Firstly why Tampa, Florida?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Tampa
• State: Florida
• Population: 396,245 people
• Tampa’s quick summary would be Renowned for its bustling port, historic Ybor City, and the iconic Busch Gardens theme park.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 42,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 32,000 annually
• Net Migration: 10000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 5,000
• Number of Homeless people: 2,500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a thriving economy and cultural attractions attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Tampa Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 51%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $59,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Tampa is $68,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $9000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Tampa’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,985
• Property Tax %: 1.12%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,350
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Channelside
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Tampa, St-Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, and probably could include Riverview
• Avg. Age of Homes in Tampa: 29 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Tampa’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Tampa are  Healthcare, Finance, and Tourism
• Tampa Job Scene: strong job market focused on finance and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub known for finance technology, digital media, and healthcare innovation
• Tampa Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Tampa: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 39

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Tampa

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-275 runs through Tampa providing access to the Bay area
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on I-275
• Transportation Score: 55 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Tampa: 200,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 15 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Tampa: flhsmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 69 of 100
• Local Airport: Tampa International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Tampa’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Tampa is best described as has warm winters with temperatures in the 70s and hot humid summers with frequent thunderstorms
• Winter Weather in Tampa i’d describe as mild with sunny spells
• Spring Weather in Tampa can be described as warm with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Tampa are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Tampa is usually warm with occasional storms
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 60 days in summer
• Days in a row in Tampa below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 52 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by urban activities
• Tampa Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by urban factors

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Tampa Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Tampa 13
• While the number of trade schools inside Tampas’s city limits are 8
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Tampa Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Tampa only Doctors is about 290
• Local Hospitals here is  18
• Full-time Tampa only Police Officers is about 1,100
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Tampa’s Monthly utility bill average is $140
• Tampa’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• Tampa’s Water Quality Score: 75

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Tampa

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 15 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: youthful city with a focus on cultural diversity and sports
• You might enjoy shows at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Tampa  offers a vibrant nightlife with a blend of clubs bars and cultural events reflecting the city’s unique charm

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Tampa

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a wide variety of restaurants from casual to upscale
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 150 scattered around Tampa
• The Popular Sports Team is Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Top Level Political Climate in Tampa can be described as politically diverse city with strong progressive movements
• Tampa’s Longer standing religious establishment is Tampa First Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Tampa Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Tampa has 150 Parks?
• Tampa Riverwalk is Tampa’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Tampa Downtown Market normally open Saturday 9am-3pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, water activities, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Tampa Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Tampa can be described as fast-paced urban environment with a strong cultural presence
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Tampa going to local events parks picnics community sports activities
• The Cities people commute to from Tampa are Saint-Petersburg 18 miles away Clearwater 25 miles away Lakeland 35 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Tampa or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on I-275. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Tampa’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Channelside is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Tampa are Saint-Petersburg 18 miles away Clearwater 25 miles away Lakeland 35 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Tampa has 0 days in a row below freezing and 60 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Tampa people have an average (positive or negative) $9000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   2,500 homeless people living in Tampa. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically diverse city with strong progressive movements could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Tampa.

Retiree & Senior Life in Tampa

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive property tax exemptions helping with overall expenses
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Bayshore
• Tampa Senior Center offers various recreational programs educational activities and meals

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Tampa, Florida?

If Tampa, Florida ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Tampa, Florida, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!