10 Best Water-Inspired & Waterfront Communities in Tampa
Living in Tampa offers vibrant city life, a rich history, and exclusive neighborhoods that inspire a water-inspired lifestyle as well as serene waterfront living. Whether taking a leisurely stroll with scenic views along Bayshore Boulevard or enjoying water sports in your backyard, we have some of the best communities in Tampa that enable you to live that Florida lifestyle everyone dreams of.
Exclusive Luxury Waterfront Communities in Tampa
Culbreath Isles
Culbreath Isles features sprawling estates with private docks where yachts rest under the sunlit sky along canals. This gated community is all about owning your own piece of paradise.
Westshore Yacht Club
If you’re a boating enthusiast and looking for breathtaking bay views while at your slip, Westshore Yacht Club is the Tampa neighborhood for you. Enjoy state-of-the-art fitness centers for your morning workouts and resort-style pools to cool off on those hot Florida days. The clubhouse here also includes fine dining options right at your doorstep.
Whether you’re drawn by Culbreath Isles’ understated elegance or Westshore Yacht Club’s lavish lifestyle offerings—both represent the best luxury waterfront communities in Tampa, FL.
Gated Communities with Water-Inspired Living
Cory Lake Isles
Cory Lake Isles is a private community set along the 10-mile shoreline of Tampa’s largest lake, bordered by 17,000 acres of protected woodlands, and where every day is as active or peacefully quiet as you make it. Boasting stunning waterfront homes and lush landscapes, Cory Lake Isles offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city living without sacrificing easy access to downtown.
- Amenities? They’ve got plenty – think resort-style pools, bike paths, and tennis courts waiting for your morning workout.
- Nature lovers will find their bliss here, with parks and trails within walking distance—perfect for early morning jogs or leisurely evening walks.
- And if boating is your thing, well, you’ll love it here.
Live Oak Preserve
Live Oak Preserve, in the heart of New Tampa, takes ‘living in harmony with nature’ seriously. Modern homes blend seamlessly with the natural world, sitting on 362 acres of wetland preserves with scenic views of wildlife, ponds, and conservation areas. Residents cherish the tranquility yet appreciate being close enough for an impromptu city adventure. Here are some highlights:
This gated community boasts a waterfront beach club, offering abundant outdoor activities and recreation. Nature enthusiasts are drawn here due to parks and hiking trails, all conveniently located within walking distance. Fitness buffs enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, sports courts…need I go on?
Tampa’s Most Desirable Neighborhoods with Waterfront Views
Historic Beach Park
Consistently ranking among Florida’s top places to live, historic Beach Park used to be thick Florida tropical brush, Palm trees, and Oak forests on the waterfront of Old Tampa Bay. It’s a quiet, well-to-do neighborhood with the peace of suburban life coupled with the bustle of the city’s accessibility. It has great school districts, low crime, and family and retiree living.
It was originally developed in the 1920s, and many of the original Mediterranean-style mansions remain. As expected, the luxury real estate makes it one of Tampa’s pricier neighborhoods, but it’s still one of the best places to live, own property, and raise your family.
Davis Islands
Known for its upscale homes, breathtaking views, and exclusive yacht club, Davis Islands offers a beautiful waterfront lifestyle close to downtown Tampa. It was created in the 1920s from two small natural islands formerly known as Little Grassy Key and Big Grassy Key, and land was built up and expanded from mud from the bottom of Tampa Bay. It’s technically an archipelago with a canal separating a portion of the isle.
In Davis Islands, you can find Peter O. Knight Airport, Davis Islands Yacht Club, Tampa General Hospital, Sandra Freedman Tennis Complex, Marjorie Park, and the Roy Jenkins Aquatic Center.
Residents enjoy the residential and retail areas, waterfront parks, marinas, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Bring your pup to Dog Beach or your kiddos to Davis Islands Park. You can also check out cafes and pubs that run down East Davis Boulevard to kick back and relax. The highlights include:
- Gourmet Dining: Culinary delights at every corner—think cozy cafes by morning and fine dining by night.
- Breathtaking Views: With water everywhere you look, sunsets here aren’t just beautiful– they’re unforgettable.
- A Boater’s Paradise: Marinas and canals dotting the landscape offer easy access to open waters.
- Social Scene: Tight-knit yet welcoming, this community offers block parties and charity galas for social butterflies and philanthropic hearts alike. It’s not just any community—it’s where luxe meets leisure under Florida skies.
Harbour Island
Upscale Harbour Island is located just south of downtown Tampa and offers luxury waterfront living with a mix of residential areas, restaurants, shops, and amenities. The island features waterfront condos, townhomes, single-family homes, and a beautiful waterfront walkway.
It’s a bit secluded – you have to traverse through downtown and then cross one of two bridges – but it is worth it. Check out these communities:
- Seddon Cove: Many green spaces surround the island’s first residential community (a 72-unit condominium).
- The Garrison: A gated condo tower next to downtown surrounded by water.
- The Grandview: Boasts the island’s best views of the downtown skyline.
- Island Homes: The island’s first single-family homes with Spanish-style interior courtyards; half of the homes are on the channel with waterfront pools. Many sports stars make their homes here.
- The Keys: Townhomes with a traditional “cottage” feeling – plus a slip for your boat.
Channelside
Situated along the waterfront just east of downtown Tampa, Channelside is a vibrant neighborhood with waterfront dining, entertainment venues, and residential towers offering stunning views of the bay. It’s also home to the Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Bay History Center.
Channelside is high-energy, pedestrian-friendly, home to popular family attractions, Florida’s largest open-water estuary, and home to families, business professionals, and seniors. Sparkman Wharf on Water Street is Tampa’s channelside outdoor entertainment venue. It offers waterfront views and a variety of live music, pubs, and entertainment.
The real estate here is highly desirable; it’s upscale, trendy, and a good mix of classic and modern styles. This upscale and trendy neighborhood perfectly blends modern and classic while enjoying the water.
Westshore Marina District
This newly developed waterfront neighborhood in South Tampa, along 1.5 scenic miles of waterfront, green space, marina, and open bay, offers modern luxury living with waterfront homes, townhomes, and apartments. Residents can access a marina, waterfront park, and various dining and retail options.
The location for Westshore Marina District is stellar: Westshore Plaza, International Plaza, Hyde Park Village, The Florida Aquarium, Amalie Arena, and the National Historic Landmark District of Ybor City are all within a 10-15 minute drive.
Rocky Point
This white sandy beach island offers waterfront living with easy access to the airport, downtown Tampa, and the beaches. The area features waterfront hotels, restaurants, and residential developments.
Explore the Best Waterfront Communities in Tampa with Kimmie Fine
Anyone living here in Tampa knows it’s not just a place to live–living in Tampa is a lifestyle, whether that’s enjoying the sunset over the bay, having cocktails on your boat, or taking that morning jog next to the waterfront.As a Tampa native, I love to share what I know about this gorgeous area everyone flocks to. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions about relocating, real estate investment opportunities, first-time home buying, and neighborhood guidance; consider me your one-stop shop for everything in Tampa. I’m here to help you find the best option for you and your family!
