Ten Things to Know About Tampa
Tampa is the ideal place to enjoy the laid-back Florida lifestyle while also taking advantage of all the amenities that a major metropolitan city has to offer. Whether you want to take advantage of the city’s ever-expanding job market or enjoy more than 240 days of sunshine each year, living in Tampa is a good fit for everyone.
If you’re considering relocating to the Tampa area, here are ten things you should know before you go.
Rent is lower than in most major cities.
Tampa has all of the amenities that a big city has to offer without the hefty price tag that comes with it.
Tampa’s cost of living is 6.5 percent lower than the national average, so your money will go further. Renters will appreciate the fact that the average one-bedroom apartment is about $250 less expensive than the national average.
- Old Seminole Heights is a reasonably priced, historic Tampa neighborhood known for its 1920s bungalows and vibrant nightlife. During the evening, you’ll enjoy the ever-expanding restaurant and bar scene, while the unique shops and Second Sunday Morning Market will keep you busy during the day. A one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $1,631.
- The Channel District is one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the Tampa area, with a plethora of entertainment complexes, businesses, restaurants, shops, and upscale rentals. A one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $1,961.
- Hyde Park, a family-friendly neighborhood with plenty of places to stretch your legs, is also nearby. It has a historic district from the nineteenth century, is close to the University of Tampa, and is one of the city’s most walkable areas. Residents of Hyde Park also have easy access to the vibrant SoHo (South Howard Avenue) entertainment district.
There are pirates at Mardi Gras.
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is one of Tampa’s most popular events. This lively event, which has been held almost every year since 1904, has been compared to Mardi Gras but with pirates.
The majority of the route follows Bayshore Boulevard into downtown, with pirates tossing coins and beads from floats. The parade ends near the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, where musical performances and other events go on into the night.
Tampa isn’t just for retirees and partygoers.
Yes, Tampa welcomes retirees, and St. Petersburg is a popular spring break destination each year.
Tampa, on the other hand, has become a hotspot for upwardly mobile millennials due to its excellent job market, affordable living conditions, and excellent amenities.
Traffic can give you a headache.
Tampa has its share of traffic issues. Expect heavy traffic on all major highways entering and exiting the city on a daily basis. If you prefer public transportation, Tampa has a trolley car, the TECO Line Streetcar, and the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) citywide bus system. If you want to go a little further, Tampa has an international airport as well as an Amtrak station.
Ybor City is the best place to watch people.
Ybor City is one of Tampa’s trendiest neighborhoods and was once known as the “World Cigar Capital.”
This historic neighborhood, which is now popular with college students and the younger demographic, has some of the city’s best Latin American cuisine, boutique and vintage shops, museums, tours, and more.
Tampa has the best weather in Florida.
When it comes to weather, Central Florida is known for having the best of both worlds. If you’re looking for a place that doesn’t get too cold in the winter but isn’t as hot as Miami, Tampa is a great option.
During the winter, the average temperature is around 62 degrees, and during the summer, it is around 83 degrees. Although the summers are quite humid, most residents enjoy the mild winters.
There’s no state income tax.
Job prospects are critical for anyone considering relocating. Tampa’s healthcare, technology, finance, and supply chain industries are thriving. Tampa General Hospital, JPMorgan Chase, Citi, The Port of Tampa, AgileThought, and Accusoft are among the top Tampa employers.
What makes Tampa even more appealing is the absence of an income tax in the state. In this metropolitan area, your salary will go further.
It’s the ultimate play area.
Living in Tampa gives you easy access to the best beaches in the state, as well as popular theme parks and unforgettable attractions. Along Tampa Bay, you can spend a day golfing, bicycling, rollerblading, kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding. Alternatively, visit the Tampa Zoo, Busch Gardens, or the Tampa Aquarium.
If you like going to museums and cultural events, the Henry B. Plant Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), and a number of high-quality art museums are all close to all of Tampa’s neighborhoods.
Foodies throng here.
If you consider yourself a foodie or a craft beer connoisseur, Tampa is the place to be. Tampa has the highest concentration of craft breweries in the state, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a high-quality local brew. Many of Tampa’s breweries use local ingredients and flavors, which distinguishes their beers from the competition.
Tampa is also known for its famous Cuban sandwich and has a wide variety of food and beverage options to suit every taste. Depending on where you live, you’ll have easy access to Southern barbecue, Latin and South American food trucks, South Asian cuisine, and one-of-a-kind bistros.
There are numerous sports to choose from.
Sports fans will appreciate having year-round access to professional sports. Tampa has four major sports teams: the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball, the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League, the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the United Soccer League, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League.
Many of the nation’s spring training camps are also held in the Tampa Bay area.
Are you a resident of Tampa?
Are you ready to enjoy the great weather, delicious food, and hundreds of activities that Tampa has to offer? Take the next step toward relocating to Tampa by locating the ideal apartment here.