Life in Tampa
Tampa is located on the Gulf Coast, about 84 miles southwest of Orlando. The Tampa Bay area encompasses Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties, which include the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Its accessibility to the beach, combined with the excitement of a large metropolitan area, makes it a popular destination for young professionals, couples, and families. With more and more businesses calling Tampa home, the city is booming with innovation and diversity.
Cost of Living in Tampa
If you have always dreamed of living by the beach but can’t afford the sky-high prices in Miami, Tampa is an excellent option for you. With so many amenities, you might be surprised to learn that Tampa is one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. Combine that with no state income tax and housing costs on par with the rest of the nation, and it’s no wonder Tampa is one of the best cities for real estate.
Where to Live in Tampa
Tampa offers a variety of neighborhoods for young people, families, and retirees alike. Whether you prefer proximity to downtown, access to the beach, walkability, or great schools, you can find whatever you are looking for in Tampa.
Downtown Tampa: The urban core of the city, Downtown Tampa, is bustling with excitement both day and night. You will find plenty of condos, apartments, and residential towers, with average rent prices over $2700 per month. Though housing is more expensive, this unique neighborhood features restaurants, museums, and parks located along the Tampa Riverwalk, along with plenty of green spaces that host concerts, festivals, and family-friendly events.
Hyde Park: Known for its rich history, this unique neighborhood blends modern style with historic charm. Here you will find plenty of restaurants, shops, nightlife, and more!
Ybor City: Once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World,” this is the only neighborhood on the west coast of Florida that is designated as a National Historic Landmark District. Here you will find an eclectic mix of history, entertainment, shops, and restaurants.
Palma Ceia: Palma Ceia is one of the most popular suburbs of Tampa, known for its excellent schools, charming bricked streets, and abundant green spaces. You will also find outdoor cafes, boutique shopping, and the posh Palma Ceia Golf Club.
Outdoor Recreation
One of the biggest draws to Tampa is the gorgeous weather and access to the outdoors. With warm weather year-round, it should come as no surprise that outdoor recreation is among the best things to do in Tampa. As one of the most prominent coastal cities in Florida, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from in the Tampa Bay area. Some of the most popular beaches include Clearwater, St. Pete, Davis Island, and Madeira Beach, just to name a few. Downtown Tampa is also the perfect place to rent a bike and check out the scenery, while Hillsborough River State Park is a great place to go camping, canoeing, and kayaking. Other popular activities include golf, tennis, dog-friendly beaches, park picnics, and a variety of water sports.
Explore the Arts and Culture
Tampa has a vibrant arts and culture scene. You will find colorful murals adorning cement walls throughout the city, as well as a variety of museums and events. The city also plays host to a number of events, including the historic city-wide “Gasparilla season,” which runs from mid-January to mid-March. It is one of the largest parades in the country and is a great event for the whole family. The warm weather also makes the perfect atmosphere for festivals, some of which include the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival, Sunset Music Festival, and the Florida State Fair. You can also attend everything from comedy and Broadway to opera and orchestra performances.
Things to Do in Tampa
Tampa is packed with plenty of activities and entertainment to keep you busy. The hot days and cool evenings make for lively nightlife. There are plenty of popular neighborhoods, such as Ybor City and SoHo, that are known for their vibrant nightlife. If you prefer a nice dinner, Tampa’s got you covered. The city is packed with everything from fine dining to cheap eats. Be sure to check out Brunchies for savory brunch dishes, Flames Indian Cuisine, Oggi Italian, or the Cuban sandwich at Gaspar’s Grotto. Looking for fun things to do with the family? Spend a day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, view sharks at the Florida Aquarium, get creative at the Glazer Children’s Museum, or learn about science and technology at the Museum of Science and Industry. Sports lovers will also delight in cheering on the variety of pro sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Tampa Bay Lightning, or watch major league baseball teams practice during spring training.
Ready to Move to Tampa? Allied Van Lines Can Help
The gorgeous weather, ample sunshine, endless entertainment, and family-friendly communities make Tampa an ideal location to lay down some roots. If you are ready to make the move, call Allied Van Lines to help with the moving process. As a leader in the moving industry for more than 95 years, our knowledgeable and highly experienced specialists can guide you through the moving process. We offer a comprehensive list of moving services, and our expertly trained staff can help you plan and execute a seamless move. Call Allied today for more information about how we can help with your move to Tampa!