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Skyline of Downtown Tampa Bay at Night

14 Things to Know About Living in Tampa

 

Thinking about moving to Tampa? Cigar City is one of the best places to live in the Southeast, thanks to its reasonably affordable housing, quality schools, family-friendly activities, vibrant nightlife, and coastal location in the Tampa Bay area. Here are 14 things to know about living in Tampa!

Find Safe & Affordable Living in Tampa

Want the benefits of coastal city living without breaking the bank? Home to a variety of safe and affordable neighborhoods, Tampa may be the best option for you! While Tampa’s cost of living is 7% higher than the national average, it’s lower than in similar cities like Miami—particularly in terms of housing. With a median home price of $254,600 and average monthly rent of $1,178, Tampa is a great city for all ages and life stages—from singles and young professionals to families and retirees. The city is also among the best U.S. cities to buy real estate, making it an ideal place to buy your first house or relocate. Plus, in addition to the lower housing costs, Tampa residents also benefit from Florida’s lack of income tax!

Advance Your Career in Cigar City

Tampa’s economy was historically shaped by cigar manufacturing, earning it the nickname Cigar City. Today, Tampa hosts a variety of industries, including technology, agriculture, healthcare, and finance. With an unemployment rate of 3.8% and income per capita that’s nearly $10,000 higher than both the state and national averages, Tampa is a great place to advance your career. Several Fortune 500 companies have a presence in the area, like Booz Allen Hamilton, Microsoft, and locally-headquartered The Mosaic Company. In addition, Tampa is home to Bloomin’ Brands, a Fortune 1000 network of restaurants, which was named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity. Those aren’t the only options for jobs in Tampa, though. Residents can also find fantastic opportunities with top area employers like the BayCare Health System, Raymond James, or Suncoast Credit UnionFlorida’s largest credit union. And with MacDill Air Force Base located in the southern part of the city, Tampa is a great place for military personnel as well. Not to mention, for those looking to expand their career opportunities, Tampa Bay’s Chamber of Commerce hosts monthly networking events like Coffee Connection, Business Around The Bay, and more to help you gain connections and confidence!

Get Quality Education at Tampa Schools

Moving to Tampa to further your education? Tampa has a variety of affordable and accessible higher education options to choose from! Kickstart your career in finance, international business, or criminology and criminal justice at the University of Tampa. Learn about environmental science and policy, public health, or cybersecurity at the University of South Florida‘s Tampa Campus. Pursue a degree in nursing, social work, or psychology at Ana G. Mendez (AGM) University‘s Tampa Bay Campus—an accredited, not-for-profit institution focused on serving Florida’s Hispanic community. Earn your master’s degree in counseling, business administration, or educational leadership online or in-person at National Louis University‘s Tampa Campus. Prepare for a career in law enforcement, veterinary technology, or welding at Hillsborough Community College (HCC), a two-year school with multiple campuses across the Tampa Bay area. Or attend nearby Florida College, where you can choose from degree programs like kinesiology, biblical studies, or American civilization.

Take Advantage of the Expanding Public Transit System

Though Tampa is fairly car-dependent and often experiences traffic delays due to busy roads, there are some public transportation options for those who don’t have a car or want to avoid heavy traffic. Hop aboard Tampa’s Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) bus system, which has stops throughout the city and surrounding areas. Make use of ground transportation services to and from the Tampa International Airport, with options like taxis and rideshares to help you navigate downtown. Cruise across Tampa in style with the Pirate Water Taxi, or secure a rental car instantly with Zipcar. Ride the TECO Line Streetcar to explore Downtown Tampa, Ybor City, and the Channel District. Or rent a bike from several bicycle shops in the Tampa area—like Tampa Bay eBikes and City Bike Tampa.

Discover Family-Friendly Tampa Attractions

You’ll find plenty of fun family things to do in Tampa! See animals like the ring-tailed lemur and sun bear, or sign your kids up for Zoo School and summer camps at ZooTampa At Lowry Park. Plan a day trip to Adventure Island, which is full of kid-friendly attractions like Paradise Lagoon, Castaway Falls, and Rambling Bayou. Explore exhibits like Brick Dinos and IDEAZone, or play SciLinx Mini-Golf at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). Book tickets to visit habitats like Coral Reef and Moon Bay, or sign your family up for experiences like the Penguin Encounter at The Florida Aquarium. Take your kids to build a fort, learn how money works, practice being a firefighter, or see the World’s Largest Triceratops fossil at Glazer Children’s Museum. Or head to nearby Apollo Beach to immerse yourself in the world of manatees at the Manatee Viewing Center, open November through April.

Enjoy Year-Round Outdoor Activities in Tampa

One of the biggest perks of living in Tampa is the city’s sunny, subtropical climate. With summer highs reaching 90 degrees and winter lows in the 50s, you can enjoy the many outdoor recreation activities the city has to offer all year long. Listen to live music or take your friends to a trivia night at Sparkman Wharf. Sip a craft cocktail, take in the waterfront views, or go on a walk in Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park along the Tampa Riverwalk. Stroll down the 4.5-mile Bayshore Boulevard Greenway, the longest continuous pedestrian walkway in the U.S.—or go biking or running along the nearby Bayshore Linear Park Trail. Go horseback riding, paddling, or glamping at Hillsborough River State Park, just 30 minutes from Downtown Tampa. Head out for a game of sand volleyball, enjoy a family picnic, or walk your dog at Picnic Island Park. Or plan a trip to Busch Gardens to go on thrilling rides like Phoenix Rising, see live shows like Cirque Electric, and explore the 65-acre Serengeti Safari.

Have Fun on Tampa’s Beautiful Waterfront

You’ll never run out of beaches to go to and fun aquatic activities in and around Tampa! Head to Ben T. Davis Beach to soak up the sun, go for a swim, or bike along the nearby Courtney Campbell Trail—a scenic, 9.5-mile path connecting Tampa and Clearwater. Plan a day trip to Tampa Bay-area beaches like Clearwater Beach to play beach volleyball, set out on a boat tour, or go jet-skiing. Discover why Tampa is one of the best cities for dogs when you take your pup to Davis Island Dog Beach, where your pups can run, play in the sand, and cool off in the water. Spend the day kayaking, canoeing, or biking along the trails at Fort De Soto Park in nearby St. Petersburg. Learn offshore fishing, shark fishing, tarpon fishing, and more at Poseidon Fishing Charters, located about 40 minutes from the city. Or pack a lunch and rent an eboat from eBoats Tampa to travel down Hillsborough River and explore the stunning Tampa scenery.

Live In a Thriving Out & Proud City

In Tampa, you’ll find LGBTQ-focused organizations, businesses, and events that celebrate the community year-round. Explore the GaYBOR District Coalition, a nonprofit that promotes LGBTQ businesses and allies in the Tampa Bay area. Show your support for the Tampa LGBTQ community by attending the annual Tampa Pride Parade. Enjoy a night out, watch a drag show, and feel welcomed at Bradley’s on 7th, a Tampa gay bar located in the heart of Ybor City. Head over to City Side Lounge for daily events like Drag Bingo, darts tournaments, and karaoke. Relax at one of Tampa’s gay-friendly saunas—like the Korean-inspired Shangri-La Bath & Sauna or the Tampa Mens Club. Cheer on LGBTQ filmmakers at the annual Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF). And if you’re a business owner, check out the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, which works hard to support the city’s LGBTQ community and allies through networking opportunities and business promotion.

Explore Historic Ybor City

Tampa’s history of cigar factories can be attributed to the Ybor City neighborhood. Today, as you walk through this Latin quarter, you’ll find buildings with exteriors that reflect the old cigar factories, local cigar shops, vintage boutiques, delicious restaurants, and more. Dive deep into Tampa’s cigar history with a factory tour of J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Learn more about this historic neighborhood by attending events and programming from the Ybor City Museum Society, including their mobile museum and the annual Speakeasy Soiree. Immerse yourself in Tampa’s baseball history with a visit to the Tampa Baseball Museum, where you can learn about Al Lopez, the first Tampa native to become a Major League player and manager. Try beers like the Cloud Dweller, Florida Special Lager, and Night Swim at Coppertail Brewing Co. Bring a group of friends to watch a Buccaneers (NFL) game, play a round of shuffleboard, or compete in darts at premier sports bar Bad Monkey. Attend a cheese-making class and enjoy select wines or local craft beers at Cheeseology. Or listen to vibrant live music and support local artists at The 1920 Ybor.

Immerse Yourself in Tampa Arts & Culture

Tampa offers various opportunities for residents to experience the city’s creativity. Enjoy live plays and musicals like The Boy Who Loved Batman, A Beautiful Noise, and Mystic Pizza at the Straz Center—or support Opera Tampa by attending productions like Spanish Nights, Candide, and Don Pasquale. Explore exhibits like Jennifer Steinkamp: Madame Curie, Reframing Haitian Art, and The Last Picture Show at Tampa Museum of Art, one of the best museums in Tampa. Check out artists from around the world, like KEF!, Eleanor Blair, and Flavio Galvan with a visit to the Michael Murphy Gallery. Learn about Florida’s impact on international history with exhibits like Mapping The American Sea and Invisible Immigrants at the Tampa Bay History Center. Attend one of The Florida Orchestra‘s many live concerts, like Landslide, Parrots + Palms, or Elf in Concert. Go on a drive around the city and get a glimpse of various Tampa murals, like Love Where You Live, the classic Tampa Postcard, or Evangeline’s Feast. Or watch independent films and see beloved movies like Grease, The Greatest Showman, and Labyrinth at the non-profit, Tampa Theatre.

Cheer On Tampa Sports Teams

Don’t miss out on the many sporting events the city of Tampa has to offer! Secure your season tickets and cheer on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) at Raymond James Stadium. See the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) in action on the ice rink at Amalie Arena. Take your whole family to watch the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) hit home runs at Tropicana Field in St. Pete. Support the Tampa Bay Sun FC (USL Super League), the city’s first professional women’s sports team, as they score goals at Riverfront Stadium. Watch Tampa Roller Derby (WFTDA) teams like Cigar City Mafia, Switchblades, and Black Widows go head-to-head at Skate World. Head to Steinbrenner Field to root for the Tampa Tarpons (MiLB) during a home game or see the New York Yankees (MLB) in action during spring training. And if you’re a college sports fan, make sure to support the Tampa Spartans (NCAA D-II) of the University of Tampa in baseball, soccer, and volleyball. Or catch the University of South Florida Bulls (NCAA D-I) at football, basketball, and lacrosse games.

Join In on Fun Tampa Festivals

There are festivals of all kinds in and around Tampa for every age and interest. Dress up in your best pirate gear for the Invasion Brunch, parade, and stage performances at the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Want your kids to take part in the pirate fun? Check out the Children’s Gasparilla, where the entire family can enjoy the children’s parade, airshow, fireworks, and more. Bring a group of friends to see illuminating parade floats, cheer on dance troupes, and listen to lively music at the Sant’ Yago Knight Parade. Dance the night away to live EDM at the Sunset Music Festival. Participate in yoga, watch the wiener dog derby, or eat tacos at the annual Tampa Riverfest. Nod along to live music, try delicious food like Beef Chimichurri and Ceviche, and drink wine from around the world at the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Or cosplay as your favorite character and meet beloved actors, content creators, and authors at the Tampa Bay Comic Convention.

Get a Taste of Tampa

Tampa’s Cuban cultural history continues to influence the eclectic selection of restaurants in the area today. Start your morning with a Guava Turnover, Breakfast Sandwich, or Cuban Toast at La Segunda Bakery & Cafe. Dine at Columbia Restaurant—”Florida’s oldest restaurant” and “the largest Spanish restaurant in the world”—to try The Original Cuban Sandwich, Cesar Salad, or Gazpacho Andalucia. Feast on Lobster Bisque, Vegan Jackfruit Tacos, or Bahamian Conch Chowder at Salt Shack On The Bay. Try Native-inspired cuisine like Tocobaga Tuna Salad, Okra Fries, and Native Saute at Ulele. Savor Veal Parmigiano, Fried Calamari & Zucchini, and Eggplant Rollatine at Vino e Pasta. Eat Uncle Fred’s Florentine Pizza Bowl, an Italian Combo Sub, or build your own ‘za at New York New York Pizza. Or head to one of the many Tampa food halls—like Armature Works, where you can enjoy a grass-fed burger from Butcher n’ Barbecue (BnB), try a Cold Brew Float from Buddy Brew Coffee, or satisfy your sweet tooth with Tampa Banana ice cream from Chill Bros.

Experience Tampa Nightlife

Planning a night out on the town? With The Big Guava’s vibrant nightlife scene, you’ll never be out of options! Stop by one of the many breweries in Tampa—like Cigar City Brewing for popular beers like Jai Alai, Cosmic Crown, and Florida Man, or Magnanimous Brewing for brews like Supernatural Possession, Return to Forever, and Hyper Critical Haze. Watch the sun set over the beautiful Tampa waterfront while sipping fun drinks like Coral Head, Reef Donkey, and Dead Parrot at LightHaus Beer Garden. Listen to live music in a vintage setting as you slurp down an Old Fashioned or a Long Island Iced Tea at The Hub Bar. Get an authentic Irish pub experience at Four Green Fields, where you can try a Monks Brew or Slieve Bloom Botanical Irish Gin paired with delicious food like The Dubliner Burger. Dance the night away with live music or DJs, or take in the Sky Bar views at Club Prana. Discover your new favorite band, attend a concert, or go to events like Gimme Gimme Disco and Fear Frenzy at The Orpheum. Or enjoy live DJ music, entrees like Jerk Chicken Tacos, and cocktails like Strawberry Moon on the rooftop of M.Bird.

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Mike Beutler

About Mike Beutler

Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.