighborhood offers a distinct vibe and can be explored on foot or by bike.