History Of Tampa: Is Tampa a good place to move to?

Ready to dive into the fascinating tale of why people can’t seem to resist the siren call of Tampa? Founded in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors, by the 19th century Tampa was a bustling trading hub known for its cigars (hence the Cigar City nickname) and busy port. Initially known as Tampa Bay, the town dropped the ‘Bay’ and became Tampa. Now, the name Tampa Bay is used to refer to the Tampa-St.Petersburg/Clearwater metropolitan area.

Between 2000 and 2020, the Tampa Bay area’s population surged by 1.3 million people. The region’s economic diversification contributed to this growth. Beyond traditional sectors like tourism and agriculture, Tampa has become a hub for various industries, including healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing. Another draw is the climate—it’s hard to resist an average of 244 sunny days a year! As a bonus, Tampa residents have a reputation for being as sunshiny as the city is. Some credit for this is due to Southern hospitality and the tourism industry. Another factor is the diversity of the city, which fosters inclusivity and acceptance and contributes to the sense of community and friendliness.

Today, Tampa is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area and the third largest city in Florida with a population of around 390,000 people. Tampa’s secret sauce for drawing people to the city is a combination of:

1. Endless sunshine ☀️
2. Pristine beaches 🏖️
3. Diverse job opportunities 🏢
4. Exciting culture 🎉
5. Great sports 🏟️
6. Welcoming people 🤗

Tampa’s Climate & Geography: When Is Hurricane Season?

Tampa sits right along Tampa Bay, enjoying ocean views, warm temperatures, and the subtropical climate that comes with being on the coast. Due to its proximity to the ocean, Tampa has to keep an eye out for hurricanes!

Tampa is in a sort of sweet spot in the eastern Gulf of Mexico—in the past, when hurricanes formed out on the ocean, they tended to go north or west and didn’t visit Tampa. However, that’s changed in the last couple of years. Tampa’s hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, and when hurricanes do hit Tampa, they tend to come in the fall.

Beyond hurricanes, Tampa has a warm and humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers, mild winters, and pleasant transitional seasons. This allows residents to enjoy year-round outdoor activities, sunny days and favorable weather. But beware—when we say hot summers we mean hot! This also means that you will definitely want air conditioning in your home.

10 Things To Know Before Moving To Tampa, FL

Consider the following reasons to help you decide why moving to Tampa is the smartest move you’ll ever make!

1. Where to live in Tampa? Your Guide To The Best Neighborhoods In Tampa

With its warm, tropical climate and waterfront lifestyle, Tampa has a laid-back, beachy vibe that promotes outdoor adventures and a slower pace. However, there is still lots of energy and excitement to be found thanks to the arts and sports scene, the rich tapestry of cultures, and a strong sense of community.

When you’re looking for the neighborhood with the right vibe for you, there’s lots to choose from—here are some neighborhoods our professional Tampa movers recommend:

2. Start Saving: How much money do I need to move to Tampa?

Tampa is a beautiful city with lots of points in the pros column: from beachfront living, a bustling arts and culture scene, good food, and, until recently, the cost of living. It’s estimated that a single person (without rent) would have an average monthly cost of $1,315, whereas for a family of four, you would need to afford a monthly cost of $4,672 (without rent).

Though 0% below the national average for cost of living, as of 2023 Tampa is the most expensive city in Florida in terms of cost vs income for a few different reasons:

• Leisure, transportation, and housing costs all contribute to the higher cost of living.
• Housing prices in Tampa are on the rise (average $416,000) and are already higher than the national median sale price of $388,800.
• While household income is very slightly higher in Tampa than Orlando, it is still below the national average. However, with no state income tax, you keep more of what you earn!
• Car insurance is on average around $800 more in Tampa than the rest of Florida, and home insurance is considerably more than the state average as well.

These are all things to keep in mind when planning your move to Tampa, but remember—residents will tell you there are many benefits that outweigh the cost of living negatives.

3. A foodie’s delight: the best places to eat out in Tampa!

Tampa’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering flavors inspired by various cultures and traditions.

There’s a strong Cuban influence in the food scene, including Tampa’s signature dish the Cuban sandwich. You’ll also find seafood, Latin American flavors, and Southern comfort food, among many others!

Here are some dining options recommended by our very own Tampa movers:

• Salt Shack on the Bay: It has waterfront dining with one of the best sunset views! It was also named a 2024 Best Restaurant Winner by Tampa Magazine. You can’t go wrong with the fresh oysters on the half shell and any of their fresh fish of the day such as the Redfish or Tripple tail.
• Columbia Restaurant: The oldest restaurant (117 years old to be exact!) in Florida  — open since 1905.
• Ulele: Great for a date night dinner option! They cook on an open-top ‘Barbacoa Grill’.

4. You’re never bored in Tampa: Explore endless adventures in Cigar City.

Tampa is a treasure trove of attractions, including theme parks, historic neighborhoods, museums, and beaches, beaches, beaches! Whether you’re a nature lover looking to take in Tampa’s landscapes, a history buff eager to uncover the city’s rich heritage, or a social butterfly ready to flit around local events and celebrations, Tampa has something for everyone.

We’ve included some of our local Tampa movers’ favorite activities and places for you to check out:

Embrace the arts and culture in Tampa.

Tampa has a vibrant and eclectic arts scene, inspired by a diverse landscape of influences, traditions, and creative expression. You’ll find that artistic expression extends beyond the walls of Tampa’s museums and theaters, right into the city itself with thriving arts districts like Ybor City and Seminole Heights.

Get started exploring the cultural scene at these museums and theaters:

• Tampa Theatre: our favorite non-profit movie palace!
• Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
• Henry B. Plant Museum
• Tampa Museum of Art

Explore the great outdoors!

If you’re an outdoor cat, you will be spoiled for choice in Tampa! The warm weather means year-round fun in the sun, where you can walk for miles along the Tampa Riverwalk, explore pristine beaches, and generally admire the stunning Florida wilderness.

Here are some of our Tampa movers’ favorite outdoor activities:

• Clearwater and St. Pete Beach: while not in Tampa city, they are nearby in the Tampa Bay area!
• Honeymoon Island State Park: just a short drive from Tampa!
• Fort De Soto Park
• Tampa Riverwalk
• Tampa Sunset Boat Tours
• Tampa Fishing Charters

For Tampa pet lovers, there are three dog beaches where you can let your dog off the leash to enjoy the water and views with you:

• Davis Island Dog Beach
• Picnic Island Beach Dog Park
• Fort De Soto Dog Park Beach

Endless entertainment: Tampa’s events and festivals.

There’s nothing Tampanians love more than a colorful celebration! Here are some of our Tampa movers’ favorite events:

• Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Children’s Parade
• Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
• Tampa Bay Margarita Festival — we hear it’s coming back this year!
• Tampa Bay Comic Convention
• Florida State Fair
• St Pete Grand Prix

If you love a good holiday party, Tampa turns the waterway green for St. Patrick’s Day!

Put on your dancing shoes: music and nightlife in Tampa!

Tampa comes alive after dark with the sounds of music and dancing! There’s a wide range of venues to suit your dancing shoes, including jazz clubs, salsa bars, nightclubs and even outdoor amphitheaters!

Ybor City is the heart of Tampa’s nightlife, with eclectic bars, live music venues, and dance clubs catering to a wide range of musical genres and styles.

Here are some of our Tampa movers’ favorite nightlife spots:

• The RITZ Ybor
• The Orpheum
• The Hub
• Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
• MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
• M.Bird

Enjoy some great, family-friendly activities.

Beyond the Gasparilla Children’s Parade, Tampa has a variety of family-friendly activities to keep the kids (and parents) entertained!

• Adventure Island
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park
• Busch Gardens
• The Florida Aquarium
• Glazer Children’s Museum
• The Strawberry Festival
• Manatee Viewing Center
• Museum of Science and Industry

Take in all of the local Tampa history!

Take a captivating journey through Tampa’s history! There is plenty to do in the city for the history buff keen to explore Tampa’s rich and diverse heritage.

Here are some activities recommended by our Tampa movers:

• Tampa historic walking tours
• Tampa Union Station
• Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park
• Tampa Bay History Center

5. Root for the home team: the sports scene in Tampa.

Tampa has a wide variety of sports teams, both professional and amateur, with passionate fan bases that make experiencing the games exciting and fun.

Here’s just a sampling of the action:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
• Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
• Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
• Tampa Bay Rowdies (Soccer)
• South Florida Bulls (NCAA)
• Tampa Tarpons (MiLB)
• Tampa Bay Damage (Professional Paintball)

Did you also know that the New York Yankees have their spring training stadium here in Tampa and do play some games here? They sure do!

6. Find your community in Tampa: Is Tampa a nice place to live?

Tampa is known as a warm and welcoming community. You are sure to find your village in Cigar City!

What’s family life like in Tampa?

With top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and family-friendly events and attractions, Tampa provides an ideal setting for families. Explore the city’s numerous parks and playgrounds, visit theme parks and aquariums, and enjoy community events and festivals throughout the year!

Tampa and the LGBTQ+ Community

Tampa is known as a safe and welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone is invited to enjoy the Tampa Pride Parade, explore the LGBTQ-friendly collective of over 200 businesses, and have fun in Tampa’s vibrant and gay-friendly nightlife.

What does retirement look like in Tampa?

With its mild climate, variety of outdoor activities, and retirement communities, Tampa is a great place for retirees to enjoy their golden years.

Tampa’s healthcare facilities and senior services cater to the unique needs of older adults, creating a comfortable and supportive environment for retirement living.

7. Get ready to speak the local lingo!

If you’re looking to make a smooth transition to Tampa, here are some common terms you might hear — study up and you’ll be talking like a local in no time:

• “Buc It Up”: A phrase often used by Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans to show support for the NFL team.
• “Ybor Gold”: Refers to the historic cigar-making industry in Ybor City, Tampa’s Latin quarter. It’s also used to describe the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the neighborhood!
• “Gasp Up”: A nod to the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, the phrase refers to getting excited or pumped up for a fun event or celebration.
• “Cigar City”: A nickname for Tampa, from its historic roots in the cigar industry and the large number of cigar factories that once operated in Ybor City.
• “Cruise the Bayshore”: Refers to driving or biking along Bayshore Boulevard, a scenic roadway that runs alongside Tampa Bay.
• “Bolts”: Short for the Tampa Bay Lightning, the city’s NHL hockey team. Go Bolts!
• “Grouper”: A type of fish commonly found in Florida waters and a staple of Tampa Bay cuisine.
• “Gasparilla Season”: Refers to the period leading up to the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, typically held in late January or early February.
• “Krewe”: A social club where the people involved will dress up like pirates, decorate a “float” to resemble their idea of a Pirate ship to help participate in the invasion of Tampa, and throw out beads (kind of like Mardi Gras but tailored around the Pirate theme!) Fun fact, Gasparilla Fest is among the top 10 largest parades in the US.

8. Tampa’s primary and post-secondary schools.

Tampa’s primary school system offers a variety of options for families, including public, charter, and private schools.

The Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) district serves as the largest public school system in the area. If you’re new to Tampa, you can use the HCPS website to find:

• School profiles
• Boundary maps
• Enrollment information

Additionally, reaching out to local parent groups, community organizations, or school counselors can provide insights and recommendations about schools in the area.

When it comes to post-secondary education, Tampa has a diverse set of options. Known as prestigious institutions, both the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Tampa (UT), provide undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines.

Community colleges like Hillsborough Community College (HCC) and St. Petersburg College (SPC) offers affordable pathways to higher education, while private colleges and universities like Florida College and Saint Leo University provide specialized programs and smaller class sizes.

9. Getting around Tampa isn’t always easy!

Tampa is typically considered more vehicle-friendly than public transit-friendly. While the city does have a public transit system operated by Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART), including buses and a limited streetcar line, it’s not as extensive as other cities. However, there are plans for future expansions and a recent addition of bus rapid transit routes.

Because the main source of transportation in Tampa is private vehicles, there are often delays due to busy roads. Drivers should be aware of heavy traffic during peak hours, especially on the I-275 and I-4. Frequent road construction projects also cause delays.

For pedestrians and cyclists, the Tampa Bay area is among the worst in the country for pedestrian and cyclist fatalities caused by drivers. Pedestrian infrastructure varies in quality across the city, and while Tampa is working to improve its bike lanes, there are still challenges navigating by bike due to limited infrastructure and vehicle-centric road design.

10. Tampa’s job market is hot, hot, hot!

Tampa was actually named the second best city to find a job in the U.S in 2024! With an average 12% growth rate in jobs, there’s a wide variety of job opportunities to take advantage of.

Tampa is also known to have more full-time job opportunities right now, with more high-growth companies per capita than New York City!

However, it’s important to note, you’ll need experience, a degree, and a tenacity to learn to get ahead. While the market has endless opportunities, there’s also an endless amount of potential job candidates for companies to choose from.

Tips To Remember After Your Move To Tampa

If the above list was enough for you to book your move, our Tampa moving team wanted to provide you with some additional tips to make sure you’re safe and comfortable in your new home:

• Update your address! Don’t forget to update official records and other important documentation (e.g. passport, medical records, banking, etc) with your new address.
• Change your locks! Ensure your and your family’s safety with new locks.
• Confirm your driver’s license is valid in Tampa and update your vehicle registration.
• Set up utilities: electricity, water, gas, internet, and other cable services.
• Remember to register to vote at your new address — the sooner you remember the less of a headache the next election will be!
• Learn how waste management in Tampa works! There’s nothing worse than a growing pile of garbage and/or recycling in your garage.

Check out our blog for more helpful tips on settling into your new home!