Tampa is known for its sunny weather, sports teams, and world-renowned beaches on the west coast of Florida. As part of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan area along with St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Tampa continues to attract not only tourists, but permanent residents as well.
Are you thinking about moving to Tampa in the near future? You’re probably wondering if Tampa is a good place to live and if you should make the move. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of living in Tampa so you can decide whether or not to relocate to one of the best places to live in Florida this year.
Pros of Living in Tampa
Like we mentioned, Tampa attracts people from all across the world for good reason. Here are the top pros of living in Tampa to consider before making a decision:
Job Opportunities
Tampa’s population continues to grow, which means there’s plenty of job opportunities for workers in a variety of industries. Some of the largest employers in Tampa include Progressive Insurance, Capital One Financial, MetLife, and JPMorgan Chase. There’s also plenty of job opportunities for healthcare workers in Tampa, especially nurses, doctors, researchers, and administrative staff.
Additionally, entrepreneurs and innovators are flocking to Tampa for the business incentives and startup-friendly ecosystem. The Tampa Bay Innovation Center and initiatives like the Tampa Bay Wave encourage innovation and more employment opportunities in the technology sector.
Climate and Weather
One of the primary reasons Tampa is so popular is the weather that comes with living in Florida. Tampa is known for its mild winters and warm summers, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a temperate climate year-round.
Tampa’s beaches are also some of the best in Florida. With 35 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, residents have easy access to beautiful beaches like Clearwater Beach, Fort DeSoto, Treasure Island Beach, and Cypress Point Park.
Entertainment
With sports teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Rays, there’s an endless amount of action in Tampa for sports fans. At Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers, you’ll find incredible food options inside the 75,000 seat venue with thousands of “Bucs” fans tailgating before the game.
For those without an allegiance to Tampa’s sports teams, the nightlife is another main attraction. Whether you’re in the mood for craft cocktails at trendy rooftop bars, live music at intimate jazz clubs, or dancing the night away at pulsating nightclubs, there’s something for everyone in Tampa.
Cons of Living in Tampa
While Tampa has so much to offer and the benefits of living here are significant, there are some downsides to consider before relocating. Here are the primary cons of living in Tampa and three things to keep in mind:
Traffic and Transportation
One of the major problems that Tampa residents deal with is traffic during peak commuting hours. The city’s expanding population and limited infrastructure can result in congested roadways and longer commute times for residents.
To add to the problem, the city still relies heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. While efforts have been made to improve public transportation, residents without access to a car may face challenges navigating throughout Tampa.
Hurricanes and Natural Disasters
Tampa is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November. The city has measures in place to mitigate the impact of hurricanes, but residents may still face property damage, power outages, and disruptions to daily life during severe weather events.
In addition to hurricanes, Tampa is prone to other natural disasters such as flooding, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. These hazards pose risks to property and personal safety, so if you decide to move to Tampa, prepare for emergencies.
Bugs and Wildlife
Tampa’s warm and humid climate creates favorable conditions for mosquitoes and other pests to thrive year-round. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika virus and West Nile virus can pose health risks to residents, which means the use of insect repellents and other protective measures is advised when living in Tampa.
Tampa’s proximity to natural habitats and waterways means residents may encounter wildlife such as alligators, snakes, and various species of birds and insects. While many of these encounters are harmless, interactions with wildlife can sometimes result in conflicts or safety concerns in urban and suburban areas.
Final Thoughts
Before relocating, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of living in Tampa to decide if living here is right for you. While hurricanes and traffic congestion are legitimate concerns, the benefits of living in Tampa far outweigh the drawbacks.
Interested in moving to Tampa? Call Teresa Williams at (813) 434-0290 to get the home buying process started!
