In the state known for Disney magic and the Miami nightlife, Tampa is a gem. It exudes the laid back sub-tropical lifestyle in an up-and-coming urban environment.
Tampa sits right on the Gulf of Mexico, making it a stunning tourist destination. But what is it like living in Tampa? Here, you’ll get the rundown of who lives here and what this subtropical city has to offer.
Neighbors and Neighborhoods
Tampanians come from all walks of life.
Families and singles alike have been flocking to Tampa and its suburbs for years. In fact, Tampa had the 7th largest population growth in 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in America.
When it comes to Tampa residents, it’s almost 50/50 whether they are married or single. Married couples make up 48% of Tampa’s demographics, while singles make up the remaining 52%
All Families Welcome!
For residents who are looking to raise a family, Tampa has excellent schools, including multiple prep schools to choose from. The city limits also boast theme parks and museums perfect for getting the kids some fresh air and education.
Neighborhoods like the Westshore Business District and Brandon are great locations nestled close to Downtown. They have a cozy neighborhood vibe while still being near the city’s attractions.
Meanwhile, the suburbs have expanded exponentially over the past decade. Westchase and St Petersburg have exploded with new shops, restaurants, and housing.
Tampa Thrives On Its Nightlife
For the singles out there, the nightlife is the best part about living in Tampa.
Ybor City, Seminole Heights, and SoHo are the most notable areas to meet up with friends and new people. Downtown continues to grow with additions like Sparkman Wharf and Riverwalk with apartments like Aurora in the middle of Downtown.
Most Of The Residents Are Transplants
When you first move to Tampa, you will learn one thing very quickly; there are transplants all over this city! It is becoming an anomaly to find a born and bred Tampa native.
Tampa’s two major Universities help contribute to that. The University of South Florida and the University of Tampa are both in Hillsborough County.
USF is ranked one of the top 50 Universities in the country, and UT is ranked #13 for Regional Universities South.
Tampa’s vibe is a perfect blend of laid-back beach days and a diverse metropolitan area, which is one of the reasons many vacationers decide to call it home.
This ambiance attracts so many different individuals, which has made Tampa an incredibly diverse city ethnically and economically. People from all walks of life call Tampa their new home and love every second of it.
A Burgeoning Tampa Economy
One of the attractions to Tampa is that the economy is continuously expanding. The economy is expected to grow by over 42% over the next ten years! That’s much higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Tampa sits right around the national average. The average income is on par with the national average as well.
With new office spaces opening around the city limits, there are more opportunities for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike to expand.
What is There to Do?
There is something special about living in Tampa. The combination of access to surrounding cities and beaches mixed with the abundant local attractions make it an inspiring place to call home.
Food and drink
Fun fact, Tampa, Florida, is the home of the Cuban sandwich. According to food historians, Ybor City is the mouthwatering sandwich’s birthplace. That must be why Ybor is still the best place to grub on this local delicacy.
Tampa’s culinary accomplishments do not stop at the Cuban, however. When you’re living in Tampa, you will find that this city has a fantastic array of food styles and fusions from all over the world.
Take a venue like Armature Works, for example. It is a thriving open market that houses event spaces, restaurants, and shops. One of its best features is the upscale food court that serves everything from BBQ, to ramen, to tacos. These options are located in a luxurious lounge environment overlooking the river.
It’s a Tampa staple that is perfect for everyone to enjoy.
The Bubbling Microbrewery Scene Is Getting Bigger in Tampa
Tampa Bay also has at least 20 microbreweries, all of which have unique styles. A majority of them also have mouthwatering menus to complement their beers.
I love Ybor City because it houses 5 of, in my opinion, the best microbreweries in the Tampa area. Specifically, Zydeco Brew Werks blends high-end brewing with cajun cuisine and live jazz!
If you want an upscale dining experience, the most notable restaurant is Bern’s Steakhouse. Bern’s is renowned for its dry-aged steaks, decadent dessert room, and fine international wines.
Amazing West Coast Beaches
If you’re moving to Florida, you probably at least slightly like going to the beach. Good thing you are a stone’s throw away from the nation’s top-ranked beaches when you’re living in Tampa. Luxury apartments like Grady Square, The Sedona, and Epic at Gateway are never more than 20 minutes away from a beach.
Clearwater Beach has been repeatedly ranked the number one beach in America. It’s the picturesque beach your friends imagine when you tell them about your Florida vacation.
The wooden pier stretches far out into the bay, where professional and amateur fishers alike watch the orange glow of a Florida sunset. Heading toward the beach, the pier is lined with performers, street artists, and local street vendors. The energy is palpable, and your entire family will enjoy it!
St. Pete Beach also houses fantastic beachside restaurants and bars. It is a little bit further away, but there are fewer crowds during the summers and holidays, so it is worth the drive!
Theme Parks
One of my favorite things about Tampa is its proximity to Orlando. Just about an hour and a half up I-4 is the adventure and magic of Universal Studios and the Disney Parks.
Most families have to travel across the country, if not the world, to experience what Tampa residents have in their backyards.
Families, bring your children to see the wonderful world of Disney for a fraction of the cost! Not only are you saving money on travel, but Florida residents also get a discount to all Orlando and Tampa theme parks!
Let’s not let Orlando have all the glory, though. Tampa houses Busch Gardens, a respectable theme park less than 20 minutes away from Downtown. This park has intense rides for thrill-seekers and areas designed for kids.
It also has a variety of animal exhibits sprinkled throughout the park!
If you’re not looking for the thrills of a fully-loaded amusement park, Tampa also has great interactive venues like TopGolf, Axe Throwing, and Snowcat Ridge, a real snow park built for those who are craving the snow!
Relax in the Fresh Air
You can find plenty of outside activities beyond the beaches in Tampa. The city limits offer many parks for recreation, picnics, and exercise.
Curtis Hixon Park is located in Downtown Tampa’s center and overlooks the Hillsborough River and the University of Tampa.
Curtis Hixon sits alongside Downtown’s newest attraction called Riverwalk. It is a 2.6 mile stretch of walking, running, skating, biking path that stretches along the river.
Riverwalk passes the Children’s Museum, a healthy number of restaurants, including Armature Works, and passes right by the convention center and Straz center. It’s the perfect location for relaxing strolls or exercise in a stunning location.
Lettuce Lake Park is a beautiful park nestled right in the USF area. It’s a great escape in the middle of an urban environment.
Why Living In Tampa Is Great
Tampa continues to prove itself to be up and coming. The city is transforming, and the economy is consistently growing.
Whether you are single and looking for new adventures, or a family looking to settle down, Tampa has all you need to build a life! Richman Signature can help you find the best apartments in Tampa.
