Considering moving to Tampa, Florida?
As you weigh your options, it’s worth noting that while Tampa may not be the most progressive city in the state, it consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the Southeast.
In this post, we’ll check what makes Tampa a desirable destination, from its economic opportunities to its cultural and recreational offerings.
Let’s check what living in Tampa is really like.
See: 9 Pros and Cons of Living in Greenville, SC
Contents
Pros of Living in Tampa
Warm Weather
Are you tired of raking the leaves and shoveling the snow? Well, no more!
The weather in Tampa remains pleasantly warm and enjoyable. The ideal temperature is a major draw for people looking to distance themselves from the chilly weather and enjoy activities year-round.
Even during January and February, with winter at its peak, the temperature in Tampa hovers around 70 F. The ideal temperature gives access to the much-needed sunshine and creates a delightful atmosphere.
The weather in Tampa accounts for a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle for its residents, making it a big plus for living in the town!
Affordability
Florida is nefarious for rocketing property prices, making settlement seem impossible in Florida. Conversely, Tampa remains the people’s favorite for remaining one of the most affordable cities nationwide!
With living costs 3% lower than the state average and 10% lesser than living costs in Miami, Tampa provides a comfortable lifestyle at reasonable prices.
While the housing costs in Tampa remain on par with the national average, buying a house in Tampa remains affordable compared to other cities in Florida.
The effective living costs attract bachelors and young professionals to move into the town. According to Zillow, the average price of a home in Tampa is around $371K. With low tax rates and no income tax, relocating to Tampa gives you the most bang for your buck!
Strong Economy
Renowned throughout the country, Cigar manufacturing has helped strengthen the town’s economy. The citizens take pride in the cigar manufacturing of the town, hence giving the town the nickname “Cigar City.”
Nevertheless, other industries in the city have rapidly progressed, creating a huge scope for employment in the town.
Home to many Industry giants, including Mosaid, and Bloomin’ Brands, finding a job in the town is a piece of cake! With significant improvements in the Healthcare industry, the job opportunities in Tampa have never been more diverse.
If you choose to move to Tampa, finding a way to make a livelihood will not be a lot of trouble.
Education
Tampa harbors some of the best educational institutes around the country, making it a great city to pursue education!
One such institute in Tampa is the University of South Florida, with more than 50K students enrolled currently. South Florida University is a great institute for excelling in various fields, including commerce, social sciences, and biomedical sciences.
Apart from top-notch universities, Tampa also has abundant colleges and schools. Tampa is the place to be for someone wanting to further their education or as a parent looking for a strong schooling system for their kids.
According to US News, some of the best education institutes in Tampa include:
- Eckerd College
- University of Tampa
- Saint Leo University
- St. Petersburg College
Rich in Food Choices
Earlier, you must have read about the countless entertainment anchors in the city. One of them is the active food scene in the city. Tampa is full of culinary choices and provides its residents with a mix of many delicacies.
While there are many food options in the city, delicacies like seafood and Cuban sandwiches are a local hit. You will never live life in Tampa on a hungry stomach!
When we talk about the Tampa food scene, it’s impossible not to mention the Heights Public Market. This landmark showcases some of the best chefs and restaurants in the city.
In short, relocating to Tampa comes with many food options to try. According to Time Out, the best restaurants in Tampa include:
- Ulele
- On Swann
- Rooster & The Till
- Bern’s Steak House
Cons of Living in Tampa
Traffic!
Tampa Beach is a huge hit and remains a strong drawing point for people moving to the city. As more cities move to the town, the city experiences a rapid increase in population.
With increased population comes increased traffic. Driving in Tampa is nothing short of a test of your driving skills on a daily basis. With many people flocking to the roads, living in Tampa no longer gives you a quick getaway to beaches.
Before moving to the city, learning about alternative routes is best. Nevertheless, be ready to combat heavy traffic daily as you move to Tampa!
It is so Spread Out
Unlike smaller cities where you can easily walk or bike to nearby places, Tampa is spread out, which means that there’s nothing “right around the corner.”
Getting anywhere in the city can take an hour or more, which can be frustrating for those who value their time and convenience.
Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or trying to explore the city’s attractions, be prepared for long drives and heavy traffic.
As a result, the city is not very walkable, which can be frustrating for those who prefer to get around on foot. Sidewalks are often incomplete or poorly maintained, and many areas lack crosswalks or pedestrian signals.
That said, choosing the right place to live in Tampa is crucial if you want to avoid spending hours on the road each week just to get to work, run errands, or explore the city’s attractions.
Hurricanes!
Tampa is no stranger to hurricanes. With its location on the Gulf of Mexico, the city remains highly vulnerable to hurricanes and frequently occurring thunderstorms.
The worst part about living in Tampa is that you can only prepare for natural disasters if they occur randomly.
Before you decide to relocate, consider that Tampa is close to sea level, exposing it to frequent calamitous weather events, including thunderstorms and hurricanes.
Alligators!
The geographical landscape of Tampa makes it a swampy city, and where there are swamps, there are alligators.
While Tampa is full of breathtaking views, with lakes, ponds, and rivers present very frequently, these water bodies are usually home to alligators. The presence of these apex predators so close to you will always require you to remain vigilant.
The presence of alligators will also keep you from enjoying the beautiful outdoors of the city. However, you can contact local guides and residents to ask about safe spots to arrange a getaway or enjoy the town’s outdoors.
Humidity
Tampa’s location in the subtropical climate zone means that the area experiences hot and humid weather throughout much of the year.
The combination of high temperatures and high humidity can make the climate feel oppressive and uncomfortable, especially during the summer months.
The humidity can also lead to a range of problems, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and similar. While the mild winter weather is a perk for some, others may find it difficult to adjust to the consistently humid conditions.
Is Tampa a Good Place To Live?
Tampa might just be the best place to live in Florida, with a mix of cultural activities, economic opportunities, and warm weather.
Tampa is also great for those who love the outdoors and a lively city atmosphere. Keep in mind, though, it’s not a place where you’ll find beach houses under $100k.
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Hi, I’m Ashley a freelance writer who’s passionate about personal finance. Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by the power of money and how it can shape our lives. I’ve spent years learning everything I can about budgeting, saving, investing and retirement planning. So if you are looking for tips, advice, or just a little bit of inspiration to help you on your financial journey, you have come to the right place. I am always here to help, and I am excited to share my passion for personal finance with you.