Moving to Gandy-Sun Bay South, Tampa FL: 2026 Guide

Gandy-Sun Bay South is the part of South Tampa most locals simply call “South of Gandy.” It sits on the Interbay Peninsula below Gandy Boulevard, with Tampa Bay on one side and MacDill Air Force Base just to the south. It is one of the fastest-changing parts of the city, with older one-story homes sitting next to brand-new townhomes and waterfront restaurants drawing crowds by car and by boat.

It suits military families stationed at MacDill, young professionals who want South Tampa without Hyde Park prices, and anyone who commutes across the Gandy Bridge to St. Petersburg. Boaters and anglers like it too, with public ramps at Picnic Island and Ballast Point nearby. If you want to be close to the water and don’t need a historic bungalow, this is a good place to start looking.

Planning a move to Gandy-Sun Bay South? Call our Tampa team at 813-544-0048 or get your price online.

Where Is Gandy-Sun Bay South?

Gandy-Sun Bay South is a neighborhood inside the City of Tampa, in Hillsborough County. The City spells it Gandy/Sun Bay South. It lies south of Gandy Boulevard on the Interbay Peninsula, the long point of land between Old Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay. MacDill Air Force Base, which sits about 4 miles south-southwest of downtown Tampa, takes up the southern tip of the peninsula.

The roads you will use most:

Gandy Boulevard (US 92), the east-west spine along the north edge, which becomes the Gandy Bridge across Old Tampa Bay to St. Petersburg.
Dale Mabry Highway and MacDill Avenue, the main north-south routes up toward Westshore, Hyde Park and downtown.
The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway (toll), reached via Gandy Boulevard, for trips downtown and east to Brandon.
Interbay Boulevard, running east-west across the peninsula toward Ballast Point and Bayshore.

The Gandy Bridge is almost three miles long and is the southernmost of the three bridges between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties; the others are the Howard Frankland Bridge and the Courtney Campbell Causeway. When the first span opened in 1924, it cut the driving distance between Tampa and St. Petersburg from 43 miles to 19. For flights, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is north of here on the city’s west side near Westshore.

If you are comparing areas, also look at our pages for Westshore and Hyde Park.

Gandy-Sun Bay South Population & Demographics

The Census Bureau does not publish figures for Gandy-Sun Bay South by itself, so the closest current data comes from ZIP code 33611. That ZIP covers South of Gandy along with other South Tampa neighborhoods, including the Ballast Point area. The numbers below describe the whole ZIP code, not just this neighborhood.

ZIP 33611 is a little older and more settled than Tampa as a whole, with a median age of 40.4. Incomes are above the city and state medians, and 55.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The military presence shows up clearly: 11.7% of residents are veterans, compared with 6.4% citywide.

Measure	ZIP 33611 (incl. Gandy-Sun Bay South)	City of Tampa	Florida
Population	36,810	414,575	—
Median age	40.4	35.8	42.6
Median household income	$90,910	$84,114	$74,568
Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25+)	55.9%	48.4%	34.2%
Persons below poverty line	7.0%	14.7%	12.6%
Veterans (share of adults)	11.7%	6.4%	—
Persons per household	2.0	2.2	2.5
Median value of owner-occupied homes	$479,800	$494,400	$359,000
Mean travel time to work	23.4 minutes	26.1 minutes	28.1 minutes

Sources: Census Reporter, American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates for ZIP 33611 and Florida; ACS 2024 1-year estimates for the City of Tampa.

Is Gandy-Sun Bay South Safe?

Gandy-Sun Bay South is patrolled by the Tampa Police Department. We did not find crime figures published for this neighborhood alone, so we won’t quote one. Citywide, crime is falling: the Tampa Police Department’s 2025 annual report showed overall crime down 21.3% and violent crime down 16.6% from the year before, according to FOX 13’s coverage.

To check a specific block, start with the Tampa Police Department’s crime data page. Then drive the street on a weeknight and a weekend, and ask a neighbor or two how they like it.

Cost of Living in Gandy-Sun Bay South

South of Gandy used to be the budget option in South Tampa. Recent sales suggest that is changing, largely because so much new construction has come on the market.

Home Prices

Redfin reports that the median sale price of a home in Gandy-Sun Bay South was about $757,000 ($756,635) over the three months ending August 2026, up 76.0% from the same period a year earlier. Homes sold in a median of 16 days, and 99 homes sold in August 2026, up from 59 a year before. For comparison, Redfin’s median for all of Tampa over the same three months was $479,000.

A jump that large usually says more about what sold than about every home gaining value. A month with a lot of new townhomes and rebuilt houses closing will pull the median up fast. The Census Bureau’s longer-term measure for ZIP 33611, the median value of owner-occupied homes, was $479,800 for 2020–2024. Ask your agent for recent sales on your specific street and home type.

Rent

RentCafe reported an average apartment rent of $2,287 a month in Gandy-Sun Bay South, compared with $2,031 for Tampa overall, as of August 31, 2026.

Best Neighborhoods in Gandy-Sun Bay South

South of Gandy is a single city neighborhood, but it has distinct pockets. Here is how we think about them when we talk with families planning a move.

Along Gandy Boulevard

The blocks closest to Gandy Boulevard put you nearest the shopping, restaurants and the Gandy Bridge. This is the most convenient spot for anyone commuting to St. Petersburg or Pinellas County, and it is where many newer townhomes have gone up. The trade-off is traffic: Gandy gets heavy at rush hour. It suits commuters and people who want to walk or bike to errands. Expect shared driveways and three-story townhomes with lots of stairs.

The Bayside Streets Near Tyson Avenue

The western side of the neighborhood runs down to the water, where you will find waterfront restaurants such as Hula Bay Club on West Tyson Avenue, along with bayfront condos and apartments. This area suits boaters and people who want sunset views over Old Tampa Bay. It is also the lowest-lying part of the neighborhood, so check flood zones and evacuation zones carefully. Many newer homes here are raised, which means extra stairs.

Near Gadsden Park and MacDill Avenue

The eastern side, toward MacDill Avenue, is more of a traditional family neighborhood, with one-story homes on regular lots mixed with rebuilds. Gadsden Park is here, with its lake loop trail, dog park, ballfields and the Interbay Little League. It suits families with kids and military households who want a short drive to the base. Older homes may need updates, which is part of why buyers look here.

Weather & Climate in Gandy-Sun Bay South

South of Gandy has Tampa’s climate. Using NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for Tampa International Airport, Current Results reports an average annual high of 83°F and an average low of 66°F. Mid-January is the coolest stretch, with highs around 71°F and lows around 52°F. July and August are the hottest, averaging highs of 91°F and lows of 77°F. Tampa sees about 94 days a year in the 90s, 49.5 inches of rain and about 83 thunderstorm days. August is usually the wettest month and November the driest.

This neighborhood is low and close to the water, so hurricane season matters. Hurricanes Helene and Milton did enough damage in South Tampa that the City closed the 600-foot pier and fitness center at nearby Ballast Point Park as of spring 2025. Hillsborough County also changed its evacuation zones for the 2026 season, and more properties are now inside a zone. Look up any address at HCFL.gov/HEAT before you buy or lease.

Best months to move: November through April, when it is cooler and drier and outside the peak of hurricane season. In summer, book an early start and have a backup date.

Things to Do in Gandy-Sun Bay South

Picnic Island Park

This city park at 7409 Picnic Island Boulevard, near Port Tampa, has a white sand beach, a sandy playground, a sand volleyball court and a disc golf course. There is a separate gated dog beach just south of the fishing pier, and a double-lane boat ramp that is open 24 hours, with 13 trailer spaces.

Ballast Point Park

Ballast Point Park at 5300 Interbay Boulevard sits on the east side of the peninsula, with sunrise views over Hillsborough Bay and downtown. It has a splash pad, picnic areas, a boat ramp and Leon’s Lobstah Shack for food and bait. The pier and fitness center were closed as of spring 2025 because of hurricane damage, so check the City’s page for updates.

Gadsden Park and the MacDill Trail

Gadsden Park at 6901 S. MacDill Avenue has a 1.47-mile paved trail in two loops, including a 0.88-mile loop around Lake Gadsden. The park also has a dog park, playground, ballfields, picnic shelters and a fishing lake, and it is home to Interbay Little League.

The Gandy Bridge

The Gandy Bridge is how most people from here get to St. Petersburg and the Pinellas beaches. The first span opened in 1924 as the longest automobile toll bridge in the world at the time. Today the westbound span is higher than the eastbound one, and the views of Old Tampa Bay at sunset are worth the drive on their own.

Bayshore Boulevard

A short drive north and east, Bayshore Boulevard follows Hillsborough Bay from Ballast Point up toward downtown. Its wide waterfront sidewalk is where much of South Tampa goes to run, walk and bike, especially early in the morning before the heat.

Where to Eat in Gandy-Sun Bay South

Hula Bay Club (West Tyson Avenue)

Hula Bay Club at 5210 W. Tyson Avenue bills itself as Tampa’s premier waterfront restaurant, with “Hawaiian vibes” on the bay. Grab an outdoor table and watch the boats come and go on the bay.

Beccofino (South MacDill Avenue)

Beccofino at 5712 S. MacDill Avenue serves Tuscan food with house-made charcuterie, cheeses and pasta. Dishes like ribollita, gnudi and farro salad are on the menu. It is a good pick for a sit-down dinner after a long week of unpacking.

Westshore Pizza (West Bay Court Avenue)

Westshore Pizza is a local chain that has been serving Tampa since 1994 and now has more than 17 locations. Its South Tampa shop is at 4802 W. Bay Court Avenue, and its location list showed it open until 11 p.m. That makes it an easy move-day dinner when the kitchen is still in boxes.

Jobs & Economy

MacDill Air Force Base, just south of the neighborhood, is the biggest influence on daily life here. It is home to the headquarters of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, plus other military commands and units. That is why so many active-duty and retired military families live in South of Gandy, and why the veteran share in ZIP 33611 is nearly double the city rate.

The rest of the job market is a short drive away. Westshore’s office district is just to the north, and downtown Tampa is reachable by Dale Mabry, MacDill Avenue or the Selmon Expressway. The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council focuses on information technology, defense and security, corporate headquarters, distribution and logistics, financial and professional services, life sciences and healthcare, and manufacturing. Tampa General Hospital, one of the region’s largest employers with about 15,000 team members and providers, is on Davis Islands. The mean commute from ZIP 33611 is 23.4 minutes.

Heading here on orders? See our military moves page. Military families get 5% off.

Schools in Gandy-Sun Bay South

Public schools are run by Hillsborough County Public Schools, which describes itself as the nation’s 7th largest school district. The area’s main public high school is Robinson High School at 6311 S. Lois Avenue. Robinson is an IB World School and also offers the Cambridge AICE program, along with band, orchestra, culinary, NJROTC and other electives. Elementary and middle school zones vary by street, so use the district’s school locator for any address you are considering.

For college, the University of Tampa is next to downtown, the University of South Florida (founded in 1956) is in north Tampa, and Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus is a short drive north.

Gandy-Sun Bay South Quick Facts

City / County	City of Tampa, Hillsborough County
Official name	Gandy/Sun Bay South (locals say “South of Gandy”)
ZIP code	33611 (shared with other South Tampa neighborhoods)
Area codes	813 and 656 (656 overlay added in 2022)
Nearest major airport	Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Main roads	Gandy Blvd (US 92), Dale Mabry Hwy, MacDill Ave, Interbay Blvd
Bridge to Pinellas	Gandy Bridge (almost 3 miles long)
Military installation	MacDill Air Force Base, just south
Public high school	Robinson High School (IB and AICE)
Police	Tampa Police Department

Moving to Gandy-Sun Bay South: Tips From Our Crew

Beat Gandy Boulevard traffic. Gandy backs up at rush hour, and so does the bridge. We like to start early in the morning so the truck is loaded before the commute builds.
Plan for townhome stairs. Many new townhomes are three stories with narrow stairways and tight turns. Tell us about the layout so we bring the right crew size and take apart large furniture where needed.
Check where the truck can park. Some newer streets are narrow and townhome rows often share tight driveways. If you have an HOA, ask where a moving truck can park and whether a portable container is allowed.
Book condo elevators early. Bayfront condo and apartment buildings usually want a reserved elevator, a move window and a certificate of insurance. We provide COIs free; send us the building’s rules a week ahead.
Line up PCS paperwork. If you are coming to MacDill on orders, have your report date, housing details and any base access requirements ready when you call. We can plan around a tight timeline, local or long-distance.
Watch for storms and surge. This is a low-lying neighborhood. Between June and November, keep documents and medications with you and have a backup date. We will move your date if a storm is headed for Tampa Bay, with no rescheduling fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Gandy-Sun Bay South

How much do movers cost in Gandy-Sun Bay South?

It depends on your home’s size, how many stairs there are, parking, packing and the date. A one-bedroom apartment and a three-story townhome with a full garage are very different jobs. The fastest way to 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 see how our Gandy-Sun Bay South moving crew prices and plans local jobs.

What does “South of Gandy” mean?

It is the local name for the part of South Tampa below Gandy Boulevard on the Interbay Peninsula. The City of Tampa’s official neighborhood name for much of it is Gandy/Sun Bay South. It is still inside Tampa city limits, with city services and the Tampa Police Department.

Is Gandy-Sun Bay South good for military families?

Many military families live here because MacDill Air Force Base is right next door. In ZIP 33611, 11.7% of residents are veterans, nearly double the Tampa rate. We handle PCS moves in and out of the area and give military families 5% off.

Is South of Gandy cheaper than the rest of South Tampa?

It has been, but prices have climbed with all the new construction. Redfin’s median sale price was about $757,000 over the three months ending August 2026. Rents averaged $2,287 a month, according to RentCafe. Ask your agent to compare older one-story homes with new construction, since the median mixes both.

Can you move us into a three-story townhome?

Yes, it is one of the most common jobs we do here. We bring enough crew for the stairs, protect rails and walls, and take apart beds and large pieces so they make the turns. Heavy items like pianos and safes need a plan, so see our piano and safe moving page and mention them when you call.

Move to Gandy-Sun Bay South With A & M Friendly Movers

A & M Friendly Movers is family-owned and has been moving families since 2015. Our Tampa office serves all of Hillsborough County with background-checked, drug-tested W-2 crews, never subcontractors. With our 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 to 90 days. For moves out of state, we give you a binding estimate, your own dedicated truck, the same crew door to door and a guaranteed delivery date.

See how our Gandy-Sun Bay South movers plan around townhome stairs, condo rules and PCS dates, or call 813-544-0048. An owner will call you back within 15 minutes.

Get My Price

Moving to Gandy-Sun Bay South, FL: Living in South of Gandy Guide