Photo by Bradley Prentice

Originally Posted On: Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Tampa Bay – Alex Plotkin (alexplotkinrealestate.com)

 

Tomorrow may rain, so you should follow the sun. What better way than to head down to the Sunshine State?

From 2020 to 2025, more than 800 people will move to Florida every day. Its natural beauty and huge business hubs attract people from all over the world.

When people think of moving to Florida, they think about retiring in the Florida Keys or Miami. However, there is one hidden gem for people of all ages—Tampa Bay.

When you’re thinking about moving to Florida, start thinking about moving to Tampa. Here is what you need to know about moving to Tampa Bay.

The Basics of Tampa

The Tampa Bay metropolitan area is booming. It was the second-fastest-growing area in Florida in 2017 and 2018.

It is rapidly becoming a hub for commerce. Many businesses in the small tech market are establishing their operations in Tampa. Defense, healthcare, and manufacturing companies all have bases in the city.

Some of the city’s top employers include JP Morgan Chase, OSI Restaurant Partners, and Tampa General Hospital. The MacDill Air Force Base also offers hundreds of employment opportunities for veterans.

The bay provides numerous ports and deep-water channels for shipping and manufacturing. Port Tampa Bay is the state’s largest port, handling over 37 million tons of cargo every year.

Tampa also has terrific educational opportunities. The Hillsborough County School District is one of the largest in the country, with a high budget for extracurricular activities. The University of Tampa offers more than 200 study programs, including nearly two dozen Master’s degrees.

Tampa’s public transportation is not speedy, so use your car when you can. Temperatures are warm, and they can rise to 100 degrees in the summertime.

Hurricane season occurs from June through November. Though severe hurricanes are not common, they can disrupt power and utilities in the city. Southern Florida also has a large number of thunderstorms and tornadoes, sometimes dozens in the summer alone.

Tampa Bay is not just Tampa. The metropolitan area includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater, along with several smaller towns.

Things to Do in Tampa Bay

Tampa has many neighborhoods that are great for residential and recreational purposes. Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District located just outside of downtown Tampa. It has an independent vibe, popular with younger audiences.

The neighborhood is home to Centennial Park, a 2.5-acre park that contains the Ybor Art Studio. It also hosts shopping centers and museums, perfect for the educationally-inclined. If you want to start a business, the Ybor City Development Corporation offers loans of up to $200,000.

Seminole Heights is another attractive area for young people. It hosts the Second Sunday Morning Market, which brings more than 100 vendors into the community. The neighborhood has many homes, including California-style properties with open floor plans.

West Tampa is home to many Cuban Americans. You can find plenty of delicious Cuban restaurants in the neighborhood. You can sample from a range of cuisines across the city, including African and Asian dishes.

St. Petersburg has a number of popular attractions. If you like surrealist art, you can visit the Salvador Dali Museum. For sports enthusiasts, you can head to Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Clearwater is famous all over the world for its white-sand beaches. While in Clearwater, head to the Marine Aquarium and see dolphins and sharks. If you prefer hiking, Tampa has nearly 50 hiking trails throughout the city.

Moving to Tampa

Tampa International Airport is located inside the city. You should be able to fly in from any part of the country or state. Tampa Bay also has highways that connect it all over the state, making transportation easy.

Tampa’s sale tax is at 8.50 percent, keeping house prices down. The median listing price for a home is under 300,000 dollars. You can get a one-bedroom home for less than $200,000, or you can purchase a condo.

Homes in the Tampa area have grown more expensive over time. As the industries in the city continue to grow, home prices will grow as well. You can expect a return on investment if you eventually sell your house.

Renting an apartment costs roughly $1,350 per month. That said, you will make more money buying a home over renting. The value of a home will increase over time, and a house with renovations can sell for more than your asking rate.

Without rent, estimated monthly costs for a family of four total just over $3,500. This is lower than the cost to live in New York but slightly higher than the national average. Save some money before moving out to Tampa.

Tampa has many self-storage facilities that are cheap. If you have excess supplies, rent a unit for a couple of months. You can then sell your property for more money than you spent on it.

Tampa is a safe city, and there’s no neighborhood known for high crime. Practice the basic level of discretion that you would practice in any other city.

More Reasons to Move to Florida

Moving to Tampa isn’t just for snowbirds and retirees. Tampa is also perfect for young professionals and families.

The city of Tampa is rich with industries, including maritime trade and manufacturing. You can also find business hubs and natural resources in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Tampa has many neighborhoods with art, restaurants, and public events.

Home prices are low, and the value of homes in Tampa Bay is going up. Living expenses can be a little pricey, so make sure your finances are secure.

It’s easy to find the perfect home with expert help. Alex Plotkin is Tampa Bay’s leading realtor. Contact Alex today to get started.