A Complete moving guide to Tampa, Florida

Apr 03, 2024

Tampa is the big city in Florida. The north coast of Tampa Bay and the east shore of Old Bay comprise the city’s borders. It is the third-biggest community in Florida according to the latest population estimates, which put it at 384,951 inhabitants. It gives a wide variety of luxurious amenities to its inhabitants.

Why do people choose to move to Tampa, Florida?

Tampa, Florida, is a dynamic place to move for the people. It provides a vibrant and luxurious lifestyle to its residents. The city’s pleasant and sunny atmosphere appeals to individuals who prefer a subtropical or tropical setting all year round. The Bay Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rays attract sports fans to Tampa. The city has museums, galleries, and festivals for great cuisine, modern art, and more. The community tends to have a lower cost of living, particularly housing.

Tampa’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and various scenic beaches and parks makes it a fantastic destination for nature lovers. It has a diverse economy and population that produce opportunities in different fields, including healthcare and technology.

Population and Demographics of Tampa

Tampa has a diverse population which has a total of 380,476 residents have an average age of 35.9. This includes 49.64% men and 50.36% women. 77.7% of the city residents are US-born, while 13.87% are not. It has 295,946 people living in the same residence as last year. The population of Tampa is growing at a moderate pace.

Age-wise demographics includes:

Age Statistics
Under 18 77,459
18-24 46,523
25-44 132,037
45-64 93,259
65 and over 50,422

Race and ethnicity Demographics of Tampa, Florida is:

  • White is 53.5%
  • Black or African American is 25.1%
  • Asian is 4.6%
  • Two or more races are 3.6%
  • Some other races are 1.8%
  • Native American is 0.3%
  • Hispanic is 29.2%

There are a total of 153,161 households in Tampa, Florida, with each household comprised of 2 members, which is increasing over the year.

Best schools and Educational Institutes in Tampa, Florida

Tampa is a top-rated place to receive an education. It has high-ranked schools and colleges among some of the neighborhoods of Florida. People usually choose the city for their educational endeavors because it provides high-rated education to students.

University School
University of South Florida Hillsborough County Public Schools
University of Tampa Tampa Preparatory School
Hillsborough Community College Berkeley Preparatory School7
Saint Leo University Academy of the Holy Names
Florida College Jesuit High School

The statistics of the education department include:

  • High school graduate or higher is 87.3%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher is 32.3%
  • Graduate or professional degree is 12.2%

Safety and Crime Rates in Tampa, Florida

The luxurious and exciting culture of Tampa, Florida, is a major draw for vacationers. But if there are perks of a state, there are some issues too. The crime rate is also climbing per year. Tampa’s crime rate constantly exceeds that of comparable Florida cities.

The general rate of crime is 3,380 per 100,000. Parkland Estates and Harbor Island are some of the safest places in Tampa, Florida, because the crime rate ranges between 1.0 to 1.9 on the crime index.

The police are working hard to minimize crime and improve public safety. These initiatives include community-oriented policing strategies, increased patrols, and partnerships with local community organizations.

Cost of living in Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida, is a beautiful city that provides its citizens with every modern convenience. Spending and lifestyle affect city living costs. It can be expensive and reasonable too.

The typical property cost in Tampa is $414,223, while the average monthly rent costs $1,898. It’s identical to the national average and 1% below the state average. The standard annual salary is $2714.

Expense Average Cost
Utilities $170 per month
Food $400 per month
Healthcare $350 per month
Transportation $100 per month (not including car payment/insurance)

Living in Tampa can be easy and hard too. Easy for those who have a healthy income and hard for those who have to meet their end meets difficultly.

Unemployment Rates in Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida, has a growing economy that has been developing over the passing years. It is renowned for its tourist attractions and business sectors. The unemployment rate in the city is fluctuating over the years. When the business sector comes in demand, the unemployment rate declines when the business sector is in crisis, unemployment climbs.

The community has a 2.60% unemployment rate. This is lower than the 5.90% long-term average.

The employment growth in different sectors is mentioned as.

Industry Employment Growth Rate
Healthcare 21.2%
Professional and Business Services 18.8%
Leisure and Hospitality 16.9%
Construction 15.2%
Financial Activities 14.5%
Education 14.0%
Trade, Transportation, Utilities 13.4%
Manufacturing 5.7%

Pros and Cons of Staying in Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida, is considered an ideal place for some people who want a vibrant and relaxing lifestyle. But only some have the same taste, some find this place noisy and annoying. People who like this place consider its pros, and people who don’t like it focus on its cons.

Mymovingjourney.com has compiled the advantages and disadvantages of living in Tampa, Florida, to help its audience have a better look at this city.

Pros of living Cons of living
Warm climate year-round High humidity
Access to beautiful beaches Occasional hurricanes
No state income tax Traffic congestion
Affordable cost of living Limited public transportation
Diverse cultural scene High crime rate in some areas
Booming job market Limited career opportunities in some fields
Sports fan paradise Lack of walkable neighborhoods
Outdoor recreation opportunities Occasional severe thunderstorms
Strong sense of community Crowded tourist areas
Family-friendly environment Limited options for higher education

Best places to live in Tampa, Florida

Tampa is a very active and busy place. It is famous for having pleasant weather year-round, stunning beaches, and an exciting cultural scene. New inhabitants from Florida and the US move to the city for its welcoming community, wonderful real estate, and high quality of life. Here are some of the best neighborhoods for relocation:

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the nicest places to reside in all of South Tampa. The trendy SoHo entertainment district, elegant eateries, and seasonal markets consider Hyde Park home. Hyde Park is the ideal blend of posh and unique, from the walkable village to the lively nightlife. Hyde Park attracts families and young professionals due to its excellent schools, low crime rate, and high median household income of nearly $160,000.

Palm Ceia

Palma Ceia is a prestigious and exclusive area of Tampa, Florida, known for its stunning natural beauty, low crime rate, and excellent educational opportunities. Plant High School, one of the best in the greater Tampa area, is in Palma Ceia. Fantastic restaurants, wineries, and the trendy Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club can all be found in this fashionable area. Palma Ceia, one of the most affluent communities, is known for its stunning mansions and unexpectedly spacious lawns. Palma Ceia has a wide range of housing prices, with a median of over $700,000.

Davis Islands

Nearly 3,000 people live on Davis Islands, a smaller town with several waterfront residences. The village’s miles of concrete walkways make getting to the beach, the park, and the neighborhood’s beautiful dog park a breeze by bike or on foot. The average Davis Islands home costs over $800,000, an enormous cost to pay for residing in such a beautiful location.

Beach Park

People who seek the serenity of the suburbs yet the accessibility of the city often choose to live in Beach Park. Beach Park is a great spot for families and seniors to live in Tampa because of its excellent schools and low crime rate. Beach Park’s standard property cost is over $600,000.

Uptown Tampa

Living in Uptown is great. Uptown is exciting, dense, and near a university, so it has fantastic shopping, dining, and entertainment. Uptown’s closeness to USF provides equity potential for expansion. Many downtown Tampa property buyers prefer Uptown due to its potential for affordable housing, low crime, and good schools.

Channel District

The Channel District, often called Channel Side, is a historic warehouse district just east of downtown that has become famous due to its proximity to public transportation, its unique lifestyle choices, and its excellent dining options. The Channel District is home to many housing options, including luxury flats, condos, and converted lofts.

Harbour Island

One of the most sought-after areas of downtown Tampa is Harbour Island. Amalie Arena and other restaurants and shops can be reached on foot from the island. Harbour Island’s average property worth is under $700,00.

Cory Lake Isles

Due to its accessibility to parks and hiking routes, outdoor enthusiasts love Cory Lake Isles. Residents can use a beach club and other amenities inside its gates. The median property price is over $800,000 since every home has water and nature preserve views and access. Cory Lake Isles is a popular Tampa neighborhood for safety, convenience, and community.

Sunset Park

One of the iconic places in the area is Sunset Park. Even though Sunset Park is only about 15 minutes from the heart of Tampa, it feels like a completely different universe due to its peaceful suburban atmosphere. Sunset Park is one of the most expensive areas due to its median property price of over 1 million dollars.

Riverside Heights

Riverside Heights is a great Tampa neighborhood for all ages. Riverside Heights is a peaceful residential neighborhood with several small enterprises and community centers. The standard property value in the area is over $400,000.

Best places of attraction in Tampa, Florida

The city of Tampa, Florida, is a center of excitement with plenty of attractions. The below mentioned is a list of some of the most iconic attractions in the area.

Busch Gardens Bay: An entertainment center with rides, animal encounters, shows, and more to keep visitors entertained.

The Florida Aquarium: An expansive aquarium with interactive displays and marine habitats of more than 7,000 species.

Ybor City: A historical area featuring cobblestone streets, multicolored buildings, and various restaurants, drinking locations, and retail stores.

Riverwalk: A beautiful avenue that runs parallel to the Hillsborough River and connects several downtown Tampa attractions.

Museum of Art: Contemporary art museum also features modern and post-modern pieces.

Glazer Children’s Museum: A museum geared specifically for children featuring hands-on activities and interactive displays.

Henry B. Plant Museum: A museum housed in what was once the Tampa Bay Hotel that covers the history of both the hotel and the neighborhood in which it is located.

Big Cat Rescue: A refuge for lions and leopards saved from abusive or insufficient environments.

Major events held in Tampa, Florida

Tampa is a bustling metropolis with plenty of attractions. The city hosts several major annual events, which includes:

Gasparilla Pirate Fest:

One of Tampa’s most popular events is the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Jose Gaspar, a renowned pirate who tortured the Gulf of Mexico in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, gets recognition in this festival. In addition to a parade of floats, bands, and costumed revelers, the celebration includes an attack on the city by the “Krewe of Gasparilla.”

Florida State Fair:

The Florida State Fair is held in February at the fairgrounds. The nation’s largest fair has carnival rides, live music, agricultural displays, and many food vendors.

Margarita & Music Festival

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park hosts the annual Tampa Bay Margarita & Music Festival in May. Live performances by regional and national acts complement the festival’s margarita samples and wide selection of tasty eats.

Lightning Hockey Games:

The Lightning is the city of Tampa’s professional ice hockey team. The team’s home games are held at the downtown Amalie Arena. There are great games and events for hockey enthusiasts to take in during this time.

Best Tips for Moving to Tampa, Florida

Moving to Tampa, Florida, can be a stressful experience. However, we will provide you with the finest moving tips to assist you with your move.

Tip 1: Research Neighborhoods

There are numerous communities in Tampa, each with its personality and amenities. Consider proximity to work, institutions, and local attractions when researching neighborhoods compatible with your lifestyle and budget.

Tip 2: Plan for the weather

The climate of Tampa is humid and warm, with moderate winters and scorching summers. During the summer months, expect high temperatures and daily afternoon thunderstorms. Invest in a dependable air conditioning system and bring plenty of lightweight attire.

Tip 3: Prepare for hurricane season

From June through November, the city experiences hurricane season. Prepare a plan for remaining safe during severe weather and stock up on nonperishable food, water, and flashlights.

Tip 4: Get involved in the community

The community of Tampa is known for its friendliness and openness. Consider joining local organizations or societies to meet new people and participate in community activities.

Tip 5: Explore the city

From beautiful beaches to world-class institutions and theme parks, the city has much to offer.

Moving Checklist for Tampa, Florida

Having a moving checklist might help you remember all that has to be done before, during, and after a move. Mover.org provide you with a full week-to-week moving checklist for Tampa, Florida, so that people feel relaxed in their process of moving.

8 weeks before moving:

  1. Sort your stuff into maintain, sell, donate, or waste.
  2. Research moving firms and receive quotations from at least three reliable movers.
  3. Select the moving date and book a moving company in advance.
  4. If you’re renting or selling your home, tell your landlord or agent.
  5. Notify your boss, banks, credit card companies, and utilities of your move.
  6. Begin collecting boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other packing goods.

4-week before moving:

  1. Confirm the moving company’s date and time.
  2. Pack books and small appliances you rarely use.
  3. Dispose of away chemicals, batteries, and cleaning supplies.
  4. Transport pets and plants.
  5. Confirm long-distance travel arrangements.

2-week before moving:

  1. Finish packing non-essentials.
  2. Clean and defrost your fridge and freezer.
  3. Pack medications and crucial documents separately.
  4. Pack furniture.
  5. Verify your move with the moving company.

Moving Day

  1. Check with the moving company and supervise loading.
  2. Check your existing home one last time.
  3. Arrive early to supervise unloading.
  4. Tell the movers where to put furniture and boxes in each room.
  5. Make sure everything arrives safely.
  6. Unpack and organize and enjoy.

Consult Mymovingjourney.com while Moving to Tampa, Florida

Moving is usually a fun and exhausting adventure. Moving to a new state or city can be overwhelming. Plan your relocation with the help of Mymovingjourney.com, the most comprehensive online resource for moving advice.

If you need assistance finding reliable movers, evaluating estimates, or organizing your relocation, we’re here to help. Why hold off? Come in now to start your Tampa vacation.