Tampa, FL downtown buildings

2021 Top 100 Best Places to Live In America Sponsored by:

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

liv score
712
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 45
Demographics 68
Economy 66
Education 59
Health 57
Housing 52
Infrastructure 40

#26. Tampa, FL

Tampa is an economic engine for Florida’s West Coast, powered by a diverse mix of industries. Compared to other major metros, this Gulf Coast city is an affordable place to live and build a business. But not only is Tampa, FL a great place to work; it’s also an exciting place to live thanks to the vibrant urban parks, professional sports teams to cheer on, beautiful waterways, colorful murals, nearby beaches and a mix of historical landmarks and modern architecture. A melting pot for cultures, the food scene is diverse and Cuban torcedores have been making hand-rolled cigars in Ybor City since 1885. 

Top Colleges/Universities: University of South Florida, University of Tampa

Top Industries & Employers: Financial services, manufacturing, health care, information technology, and defense and security are key industries in Tampa. BayCare Health Systems and Publix are top employers. 

Weekend Plans: The 2.4-mile Tampa Riverwalk links downtown favorites on a string along the Hillsborough River. Pop into the Florida Aquarium or the Tampa Bay History Center and enjoy a meal at Ulele, where dishes are prepared on a barbacoa grill.

Favorite Place to Feast: Satiate just about any craving at Heights Public Market, a buzzy food hall that has you covered from Ava woodfired pizzas to Zukku Sushi. Show + Tell hosts cooking classes and wine tastings.

Beloved Beverage: With rum coming in from Cuba, Tampa has a colorful Prohibition history. That makes speakeasies more fun here. Enjoy an Old Cuban cocktail at Ciro’s, a tucked-away bar serving historic cocktails. 

Outdoorsy Activity: Enjoy a beach day at nearby Clearwater or St. Pete’s Beach.

Rooftop Bar: Sip Smoked Old Fashioneds and enjoy views of Tampa Bay at Rox Rooftop Bar, a chic spot in the Current Hotel.

Why Your Pet Will Love It, Too: Hair of the Dog Park in Seminole Heights. Humans can drink beer at picnic tables while the dogs romp around. Mature trees provide shade. 

Remote Work Perk: Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative has plenty of amenities for entrepreneurs, including recording studios and green screens, and business research databases.

One More Thing … ZooTampa has a nonprofit hospital that treats injured West Indian manatees and returns them to the wild.

– Brittany Anas

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