The Tampa Bay Area and the city of Tampa is becoming one of the best cities to move to in the US. The city is full of opportunity and rewards us with some of the best attractions that would take a lifetime to exhaust.
Tampa is one of the most flourishing cities in America–this is very evident as soon as you drive through downtown.
For people who are looking to retire and move to Florida, Tampa is usually not at the top of the list as the city is more inland and not on a beach. But for those whose priority is work first and play second, Tampa has a similar draw like Miami.
Downtown Tampa has a very good mix of business and residential areas. It is located along the Hillsborough river and has amazing views of the Bay. There are also many neighborhoods that make the best of the Hillsborough and Tampa Bays.
Where is Tampa Florida?
Tampa is located in south west Florida on the Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay. Orlando is 84 miles away from Tampa and about 1 hr 20 minute drive. Disney and Universal are on the south end of Orlando so its under an hour drive. St Petersburg downtown is 23 miles south west and just under a 30 minute drive. Clearwater is also 23 miles away east and about a 40 minute drive. Sarasota is 60 miles south and a 1 hour drive.
What is Tampa known for?
Tampa is the business center of South West Florida. It is also the center for entertainment from the beloved Tampa Bay Rays Hockey Team to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football team. The Tampa port is also the largest in the state with an economic impact of about 15 billion.
Tampa has a very rich history that has been preserved beautifully with new developments everywhere. The city is very diverse in many categories.
What is the best part of Tampa?
Tampas industrious downtown is now a memory of the past. South East downtown is full of new modern residential buildings with many more to come.
North west of downtown is another big residential area that has seen its boom start in the mid and late 2000s and its still very actively in the development process.
One of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Tampa is Davis Islands. The north end of the island is occupied by the Tampa General Hospital and all throughout the island are beautiful homes.
Arguable the best area in Tampa runs along Bayshore Blvd. It starts with Hyde Park on the north end and stretches 6 miles until you get to Ballast Point right before the MacDill Air Force Base. All throughout this area are beautiful historic homes and brand new ones. It's a great location that puts you in the middle of it all.
How wealthy is the Tampa Bay Area?
Tampa is the 3rd wealthiest city on the gulf coast of Florida. There is a big gap between the 3rd and 2nd city Sarasota. In the last 3 years there have been 53 homes SOLD between $5 - $10 million. 6 homes SOLD between $10 - $20 Million and 1 home SOLD over $20 million.
Here is a chart comparing the gulf coast cities.
How does Tampa compare to St Petersburg?
Tampa is the Big sister city of St Petersburg Fl, both cities are very similar.
Similar
Both downtowns are full of life and are thriving and growing at a similar rate. Both cities are similar in size and have similar value in real estate. The nightlife is also very similar and energetic. Tampa has the river walk while St Pete has the Pier and waterfront parks.
Different
St Pete is more residential while Tampa has a strong business, tech, and industrial presence. The biggest difference is St Pete has a #1 Rated beach in the country and with 17 miles of coastline it hosts a lot of travelers on its coast. Tampa entertains more locals from Bush Gardens, Tampa Zoo, Aquarium, and Cruise Terminal.
Here is a chart comparing the Gulf Coast Cities
Here is a video tour of Tampa
I would love to hear from you!
Did you get a good understanding of what Tampa Bay has to offer?
Do you have any other questions that I can answer for you?