Moving to Palma Ceia, Tampa: Neighborhood Guide

Palma Ceia is one of South Tampa’s best-known neighborhoods, famous for its brick streets, its private golf and country club, and streets named after the streets of Havana. It sits about half a mile from Bayshore Boulevard and just a few miles from downtown Tampa, with the shops and cafes of the Palma Ceia Design District at its southern edge.

This neighborhood suits families who want to be zoned for well-known South Tampa schools, professionals who work downtown, in Westshore or at MacDill Air Force Base, and buyers who want an established neighborhood with mature trees. It is also one of the more expensive places to live in Tampa, so it helps to know the market, the streets and the flood zones before you commit. This guide covers what we have learned, with numbers from public sources.

Planning a move to Palma Ceia? Call our Tampa team at 813-544-0048 or get your price online.

Where Is Palma Ceia?

Palma Ceia is a neighborhood inside the City of Tampa, in the heart of South Tampa. According to its commonly used boundaries, it runs from Miguel Street (west of MacDill Avenue) and Neptune Street (east of MacDill) on the north to Bay to Bay Boulevard and El Prado on the south. MacDill Avenue, Dale Mabry Highway and Himes Avenue form the western edge, and the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway forms the eastern edge.

The neighborhood’s Spanish street names have a story behind them: Angel Cuesta, president of the Cuesta-Rey cigar company, shared a map of Havana with developer Thomas Palmer while the area was being planned.

Approximate distances:

Downtown Tampa: about 3.6 to 3.9 miles
Tampa International Airport (TPA): about 6.9 miles, roughly 13 minutes
Bayshore Boulevard: about half a mile

The main roads you will use are Dale Mabry Highway (north to Westshore and Raymond James Stadium), MacDill Avenue, Bay to Bay Boulevard and the Selmon Expressway, a toll road that connects South Tampa with downtown and Brandon. HART bus Route 360 runs along Bay to Bay Boulevard toward downtown.

Palma Ceia Population & Demographics

The Census Bureau does not publish statistics for Tampa neighborhoods, so the numbers below describe the two South Tampa ZIP codes that include Palma Ceia, 33609 and 33629, with the City of Tampa and Florida for comparison. The ZIP codes cover more ground than Palma Ceia alone, so treat them as a picture of the surrounding area, not the neighborhood itself.

Measure	ZIP 33609	ZIP 33629	City of Tampa	Florida
Population (ACS 2020–2024)	18,535	27,710	413,554 (2025 est.)	23,462,518 (2025 est.)
Median age	39.6	41.7	35.8	42.6
Median household income	$115,844	$164,355	$75,475	$74,568
Per capita income	$86,989	$96,725	—	—
Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25+)	65.5%	75.8%	45.7%	34.1%
Median value, owner-occupied homes	$605,600	$851,400	$420,400	$359,000
Mean travel time to work	20.8 min	21.3 min	24.8 min	28.0 min

Sources: Census Reporter (ACS 2024 5-year) for ZIP codes and Florida median age; U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Tampa and Florida (2025 estimates and 2020–2024 ACS). Tampa’s median age is the ACS 2024 1-year estimate.

The short version: the area around Palma Ceia has much higher incomes and education levels than Tampa or Florida as a whole, and some of the shortest commutes in the region. The poverty rate was 8.6% in 33609 and 3.5% in 33629.

Is Palma Ceia Safe?

Crime in Tampa has been falling. In its 2025 annual report, the Tampa Police Department reported a 21.3% overall drop in crime, with violent crime down 16.6% and homicides down 52.8% from the year before, according to FOX 13’s coverage. We did not find neighborhood-level statistics for Palma Ceia that we would stand behind, so check the specific blocks you are considering. The Tampa Police Department’s crime data page has a calls-for-service map and other tools. As always, visit at night and on a weekend before you sign anything.

Cost of Living in Palma Ceia

Housing is the big number here. Home prices in Palma Ceia run far above the Tampa median, and that drives most budgets.

Home Prices

Redfin reported a median sale price of about $1,000,000 ($999,518) in Palma Ceia over the three months through August 2026, down 18.8% from the same period a year earlier, with homes selling in a median of 32 days. That compares with a citywide Tampa median of about $479,000 over the same period. Only 34 homes sold in August, so the neighborhood median can swing a lot from quarter to quarter. Look at recent sales on your target streets.

The Census Bureau’s longer-term measure tells the same story: the median value of owner-occupied homes was $851,400 in ZIP 33629 and $605,600 in ZIP 33609, compared with $420,400 citywide.

Rent

Apartments.com does not publish a Palma Ceia-only average, so start with the citywide numbers. As a baseline, Apartments.com’s September 2026 data put the average Tampa rent at $1,605 for a studio, $1,651 for a one-bedroom, $1,986 for a two-bedroom and $2,397 for a three-bedroom, down 0.7% from a year earlier. Given home values here, expect to pay more than those averages to rent a house in Palma Ceia.

Best Neighborhoods in Palma Ceia

Palma Ceia is one neighborhood, but it has a few distinct pockets. Here is how they differ.

The Brick-Street Core Near the Country Club

The streets around the Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club are what most people picture: brick streets like the ones in Ybor City and big shade trees. It suits buyers who want the classic South Tampa look and don’t mind paying for it. The brick streets are charming, but they also slow down trucks and can be narrow once cars park on both sides (see our moving tips below).

Around the Palma Ceia Design District

The Palma Ceia Design District is centered at MacDill Avenue and Bay to Bay Boulevard, with specialty boutiques and cafes, and a sculpture by Marc DeWaele marking the district, which held its ribbon cutting on March 17, 2010. Living within a few blocks means you can walk to coffee and dinner. It suits couples, downsizers and anyone who wants a little more walkability.

The Himes Avenue Side

On the western side, near Himes Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway, you are close to Henry B. Plant High School and have quick access to Dale Mabry for trips north to Westshore and the airport. This side suits families with school-age kids and commuters who head north every morning.

Weather & Climate in Palma Ceia

Palma Ceia shares Tampa’s weather. Using NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for Tampa International Airport, Current Results reports an average annual high of 83°F and low of 66°F. January averages a high of 71°F and a low of 52°F. In July and August, highs average 91°F with lows near 77°F. Tampa gets about 49.5 inches of rain a year and around 83 thunderstorm days.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Much of South Tampa sits close to the bay, and Hillsborough County expanded its evacuation zones for the 2026 season. Look up any address you are considering at HCFL.gov/HEAT, sign up for HCFL Alert, and ask your insurance agent about flood coverage before you close.

Best months to move: late October through April. In summer, book the earliest start time you can.

Things to Do Near Palma Ceia

Bayshore Boulevard

About half a mile away, Bayshore Boulevard follows Hillsborough Bay for 4.5 miles. Its 10-foot-wide sidewalk runs from Columbus Statue Park to Gandy Boulevard and is listed by Guinness World Records as the longest continuous pedestrian walkway. There is also a bike lane and the Bayshore Greenway Trail. Most neighbors walk, run or bike it at sunrise.

Palma Ceia Design District

The shops and cafes clustered around MacDill Avenue and Bay to Bay Boulevard are the neighborhood’s everyday gathering spot. It is a good place for a coffee break between unpacking sessions.

Ballast Point Park

Ballast Point Park at 5300 Interbay Boulevard has a splash pad, playground, boat ramp and picnic areas with views of Hillsborough Bay and downtown. Note that its 600-foot pier has been closed since spring 2025 because of hurricane damage. The park dates back to a pavilion built in 1892.

Hyde Park Village

In nearby Hyde Park, Hyde Park Village spreads across six city blocks around 1602 W. Snow Avenue with local shops, national brands, restaurants and a hotel. It is the easiest spot for an afternoon of shopping and dinner without crossing the river.

The Tampa Riverwalk

A short drive away, the Tampa Riverwalk runs 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River through downtown, linking parks, museums and restaurants. It is free and makes a good weekend walk.

Where to Eat Near Palma Ceia

Pane Rustica (South MacDill Avenue)

Pane Rustica at 3225 S. MacDill Avenue has been a neighborhood favorite since 1998. It is an artisan bakery and restaurant with casual pizza, sandwiches and salads at lunch and wood-fired entrees and small plates at dinner. Grab bread and pastries for your first morning in the new house.

Bern’s Steak House (South Howard Avenue)

Bern’s has been at 1208 S. Howard Avenue since 1956. The steaks are the draw, and dessert is served upstairs in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room. It is closed Mondays, and it is the place locals take family when they visit.

Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City)

For a Tampa classic, the Columbia at 2117 E. 7th Avenue in Ybor City has been open since 1905 and calls itself Florida’s oldest restaurant. It fills a full city block with 15 dining rooms. Order the Cuban sandwich.

Jobs & Economy

Palma Ceia’s location puts several of Tampa’s biggest job centers within a short drive, which is why commutes in the surrounding ZIP codes average only about 21 minutes.

MacDill Air Force Base: About 15,000 people work at MacDill, 4 miles south-southwest of downtown, which houses the headquarters of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. If you are coming on orders, see our military moving page.
Westshore: The Westshore business district, north along Dale Mabry, has more than 11 million square feet of office space, about 4,000 businesses and nearly 100,000 employees.
Healthcare: Tampa General Hospital has about 15,000 team members and providers systemwide.
Regional industries: The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council targets information technology, defense, corporate headquarters, financial and professional services, life sciences and healthcare, logistics and manufacturing.

Schools in Palma Ceia

Public schools are run by Hillsborough County Public Schools, which describes itself as the nation’s 7th largest school district. Palma Ceia is served by Henry B. Plant High School at 2415 S. Himes Avenue, which opened in 1927 and had 2,391 students in the 2024–2025 school year. Elementary and middle school zoning depends on the exact address, so check the district’s Find Your Neighborhood School tool before you buy or sign a lease.

For higher education, the University of Tampa is next to downtown, and the University of South Florida in north Tampa has nearly 50,000 students.

Palma Ceia Quick Facts

City / County	City of Tampa, Hillsborough County
Area	South Tampa
ZIP codes	33609 and 33629
Area codes	813 and 656 (overlay; 10-digit dialing)
Police	Tampa Police Department
Nearest airport	Tampa International Airport (TPA), about 6.9 miles
Main roads	Dale Mabry Hwy, MacDill Ave, Bay to Bay Blvd, Selmon Expressway
High school	Henry B. Plant High School
Known for	Brick streets, Havana street names, Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club

Moving to Palma Ceia: Tips From Our Crew

Tell us about brick streets and parking. Brick streets, oak canopies and cars parked on both sides can keep a full-size truck from reaching the door. Describe the street when you call, and we will plan the right truck and carry distance.
Watch for low branches. Big oaks are part of the charm, but low limbs can scrape a tall truck. If you can, have the trees near the driveway trimmed before moving day.
Protect older floors. If your home has original wood floors or tight doorways, tell us when you book. We pad doorframes and lay floor runners, and it helps to know about anything fragile ahead of time.
Know your flood and evacuation zone. Hillsborough County changed many evacuation zones for 2026. If you are moving between June and November, keep papers and medications with you and have a backup date in mind.
Plan around rush hour on Dale Mabry and the Selmon. Dale Mabry Highway and the Selmon Expressway both get heavy at rush hour. Midday loads usually go smoother, and your crew spends less time sitting in traffic.
Check the event calendar. Gasparilla and other big events can close streets in South Tampa and downtown. Look before you lock in a date.
Military families: tell us your report date. MacDill is only a few miles away. Give us your report or pack-out dates early, and ask about our 5% military discount.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Palma Ceia

How much does it cost to hire movers in Palma Ceia?

It depends on the size of the home, the distance, stairs, parking at each end, packing and the date. A two-bedroom bungalow moving across South Tampa and a five-bedroom house moving out of state are very different jobs. The best way to get a real number is a free quote. Call 813-544-0048, and an owner will call you back within 15 minutes between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. You can also learn more about our Palma Ceia movers.

Is Palma Ceia expensive?

Yes, by Tampa standards. Redfin’s median sale price in Palma Ceia was about $1 million for the three months through August 2026, roughly double the citywide Tampa median. The Census median home value in ZIP 33629 is $851,400.

What high school serves Palma Ceia?

Henry B. Plant High School on South Himes Avenue serves the neighborhood. It opened in 1927 and had 2,391 students in 2024–2025. Zoning can change and depends on the exact address, so confirm with Hillsborough County Public Schools before you buy.

Do I need flood insurance in Palma Ceia?

That depends on the property, its flood zone and your lender. Much of South Tampa is close to the bay, so check your evacuation zone at HCFL.gov/HEAT, look at the property’s flood history and talk with your insurance agent before closing.

Can you handle a move into Palma Ceia from out of state?

Yes. For long-distance moves we give a binding estimate, so the price never changes after you book. You get your own dedicated truck, the same W-2 crew door to door and a guaranteed delivery date. If you need a few weeks between homes, we also offer storage.

Move to Palma Ceia With A & M Friendly Movers

A & M Friendly Movers has been family-owned since 2015. Owners Matthew Treharn and Amber Hallaman back every job with the Owner’s Promise: you talk to an owner, not a call center. If anything is damaged, an owner calls you the same day, and claims are resolved in 60–90 days. Our crews are background-checked, drug-tested W-2 employees, never subcontractors.

Our Tampa office covers all of Hillsborough County for local moves, packing and unpacking, piano and safe moving and more. There is never a rescheduling fee (FL Mover Reg. IM3566). Read our reviews, visit our Palma Ceia movers page, or call 813-544-0048.

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Moving to Palma Ceia, Tampa FL: Living in Palma Ceia Guide