Lowry Park

Tampa Bay is one of the most sought-after areas in Florida, attracting tourists and new residents alike. Lowry Park, an established community bordered to the southeast by the Hillsborough River in central Tampa, was purchased in 1918 and later named in 1925.

The district consists of two separate sections — Lowry Park North and Lowry Park Central. Both regions are primarily residential, with public green spaces along the neighborhood’s southeastern edge. The area shares boundaries with Forest Hills to the north, Riverbend to the south, Seminole Heights to the southeast and Armenia Garden Estates to the west.

Residents have plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and nearby attractions, including the popular ZooTampa right in the neighborhood, providing an up-close look at incredible wildlife that attracts large crowds of tourists. There are also plenty of shopping and dining locations around the neighborhood’s edges, allowing for a balance of residential and commercial activities.

In Lowry Park, residents benefit from varied house architecture dating from the early 1930s to more modern styles. The community contains a mixture of single-house dwellings with backyards and oak tree-lined streets. Single-story bungalows are featured heavily in this area with a remodeled modern touch while maintaining an original charm. There are also a few apartment buildings and condos in Lowry Park North.

The commercial districts along West Waters Avenue, North Florida Avenue, West Busch Boulevard and North Armenia Avenue host a collection of small businesses and local shops. Here you can find pubs, bars and restaurants with diverse cuisine options.

The North Tampa Branch Library sits on the northern border of Lowry Park and is used as a public resource by all ages. The branch opened in 1964 and provides resources, classes and public programs for residents in the neighborhood. From the library, the Tampa Bay Farmers Market is about a mile away for freshly picked vegetables and fruits.

For anglers and boating enthusiasts, the Lowry Park Boat Ramp is near the southeastern section of the neighborhood near the Hillsborough River for easy bay access.

Locals can enjoy the wildlife garden of ZooTampa at Lowry Park, the most popular attraction in the neighborhood. The award-winning 56-acre zoo boasts over 1,000 animals in a tropical setting, which draws over 1 million visitors annually. The zoological site originated in the 1930s and continues to delight and provide conservation education to the public through wildlife event series, such as Toddler Tuesdays and seasonal gatherings, including Creatures of the Night, Christmas in the Wild and a New Year Celebration.

Suppose you’re looking for an eventful night out, head to Lowry Parcade on West Waters Avenue. The bar offers fun local events such as trivia, karaoke and more.

Lowry Park, named after the community, sits next to ZooTampa along the Hillsborough River. The park contains an asphalt trail that runs for nearly a mile and is perfect for walking along the riverwalk. Oak hammocks provide shade for an afternoon of birdwatching. A public boat ramp sits on the park's southeastern edge, inviting local vessels and fishing enthusiasts to its bountiful bay. Largemouth bass and snook are known to be of record size in this area.

The 1-acre Purity Springs Park features a natural spring and a small waterfall, while River Tower Park provides a fantastic view of the Sulphur Spring Tower — a 200-foot Gothic Revival tower.

Montessori Academy of Tampa Bay, serving children in prekindergarten through fifth grade, applies a mix of traditional teaching techniques and the Montessori method. The school emphasizes self-directed and hands-on learning. Although Montessori Academy of Tampa Bay is the only school within the borders of Lowry Park, students can attend other schools outside of the neighborhood. The Hillsborough County School District serves the Lowry Park community.

Lowry Park is an established residential neighborhood in the greater Tampa Bay area. Although several streets do not feature sidewalks, residents still enjoy a peaceful, spacious community with several amenities, including lush vegetation, picturesque sunsets and nearby attractions. The Lowry Park area also offers a range of employment opportunities, such as the Hillsborough County School District, BayCare Health System, Publix Supermarkets and the University of South Florida.

Lowry Park is an excellent commuter location, about 6 miles north of exciting downtown Tampa. The community is in a central location, about 9 miles from the Tampa International Airport using state Route 92. The heaviest traffic often flows along West Waters Avenue, North Boulevard and U.S. Highway 41 along the neighborhood’s northeast border. Lowry Park is close to Interstate 275, a convenient accessway to travel through the Tampa Bay area.

Public transportation is also available throughout the main thoroughfares of Lowry Park. You can find bus stops along West Waters Avenue, North Boulevard, North Florida Avenue and North Armenia Avenue.

Photography Contributed By

Raif Fluker

Video By

Matthew Bloch