Living on Davis Islands, Tampa: homes, prices and what to check

At a glance

What Davis Islands is known for

The City of Tampa says Davis Islands was created in the 1920s by Tampa-born developer D.P. Davis from two small natural islands, Little Grassy Key and Big Grassy Key, using mud dredged from the bottom of Tampa Bay. The islands originally numbered three. When the airport was built, a canal was filled in to make room for the runway.

It is known for its 1920s Mediterranean-style buildings, several of which still stand, including the Palace of Florence and Mirasol. The Davis Islands Civic Association notes that the Bay Isle Building on East Davis Boulevard was completed in 1925. Development slowed in the 1930s, which is why the islands now mix restored 1920s homes, later houses in many styles and condo buildings.

Is Davis Islands a good area to live?

It suits buyers who want island living next to downtown, with a small shopping street, a waterfront trail and a yacht basin. The trade-offs are cost and water: Zillow's typical value of $1,445,180 is almost four times Tampa's citywide $377,566, and the islands are built on dredged fill surrounded by water, so flood zone, elevation and insurance have to be checked for every address. The hospital and airport also bring traffic and noise to some streets.

Davis Islands homes and prices

Zillow's typical home value for Davis Island was $1,445,180 in August 2026, down 3.9% over the year. The citywide typical value was $377,566, down 0.3%. The Tampa housing market page shows the citywide trend.

Waterfront houses

Waterfront lots command the highest prices. Ask for the seawall's age, condition and any repair permits, and have it inspected separately. The Tampa waterfront homes guide covers seawalls, docks and insurance.

Interior and raised or rebuilt houses

Whether a home has been raised or rebuilt changes both the price and the flood insurance quote. Ask for the elevation certificate and any storm repair history.

Condos

Condo buildings have their own associations. Ask for the budget, reserves and any milestone inspection. See the Tampa condo guide.

Living on Davis Islands

Shops and dining

East Davis Boulevard is the islands' commercial street, with several blocks of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.

Parks and recreation

The Davis Islands Trail, a 10-foot-wide asphalt path completed in 2010, runs 1.3 miles from Channel Drive and Davis Boulevard to Peter O. Knight Airport. Marjorie Park and its municipal yacht basin, the Davis Islands Yacht Club, the Sandra Freedman Tennis Complex and the Roy Jenkins aquatic center are also on the islands.

Hospital and airport

Tampa General Hospital sits at the northern tip, and Peter O. Knight Airport is a general aviation airport at the south end. Visit at different times of day before you commit to an address near either.

Schools

Hillsborough County Public Schools assigns schools by address, and boundaries can change. Check the exact address in the district's school zone locator rather than relying on a listing, and read the Tampa schools guide for how to compare state grades.

Costs to budget for on Davis Islands

Flood insurance

Look up the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask for an elevation certificate if the seller has one. Tampa is a Class 5 community in FEMA's Community Rating System, which gives a 25% discount on flood insurance in flood zones and 10% outside them. Get a quote before your inspection period ends. The Tampa flood zone guide explains the maps.

Property tax

City of Tampa parcels paid a total of 19.8428 mills for 2025, according to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, or about $1,984 a year for every $100,000 of taxable value before exemptions. The assessed value resets after a sale, so estimate taxes from your purchase price rather than the seller's bill, and file for homestead by March 1 if the home will be your permanent residence. See Hillsborough County property tax.

HOA and civic association

No island-wide HOA or CDD turned up in our research. The Davis Islands Civic Association is voluntary. Condo buildings have their own associations and fees.

What to check before buying on Davis Islands

• Evacuation zone: Hillsborough County revised its evacuation zones for 2026, expanding Zone A farther inland along the coast. Check the current zone for the address.
• Storm history: ask whether the home took water in past storms and what was repaired, with permits and insurance claims.
• Historic buildings: ask whether the property has any historic designation before planning exterior work.
• Street traffic: check hospital, airport and event traffic on the specific street.

Pros and cons of Davis Islands

Pros

• Island setting right next to downtown Tampa.
• A walkable shopping street, a 1.3-mile trail, a yacht basin and city recreation sites.
• 1920s Mediterranean-style architecture.

Cons

• A typical value of $1,445,180, among the highest in Tampa.
• Built on dredged fill and surrounded by water, so flood costs can be high.
• Hospital and airport traffic near some streets.

Across the channel, Hyde Park and the Bayshore corridor offer historic homes on the mainland, and Harbour Island is another island neighborhood next to downtown.

Common questions

Sources

• City of Tampa: Davis Islands
• Wikipedia: Davis Islands (Tampa)
• Davis Islands Civic Association: Davis Islands in the 1920s
• Davis Islands Civic Association
• Hillsborough County Property Appraiser: 2025 final millage rates
• Hillsborough County Public Schools: School zone locator
• City of Tampa: Flooding
• FEMA: Flood Map Service Center
• FOX 13 Tampa Bay: Hillsborough County adjusts hurricane evacuation zones (April 2026)
• Zillow Research: Zillow Home Value Index (August 2026 data)