Experience Paradise in Tampa: 11 Compelling Reasons to Relocate

Would you like to live in the Big Guava? How about Cigar City? Or in the Lightning Capital of the World? None of those nicknames may sound attractive, but don’t let them turn you off from living in Tampa, Florida. These quirky nicknames reflect a culture running counter to the stereotypical Florida white-sand, jewel-waters vibe. This on-the-up destination perfectly blends urban amenities with outdoor recreation and that famous tropical weather. Explore the 11 compelling reasons moving to Tampa should be on your relocation radar.

No 100-Degree Days

As a central Florida city, expect the heat, humidity, and tropical vibes accompanying living in Florida. But while it gets hot and steamy, its waterfront location has one perk: it’s never recorded as a 100-degree day. Sure, the heat index creeps up that way, but the highest official temperature is 99F. Thank the daily sea breezes off Tampa Bay. 

What else can you expect from Tampa’s climate? The city definitely has wet and dry seasons, with winter and spring being the favorites for being active outside. Summers whip up the pop-up thunderstorms that give it the moniker “Lightning Capital of the World.” Sit back and watch a spectacular show by Mother Nature, and one that cools off those hot weather days. It makes for some picturesque sunsets over the bay.

Nationally Ranked Beaches

If you’ve never heard of Tampa as a beach destination, there is a reason. The city is at the mouth of Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay; the currents and bay environment make the waterfront surroundings better for a sheltered port than a sandy beach day.

But don’t write Tampa off your list if you want waterfront living. Nationally ranked beaches await in the greater Tampa metro. Soak up the sun and dip in the crystal-clear Gulf waters of Caladesi Island State Park or launch off the breakers windsurfing at St. Petersburg Beach. Party on at Clearwater Beach for spring break and bowl games. All these beautiful beaches and more await within an hour’s drive of urban Tampa. 

Year-Round Reasons to Get Active Outside

Maybe sand in your shorts isn’t your thing. Tampa’s waterfront is about being on the water rather than standing next to it. Locals live on the expansive Tampa Bay, where the shallow waters hide red drum and snook waiting to strike a fisherman’s hook. Fishing tournaments bring anglers from all over to ply its waters in pursuit of trophy catches.

The waterfront scene includes adventure sports, like jet skiing, water skiing, and kitesurfing. See the colorful sails plying the waves off the Sunshine Skyway in Pinellas County.

Or, drop down onto the Hillsborough River to explore the wetlands on kayak and paddleboard. Old Florida oak hammocks transport you away from the city. 

Besides the waterfront, Tampa covers 175 square miles, and some stunning natural landscapes surround the city. Join the joggers enjoying the beautiful weather out for a morning run bayside on Bayshore Boulevard, one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the world. It’s part of an extensive greenway and trail system that heads out to the Hillsborough River State Park. Downtown has the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with a walking path right on the Hillsborough River.

Alafia State Park has over 165 miles of trails with hills good enough for mountain bike runs or bicycling routes perfect for IronMan training. Neither of those state parks factors in Tampa’s many local parks, which have walking trails, public swimming pools, campgrounds, and many more activities to keep you in shape and busy. 

Thriving Job Market and Business Opportunities

People are relocating to Tampa because of the job opportunities. Careers blossom in sunny Tampa, ranked in 2023 as the fifth-best city for job seekers. The city’s booming job market keeps reporting year-over-year growth, particularly in the healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. Several Fortune 500 companies call Tampa home, like Raymond James Financial, Tech Data Corp, and Publix Super Markets. 

The healthcare industry, in particular, significantly contributes to Tampa’s economy. With a growing population and an aging demographic, the demand for healthcare professionals in Tampa is rising. Among its world-class healthcare facilities are the Tampa General Hospital and the Moffitt Cancer Center. 

Tampa’s equally robust finance and technology sector is why major companies like JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup have hubs here. And its technology industry is one of the nation’s fastest-growing, with projections to increase employment in this sector by 14% by 2027.

Of course, defense is another key industry, with the MacDill Air Force Base situated at the southern end of the Old Tampa Bay peninsula. This high-profile base includes the US Special Forces Command Center. It works with 38 partners across Tampa, making it a hub for defense-related contractors. The city has one of the largest veteran workforces in the nation to boot!

Tampa’s entrepreneurial spirit is also evident, with a supportive ecosystem for startups and small businesses. Find resources such as co-working spaces, mentorship programs, and networking events to support aspiring entrepreneurs.

Affordable Cost of Living

The Florida lifestyle costs more than the national average, but the state is packed with perks. Naturally, that comes with higher demand. The good news is that the cost of living in Tampa, Florida, is more friendly on your budget than other major Sunshine State cities.  

Housing costs in Tampa are relatively affordable compared to better-known metros like Miami or Orlando. Whether renting an apartment or buying a house, eclectic Tampa’s neighborhoods pack in all the options to suit different budgets. It’s hard to pick a favorite neighborhood! Find island living right in the heart of downtown on Harbour Island, or head out to the suburbs like Wesley Chapel or Brandon. In between is a network of historic neighborhoods like Hyde Park Village and Ybor City and family-friendly developments. 

In addition to housing, average costs on other expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable in Tampa. That’s why a move to Tampa appeals to individuals and families looking to save money but live near the waterfront in Florida.

Unique Cultural Scene

Remember those nicknames? Big Guava? Cigar City? It all stems from Tampa’s unique melting pot culture. The city has Cuban ties dating to the Spanish-American War. Historic Ybor City long served as an epicenter for Cuban culture and cigar-making in Tampa. Flamenco dancers still twirl on stage at the Columbia Restaurant, the state’s largest restaurant. Don’t miss a serving of its famous Cuban sandwiches and gazpacho. 

Learn more about Tampa’s fascinating history, from its Native American cultures through the Rough Riders to the Gilded Age, at places like The Tampa Bay History Center and the Henry B. Plant Museum. Did the pirate Jose Gaspar exist? Come and find out.

Besides historic sites and museums, Tampa abounds with cultural experiences. The star is downtown at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the largest performing arts center in the Southeast. Broadway shows, concerts, and dance performances give it a year-round calendar. Nearby, the landmark Tampa Theatre preserves its atmospheric architecture as it screens classic films and hosts live events.

Even more attractions await the whole family. See what’s under the sea at the Florida Aquarium or feed the giraffes of the Lowry Park Zoo. Maybe amusement parks are more your speed. Check out Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and its adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. Drop straight down from 200 ft or fly 78 mph through twists and turns. Next door is its water park, Adventure Island. 

Families of all ages love the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). In the Channel District neighborhood, watch cruise ships come and go from the Port of Tampa. Visit the Florida Seaquarium or dine on fresh seafood dockside. With the Tampa Convention Center and Amalie Arena, you’ll find many businesses in Channel District are for entertainment to tourists and locals.

Adding to the cultural scene are Tampa’s one-of-a-kind festivals. The most famous is January’s Gasparilla Pirate Festival, based on the legend of Jose Gaspar. Pirate ships invade the Bay and float down Bayshore Boulevard, tossing beads to eager festival goers. But there’s more to the calendar, like the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival and the Sunset Music Festival.

Delicious Dishes

Tuck into some fantastic eats all around Tampa. Tampa’s rich Cuban heritage is evident in the dishes it is famous for. Even if you only visit, try a Tampa-made Cuban sandwich just once. The authentically made bread makes the difference. Flavors from Puerto Rico, Columbia, and Mexico complement the Cuban fare.

Tampa’s restaurants were farm-to-table way before it was cool. Just ask Bern’s Steakhouse, a decades-old establishment with one of the most extensive wine cellars outside the Vatican. You’ll find it in Hyde Park.

And this is a waterfront city, so of course, you’ll have access to fresh, in-season catches. Stone crab season is always popular, as are grouper sandwiches and shrimp.  The dining options living in Tampa, Florida and both vast and delicious.

Tampa’s craft brewing scene has bubbled up to make it a leading producer. Cigar City has become a nationally recognized brand, and you can get a pour from the mothership right in town. 

Top-tier Professional Sports

Tampa made the news when Tom Brady chose to relocate to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) to end his legendary football career. The two-time Super Bowl champions are just the cusp of this city’s passionate love of sport. The Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) have three Stanley Cup championships, making them the winningest sports franchise in the city. In soccer, the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) are still pursuing their championship dreams but have had several close seasons. The Tampa Rowdies (USL) captured a division title in soccer in 2021. 

Beyond these franchises, the New York Yankees run spring training in Tampa and have a level-A affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons. Find rugby leagues, ultimate frisbee, championship golf courses, and more for the athletics fan. The city’s multiple sporting facilities run everything from youth sporting leagues to professional international sporting events. 

Excellent Education Access

Part of the perks of moving to Tampa are its top-rated public and private schools, which provide quality education from kindergarten to high school. The Hillsborough County Public Schools, the eighth-largest school district in the US, is an extensive system with a full range of academic programs and extracurricular activities to cater to diverse student needs. In addition to traditional schools, Tampa’s magnet and charter schools focus on specialized subjects such as arts, sciences, and technology. Horizon Charter School ranked as the no. 6 middle school in the state for 2023 by US News and World.

Feeding that educational experience are renowned universities and colleges. The University of South Florida is one of the largest universities in the country. Over 50,000 students enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs across three campuses. It’s in the top 50 public universities on multiple independent lists. The picturesque and private University of Tampa is known for its business and liberal arts programs. Other career advancement programs are available through Hillsborough Community College, Eckerd College, and South University.

Highest-Quality Healthcare Facilities

When it comes to healthcare, US News and World ranked Tampa General Hospital nationally in three specialties for 2023. It’s just one of the world-class medical facilities available to residents. The Tampa General Hospital is the best in the state for gynecology, gastroenterology, diabetes, ENT, and orthopedics. Serves include trauma care, organ transplantation, and cancer treatment. 

Tampa General may be the best in the city, but it has tough competition for quality health care. St. Joseph’s Hospital has 70 practicing specialties and ranks in the top 100 hospitals nationwide. The Moffitt Cancer Center, one of the top cancer centers in the US, provides cutting-edge research and treatment options for cancer patients.

Diverse Real Estate Market

In recent years, housing in Tampa has experienced a surge in new construction, with developers focusing on residential and commercial projects. The addition of luxury high-rise condos and mixed-use developments has brought new life to the downtown area. These properties give residents access to downtown’s fun entertainment scene, amenities, and stunning views.

For those seeking a more suburban lifestyle, numerous Tampa neighborhoods deliver a sense of small-town community with modern perks. Westchase, Citrus Park, and Carrollwood are popular thanks to their excellent schools, parks, and access to Tampa’s recreational and work options.

Homes here stand out for their character, as evidenced in historic districts like Hyde Park and Tampa Heights. Others are renowned for their luxurious appeal. Just look at the homes on Davis Islands or along Bayshore. 

Regarding real estate investment, Tampa has great growth and return on investment potential. The city’s growing population, strong job market, and thriving economy make it an attractive destination. That positions real estate for long-term growth as people keep moving to Tampa.

Why Living in Tampa, Florida is Smart

So why wait? Tampa is calling. Relocating here may be the best decision you’ll ever make. Experience the beauty, opportunities, and active lifestyle that Tampa residents enjoy, and make it your own slice of paradise.