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Living in Tampa, Florida:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

34 local experts
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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit Tampa, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 34 people living in Tampa what someone who is considering moving to or visiting there should know. Here are their pros and cons, tips, and advice:

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34 comments on “Tampa”

If you’re moving to Tampa, Florida be sure you have enough money to live here. Rents alone have skyrocketed, and you’d be lucky to find something under $1,200 a month. I’m from here, grew up here, and worked here.

I have lived in Tampa for most of my 66 years. Over the two to three years, there has been a drastic infrastructure overload as Tampa is the number one destination for most transplants. Something to ponder if Tampa is on your relocation list.

Generally it’s a great city to visit. Many beaches nearby. Warm all year. Living here is a bit different. Housing has gotten really expensive considering the average salary for the majority.

If you’re moving to the Tampa, FL area, you’ll need to know that insurance is hard to get and extremely expensive. The area was once known as low-cost living but that is no longer true.

Each city neighborhood has its own character and holds its own hidden gems. One of the leading neighborhoods of Tampa is Ybor City which owned the title of being the Cigar Capital of the world. Ybor was also founded by Spanish immigrants and all around this area are lots of Spanish restaurants, monuments, and Spanish art. Each district of Tampa is like its own world.

Tampa, Florida, is a bustling city. The cruise port, international airport and amusement parks draw business to the city year-round. Tampa’s population is booming as well, resulting in an expansion of our roadways – which means more traffic! Tampa offers an eclectic mix of activities and venues, providing opportunities for natives and newcomers alike to socialize.

Dorothy, says: 2020

Tampa is a very diverse city with many activities to enjoy for the entire family. It is only an hour way from such world-class destinations as Disney World and Universal Studios. It has many great festivals to enjoy throughout the year. It has an international cuisine selection that will appeal to any food lover.

Candice, says: 2020

If someone moves to Tampa, it is necessary that they buy a rental car. Visiting the beach is not far, but there are many other things to do as well. The art museum has many interesting pieces. Lastly, visiting the Soho area there is many restaurants and bars for everyone to enjoy.

Jennifer, says: 2020

The City of Tampa used to be the known as the Cigar Capital of the World. However, after years of regulation on tobacco products, there is only one active cigar factory left in the historic Ybor city. In many places there are old cobblestone roads, and trolleys. I fell in love with Tampa Bay from the first moment I had set eyes upon it.

Tampa has stunning beaches. South Florida speaks around 128 languages. All around Tampa are many restaurants and attractions of different cultures. The best part of Tampa is the Hispanic history. Ponce de Leon (Spanish Explorer) came to the Tampa area in the 1500s. Hundreds of years later Cuban and Spanish fishermen settled in Tampa and established the Havana Market.

Marlyn, says: 2020

Someone daring to move to sunny Tampa, Florida should know it is hot daily. Beaches are common places that residents travel to cool off, especially during summer. However, someone daring to move to sunny Tampa, Florida will also love the environment. The people are lovely and very accepting of everyone.

Stephanie, says: 2020

Tampa is a diverse city with a variety of cultures, restaurants, and personalities. The weather is as unpredictable as the people; for example, it can be sunny in the morning and ten minutes later, thunderstorms. Tampa is a busy port city with a heavy emphasis on trade and tourism.

Markia, says: 2020

The Tampa Bay Area is the heart of SouthWest Florida. The Tampa area is filled with many vacation-oriented places to live. The weather in Tampa is consistently warm throughout the year. Even during the winter season it stays warm. Going to the beach during December is normal. The Florida Aquarium is a nice place to bring your family. The aquarium has over 7,000 aquatic animals and plants. Busch Gardens has animals, live entertainment, and rollercoasters. Tampa also houses the Tampa Museum of Art and Dali Museum.

Briana, says: 2020

Tampa is a large city full of many interesting activities. It is known to the world as a place of business, but it is so much more. We have aquariums, museums, trails, and farms. It is an amazing place and visit. Because of its status as a business oriented city, finding a job after moving here is an attainable goal.

Kaylie, says: 2020

Tampa is a city with the most vibrant people, nightlife, and places. There is always something to do. If you fancy a great brunch spot with excellent scenery, you would surely enjoy Sparkman Wharf. However, if you are more a night owl, you should visit Green Lemon. The tacos are to die for!

Tampa has many benefits. For example, there is a plethora of activities to partake in. These can consist of going to the pool, a park, horseback riding, etc. Most people, however, prefer to go to the beach. Although, there is not a specific beach in Tampa, there is one near it in the city of Clearwater. It is very popular due to it’s sanitation.

Colleen, says: 2020

Florida sunshine and beautiful waterfronts are just a few of the defining characteristics of Tampa Bay. Bustling with activities such as paddleboarding, dolphin boat tours, world-famous golf courses, and the Tampa Riverwalk, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Tampa. Tampa Bay is home to some talented professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, now boasting NFL legend Tom Brady as their star quarterback.

Luanna, says: 2020

Tampa is not one of the more famous cities in Florida, such as Orlando, but that makes the atmosphere living there much more peaceful. Instead of a bustling city where everything seems to be in your face, Tampa is very quaint by comparison. However, the heat here can simply be unbearable for some.

Tampa is a beautiful city on Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches that are popular with vacationers. Tampa is a thriving city with several professional sports teams, numerous cultural opportunities, and varied dining experiences. The city is growing all the time as people from other parts of the country figure out what a wonderful city Tampa is.

If moving to Tampa, Florida, be prepared for very hot and humid summers. The weather in the state is beautiful and temperate during spring, fall, and winter, but between May and August, I find myself hiding in my air-conditioned apartment during the daylight hours. During summer, I venture outside only in the early mornings and late evenings, when the sun is not as hot and the air is cooler.

Deborah, says: 2020

Tampa, FL, is a wonderful city to raise children. In Tampa, there are many parks and playgrounds. Busch Gardens theme park has roller coasters and rides. Adventure Island has many pools and water slides. Tampa is also about 30 minutes from the beach. There are several private schools in Tampa as well.

Shaneada, says: 2020

Tampa is a beautiful city with great weather year-round. There are lots of activities that you can do for entertainment. This city is considered tourist and gathers many people through the year. Tampa is known for its diverse populations and has a variety of businesses and services. Traffic is usually busy.

Krystle, says: 2020

Tampa is a thriving tourist metropolis. We have a very active social and nightlife but also a very nice balance for raising a family as there are many family activities, parks, beaches and theme parks. We have a variety of sports leagues to include hockey, baseball, and football. Tampa is a city with an old soul but with vibrant colors and neighborhoods.

Rolando, says: 2020

Tampa is a vibrant, up and coming city with a fantastic selection of restaurants and breweries. We are home to a popular amusement park, and an aquarium and a zoo. Due to lower cost of living, including no state taxes, many companies are moving jobs to Tampa and neighboring cities. As an added bonus, you will never be more than 30 minutes from the beach!

Prior to moving to Tampa, Florida, I recommend having a job in place. There are several scattered mom and pop places throughout the city, welcoming new faces and perspectives. The beaches, tokens of the Floridian experience, surround downtown Tampa. The city is a hub for nightlife in historic Ybor, the streets lined with clubs and shops. Be mindful that a car is the best use of transportation as the bus system is central to the immediate city.

Elizabeth, says: 2020

Tampa, Fl is a dense, busy and growing city. Any new resident may feel overwhelmed initially, however here are some helpful tips regarding a potential move here: invest in a reliable car and great insurance, for Tampa drivers are mad; sunscreen will be your best friend; flood the interior and exterior of your living space with plants, if possible, to assist with temperature cooling and air quality; speaking of flooding, you will most likely be required to purchase flood insurance, aim for a higher-ground zone for lower costs; learn about the history of the area and visit Ybor City for an interesting experience.

Tampa is a fabulous city, not just for the beautiful water views and wonderful weather, but also for the history and personality the city contains. Every January the entire city dresses up like pirates and hosts multiple parades and events, not just to have a good time but also to raise money for charity! Tampa was built on the cigar business and you can still find traces of that history and Cuban culture. The people are friendly, the landscape is gorgeous and now we have Tom Brady and might finally be good at football.

Tampa is a beautiful city with lots of beaches and opportunities for development. It has famous universities as USF, meaningful research in places like Moffitt Cancer Center and has one of the very best beaches in the USA. Visitors are always delighted by our beautiful summer weather that is available for most of the year.

Matthew, says: 2020

Tampa is a multicultural city where people from different backgrounds and cultures live in harmony with each other. For those who value cultural diversity, Tampa would be an ideal destination location. However, the constant, extreme heat for most of the year may not be the sort of climate that attracts folks who prefer to experience seasonal changes in temperature.

Selethel, says: 2020

If someone moves to Tampa, they should to visit the city during different seasons. They may be surprised by what the city has in store for them! Although Tampa is in Florida, the climate is not what would be expected in the Sunshine State. From June to October, it rains incessantly. This rain is characterized by deafening thunder and blinding lightning. As winter rolls around across the rest of the continental US, the rains cease, and is replaced with Floridian winter, where the cold-blooded iguanas fall from the trees. By March, the weather reverts to being warm and humid again.

Tampa is a beautiful city rich in history. Anybody visiting here will enjoy beautiful restaurants, breathtaking beaches, and other exciting endeavors. The cost of living isn’t too bad and that is something I would look for in a city that I was looking to move to. Tampa is an all-around beauty of a city.

Olufemi, says: 2020

Before moving to Tampa, I highly recommend touring various locations nearby. Each sub city is intriguing and can be diverse. There may be several opportunities to live within a close driving range or even directly on the coastal waters. The weather is very hot and humid year-round, with August being the peak of the warmest temperatures.

Someone moving to my city must know that we are highly populated. They would know that we have number of sales and technology jobs, and they would also know that the highest ethnic group after Caucasians is Hispanics. Because we are highly populated, they should know traffic is going to be very congested.

Tampa is a city that has a lot to do. There are theme parks, walking trails, and a vibrant food and drink scene. My favorite neighborhood is Carrollwood, it has everything you need within five miles. Rent prices have gone up recently, so it isn’t very affordable any more. I like the slower pace of Tampa compared to Orlando.

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