Tampa Bay grew in waves. The 1910s and 1920s gave the area its bungalows and its Mediterranean Revival islands. The years after World War II added low, glassy mid-century houses. New construction now adds contemporary homes on infill and waterfront lots. When you know the style, you know a lot about the age of the house, the neighborhood, and the items to inspect.
Home style guides
- Contemporary homes: mostly new construction with clean lines, large glass, and elevated designs.
- Mediterranean Revival homes: 1920s stucco and tile homes on Davis Islands, Snell Isle, and in the Old Northeast.
- Mid-century modern homes: late 1940s to 1960s houses with low roofs, open plans, and walls of glass.
- Colonial homes: historic Colonial Revival and Georgian Revival houses, plus newer homes built in the same tradition.
- Craftsman and bungalow homes: early 1900s homes in Seminole Heights, Hyde Park, Historic Kenwood, and the Old Northeast.
Style, age, and historic districts
Many older homes in Tampa and St. Petersburg sit in historic districts. A National Register listing alone does not usually limit what a private owner can do. A local historic district does. In a local district, exterior changes and new construction need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the city. Read how historic review works in South Tampa before you plan a renovation.
Looking for a way of life instead of a style? See the lifestyle guides for golf course, waterfront, high-rise condo, and new construction homes.
Work with Shane
Shane Vanderson is a License Partner and Broker Associate with Engel & Völkers South Tampa, licensed since 2012. To find a home in the style you want, or to price a home you own, call or text 813-205-5430 or use the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What home styles are common in Tampa Bay?
The styles buyers ask about most are Craftsman bungalow, Mediterranean Revival, colonial, mid-century modern, and contemporary. Florida vernacular, ranch, and transitional homes are also common.
Where are the historic homes in Tampa Bay?
In Tampa, look at Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, and Davis Islands. In St. Petersburg, look at the Old Northeast, Historic Kenwood, and Snell Isle. Each has homes from the early 1900s through the 1920s land boom.
Does a historic district limit what I can change?
A local historic district does. In Tampa, the Architectural Review Commission reviews exterior work and new construction in local districts such as Hyde Park and Seminole Heights. St. Petersburg uses a similar Certificate of Appropriateness process. Confirm the status of a specific address with the city before you buy.