As the Tampa Bay area continues to become more densely populated, residents and new arrivals naturally seek out those hidden gems within its reaches to make a home. Nestled on the western shore of the Bay and within close proximity to both Tampa and Clearwater, Safety Harbor is just one such city. This secret hideaway of quaint streets, award-winning restaurants, green spaces, and rich history has become home to just 17,000 residents. If you are looking for a peaceful Main Street Community to call home in Tampa Bay, our Safety Harbor real estate guide will fill you in on this unique neighborhood.
The land on which the town now lies has been inhabited since the Stone Age according to a 2008 archaeological find. More recent inhabitants of the area were the Tocobaga people at the time of the Spanish exploration. These Safety Harbor-based Native Americans built many ceremonial and communal mounds, just one of which is still visible in the city's Philippe Park. Safety Harbor received its name in the early 18th century when pirate activity was substantial in the area and ships that made it here were thought to have reached a "safe harbor."
Little development occurred in Safety Harbor until the end of the Civil War. There is a great mix in the city between the historic and the modern when it comes to the types of homes available and the architecture that you will encounter. There are over 150 residences in the city that are listed on the Nation Register of Historic Places. A majority of these are frame vernacular style homes and bungalows, with a small mix of masonry vernacular, Mediterranean revival, and Mission-style homes. Before preservation took hold, it became popular to purchase older homes and simply tear them down to build new ones. There are many modern single-family homes and a few small condo developments in Safety Harbor as well.
Safety Harbor is known worldwide as a place of healing and rejuvenation thanks to the renowned Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, considered one of the top U.S. spas year after year. This Historic Landmark was built on the "Espiritu Santo Springs", once thought to the be the mythical "Fountain of Youth" sought after by Ponce De Leon. This 50,000 square foot spa offers residents and visitors alike world-class wellness and exercise programs, tennis, dining, and meeting facilities, all overlooking the waters of Tampa Bay.
Open markets in this vibrant community make supporting small businesses and maintaining a healthy lifestyle a breeze. There is a weekly farmer's market every Thursday in John Wilson Park beginning at 9:00 a.m. Pick up flowers, fresh produce, and baked goods at this weekly community gathering. If you're a runner or a paddler, don't miss several of the races that take place in the community each year. Safety Harbor's "Best Damn Race" happens in February, Nolan's 5k is in March, and the annual Paddle for the Kids is in May.
Safety Harbor is a fantastic place to raise a family. The median age in the city is 39.5, and the crime rate here is very low. There are two public schools within the city: Safety Harbor Elementary and Safety Harbor Middle School. The middle school was renovated in 2004 as a joint project with the city and its track and field facilities are open to the public. There is also a public branch of the Pinellas County library system in the city, on 2nd Street North.
There are many green spaces in and around Safety Harbor for families to enjoy. There are a dozen parks in the city, including a recreational trail along Bayshore Blvd. for walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. Safety Harbor City Park is a 21-acre park that includes a playground, skate park, and a dog park. The largest park in Safety Harbor is also Pinellas County's oldest park. Philippe Park is a 122-acre park that is shaded by large oak trees and offers visitor views of Old Tampa Bay. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, walking trails, a softball field, boat ramp, and a historic Indian mound in this fabulous park.
As an active Main Street community, there is much to do in Safety Harbor to keep your toes tapping and your taste buds satisfied. You won't want to miss the 3rd Friday Music Series taking place on Main Street from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. on, you guessed it - the 3rd Friday of each month. The streets are closed to traffic all the way to the Bay for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Beyond the monthly gatherings, Safety Harbor holds festivals within the city celebrating both art and music. The annual Chalk Art Festival takes place in mid-March and draws artists from around the world. The Safety Harbor Song Festival happens along the waterfront in April and is a two-day music festival that features nationally touring artists.
If you've come for the food, Safety Harbor doesn't disappoint. Both seafood and classic southern fare rule in Safety Harbor as two of the long-standing top restaurants in town can attest. Residents swear by the fried chicken and blackened redfish at Southern Fresh, on 3rd Ave. N. just off of Main Street. Another local favorite is the Whistle Stop Grill, where you can eat authentic fried green tomatoes alongside pulled pork tacos, washed down with a spicy Bloody Mary.
Safety Harbor offers its residents a unique small town setting with proximity to Tampa, Clearwater, and the gulf beaches. Professionals and families looking for a place to call home in Tampa Bay with a strong sense of community ought to be delighted with the diverse choices in Safety Harbor real estate.
