South Tampa is one giant reno-project, from rising condo's to knockdown homes, the new construction is the changing face of the people who can afford to call it home.
"I used to live in Bayshore, I can't afford it no more, it's expensive, too expensive," says Glenda Herman whose rent went up $300 with little warning.
"I love it out here it's beautiful the people are very nice, but for the average people like us...we can't live out here," she says.
Her friend Terran McInnis who decided not to live in South Tampa puts it another way.
"I need to work at Chase, I need to work at CVS and the Lodge in order to afford my tiny one room apartment in South Tampa!"
The evolution of South Tampa has been happening for decades. Take Beach Park...the area was not always dotted with McMansions. They used to be 1950's 3 bedroom ranches.
Realtor Matt Maddux with Morris Williams Realty sees both sides. He not only sells homes, he also appraises them.
"South Tampa is taking off, it's going through a Revitilization over the last couple of years. I think part of that is driven by the fact that it's a peninsula there is limited inventory here," he says.
He says if you look hard enough, you can still find the South Tampa Dream.
"There are still pockets here. It might not be in the premium high school district, but they can still enjoy the quality of life South Tampa enjoys and offers," he says.
A quality of life at a premium price.
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