$512,765Average Value$291Average Price per Sq Ft39Homes For Sale
A coastal historic village known for its Greek culture and sponge diving industry
Florida’s Tarpon Springs Historic District is a quaint coastal village with a strong Greek heritage and a thriving sponge-diving industry. On the northern part of the Pinellas peninsula, the district boasts historic architecture and eclectic mom-and-pop shops on Spring Bayou. Greek influences abound, from restaurants to festivals to religious ceremonies, as the city of Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek-Americans in the nation. It’s been that way since 1905, when Greeks flocked to the area for its lucrative sponge trade, harvesting the Gulf waters for natural sponges to sell. The industry's influence on the local economy and lifestyle earned the city the nickname “Sponge Capital of the World." Tarpon Springs Historic District underwent revitalization in 2010, and today, it continues to lure more and more homebuyers. “People obviously come here for the proximity to the Gulf, but the big Greek ancestry is the most famous thing about the community,” says Keith Jamison, Realtor with Real Broker LLC. “We say it’s like going to Greece without a passport."
Mom and pop restaurants, quaint boutiques and Historic Greektown
Mom-and-pops line Tarpon Avenue, the heart of the district. “There are so many amenities nearby. You can walk into any restaurant, and if you’ve been there a couple times, they all probably know your name,” says Judy Eaves, Realtor with Re/Max Action First and Tarpon Springs resident. Its walkable streets are home to clothing store Little Beach Boutique, Bear Haven Vintage Toys and The Court of Two Sisters, an antiques shop. Tarpon Tavern offers American pub fare in a 1920s-era building, and Back Draughts Pizza is the go-to spot for wood-fired slices. The district has Winn-Dixie for essentials. The waterfront Historic Greektown sits on the northern edge of the community. With streets named after Greek places like Athens, it’s home to authentic Greek restaurants like Mykonos and Greek-owned businesses. Along the waterfront are various sponge-related businesses like The Sponge Exchange, a shopping mall. The Replay Museum, at the neighborhood’s center, features over 100 vintage arcade games. And the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum, located at Craig Park, highlights the history of the Greek community and the town.
Fun on the bayou and strolling the Sponge Docks
The community hugs the sides of Whitcomb and Spring Bayous, popular spots for fishing and boating. On the shores of Spring Bayou, Craig Park is a favorite for waterfront picnics and concerts at its bandshell. The park also has tennis courts and boat launches and is a prime viewing place for manatees and dolphins. The Sponge Docks are a major part of the community’s culture, serving as an attraction and economic driver. Residents can purchase sea sponges and watch sponge boats coming in. Tarpon Springs Splash Park sits directly east and features a maritime-themed water park with a dog park and kayak launch. Tarpon Springs Golf Course hugs its southern edge and is a public 18-hole course that’s served the city since 1927. Gulf Coast beaches are less than 4 miles west, and the 155-acre Fred Howard Park is a local favorite for swimming and windsurfing. “Everybody pretty much goes to Fred Howard Park,” Jamison says. “There’s a little island beach at the end of it. That’s the most popular spot for people to go to the beach.”
Historic bungalows and Victorians dating to the 1800s
Tarpon Springs Historic District’s brick-lined streets have 145 historic sites, many of them homes dating to the 1800s. The walkable district offers Craftsman-style bungalows from the 1920s, Mediterranean Revival mansions built in the 1990s and historic Victorians on the water from the 1910s. Prices range from the mid-$200,000s for a two-bedroom to the mid-$700,000s for a four-bedroom. There are also a few historic homes worth over $1 million. “The proximity to the water brings people in, especially because there are so many affordable housing options in a great location for people who want to be close to the water,” Jamison says. Houses don’t come up for sale very often, with 16 selling in the last year. Property sizes average between 900 square feet and 3,000 square feet. Most historic properties have maintained their original features, like wrap-around porches, stately columns and ornate latticework. Lot sizes can stretch up to a quarter acre, and higher-priced homes overlook the bayous. Townhouses are available in the Bayou Village development. Three bedrooms start in the mid-$300,000s. Residents are within walking distance of Spring Bayou, Craig Park, shopping, dining and a church. The neighborhood has a CAP Index Crime Score of 5/10, slightly higher than the national average of 4.
Tarpon Springs schools make the grade
Pinellas County Schools serves the area and is the seventh-largest in Florida. Kids can attend the B-minus-rated Tarpon Springs Elementary, followed by Tarpon Springs Middle, which has an A-minus Niche grade. The elementary school offers a STEM club. Students can finish their education at Tarpon Springs High, which earns a B and provides football and cross-country teams. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Parochial School, a private school serving K-5.
Home to one of the largest Greek religious celebrations
The area is known for its religious celebrations, hosted by Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, at the heart of the district. Epiphany is its biggest religious event. Held in January, it attracts thousands of Greek Americans nationwide. Tarpon Springs also celebrates Greek Independence Day every March with a parade and festival at the Sponge Docks. The docks are also the site of the annual Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival in November and tree lighting in December. “Everyone’s so welcoming and friendly here,” says Eaves. “I love the hometown feel of it. It’s truly a place where everybody knows everybody.”
Prone to hurricanes
The neighborhood’s proximity to the coast makes it prone to hurricanes and flooding. Most properties have hurricane-resistant windows, shutters and other protections.
Thirteen miles from Clearwater
Pinellas Avenue cuts through the neighborhood. This route connects to Highway 19, which provides access to the region. Tampa is about 28 miles east, Tampa International Airport is approximately 22 miles away, and Clearwater is about a 13-mile drive. Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority provides public transportation, and bus stops are along Pinellas and Tarpon avenues. AdventHealth North Pinellas is the closest hospital, less than 2 miles south.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Hoglund,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
North Safford Park
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Tarpon Springs Dog/Splash Park
Boating
Dog Park
Grills
Dorsett Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Craig Park
Boating
Picnic Area
Tennis
Sisler Field
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Playground
Tarpon Springs Bayou
Boating
Lake
Trails
Transit
Airport
Tampa International
42 min drive
Bus
Pinellas Ave N & Cypress St
Bus
Pinellas Ave S & Court St W
Bus
Pinellas Ave N & Spruce St E
Bus
Pinellas Ave S & Safford Ave
Bus
Pinellas Ave N & Pine St E
Bus
Arfaras St & Dodecanese Blvd
Bus
Pinellas Ave N & Orange St W
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Tarpon Springs Historic District
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Tarpon Springs Historic District, Tarpon Springs sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Tarpon Springs Historic District, Tarpon Springs over the last 12 months is $496,108, up 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
If an ideal location is what you're after, you won't want to miss this stunning custom-built 2017 home. It features 4 bedrooms and 3 baths and sits on a RARE DOUBLE LOT, FREE OF HOA fees! This residence perfectly combines modern luxury with timeless appeal, situated in one of Tarpon Springs' most desirable neighborhoods. You'll appreciate the convenient access to Whitcomb Bayou, the historic
**Seller Financing will be considered, and the Seller is open to negotiation on terms, so that YOU can be successful!** Looking for a project? Are you looking for a piece of Tarpon Springs history, close to the Sponge Docks and an opportunity to develop your own style with a blank canvas? Bring your Contractors, Architects, Engineers and all those who play a role in your success to help your
Embrace quintessential Florida waterfront living in this beautifully renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo in the Moorings of Tarpon Springs community. This bright and airy second-floor unit features a water view from the owner's suite and a screened balcony with additional storage, plus the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer. Residents enjoy amenities including a waterfront pool, clubhouse,
DOCKSIDE DREAMS Meticulously maintained waterfront townhome with private dock providing Gulf access. Discover this move-in ready 2 bed, 2 bath residence delivering water views, coastal charm, and modern updates in one unbeatable package. Updated kitchen (2024) with quartz counters, new cabinets & island Split-level floor plan creates a spacious feel to the residence. Primary suite with balcony,
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2589.90. That covers your base rent, $2325.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air filter delivery ($9.95), Internet
Key West Meets Tarpon Springs. Completely redone this fabulous single-family home was built in 1921 and offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The property features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, with a total living area of 1,008 sq ft on a 5,749 sq ft lot. Easy walking distance to both the Sponge Docks and Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs. Fabulous front porch and expansive
Perfect for boaters, this home features a private dock with a boat lift, making it easy to explore nearby Anclote and 3 Rooker Islands or simply enjoy the peaceful canals that often welcome dolphins and manatees.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Hoglund,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,406
Median Age
51
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$74,999
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$116,783
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.5%
Advanced Degrees
16.2%
% Population in Labor Force
53.8%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
55''
Average Winter Low Temperature
52°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
69/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
