According to U.S. News and World Report, Tampa is one of the top ten places to retire. Which, of course, is no surprise to us Tampans. The list claimed the Tampa area was #6, however, I have to say that it should have topped the list at #1. Here is why Tampa is the best place to retire in Florida and how you can find your ideal home in this coveted metropolitan area.
Attractions & Culture
Whether you want to subscribe to the theater, enjoy membership at a local museum, or just be able to take the grandkids to exciting theme parks, Tampa delivers.
Tampa is home to at least 19 museums, including the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the nearby Dali Museum.
You can catch a play or performance at the Straz Center, the Carrollwood Players Theatre, the University of South Florida School of Theatre and Dance, and other area performing arts centers.
If professional sports are more your speed, you can enjoy the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Baseball fan? Spring training in the Tampa area is the best!
Of course, with its Gulf Coast location, I have to mention Tampa Bay area beaches. There are numerous beaches in the area, which are world famous for their beautiful white sands and emerald color waters.
When it comes to food, Tampa has an amazing assortment of restaurants from a variety of cuisines. Whether you prefer more American fare like burgers gussied up with bleu cheese and bacon or exploring the world through your palate, Tampa’s cultural diversity means that we have every type of mouth-watering restaurant or eatery you can dream of.
In addition to all this, Tampa has its own international airport and cruise ports. If you want to travel in your retirement or have family and friends come and stay with you at your gorgeous Tampa home, Tampa International Airport (TIA) makes it easy.
Climate
If your plans for retirement solely include lounging on the beach as much as possible or taking care of your gorgeous garden, Tampa’s weather is ideal. For many of us, the year-round sunshine is perfect for both recreational activities and everyday activities like going grocery shopping or just taking a walk.
To get a handle on the weather in Tampa and the surrounding area, check out the NOAA’s climate data.
Community
One important factor when choosing a place to retire is a community. Whether you want to live in a 55+ neighborhood or just engage with others with similar interests, finding your community is crucial for making new friends and enjoying your retirement.
In Tampa, there are plenty of nonprofit organizations that would appreciate volunteers. You can support quality education or the arts, assist individuals going through a tough time, help beautify our city, and more. There are also several senior centers throughout the county providing access to fitness equipment, art classes, and other social activities.
Quality Healthcare
As we age, our relationships with our medical professionals become more important. With high-quality hospitals sprinkled throughout the Tampa Bay area, you can easily build rapport with your doctor and find the professionals you need to live your best life and enjoy your golden years.
Tampa General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, AdventHealth Tampa, Moffit Cancer Center, Morton Plant Hospital, and other area hospitals all provide excellent care. Whether you have a condition you are managing or are just planning for the future, Tampa has you covered.
Cost of Living
If you have been looking at retirement advice, you have probably seen articles mentioning cost of living as an important factor to consider when choosing your destination. The U.S. News and World Report referenced above found that the cost of living in Tampa is slightly below the national average. This means that it costs slightly less, on average, to live in Tampa than in some other parts of the country. One more point for the Tampa Bay region.
Of course, the cost of living changes over time. You can use this interactive tool to compare different areas.
No State Taxes
One reason that Florida is such a popular retirement destination is that there are no state taxes. For individuals who have a strict budget for their retirement, this can be a benefit. While we still pay sales, real estate, and federal taxes, subtracting state taxes from the equation can make retirement easier on the wallet. To learn more about how a move to Tampa may affect you financially, be sure to speak with your accountant or financial advisor.
Accessible Necessities
While it is fun to focus on the beach or Busch Gardens, I also want to touch on practical matters. Shopping is easy in Tampa. You have your choice of boutiques or big box shopping centers and grocery stores. We have plenty of pharmacies to ensure you are able to access your medications.
If you have particular concerns, like access to a Farmer’s Market or being able to walk to your favorite supermarket, please let me know. We can always narrow our search so that the most important things for your quality of life are foremost in our property search. Still not sure if Tampa is right for you? Why not visit and check out some properties? Let me know what you need from your dream home, and together we can come up with a list of must-see condos or houses. Contact me today to get started.