Ybor City – The Heart of Tampa
Ybor City is one of Tampa’s most storied communities. It is rich in history and tradition. You can see evidence of the past in many of the old buildings, the brick paved streets and the trolley cars that still serve local residents and tourists alike.
The terrace at Centro Ybor, Ybor City’s entertainment hub
Ybor City is the historical and cultural heart of old Tampa. Once, a thriving cigar manufacturing center, Ybor City is much better known today as an arts and entertainment district. By day, you can stroll the sidewalks and explore funky, eclectic shops, enjoy a cup of coffee on the terrace at Centro Ybor or take in the beautiful scenery as you stroll down quiet side streets. You can see a true artist hand-roll a cigar in a storefront window. Vintage clothing stores, incredible restaurants and even a few Irish pubs await your visit. Ybor City is a fun place to relax and enjoy the tranquil slow-pace during the day, but by night it transforms into a sizzling mecca of entertainment. Many bars, restaurants and clubs come alive as the sun goes down. Seventh Avenue is the main street for bars and restaurants but many other streets have hidden treasures awaiting your discovery.
Historic architecture
See the video of a sunny afternoon in Ybor City. Be sure to visit this beautiful and vibrant district of Tampa both during the day and at night.
Similar to the French Quarter in New Orleans
Ybor City is the scene of many colorful parades and celebrations. Each February, Ybor City is invaded by bands of pirates in the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival. The Gasparilla Night Parade is a scene that cannot be missed. Another popular Ybor City original is ‘Guavaween’, a Halloween-like celebration with a Latin influence. Guavaween is celebrated the last Saturday each October and includes family-friendly activities during the day but then transforms into a large outdoor party complete with costumes, beads and a night parade that is elaborate and colorful.
Catch the trolley! Regular street car service to Channelside and Downtown Tampa
Each Saturday, there is a farmer’s market held in Centennial Park, directly across the street from the Ybor City Museum. You can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, locally produced products as well as browse through the works of many area artists, craftsmen and photographers.
Living in Ybor City can be fun and exciting. There are many options and styles of housing to suit different tastes and budgets. Vintage loft spaces are popular and rarely available. One good place to search for a modern loft is the Box Factory Lofts. Several condominiums and townhomes have been built in recent years. Most appear old and were designed to blend into the character of the neighborhood. One of the most popular and affordable options for condominiums is The Quarter at Ybor, a large community that is only a few years old. Home Locators offers many homes for rent each year in Ybor City and across the entire Tampa Bay Area. If you have questions about this community or would like more information about finding a new home please visit us on Facebook, leave a message (below), or call our offices at 813-908-8555.
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