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Seminole Heights' bungalows, porches and potlucks grab national attention

Tribune file photo by CHRIS URSO

As Florida's representative, the 98-year-old Tampa 'hood will be featured in the magazine's July/August issue on sale Monday.

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By SHERRI ACKERMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 22, 2009

Updated: 06/22/2009 07:28 pm

TAMPA - Oh, those cute little bungalows and picturesque oak-lined streets, a soon-to-be thriving community garden and that amazing Cathedral-like high school.

Add what seems like an endless supply of affordable pre-World War II fixer-uppers with generous front porches and amiable residents, and you've got all the makings of one of the best neighborhoods around.

At least that's what editors of This Old House magazine thought when they chose Seminole Heights as one of 51 Best Old House Neighborhoods – one in every state and Canada.

As Florida's representative, the 98-year-old Tampa 'hood will be featured in the magazine's July/August issue, which goes on sale next Monday.

"Oh, that's so thrilling," said a surprised Suzanne Prieur, who serves on the Old Seminole Height's historic neighborhood preservation committee.

She nominated Seminole Heights as a Best Neighborhood contender months ago, but hadn't heard if her community – which includes Old Seminole Heights, South Seminole Heights and Southeast Seminole Heights – had made the cut.

"I just feel we are so deserving," she said.

So did the magazine.

"An old-fashioned and affordable Florida oasis," editors swooned. "Home to one of the best public high schools in the country" — Hillsborough High was ranked 46th in the nation this year by Newsweek magazine.

Then there's the abundance of parks and recreation, sweetly manicured front yards, porch parties and potlucks and family atmosphere. Seminole Heights also ranks as a good place for green thumbs and single women homebuyers, porch sitters and walkers.

And, thanks to Florida's declining real estate market, buyers can nab some excellent examples of 1920s-era Craftsman-style bungalows for $150,000 to $300,000.

Seminole Heights, no stranger to national attention, has been featured in two other magazines – most recently American Bungalow in November 2008. To check out This Old House's spread, go to www.thisoldhouse.com

Reporter Sherri Ackerman can be reached at (813) 259-7144.

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