18 Things to Know Before Moving to Tampa, Florida
Published by Chris Townsend
Nashville to Tampa Movers
Are you considering moving to Tampa, Florida? You’ll be excited to know that Sunshine State has a lot to offer, from the people to the beaches, sports, and nightlife. Tampa combines the benefits of living in a metropolitan area with the feeling that you're always on vacation.
The city is home to roughly hundreds of thousands of people who crave the sprawling city buildings, salty sea air, and warm weather. In Tampa, you’ll be able to enjoy an urban paradise that doesn’t compromise the year-round beach vibes.
1. Tampa is a city of diversity.
- Tampa's success as a friendly town open to new ideas and tourists is built on its broad mix of people and cultures. The city's population is varied, with around a quarter of its citizens being of Hispanic or Latino descent and a quarter being Black or African American. With a median age of 35.6, the population is fairly evenly divided between males and females.
2. There is a lot of attractive and affordable housing.
- You don't have to have a six-figure income to live near the beach in Tampa. You'll receive the benefits of being in a metropolis without sacrificing the quiet that many major cities lack. Housing costs in Tampa are frequently cheaper than in other major cities around the country.
3. It is a great place to live and work.
- Tampa is not just full of culture, art, amazing cuisine, unbelievably fantastic weather, and year-round events, but it's also a beautifully lovely and all-around beautiful location to live. Most Tampa residents can walk or drive to local amenities such as grocery shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and parks. Tampa's amenities have received an A+ grade. If you're interested in civic involvement, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, which is globally certified, has groups and programs to help you grow and deliver leadership. Perhaps you'd want to run for a local or county office, make an appointment with the Arts Council, or join an association to improve your area.
4. Tampa prides itself in its nationally ranked healthcare.
- In the Tampa region, there are several minute clinics, walk-in clinics, urgent care facilities, and both main and specialized care outpatient centers. There are several dermatological alternatives available. A variety of healthcare facilities with specializations in different areas may be found across the city. In addition, Tampa General Hospital is the best hospital in Tampa-St. Petersburg, with national rankings in six adult specialties.
5. Transportation options are varied.
- At Tampa International Airport, more than a dozen commercial airlines and a few charter businesses service passengers. Five main highways are serving the area, one of which, I-275, passes through downtown Tampa. Toll expressways may be found on several of the routes. Beginning its route in Tampa's historic Union Station, Amtrak provides daily train service to and from locations around the country. You may drive, use the city bus or the TECO Line Streetcar, or take one of the numerous picturesque walkways to get about the city. In addition, there are plans to extend and improve transit networks across the city, including streetcar route extensions and greater walkability and bike-ability.
6. Warm weather lovers will love Tampa.
- The weather in Tampa is pleasant for the majority of the year, and even the winters are warmer than in many other parts of the United States. Summer in the city is hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms. Tampa's humid subtropical climate makes it a sanctuary for individuals who dread the cold. Anyone considering relocating here should be aware that the city's environment is hot. It's not just a little bit hot; it's even scorching in the summer. It's also really humid. Tampa locals enjoy dry, pleasant winter weather. This implies that winter in Tampa is still an excellent time to go out and do that outdoor activity you’ve been wanting to do.
7. Your beach bum self will be happy in Tampa.
- You've decided to relocate to the Gulf Coast? You must, of course, visit the beach! The Tampa Bay Area is home to a slew of white-sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico's clean, mild seas. Locals love the seaside regardless of where they live, although the nicest beaches are in the St. Petersburg area. Aside from the city's beautiful beaches, cruises are also popular. The terminals at Port Tampa Bay are home to several cruise lines. The nicest thing about living in Tampa is that you won't have to fly if you decide to go on a cruise because you'll already be there!
8. Festival season lasts all year.
- If you enjoy attending festivals, Tampa is the place for you. Every other day, there are festivities! If you look at Tampa's schedule of events, you'll see that the city is packed with festivals catering to a variety of interests. There will be something to celebrate in the city whether you are a sports fan, a foodie, a music aficionado, or an arts and culture enthusiast.
9. Dress up like a pirate at the beginning of the year.
- The Gasparilla Pirate Fest has been a staple of Tampa culture since 1904. Tampa now has an informal "Gasparilla season," which lasts from around mid-January to mid-March. You may dress up like a pirate and participate in a variety of activities and festivities that have long been a part of the community's heritage. Don't worry, pirates can't be pirates unless they have liquor, so there will be plenty of it.
10. Tampa is extra gorgeous during Christmas.
- Even though there is no snow, Christmas time in Tampa is beautiful. In Hyaleah, between Serena Drive and Poinsettia Avenue, the Christmas lights are amazing. There's no better spot to get into the holiday mood in Tampa than this. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is a popular destination for light shows, but the most beautiful lights are put on by the locals.
11. Nightlife in Tampa is legendary.
- Tampa isn't only a fun place to visit during the day. The city's robust nightlife can satisfy anyone seeking to have a good time during after-work hours. You'll find anything you desire to do throughout the night, from hidden gems to well-known party spots. We can promise that one night out in Tampa, complete with live music, fantastic drinks, and delicious cuisine, will keep you going back... and maybe even force you to stay!
12. The food scene is to die for.
- Tampa’s food scene has been steadily growing through the years. Because of the city’s diverse population, you can expect diversity in the cuisine available as well. Tampa's culinary diversity ranges from food trucks, unique farm-to-table cuisine, foreign gastropubs, festival food, and the best seafood you'll ever taste. Anyone who is a foodie at heart will fall in love with the food in Tampa right away.
13. Avoid being flashy in Ybor City.
- Every city you desire to relocate to has advantages and disadvantages. Although the crime rate in Tampa has dropped dramatically in recent years, it's better to stay away from the showy when partying in Ybor City. Bring as little cash as possible, avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry, and stay as attentive and watchful as possible.
14. You will be major league covered.
- Sports aficionados will enjoy their time in Tampa. If you enjoy sports, you'll be happy to know that Tampa features three major league teams: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for football, the Tampa Bay Lightning for hockey, and the Tampa Bay Rays for baseball. You can be confident that you will not be alone on game day since the entire city will be watching with you!
15. Traffic on Dale Mabry during Game Day is out of control.
- When it comes to the city going all out on game days, you
should avoid driving on Dale Mabry, which is a major highway in
the city. The traffic grows out of hand, and you'll be stuck in
traffic for the rest of the day. It might be aggravating, so be
informed of when the games will take place so you can plan ahead
of time.
16. Tampa is an arts and culture destination.
- Tampa isn't only a hotspot for party freaks and beach bums. Those interested in the arts and culture will be able to immerse themselves in the city's many sections dedicated to their hobbies. On any given weekday, you may visit a variety of events and museums across the city. For art aficionados, the Ringling Museum of Art and the Tampa Museum of Art are must-sees. There are also a number of history museums, cultural events, and the Straz Center for Performing Arts in the area.
17. Speed traps are everywhere… we mean, everywhere.
- Yep. Speed traps may be found all throughout the city. Even if you believe you're safe since you weren't pulled over, keep in mind that the city is littered with red light cameras. There might be police cars parked in plain sight, laser guns, and well-hidden motorcycle officers in the neighborhood. You don't want to be surprised when you learn that you're being followed by the cops.
18. There are a lot of independently-owned businesses.
- You'll be relieved to learn that, despite the presence of large franchises and chains across the city, independently-owned companies such as small boutiques and family-owned restaurants continue to thrive. They always provide a far better experience than any huge chain.
Conclusion
Tampa, Florida is an excellent city to call home. If you want to live in a major city where you can work and relax, a city like Tampa is a great choice. Three Movers may be reached at (888) 202-0036 if you require assistance.