Is SoHo safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates SoHo as “Go”.
Gogo's take on SoHo
“Go. SoHo is one of Tampa's safest and most affluent dining and entertainment districts. Violent crime is exceptionally low, though visitors should stay mindful of rowdy crowds and minor property crime during peak weekend late-night hours.”
Recent city municipal efforts have focused on managing rideshare congestion and enforcing noise ordinances along South Howard Avenue during peak weekend nightlife hours.
About the area
SoHo (South Howard) is a chic, high-energy corridor in South Tampa characterized by upscale restaurants, trendy lounges, and tree-lined residential side streets. By day it serves as a relaxed hub for brunch, boutique shopping, and fitness, transitioning into a bustling nightlife hotspot after dark.
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Nightlife Heavy
- Upscale & Trendy
- Historic / Tree-Lined
Walking and biking in SoHo
Walk score: 82/100 · Bike score: 75/100
SoHo has shareable e-scooters and connects within a half-mile to the Bayshore Boulevard Greenway, one of the longest continuous pedestrian and bike trails in the country.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to broader Tampa and national averages.
- Affluent economic profile with high median household incomes and exceptionally low poverty rates.
- Consistent foot traffic and strong commercial lighting along the main commercial strip.
Cons
- Frequent late-night alcohol-related disorderly conduct and minor altercations around popular bars.
- Opportunistic vehicle break-ins and theft from unattended cars on residential side streets.
- Congested vehicular traffic and reckless driving risks during Friday and Saturday nights.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in SoHo, with occasional individuals near major arterial intersections, but there are no fixed encampments or shelters located within the neighborhood.
What SoHo is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful, quiet, and exceptionally safe with morning runners, dog walkers, and coffee-goers along the sidewalk.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active, safe, and pleasant with steady patron foot traffic visiting lunch spots and fitness studios.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Bustling and energetic with restaurant crowds; very safe and well-lit along the main corridor.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Generally secure, though heavily crowded with bar patrons where alcohol-induced scuffles and traffic hazards become more noticeable.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART), with local bus Route 19 running directly along South Howard Avenue; there is no direct light rail or BRT connection.
Street parking on South Howard is limited and subject to strict enforcement, though many businesses offer valet and there are paid surface lots charging $10 to $20 during peak times.
Things to do in SoHo
- Dine on dry-aged steaks and explore the legendary wine cellar and Harry Waugh Dessert Room at Bern's Steak House.
- Browse local clothing boutiques, fitness studios, and coffee shops along South Howard Avenue.
- Take a walk or jog just a few blocks east to the continuous waterfront path of Bayshore Boulevard.
Local favorites
- Bern's Steak House · Fine Dining Steakhouse · 4.7★ (7250)Iconic Tampa institution renowned for dry-aged steaks, an immense wine collection, and private dessert rooms.
- Green Lemon · Modern Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (2840)Lively, high-energy eatery serving contemporary tacos, bowls, and craft margaritas.
- Daily Eats · American Diner · 4.5★ (2310)Modern neighborhood diner offering creative comfort classics, all-day breakfast, and milkshakes.
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.