Looking for an up-and-coming area of the Sunshine State to make your new home?

You’re not alone. The numbers are in, and Tampa, Florida has been named the 9th fastest growing city in the United States. 

But what’s so great about the Gulf Coast of Florida? And what makes Tampa special? Read on to learn why you should consider finding your next humble abode in Tampa. 

1. It’s Great for Sports Fans

It’s called “Champa Bay” for a reason.

After a long season and a nail-biting series against the Dallas Stars, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2020. And although they didn’t emerge victoriously, the Rays also made it to the World Series in 2020.

And in 2020, the Buccaneers secured world-class quarterback Tom Brady. After years of taunting — despite already having one Super Bowl win under their belt — it finally seemed like things were looking up for the Bucs. Fans were delighted when the Buccaneers won the 2021 Super Bowl in an absolute wash-out against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Don’t you want to live in the city whose football team has Tom Brady? 

2. The Beaches Can’t Be Beat

Move over, Laguna! Florida’s beaches are coming in hot (literally)!

While your mind might conjure images of rowdy Spring Breakers when you think of Florida beaches, that’s not always the case. Sure, Florida definitely has its fair share of party beaches. But did you know about the other, more quaint coastal offerings in the area? 

St. Pete Beach, for example, offers miles of calm, gorgeous shoreline for families to relax upon. It’s also right next to Fort De Soto Park, featuring the Civil War’s Fort De Soto, which is open for visitors. 

And Clearwater Beach — not far from Tampa — has earned the title of Best U.S. Beach more than once. Its pristine, white sand and multitude of fun seafood restaurants make it the perfect combination of fun and relaxing. 

Suffice it to say that of the top 10 beaches in the U.S., Florida claims four of them. Move to Tampa and make it a personal goal to visit every one of them!  

3. Tampa’s Downtown Area Is Undergoing Massive Transformation

Have you heard of Water Street Tampa? If not, get ready to. This epic redevelopment project in downtown Tampa is going to help make this city even more attractive to new residents than it already is. 

Spanning 54 acres along the waterfront in the downtown area, this $3 billion project is going to add serious value to the city of Tampa. Make your new home at one of the luxury apartment buildings going in that’ll feature rooftop gardens and top-of-the-line fitness centers. Friends and family can come visit, staying at a brand-new, luxury hotel in the area.

The redevelopment project will also connect to Tampa’s Riverwalk, a two-and-a-half-mile walkable path along the water. The Riverwalk connects first-rate local restaurants with parks, shopping, and arts and cultural centers in the area.

It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday stroll. 

4. Tampa Neighborhoods Are Diverse

Many large cities in the U.S. are seriously suffering from gentrification. The result? Long-established neighborhoods losing their charm as big box stores move in. 

Not in Tampa. Tampa offers scores of neighborhoods to choose from.

Consider the residential neighborhood of Seminole Heights. Its calm, quaint charm is perfect for raising a family, and it’s still close enough to downtown to be near all the action. 

Or perhaps you want to live on the water. If so, there are plenty of Tampa homes to choose from on Davis or Harbour Island.

Nearby St. Petersburg also offers a wide variety of unique neighborhoods to choose from. From bustling downtown to the sleepy Old Northeast, there’s something for everybody. And an experienced Tampa real estate company, like Alex Plotkin Real Estate, can help you find the perfect fit. 

In summary, the Tampa housing market is incredibly diverse, just like its neighborhoods. You won’t find one centralized locale surrounded by decrepit suburbs in the Tampa Bay area, like so many other large U.S. cities.

5. It Has Excellent Universities

Are you in high school researching exciting new places to attend college? Maybe you’re a young parent deciding where to settle so your kid has plenty of opportunities. You might even be an older adult, ready to dive back into academia and finally finish that degree. 

Regardless of your circumstances, the Tampa Bay area can deliver. 

The University of South Florida, a preeminent research university, has campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota/Manatee. It consistently scores great rankings among public universities.

The University of Tampa is the premier local private university. U.S. News ranks it the 13th best university in the South. Its campus is absolutely gorgeous, offering plenty of places to relax outdoors in the sunshine and study.

Eckerd College is another local private university located in St. Petersburg, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Tampa. A liberal arts college, its location on the Gulf allows it to offer great maritime courses. Pro tip: It has a great sailing team! 

Long story short — you won’t be wanting for options when it comes to getting a great education in the Tampa Bay area. 

6. Cost of Living Is Actually Manageable

People from all over the country are flocking to sunny states in droves. States like Colorado and California are consistently featured on the fastest-growing lists.

The problem? Most states with great weather year-round are really expensive to live in. The cost of living in California, for example, is almost 50% higher than the national average. And Colorado’s is 9% higher.

But Florida? Florida’s cost of living is 5% lower than the national average. Not to mention, Florida’s housing costs also beat the national average by 23%.

That’s pretty substantial. On top of it, Florida has no state income tax. That means more money in your pocket each year. 

Florida is perfect for those just starting out who actually want to save the money they earn. It’s perfect for young families trying to make ends meet. It’s perfect for everyone who doesn’t like shelling out more than half their income on housing every month. 

So it’s perfect for… pretty much everyone. 

Ready to Move to Tampa? 

You’ve read up on just a few things that make Tampa great. Hopefully, this article has helped arm you with knowledge as you look for the next best place to call home. 

Want to learn more about different areas of the world, whether to move or simply get away? Check out our travel section for more unique articles!