Tampa remains a top destination in the United States even after the pandemic. The Tampa area was one of the most popular destinations in 2022, accounting for 15% of Florida home purchases, and it’s still going strong.
While living in sunny Tampa, FL, offers many perks, getting a more balanced view is essential before you take the plunge. Learning the pros and cons of moving to Tampa, Florida, will help you make a decision you won’t regret.
Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about the pros and cons of moving to Tampa, Florida.
Table of Contents
Pros of Living in Tampa, FL
There are many advantages of living in Tampa. You’ll need to take a detailed look at the main pros first, which include:
Outdoor Activities and Sports Year-Round
If you’re a huge fan of swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking, and boating, Tampa will check all the boxes.
For example, you can find plenty of parks near the Tampa area. Myakka River State Park is just outside Tampa and is open 365 days a year. The park has wetlands, pinelands, and prairies you can enjoy. The Myakka River is Florida’s first state-designated scenic river and flows through every park area.
Boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing can keep you busy year-round. Hiking and biking through the miles of trails are also popular.
Finally, the beautiful Florida beaches provide calm and relaxing days lying on the beach, as well as water sports.
Overall, you’ll have plenty in Tampa to keep you busy, which is perfect if you enjoy an active lifestyle.
Plenty of Entertainment and Nightlife to Enjoy
Since Tampa is a big tourist destination, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy on your days off.
The best thing about Tampa is it’s both family-friendly and has a busy nightlife scene. Tampa is home to popular amusement parks like Adventure Island and Busch Gardens.
Adventure Island is full of water slides, pools, and kid-friendly play areas. You’ll also have your choice of dining and shopping. Busch Garnes has plenty of roller coasters, water rides, and animal experiences.
You’ll also find plenty of unique activities to enjoy, like this escape room for events or a thrilling night out with a friend or family member.
Tampa also has festivals year-round, like the Gasparilla Art Festival and a Beer festival. All you need to do is a quick Google search to see what festivals are currently going on.
Finally, Tampa is near other Florida cities like Sarasota, which offer plenty of entertainment, beaches, and parks.
Lower Cost of Living
On average, housing expenses and utilities in Tampa are approximately 3% lower than the national average. Healthcare in Tampa is 8% lower than the national average and includes expenses like:
- Prescription costs
- Doctor’s visits
- Dentist visits
- Optometrist visits
- Veterinary visits
However, food and grocery prices tend to be around 8% higher than the national average, so you’ll need to take that into consideration.
Excellent Educational Opportunities
If you need to find a school for your children, you’ll have a wide range of quality choices in Tampa. First, Tampa is a part of the Hillsborough County School District, one of the largest districts in the US and one of the best.
Students have access to public districts, private schools, and public charter schools and quality educational opportunities throughout Tampa.
Tampa also has over 14 universities, consisting of three public universities and ten private ones. The University of South Florida and the University of Tampa rank among the best colleges in Tampa. You’ll also have your choice of community colleges like Hillsborough Community College that give you access to various career programs.
Cons of Living in Florida
Now it’s time to look at the top cons of living in Florida. Learning the cons now gives you time to investigate them further to determine if Tampa is the right place for you.
Heavy Traffic
You can’t expect a popular city like Tampa not to have traffic. The fact is the traffic in Tampa can be an absolute nightmare to deal with.
It ranks 12th in the nation among the worst cities for traffic congestion. Drivers in Tampa spent an average of 76 hours driving in rush hour traffic in 2021.
The traffic is mainly due to the city’s growth in population and tourist attractions in Tampa, which make the roads busier during the tourist season.
If you’re going to live in Tampa, you need to be prepared for how this traffic could impact your daily life. For example, getting a job or living in the city means you must make a daily commute.
Extreme Heat and Humidity
Although warm temperatures are a big draw for many people, the heat can get very extreme.
During the summertime, Tampa temperatures average around 90 degrees, often tipping the scales at 97 degrees. Not only that, but this brutal heat comes with high humidity levels.
If you’re not used to extreme temperatures, it can be difficult to manage initially. Many people feel tired and drained and have to live with the AC 24/7. While this may seem like a minor adjustment, it actually has a major impact.
It can be a huge change if you’re used to living in an area with cooler temperatures and a snowy winter season.
Since Tampa is located along the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll also have to deal with hurricane season from June to November. Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause significant damage, and being in their path can be downright scary.
HOA Fees
If you’ve never dealt with a homeowners association (HOA), you’ll need to do your research. HOAs govern most Tampa suburbs and have strict regulations that control how you must keep your house and property.
You’ll also have to pay fees for maintenance and general repairs. You may also have to pay other fees and do your own repairs.
If you plan to buy a home in the Tampa area, be sure to do thorough research about the HOA in the neighborhood you’re considering.
Considering the Pros and Cons of Moving to Tampa, Florida
Take the time to consider these pros and cons of moving to Tampa, Florida, before you make a final decision.
Do more research to get a detailed overview of the city and the neighborhoods you’d like to live in. Consider planning a visit before you move to get a feel for the area.
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