Tampa, FL
Why You’ll Love Living In Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida, is a melting pot of cultures, with immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Italy, Germany and more flavoring the city’s food and art scene. The best place to experience this mashup of cultures is in Ybor City, one of only three National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Unlike other major metros, Tampa has an affordable cost of living and is an excellent place to build a business. Plentiful sunshine, convenient beach access and a variety of living options often seal the deal for newcomers.
Thinking of moving to Tampa, FL? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Tampa, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Tampa, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Tampa, FL, a Best Place to Live in 2024
From waterfront parks to museums and easy-to-reach beaches, Tampa, FL, residents have no shortage of fun ways to spend their weekends. Year-round balmy temps and professional sports teams to cheer on, plus a 2.4-mile riverwalk lined with fun things to do and see, add to the appeal. All of these fantastic amenities are a big reason why Tampa is one of the best places to live in the U.S.
The median age in Tampa is 36, which means the city is a magnet for young professionals. There are plenty of career opportunities, too, as Tampa Bay is a growing hub for IT and life sciences industries. Tampa is also a destination for company headquarters and has a strong defense and security industry. The region’s 80 colleges and tech schools provide companies with a strong talent pipeline, allowing residents to train for new careers or level up their skills.
All are welcome in Tampa, too. The city’s workforce includes individuals from 130 countries. Tampa is also an LGBTQ+-friendly city, and every March, thousands celebrate at the Tampa Pride Parade and Festival in historic Ybor City.
Tampa, FL Quality of Life LivScore
Tampa, FL Top Categories
Amenities
Economy
Transportation
Tampa ranks highest for amenities, economy and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Tampa, FL
Winters are mild (Christmas Day may be 75 degrees!) and summer is hot, hot, hot. The average highs and lows are 91°F and 77°F (summer) and 73°F and 56°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Tampa is 0 inches. While the city may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures during winter, snowfall is extremely rare.
The average annual rainfall in Tampa is 48 inches, with August being the wettest month.
Tampa averages 246 sunny days a year.
Go mountain biking in a former phosphate mine at Alafia River State Park, which has 20 miles of trails. Or stroll among roses, palms, topiaries, tropical flowers and more at the 100-acre Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo.
Things To Do in Tampa, FL
Run, walk or bike on the waterfront Bayshore Boulevard – the nation’s largest sidewalk. Or tour the Yuengling Brewery and score some free beer samples. You can also do both and that’d be perfectly acceptable.
Glazer Children’s Museum is an interactive museum and home to “Big John,” an RV-sized triceratops skeleton. Take water lovers to see the friendly sea cows at Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center. These gentle giants are attracted to the warm, clean water near the power plant.
You’ll find no shortage of Cuban sandwiches in Tampa. But for one closest to the original 1915 recipe – with the same proportions of meat and Cuban bread brushed with butter and pressed to a delectably crispy finish – make your way to Columbia Cafe At The Tampa Bay History Center.
Books and wine, what more could you ask for? Book + Bottle, in nearby St. Pete, combined a boutique wine bar with an independent bookstore, creating the perfect place to spend an afternoon getting lost in the stacks.
Grab friends and head to Pint and Brew, where you can pair a beer with a sandwich from the gourmet grilled cheese menu. (Get a little tomato soup dipper, too).
Catch a Broadway show at the Straz Center for Performing Arts, perched right on the Riverwalk. Bravo for the location!
Grab your pup and your people for an afternoon at Hair of the Dog Park in Seminole Heights. Humans can drink beer at picnic tables while the dogs romp around. Mature trees provide shade.
The Local and State Economy in Tampa, FL
Financial services, manufacturing, health care, information technology, and defense and security are key industries in Tampa. BayCare Health Systems and Publix are top employers.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Tampa is 7.5%.
No, Florida does not have a state income tax.
Thanks to several area hospitals and health care providers, Tampa residents are in good health. The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute is nationally ranked in its cancer treatments, and Tampa General Hospital was named by U.S. News & World Report as the best hospital in the area.
Tampa has several colleges and universities, including the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa.
Weather in Tampa, FL
Average Temperatures
82 high / 65 low
Average Annual Rainfall
48 in
Average Annual Snowfall
0 in
Quick Facts about Tampa, Florida
- Median Home Value
- $343,039
- Median Property Tax
- $2,975
- Total Population
- 397,890
- Average Commute
- 22 min
- Median Household Income
- $73,112
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,197
Map of Tampa, FL
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