Why You Should Move to Tampa Bay Now. Insider Edition
Author – Jessica Sladky
There are several reasons Tampa is consistently ranked in the nation’s top cities to live in. We have year-round warm weather, amusement parks, low cost of living, great neighborhoods, world famous beaches, and championship sports teams. There is something for everyone here. These are the top 6 reasons people are buying homes in the Tampa Bay area this year.
1. Weather
Our annual weather averages 74 °F (23 °C), according to www.timeanddate.com. Our warmest months of the year are July and August with highs reaching the mid 90’s (approx. 34 °C). Our coolest month is January, with lows around 50 °F (10 °C). That’s right, you guessed it! Living in the Tampa Bay area is like living in a tropical paradise. It’s always a good time to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether that’s our gulf coast beaches, our major league championship sports teams, local markets, or brunch with friends. Beware of our summer, afternoon showers. They start around 3pm and usually end by 4pm. Just make plans to take a break at that time and wait for the shower to pass. These showers make all of our lush, tropical landscape flourish with vivid colors, all summer long.
2. Cost of Living
Salary.com has the cost of living in Tampa 5.6% lower than the national average. They use 5 major categories to score the cost of living for an area: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. This means, you should definitely consider setting down roots in Tampa and purchasing a home. Where else can you live in a tropical paradise with a lower-than-average cost of living? A statement released in January by Tampa Electric that their prediction was accurate. “Last year, Tampa Electric (TECO) predicted that the economic recovery would likely cause natural gas prices to rise with the increase in demand. As a result, starting in January 2021, the average Tampa Electric residential customer's energy bill increased 8 percent to $105.25 for 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of use, which is still less than customers paid in 2018 and still 20 percent below the national average.” This is huge. Living in Florida means that your AC is constantly running almost every month of the year and keeping these costs as low as possible, is a must have.
3. Great Neighborhoods
Remember the days when you would drive down your street and wave to your neighbors, and they would actually wave back? Yes, that still happens around town. We have several tight knit communities that offer neighborly living. They also boast great schools, community events, and many amazing people. Topping off the list, according to Niche.com, is Harbour Island for its upbeat, safe and friendly neighborhoods. It’s also an easy walk to community attractions like the Florida Aquarium, Sparkman’s Wharf, a load of restaurants and bars. This neighborhood is mostly populated by young professionals and families. Historic Hyde Park is right down the road from Harbour Island and has some of the best schools in the district. It has a great night life scene and offers a great urban and suburban mix. Most residents in this area own their homes. Carver City rounds out the list with its close proximity to the Tampa International Airport, Raymond James Stadium and many local restaurants and coffee shops. This neighborhood is one of the safest in town and scored an A for diversity on Niche.com.
4. Amusement Parks
Did you know, that living in Tampa means that there’s always an amusement park no more than 30 minutes away. Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are great places to visit. They both offer year-round passes for Florida residents that are affordable. You can also save money by bringing your drinks and snacks for the little ones too. Usually around February, they start offering free preschool passes for all children 4 or under. Talk about a family friendly place to enjoy our amazing weather. Busch Gardens is jam packed with rollercoasters like, Cheetah Hunt, Tigris, and the new Iron Gwazi. If you have lived in Tampa for a long time, you will remember that Gwazi was the biggest wooden rollercoaster that has now evolved into a new iron legend. Per Busch Gardens themselves, the Iron Gwazi is North America’s tallest hybrid roller coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world! That’s right, you read the correctly, In The World! If Busch Gardens gets too hot, head over to Adventure Island across the street. Adventure Island has towering water slides that is sure to get your blood pumping and adrenalin going, all while cooling you off. Or, if you’re more like me, grab a drink and head over to the Rambling Bayou (aka lazy river). Adventure Island notes this as, a half mile trip that will take you through a colorful rain forest, waterfalls and even a little rain and fog.
5. World Famous Beaches
Florida’s gulf coast beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. Our coastline features white sugar sand and crystal clear waters. Take a 20-40 minute drive and head over to Clearwater Beach, Florida and enjoy the family friendly Pier 60. During the summer, Pier 60 turns into an evening movie beach party. Bring your blankets, chairs, and coolers and enjoy a movie under the stars. You can also find local artisans, live entertainment, and some of the best grouper in the Tampa Bay area. If trendy Clearwater Beach is not your vibe, head a little further south to Treasure Island. Treasure Island is more laid back with tons of local restaurants and bars. This St. Pete beach is great for families looking for a quieter, less populated beach to enjoy. Whichever Tampa Bay area beach you decided to visit, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for whimsical seashells and shark’s teeth.
6. Everything Sports
Tampa Bay is known throughout the nation for having championship sports teams. This year we’re celebrating, the Tampa Buccaneers for winning Super Bowl LV, the Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the Stanley Cup, and the Tampa Bay Rays for making another World Series debut. I remember when we first established a hockey team in Florida. We all kind of looked at each other and laughed. We weren’t sure putting an ice hockey team is sunny Tampa Bay was the best move. Watching this team develop, grow, win, and capture the hearts of so many fans has been a journey I can happily say I have watched since inception. I couldn’t be happier to say the Lightning belong in Tampa Bay. Watching my neighbors proudly displaying their home team flags, and people of all ages proudly wearing their favorite team’s merchandise reminds me of what an amazing community we’ve built. If you haven’t experienced the energy of Game Day in Tampa Bay, what are you waiting for? If you don’t have anyone to hype up game day for you, visit any of the local sports bars, you are guaranteed to find your kindred spirits there. Relax, enjoy the food, have a drink, and be prepared for lots of cheering.