South Tampa Neighborhoods
Ballast Point
Overview
Toward the end of the nineteenth century, boats making for the shore on this side of the Florida Coast frequently stopped at Ballast Point to discard their ballast rocks before continuing, to become light enough to safely cross the shallow water. This was before the bay was dredged and its beautiful neighborhood acquired by Tampa’s upper class as vacation property.
Ballast Point is situated east of the peninsula between Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay. Known for its beautiful surroundings and languid atmosphere, its inhabitants often describe it as, "where the grand oaks meet the bay."
With its fair prices, closeness to the shore, and easy commuting, Ballast Point is fast regaining its popularity in the Tampa Bay area. New settlers are revamping modest concrete-block homes or pulling down smaller houses and erecting larger structures. Some are building houses with tin roofs, large porches and clapboards, which are characteristic of old Florida Architectural styles.
Parks and Recreation
The wharf at Ballast Point serves as a great fishing spot. Many also enjoy walking or just sitting, while savoring a remarkable view of the Tampa skyline. The wooden wharf spans an overwhelming 960 feet into Hillsborough Bay. Sometimes dolphins can be seen in the bay waters alongside sailboats from the elite Tampa Yacht and Country Club. Thousands of people gather each spring at the neighboring MacDill Airforce Base for the annual Air Fest, a Tampa tradition. Tampa Yacht and Country Club. Thousands of people usually gather, each spring, in the neighboring MacDill Air Force Base for the annual Air Fest.
Living
Houses in Ballast Point range from simple ranch homes to large structures of Mediterranean revival architecture, positioned on oak-shaded spreads or waterside estates. A modest single-family house costs between $150,000 and $6.9 million, while the cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment in the area ranges between $1,300 and $1,500.
Schools, Health & Transportation
The schools in Ballast Point are served by School District of Hillsborough County or SDHC. The middle schools and high schools are mid-rated schools, but Ballast Point Elementary School is considered one of the best Elementary schools in the Tampa area. Ballast Point is also a popular place for commuters who work on either side of the bay, and Downtown Tampa is only a ten-minute drive down Historic Bayshore Boulevard.
