Is Davis Islands safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Davis Islands as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Davis Islands
“Go. Davis Islands is one of Tampa's safest and most affluent enclaves, offering picturesque waterfront views and a tranquil island village atmosphere. Visitors will encounter minimal safety concerns day or night, making it an exceptional place for walking, dining, and relaxing.”
Recent news coverage has centered primarily on coastal flooding and storm surge impacts from recent hurricane seasons rather than public safety issues.
About the area
Davis Islands is an upscale residential archipelago just south of Downtown Tampa known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, marinas, and scenic bayfront paths. It features a charming mini-downtown along East Davis Boulevard alongside quiet waterfront parks and Tampa General Hospital at its northern gateway.
- Affluent Waterfront
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Family-Friendly
- Historic / Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in Davis Islands
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Davis Islands features scenic multi-use waterfront paths and connects directly over the bridge to the iconic Bayshore Boulevard trail and the Tampa Riverwalk network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Extremely low violent and property crime rates compared to city and national benchmarks
- High median household income, strong homeownership rates, and impeccably maintained properties
- Self-contained, low-stress commercial corridor on East Davis Boulevard with community policing presence
- Immediate proximity to Tampa General Hospital, the region's premier Level 1 trauma center
Cons
- Severe vulnerability to storm surge and tidal flooding during tropical weather events
- Geographic isolation with only one vehicular bridge connection to mainland Tampa
- Limited public transit frequency, making personal vehicles or rideshares essential for regional travel
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence on Davis Islands due to its geographic isolation and strictly residential character. Any isolated sightings are typically brief and confined to the bridge crossing near the hospital entrance.
What Davis Islands is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers enjoying the bay breezes in complete safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and sunlit with low traffic, making it very comfortable to explore local shops and waterside parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and inviting around the East Davis Boulevard dining corridor with no safety concerns for visitors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and sleepy across residential streets with virtually no foot traffic aside from hospital staff shifts.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) operates Route 8, providing bus service between Davis Islands, Tampa General Hospital, and Downtown Tampa. The nearest rail option is the TECO Line Streetcar, located about one mile north in the Channel District.
Free and relatively easy street parking is available along East Davis Boulevard and near island parks, while paid structured parking is concentrated around the Tampa General Hospital complex.
Things to do in Davis Islands
- Watch private aircraft take off and enjoy waterfront views at Peter O. Knight Airport and Davis Island Dog Beach
- Stroll and dine along the relaxed, tree-lined commercial strip on East Davis Boulevard
- Walk, run, or cycle the scenic continuous waterfront path along Channel Drive overlooking Hillsborough Bay
Local favorites
- Oggi Italian · Italian Restaurant · 4.7★ (560)Intimate neighborhood bistro serving handcrafted pasta, scratch-made sauces, and classic Italian comfort food.
- 220 East · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (780)Longstanding local staple offering classic American entrees, fresh seafood, and casual patio dining.
- TeBella Tea Company · Tea House · 4.8★ (330)Charming specialty shop featuring artisanal loose-leaf teas, specialty iced beverages, and baked goods.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.