Davis Island, Tampa
Updated June 22, 2026 · 6,370 residents
Davis Island is a distinctive waterfront community known for its upscale, manicured landscapes and high pedestrian accessibility. While the area offers a quiet, suburban rhythm with scenic coastal paths, residents should expect frequent noise from the nearby airfield and remain mindful of its designation as a high-risk flood zone.
Key Highlights
About Davis Island
Davis Island, a unique archipelago in Hillsborough Bay, was created in the 1920s by developer D.P. Davis through an ambitious land reclamation project that dredged mud from Tampa Bay to expand two small natural islands. Designed as an elite resort community during the Florida land boom, the neighborhood is defined by its distinct Mediterranean Revival architecture, including notable structures like the Palace of Florence and the Mirasol. While Davis’s original vision for a grand resort was curtailed by the market collapse and his own mysterious disappearance at sea in 1926, the neighborhood evolved into a sought-after residential enclave. Key landmarks include the Peter O. Knight Airport, the Davis Islands Yacht Club, and Marjorie Park, which was named by Davis for his wife. Today, the area remains distinguished by its winding streets, waterfront accessibility, and preserved historic character.
The area balances a relaxed, suburban atmosphere with a polished aesthetic, featuring extensive waterfront access and well-maintained residential streets. Residents benefit from high walkability, supported by consistent sidewalks and trails that connect local parks and social hubs. The community maintains a diverse demographic, ranging from young professionals to families and seniors, which contributes to a stable, multi-generational environment according to iHuus data.
Prospective residents should consider the trade-offs of living in this coastal enclave, particularly regarding environmental and acoustic factors. The proximity to the local airfield results in persistent noise levels, and the entire neighborhood sits within a flood-prone zone that necessitates careful insurance planning. Despite these challenges, the area remains a sought-after location for those who prioritize a scenic, water-oriented lifestyle within reach of central Tampa.
Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities
Residential spacing provides a balanced level of seclusion with some buffer between neighbors. According to iHuus data, this level of privacy is roughly in line with the Tampa average.
Pedestrian movement is facilitated by well-defined sidewalks and waterfront paths, offering better walkability than the Tampa average. Most residential streets are low traffic, though connectivity varies near older blocks.
Manicured landscapes, private pools, and extensive waterfront dockage characterize this area. The visual environment is notably more polished than the Tampa average due to the prevalence of large custom homes and luxury marina infrastructure.
Wide green verges and waterfront park trails provide reliable walking paths for pets. These accessible areas offer slightly fewer large public parks than the city average, according to iHuus data.
Residential streets and green spaces are balanced with waterfront development. This area features a suburban density that is slightly lower than the Tampa average, according to iHuus data.
Residential streets offer a more active rhythm than the city average, characterized by occasional waterfront dining and pockets of lively social hubs. While much of the area remains calm and suburban, certain coastal nodes provide a noticeable energy for those seeking local amenities.
Persistent loud noise is a significant factor here due to its close proximity to airport flight paths. This level of acoustic disturbance is much higher than the average found elsewhere in Tampa.
Frequent unhealthy air quality levels pose a significant risk to sensitive groups; however, conditions remain slightly better than the Tampa average according to iHuus data.
Minimal heavy industry defines this area, though the nearby private airfield and airport activities introduce periodic noise from aircraft and freight operations. This level of industrial presence is slightly lower than the Tampa average according to iHuus data.
Health insurance access among residents is higher than the Tampa average, according to iHuus data.
Political leanings in this area favor conservative perspectives, showing a more conservative tilt than the Tampa average according to iHuus data.
Residents experience a diverse age range including families, young professionals, and seniors. This demographic spread is slightly more varied than the average found across Tampa.
Located within a designated floodplain, this area faces significantly higher flood vulnerability than much of Tampa. Residents should prepare for frequent insurance requirements and potential storm surge impacts according to iHuus data.
Block-Level Insights for Davis Island
iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights
Get block-level neighborhood insights for Davis Island
- Street-level scores — see how individual blocks compare, not just neighborhood averages
- Micro-zone boundaries — identify quiet pockets, flood boundaries, and walkable clusters before you visit
- 15 dimensions in full — walkability, noise, air quality, school quality, insurance coverage, population age profile, urban/rural index, and more
- Boundary risk alerts — know if your address sits near a block boundary where scores drop, the kind of detail no listing will ever mention
- School insights — individual school ratings and insights, not just district-level data
- Compare before you commit — side-by-side data across neighborhoods, down to block precision
No credit card required
Compare with Any Neighborhood
| Dimension | Davis Island | Arbor Greene |
|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Walkabilityavg 6.08 | ||
| 🔊 Acoustic Comfortavg 2.94 | ||
| 🤫 Privacy Indexavg 5.25 | ||
| 🎨 Visual Appealavg 5.82 | ||
| 🐕 Dog Friendlinessavg 5.48 | ||
| 🗺️ Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.28 | ||
| ✨ Neighborhood Vibeavg 3.39 | ||
| 🏥 Health Insurance Coverageavg 5.93 | ||
| 🌿 Air Qualityavg 1.36 | ||
| 🏭 Industrial Proximityavg 6.63 | ||
| 🌊 Flood Safetyavg 4.98 | ||
| 🗳️ Ideological Leanavg 5.57 | ||
| 👥 Population Age Profileavg 4.16 | ||
| 🔥 Fire Safety | ||
| 🏫 School Quality |
Davis Island Rankings
School Districts Serving Davis Island
Hillsborough County Public Schools serves as a vital but highly divided community anchor, reflecting a classic Mixed/Transition profile. Under the steady leadership of Superintendent Van Ayres, the district has made positive strides, earning a solid B grade from the state and achieving a record-high graduation rate of over 90 percent. A major milestone in community trust occurred in late 2024 when voters approved a critical millage referendum to boost teacher salaries alongside the renewal of the Community Investment Tax, providing a massive financial lift to a district that previously struggled with budget deficits and staff retention. Families are drawn to prestigious flagship campuses like Plant High School, Steinbrenner High School, and Newsome High School, which are celebrated for their rigorous academic programs and college preparation. However, home buyers should be aware of a stark divide in educational quality across the county, with high-performing suburban schools contrasting with lower-performing urban campuses. Additionally, the district faces enrollment pressures from a growing homeschooling trend and charter school competition, alongside potential governance changes as state lawmakers push to transition the superintendent role to an elected position by 2028.
Schools
School Insights for Davis Island
Below average outcomes; significant attendance and academic challenges.
School Insights
See what's really behind every school rating near Davis Island
- Individual school ratings — each school's own score with outcome context, not just a district average
- Enrollment & class size data — student-to-teacher ratio and how it compares to the state average
- Full demographics breakdown — ethnicity and gender composition for every school in the enrollment zone
- Every school in the district — all schools within the enrollment boundary ranked by rating, not just the closest one
- Grade levels & benchmarks — elementary through high school, with below/above state-average flags
No credit card required