Ah, Florida. The Sunshine state, where dreams come true and more and more people are packing up and moving. Florida is not only known for being a great state for retirement, but many people are choosing to change their standard of living.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida’s population topped around 20 million this past year. That means more than 332,000 people moved into Florida in 2015 from other states or other countries. To put this into perspective, there are more people moving to Florida than there are babies being born there.
One of the top cities to relocate is Tampa Bay, where beaches, boating and baseball are common reasons why people choose the city. CNN Money states the average median income in Tampa is $56,800 and the median home price is $129,000.
“There’s so much to do in Florida and there are so many beaches,” said Mireya Toy who currently resides in Orlando and loves to visit the Tampa Bay area.
There are plenty of reasons to start packing and head to Tampa. The natural beauty of this West Coast city provides beautiful beaches, colorful sunsets, and plenty of cheering for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays and the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lighting.
Whether you like the outdoors, the multicultural mix of people from around the world, or its educational experience, Tampa Bay offers it all.
LOW COST OF LIVING
Living at a place where the cost of living is at average or below average makes sense. Tampa’s low cost of living also leaves opportunity to save money for a home, travel, and even for retirement.
These lower costs can make a difference in your monthly budget. Yes, you’ve heard it before. Florida has no income tax. How about that? And Florida’s economy ranks 4th in the U.S. and 18th in the world.
Florida has more people than the New York State. According to Areavibes, Tampa wins in comparison to New York’s cost of living. The cost of living in Tampa Bay is 41% lower than the cost of living in NYC.
You would need to earn around $29,338 in Tampa compared to $50,000 in New York to maintain the same standard of living. Between the two cities, Tampa has a livability score of 81, while New York has a 75.
CULTURE
Tampa Bay is home to many people from around the world and represents all sorts of cultural influences. Its rich diversity provides ethnic restaurants all over the city, annual festivals, and parades.
Hyde Park Village is a historic neighborhood and district. Hyde Park includes many historic homes and bungalows. They offer a variety of high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment essentials to the Tampa Bay community.
From urban to suburban, whether you’re looking to relocate to a loft at the city center, or you’re looking for a home in the suburbs where you’ll have a garden, Tampa’s got it for you. You can select from historic neighborhoods to condos overlooking the Port of Tampa.
Though Dalí Museum is in St. Petersburg, FL, there are all sorts of reasons to visit and enrich your cultural experience through the works of Salvador Dalí. The museum houses the largest collection of his works outside Europe. Not only is the museum an artwork itself but inside, you’ll see many of Dalí’s surrealist paintings.
ENTERTAINMENT
Tampa offers lots and lots of entertainment. Its theater, symphonies, museums, and operas offer a wide range of world-class performers who appear all year long.
If you like the thrill of rollercoaster rides, Tampa Bay offers Busch Gardens. This theme park will thrill your entire family with some of Florida’s best roller coasters, rides, attractions, animal encounters and more.
For the craft beer connoisseurs, Cigar City Brewery offers not only beers on tap but tours to see how the beer is carefully made.
Channelside Bay Plaza offers plenty of nightlife entertainment. From bars and nightclubs to hotels, shopping and events. Channelside Market has a monthly display of local vendors showcasing fresh produce, cheeses, foods, breads, live music and more. The Plaza will definitely satisfy your cravings.
The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts showcases musical acts, opera festivals, and even the world’s greatest magicians. From July 12-17, 2016, you’ll be off to see the wizard, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!
BEACHES JUST THIRTY MINUTES AWAY
Just 20 miles to the west, Clearwater Beach offers the best weekend getaways. The beach boasts sugar white sands that you will only experience there. Ahh, doesn’t it sound nice to relax at the beach, and walk alongside the shore at sunset? I’m packing my bags and moving to Tampa!
If you’re ever feeling adventurous, Honeymoon Island State Park is just a car ride away. Known for its variety of shells on its shores, this park offers swimming, fishing and hiking. Who wouldn’t want to go kayaking all year long? Except on rainy days of course.
Named for “Best Beach for Families” by USA Today in 2014, Fort the Soto Park is the spot to lounge, rent a canoe, and cycle through the park’s trails. The beach faces the Gulf of Mexico and there’s enough space to venture out, take a dip in the Gulf, and have a fun-filled weekend with the kids.
EDUCATION
Tampa Bay’s educational excellence serves thousands of children. The Hillsborough County Public Schools is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area, and it is the 8th largest school district in the nation.
For higher education, the University of South Florida benefits students in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee area. From graduate degrees to doctorates, MBAs and law degrees, the University of Tampa and the Tampa Law Center of the Stetson University College of Law are available locally.
WEATHER
Tampa Bay has wonderful weather year-round with some rainy days. While the hottest months of the year are from June through August, the coolest month of the year is January. That means playing golf, fishing, boating and cycling are manageable all year long with the occasional small jacket for cool and rainy days.
SPORTS
Fans have a lot to cheer about while they reside in Tampa Bay. Besides the Buccaneers, the Rays, and the Lightning, there is the North American Soccer League’s Tampa Bay Rowdies. Soccer popularity is on the rise in the U.S.
In intercollegiate sports, the University of South Florida Bulls compete in NCAA Division I, while Eckerd College, Saint Leo University and the University of Tampa compete in NCAA Division II.
The area is also home to many of Florida’s finest golf courses and the world’s finest country clubs.
With beautiful weather, friendly people and plenty to see and do, whatever your taste, Tampa is sure to have it. So are you considering a move to Tampa? Check out our Florida Full Service rates.