Tampa is a great city that is very welcoming. As one of the largest cities in Florida, it presents residents with plenty of opportunities for both work and fun. It’s a family-friendly area that is popular for plenty of good reasons. If you’re thinking that you may want to move to the area, here’s what you need to know.
Tampa Basics
Size: Tampa is a large city, 113.4 square miles of prime Florida real estate!
Climate: Tampa has pretty great weather year-round. It’s considered a subtropical climate. Average highs range from 70 to 90 °F and lows are typically 52 to 76 °F. It can get as cold as 30°F, but that’s pretty rare. Like Florida in general, Tampa is no stranger to thunderstorms. Hurricanes are not common in Tampa, however, every storm season does bring that possibility with it.
Population: Almost 400,000 people live in Tampa city limits, while 2.9 million people call the Tampa metro area home. Tampa is Florida’s third most populous city.
County: Hillsborough County
Tampa is considered part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which comprises four counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties.
Neighborhood Variety to Suit Your Needs
Tampa is made up of a lot of different neighborhoods that each have their own benefits. If you’re a fan of history, you may want to check out Ybor City, which was once a leading cigar manufacturing area.
If you like being on the water, how about Davis Island or Bayshore Beautiful?
Do you want to live in the city and enjoy the hustle and bustle, or do you prefer the peace of the suburbs?
When thinking about which Tampa neighborhood may be best for you, consider your commute, schools, and the amenities you most want to be close to. There are so many great areas to explore! Thankfully, your Realtor can help you narrow which ones will check more items off your “must-have” list.
Job Growth
Will you need a new job when moving to Tampa? If so, you are in luck! Tampa is a vibrant commercial center with plenty of employment opportunities in a variety of industries. According to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, there are 50,000 jobs currently open in high-skill, high-wage fields. Some of the area’s largest employers are Sykes, Tech Data, Verizon, various health systems, and Publix.
Taxes
Florida does not have a state income tax. Instead, it has a sales tax rate of 6%. When including local taxes, your sales tax in the area may be closer to 8.5%. For many people, this is a welcome trade-off! Instead of having state taxes deducted from your paycheck or sending off a check come April, you can use your hard-earned money however you wish.
Getting Kids in School
Tampa is served by the Hillsborough County School District. You can see what you need to have in order to enroll your children in school here. There are also plenty of great charter and private schools if you prefer. Niche has a list of area schools so you can learn more about the education your children will be receiving.
If you have kids who are getting near college age, there are plenty of great educational opportunities in the state. Locally, there’s Hillsborough Community College, the University of Tampa, and the University of South Florida.
There are plenty of great public and private colleges across the state for those looking to stay local or attend virtual classes.
Important Services
Tampa has several major hospitals, including Tampa General, Memorial Hospital of Tampa, St. Joseph’s hospital, and more. You’ll also find integrative medicine and wellness groups to help you manage your health in a way that aligns with your values.
Tampa has public transportation, however, it is limited to buses, trolleys, and streetcars. You will likely need a vehicle to get around the city quickly, though there are plenty of taxis and ride-sharing services.
Tampa has a very conveniently located international airport (TPA), so you can easily travel for work or leisure.
Tampa also has amazing community outreach organizations that help support residents. I feel this is really reflective of the way that Tampanians pull together and help each other. If you are looking to volunteer for an organization when you move, let me know! I can make some recommendations for you. It is a great way to meet new people while doing good.
There’s Always Something to Do!
Whether you aspire to be a beach bum or take in local music every weekend, Tampa has plenty to offer by way of leisure and cultural activities.
If you’re a sports fan, there’s plenty to root for. Tampa is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), and the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL). There are also plenty of minor league teams in the area, so you can always catch a game.
Tampa is situated on Tampa Bay and is 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.
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.
Of course, the area is also popular for its theme parks attractions, such as Busch Gardens and Adventure Island.
For culture seekers, there’s always a show going on 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.
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.
Ready to Move? Get a Realtor
As a Tampa native, I cannot say enough positive things about the area. I would not want to live anywhere else! If you want to experience the area for yourself, let me help you find the perfect place to call home. Contact me today.