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Picture of the Tampa Bay skyline with TPA written across it.

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporter Ben Montgomery.

Axios Tampa Bay

Did someone say rooftop? Enjoy a drink with a view while the weather is still  lovely.

Why it matters: Whether you want to impress out-of-towners or find the perfect date spot, a good rooftop bar is a must.

Details: A deco-inspired tropical lounge perched atop historic Armature Works.

Must-try cocktail: The Out of Towner with Tromba Blanco, pineapple, lime, cucumber water and seltzer.

Go when: You want to loosen up your colleagues for after-work happy hour.

A sangria, margarita and mojito in front of the skyline

Details: An indoor-outdoor spot where you can sample Sicilian street fare and sip refreshing cocktails.

Must-try cocktail: Paradiso, a vibrant blood orange margarita.

Go when: You want to grab a celebratory drink, maybe after dinner at the restaurant it sits above, Casa Santa Stefano. 

Or, an impromptu night out (no reservations required).

Views: The bar sits just above the Historic Ybor City skyline, with a view of cigar factories and downtown Tampa.

Details: A legendary rooftop bar atop a seafood restaurant in the heart of Pass-A-Grille.

Must-try cocktail: The Hurricane Margarita. Hornitos tequila with agave, lime juice and orange liqueur. 

Go when: You want a casual date night with a breeze, a view and some good seafood.

Views: Located just across the street from the Gulf, the 365-degree rooftop has a perfect view of the sunset over the beach.

3 must-try rooftop bars in Tampa Bay

Whether you want to impress out-of-towners or find the perfect date spot, a good rooftop bar is a must.

Rooftop bar with wood paneling in front of skyline

Did someone say rooftop? Enjoy a drink with a view while the weather is still lovely.Why it matters: Whether you want to impress out-of-towners or find the perfect date spot, a good rooftop bar is a must.

Food and Drink

Axios Tampa Bay, anchored by Ben Montgomery and Selene San Felice, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

Data: Point2Homes; Map: Tory Lysik/Axios Visuals

Tampa renters on average earned just 54% of the income they would need to afford a starter home in October, according to an analysis by real estate website Point2Homes.

Researchers considered "starter homes" properties valued in the lower one-third of all available homes for sale.

Why it matters: Higher mortgage rates and housing costs are keeping homeownership out of reach from many first-time buyers.

By the numbers: Renters in Tampa earned a household income of $40,006 on average, while the income needed to cover a mortgage was $73,626, according to the study.

In September, a typical Tampa starter home cost $279,676, the study found, analyzing Zillow data.

Zoom out: Following interest rate hikes this year, renter households in 15 of the 50 largest U.S. cities made less than half the income needed to buy one of the cheapest homes in town, per the analysis.

The big picture: Across the U.S., the share of first-time homebuyers has shrunk to a record low, according to the National Association of Realtors. 

First-time buyers made up 26% of all buyers in 2022, down from 34% last year, the group found.

What we're watching: Mortgage rates are starting to decline, Axios' Emily Peck reports, and the Federal Reserve is expected to slow its aggressive rate-hiking campaign.

The decline isn't expected to fully revive the real estate market, but experts say we could see some improvements in affordability next year. 

Go deeper: 3 reasons it's getting harder for renters to buy

Tampa renters can't afford starter homes

Higher mortgage rates and housing costs are keeping homeownership out of reach from many first-time buyers.

Housing

Tampa renters on average earned just 54% of the income they would need to afford a starter home in October, according to an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.point2homes.com/news/research/starter-homes-where-to-find-them-entry-level-house-myth.html" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.point2homes.com/news/research/starter-homes-where-to-find-them-entry-level-house-myth.html" target="_blank">analysis</a> by real estate website Point2Homes.<ul><li>Researchers considered &quot;starter homes&quot; properties valued in the lower one-third of all available homes for sale.</li></ul>

Real Estate

Data: Freddie Mac; Chart: Madison Dong/Axios Visuals

Tampa Bay's real estate market is starting to level off, according to the latest data from Redfin/MLS.

Why it matters: After two-plus years of plummeting inventory and sky-high home prices, buyers in the Tampa metro area have waited a long time for a little relief.

What's happening: Mortgage rates started to surge in May and have since topped 7%, squeezing homebuyer budgets.

By the numbers: As of September, inventory is up 23.6% and pending sales are down 30% since May.

Median home sales prices fell from $384,000 to $370,000 from May to September.

Sellers are increasingly dropping their asking price. Nearly 46% of listings had price cuts in September, up from 33% in May.

Meanwhile, a shrinking share of homes sold above list price. In September 21.1% of homes sold above list price, down from 51.6% in May.

Homes are also sitting on the market longer. In May, homes sold in seven days on average, compared with 20 days in September.

Yes, but: Monthly mortgage payments are significantly more expensive than they were a year ago.

The bottom line: Tampa Bay's market is calmer, but buying a home right now isn't necessarily cheaper. 

Buying a house in Tampa Bay is finally easier, but not cheaper

Mortgage rates started to surge in May and have since topped 7%, squeezing homebuyer budgets.

Mortgages

Tampa Bay&#x27;s real estate market is starting to level off, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/data-center/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/data-center/" target="_blank">latest data</a> from Redfin/MLS.Why it matters: After two-plus years of plummeting inventory and sky-high home prices, buyers in the Tampa metro area have waited a long time for a little relief.

Dating can be expensive, but you don't have to spend a ton of money to have a good time.

Whether you're on a first date or have been together for years, here are some date ideas under $30.

Grab a 1/4 gallon of to-go margaritas from Margaritas Mexican in Tampa and watch the sunset from Seaplane Basin Park on Davis Islands.

Best for: Couples who love to booze al fresco

Yes, and: Enjoy a drink with a view at these rooftop bars.

Roll into Newbie Night at United Skates of America in Tampa. Get a 30-minute crash course beforehand if you'd like some extra instruction. 

Adult Newbie Night is Mondays 8:30-11pm, with skating classes at 7:30pm and 8pm.

Cost: $10 per person, including skate rental. Pay $5 more for the lesson.

Details: Here's the weekly roller skate schedule.

Pack sandwiches or a DIY cheese board and head to Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg. Look for dolphins while you dine on your romantic spread.

Best for: Couples who romanticize everything

Rothenbach Hammock Loop Trail in Sarasota is paved and partly shaded. The lightly trafficked trail is good for all skill levels.

Details: The loop is at 8650 Bee Ridge Road. If you're craving even more nature, check out our list of the best hikes around Tampa Bay.

4 Tampa Bay date ideas under $30

Pick up margaritas to go or head to the roller rink for dates that won't break the bank.

Dating can be expensive, but you don&#x27;t have to spend a ton of money to have a good time.<ul><li>Whether you&#x27;re on a first date or have been together for years, here are some date ideas under $30.</li></ul>

Sami Sparber

Featured stories

Tampa renters can't afford starter homes

Buying a house in Tampa Bay is finally easier, but not cheaper

4 Tampa Bay date ideas under $30

3 must-try rooftop bars in Tampa Bay