Living in Tampa, Florida:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.