Living in Tampa, Florida: Your Ultimate Guide From a Local
Tampa is one of Florida’s most vibrant cities, combining urban living with an incredible outdoor lifestyle and an exciting cultural scene. It’s no wonder people are flocking to Tampa; it consistently ranks in the top ten for hottest real estate markets.
Living in Tampa, Florida, offers residents the perfect mix of work, play, fun, and relaxation. With its subtropical climate, growing job market, and no state income tax (yep, you read that one right), Tampa is attracting more residents each year. Beyond the stats, Tampa has a welcoming community vibe, diverse cultural experiences, and access to stunning beaches.
As a local real estate agent and lifelong resident of the Tampa area, I’ve seen firsthand why so many people are drawn to this area; it’s extremely difficult to find anywhere else in the US that offers quite what Tampa does.
There’s plenty to love about living here, whether you’re moving to Tampa for work, lifestyle, or family reasons. Come take a little “walk” through Tampa with me and discover everything you need to know, from the cost of living to the best neighborhood options.
Why Tampa?
I love answering this question!
Let’s start with the most obvious answer: the climate in Tampa.
Tampa enjoys warm temperatures nearly year-round. Highs range between 70-90°F, and lows hover between 52-76°F. Though it can get colder in the winter (dips into the 30s are extremely rare, though), Tampa is mostly known for its Florida sunshine. In Tampa, we enjoy outdoor activities all year long, whether it’s visiting the beach, hiking trails in nearby parks, or biking to work.
Cost of Living in Tampa: How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Tampa?
My answer here will be somewhat subjective: it depends. The main reason I answer it that way is because home buyers and investors have different reasons and needs for making a home purchase. You might be looking for a luxury condo with all the bells and whistles, or you might be a family needing a single-family residence with four bedrooms and a pool for your kids.
Here’s the excellent news: Tampa’s cost of living is relatively moderate compared to other major U.S. cities. You can definitely get more bang for your buck here! While you should check with your tax advisor, many people also get a nice break on their property taxes when they move here, which can be a huge perk, especially for retirees.
A few things to keep in mind while you’re budgeting:
Home Purchase
Popular areas like Hyde Park or South Tampa will be more expensive. There is also a large luxury market here, with multimillion-dollar homes that house celebrities. That being said, if you’re not Derek Jeter or Tom Brady, I can help you find a gorgeous home you will fall in love with that will make you feel like you’re living large!
Utilities and Transportation
Tampa is a car-dependent city. While there is public transit (HART buses, trolleys, etc.), having your own vehicle is more convenient. Gas prices and insurance can vary, but Tampa’s overall transportation costs are pretty typical for Florida cities.
Groceries and Dining
Are you a foodie who eats out a lot? Or are you a homebody who loves relaxing with a glass of vino after work, cooking in your outdoor kitchen all year round (because you CAN in Tampa!) with your friends sitting by your fire pit? Tampa’s dining scene offers everything from food trucks to high-end restaurants, so bring your appetite and get ready to try Cuban fusion cuisine or shop our weekly farmer’s markets for delicious fresh produce!
Healthcare
Tampa boasts several high-quality healthcare facilities, including Tampa General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital. Health insurance premiums will vary based on your plan, but the city has a strong medical network. If you’re making a retirement plan to live in Tampa, you’ll have access to any healthcare needs, which is incredibly important.
Best Neighborhoods in Tampa
Do I ever have the inside scoop for you on this one, because this is what I do best: helping you choose the right neighborhood and community when moving to Tampa. Let me steer you toward the best neighborhoods in Tampa. There are quite a few, so I’ll hit the highlights here.
Tampa has a variety of communities, and they are all quite unique. This can be awesome or overwhelming, depending on how you look at it. Let me break down the highlights here, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions—I’m an awesome “matchmaker” when it comes to people and their new homes!
Walkable, Family-Friendly Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the hottest neighborhoods in South Tampa. It features historic bungalows, tree-lined streets, and vibrant Hyde Park Village with upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The neighborhood is also home to some of the city’s best schools, including Primrose School of South Tampa and Gorrie Elementary School (winner of the Five Star School Award, Golden School Award, and the Florida School Recognition Award).
Plus, the famous Bayshore Boulevard is here, the world’s longest stretch of uninterrupted sidewalk (4.5 miles!) and million-dollar views of the bay on one side and luxury homes on the other.
The Relaxed Vibe of Ballast Point
This neighborhood offers a mix of historic and modern homes and has water views with a suburban feel, many with large yards and beautiful landscaping. Here’s a major draw: the east-facing 600-foot Ballast Point Pier—one of the only places in the area where you can catch the perfect sunrise. Family-centric Ballast Point Park is a great spot for families and anyone looking for a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle.
Upscale Living at its Finest: Davis Islands
A waterfront oasis just minutes from downtown Tampa, Davis Islands is one of the most exclusive South Tampa neighborhoods. It’s a quiet, upscale neighborhood with stunning views of the water, beautiful homes, and easy access to downtown Tampa. There’s also a local legendary dog park and beach, the Roy Jenkins Pool, a yacht club, and a 1.5-mile trail for all ages connecting to Marjorie Park Marina and a major attraction for Tampa, which is the Tampa Riverwalk.
Bayshore Beautiful (Which Truly is Beautiful)
Bayshore Beautiful lives up to its name with stunning views of Bayshore Boulevard and is home to active lifestyle Tampa residents. It’s also known for its family-friendly atmosphere, events, and close-knit feel, making locals call it a wonderful place to call home and a diverse array of home types. Schools in the area include Ballast Point, Anderson, or Roosevelt Elementary Schools, Coleman or Madison Middle Schools, and Plant or Robinson High School.
Location, Location, Location: Virginia Park
Close to Hyde Park, home to international restaurants, and an accessible commuter location, Virginia Park has picturesque streets and well-maintained homes. This neighborhood is ideal for those who appreciate a sense of community and the convenience of nearby amenities. With top-rated schools and various local parks, Virginia Park is a favorite among families and young professionals.
The Booming Housing Market in Westchase
Westchase is widely considered one of the nicest areas in the Tampa region in which to live. This master-planned neighborhood is a welcoming, well-maintained community spanning over 2,000 acres with a high standard of living.
Westchase is more than just a collection of homes—it’s a lifestyle. With top-rated schools, gorgeous parks and greenery, close proximity to a vibrant town center West Park Village, and neighborhood festivals, farmers markets, and holiday celebrations, Westchase has both community and convenience, and that balance is what makes it so special.
One of the Best Cities For Work: Employment Opportunities in Tampa
Is Tampa a good place to live in Florida? From a career perspective, the answer is a resounding yes. Tampa’s economy is booming, offering jobs across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa is now one of the nation’s top 20 “Tech Towns.” In 2022, many companies announced plans to expand in Tampa, including ReliaQuest, Celsius Network, International Data Corp, OPSWAT, Genesis Systems, Pfizer, and Fisher Investments. From Silicon Valley, Tampa also attracted JetBridge and TrustLayer and founders and executives from Instagram, Snapchat, Wag!, and HelloFresh. Raymond James Financial, a financial services giant, also has a strong presence in Tampa.
Tampa is home to other major players in the business world, and they’re always on the lookout for fresh talent:
- Cisco
- General Dynamics
- HDR
- IBM
- EPAM Systems
- Novetta
- Procore Technologies
- Gartner
- Tech Data
Tampa is home to a thriving business community, with plenty of networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs designed to help young professionals advance their careers.
The Best Schools and Education in Tampa
If you have children, you’ll be glad to know that Tampa offers excellent educational opportunities. Tampa is incredibly family-friendly and has many excellent public, private, and charter schools to accommodate children of all ages. The Hillsborough County School District, the 8th largest school district in the U.S., services the Tampa area with elementary, middle, and high schools.
In the last couple of years, 19 Hillsborough County high schools have been ranked among the top 100 in Florida by U.S. News & World Report. Plant High School, Steinbrenner High School, and Sickles High School all ranked in the top 50, showcasing the strength of the Hillsborough River District’s high school offerings. However, Tampa, Florida, has many choices when it comes to incredible high schools!
Additionally, Tampa is home to the University of South Florida (USF), Stetson University, the University of Tampa (UT), and Hillsborough Community College. USF has especially excellent engineering, healthcare, and technology programs.
And for those interested in exploring alternative options outside traditional schooling, there are numerous trade schools across Tampa providing vocational training courses tailored towards specific industries such as construction trades or healthcare services.
Things to Do in Tampa
I can only scratch the surface on this one–Tampa is a city that never gets boring. From sports and family fun to beaches to outdoor activities to museums and festivals, there’s something for everyone in town.
I am constantly sending out updated articles for a local guide to events and favorite restaurants, so please subscribe to my newsletter and updates to make sure you’re getting my e-blasts about all the hot spots and goings-on here in Tampa.
That Outdoor Florida State Lifestyle
Love to be outside doing stuff? Take a stroll or bike ride down Bayshore Boulevard, the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, or spend a weekend exploring the beaches that are just a short drive away. Go horseback riding, try ziplining, get a sweat on out in the water with SUP or kayaking, grab a bite at a romantic waterfront restaurant, or go hiking.
There are also plenty of other natural spaces to explore, like Lettuce Lake Park and Weedon Island Preserve. Or you can enjoy the beauty of Bayshore Boulevard Linear Trail or Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
No FOMO in Tampa: Events and Happenings
Check out my seasonal guides to events and activities in Tampa! Visit a pumpkin patch, enjoy one of the cultural festivals, get your pirate booty on at the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, or attend a Latino Festival. Be sure to check out the event websites for information regarding ticketing and pricing.
If you’re moving here with a family, there are lots of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages, including the Lowry Park Zoo, swim lessons, beaches, and Glazer Children’s Museum.
Eclectic Culture and Arts
For culture seekers, there’s always a show at The Straz, and the Dali museum is a short drive away. There are also plenty of festivals year-round that often combine music, food, and culture. Visit the Tampa Museum of Art or catch a Broadway show at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
A Sports Fan’s Delight
If you’re a sports fan, there’s plenty to root for Tampa Bay here at Amalie Arena. Tampa is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), and the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL). Plenty of minor league teams are in the Bay Area, so there’s always a game to catch if you’re a sports fan.
Dining For Foodies (And Everyone Else, Too)
Foodies will love a variety of palate-teasing culinary delights ranging from traditional Cuban fare to new-age fusion restaurants and local food trucks that offer everything from falafel to pizza. From Cuban sandwiches in Ybor City to upscale dining in SoHo, you can enjoy waterfront dining, visit food trucks, or discover hidden gems in the city’s various neighborhoods.
Beaches Galore
Tampa is situated on Tampa Bay and is located a short drive from the Gulf of Mexico. You’re always within an hour of a great beach regardless of where in the area you choose to live, including Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Indian Rocks Beach, just to name a few.
Check Out Water Street and The Tampa Riverwalk
Water Street Tampa is the perfect place to let yourself get lost in the streets of Tampa. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, a delicious meal at a top-rated restaurant, or an exciting event at a world-class venue, these are just a handful of things to do that make Tampa such an incredible place to live. Water Street in Tampa features picturesque river walks, global cuisine, sporting events, cultural activities, family-friendly events, and outdoor lifestyle activities that will keep you busy from dawn till dusk.
But Wait, There’s More: Attractions and Theme Parks
Of course, the area is also popular for its theme parks and attractions, such as Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, as well as the Florida Aquarium, Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Ybor City Historic District, Big Cat Rescue, the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Tampa Museum of Art, the Henry B. Plant Museum, and the Tampa Bay History Center.
Ready to Call Tampa Home Sweet Home?
Have I piqued your interest? I really should write a travel and lifestyle guidebook to Tampa, but that would make it hard for me to keep adding since opportunities keep growing in this thriving and constantly expanding city!
At this point, you probably have quite a few questions, or you’re excited to come on out and become a local! I can help you find the perfect home that does more than fit your lifestyle—I can help you find a house you can call home.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy family home in the suburbs of South Tampa, a chic urban loft downtown, or a waterfront luxury condo with a view, I’m here to assist you every step of the way. Contact me today to start your journey to living in Tampa!