Tampa, Florida
What It Is Like to Retire in Tampa
Tampa is the largest city in the very large Metro (4 million people) of Tampa-St.Petersburg-Clearwater on Florida's west coast. Located about half way down the coast, the city has a spectacular location on Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay, which in turn lead to the Gulf of Mexico. Formerly one of the world's largest cigar makers, 500,000,000 cigars were hand-rolled here in 1929. Now Tampa has a reputation for attracting all types of people - it is highly rated as a town for 20-somethings, yet retirees move here by the 10's of thousands. The city has also been on lists for "cleanest city" and "best outdoor city".
People like living in Tampa because of the climate (not as hot as southern Florida but still between 50-70 in January), its location on the water, it's many sports teams and recreational opportunities, and for its friendly people. The city has every type of cultural resource such as theatres, museums of all kinds, and a vibrant city life. The population is almost 350,000 and the median age is a relatively young (for Florida) 35. The University of South Florida (26,000) and University of Tampa are just 2 of the colleges that keep a youthful feel in Tampa.
Where to Retire in Tampa and Home Prices
There are many communities within the area, including those for 55+. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median sale price of a home in the fist quarter of 2023, was $390,000 in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region.
What Is Special about Tampa
Breathtaking location on Tampa and Hillsborough Bays. The annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival which attracts 400,000 people every January. Every kind of professional sports team. Vibrant and exciting city yet a Metro so big it can be suburban as well. Tampa has an interesting mix. Numerous parks and places of historical importance such as Babe Zaharias Golf Course in the Forest Hills area. Just to the west of Tampa is Pinellas County, which borders the Gulf of Mexico. Pinellas County is a series of nearly connected towns from north to south: Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. All boast wonderful parks, trails, beaches, and boating. Pinellas County has the highest rated public schools and public library system in Florida. Dunedin (nicknamed "DogEden") perennially is listed amongst the most dog-friendly communities in the country.
What Is Not Special about Tampa
There is a fair amount of Tampa "bashing" on various discussion boards for its crime, traffic, and more downtrodden areas. Yet most residents seem to be very fond of Tampa and think it is a great city.
Who Will Like Retirement in Tampa
Every kind of person likes living in Tampa. Retirees who are attracted to Tampa come here for the weather, relative lack of crowdedness compared to South Florida, exciting atmosphere, and the enormous choice of places to live. If you want to be near the water, this is a great place.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tampa has an extremely diverse economy with support in finance (Raymond James), tourism, sports, education, and health care.
Climate and Physical Environment
Located about half way down Florida's coast, the city has a spectacular location on Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay, which lead to the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater is to the west and St. Petersburg to the southwest. Winters are mild and summers can be rainy - the temperature has never gone above 99 degrees.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Tampa has a staggering array of cultural opportunities. There is an important Performing Art Center, Art Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, many theatre companies, college sports, professional sports, and the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival. University of South Florida contributes culturally and also has a Contemporary Art Museum. Concerts, music, and art are available in abundance. Historic Ybor City, adjacent to Tampa, is culturaly and artistly vibrant and quite gay friendly. Pinellas County, just west of Tampa, on the Gulf of Mexico is home to numerous award-winning seafood restaurants. Local, regional, and national performing arts, as well as, several top-notch museums prosper in Pinellas County.
Crime
Crime in Tampa is about 25% higher than the national average.
Medical facilities
Tampa has every kind of medical facility to help retirees with just about any problem. There are at least 8 hospitals.
Transportation
Tampa International Airport is a major airport. There is a system of street cars and buses. AMTRAK service from Tampa Union Bay Station is available with service to Miami and New York. Tampa is average in walkability when compared to other cities.
Valuable Links
City of Tampa Wikipedia guide to TampaCity-Data guide to TampaFlorida Retirement Guide
Comments on "Tampa"
Carl Vogel says:
We live in Central Virginia. I’m exploring the possibility of living near Tampa during colder months in Virginia and retaining our home in Virginia to live during warmer months. I’m retired Navy. Living near a military base is our preference. Home containing two master bedroom suites also preferred joined by family room/kitchen. As we approach 90’s in age, dinning, transportation, gym, and of coarse medical facilities conveniently located…
Admin says:
Tampa and Virginia would be in an interesting snowbird combination. Tampa has a ton of towns and retirement communities to choose from - on or near the coast, inland a bit, etc. Great idea to have 2 MBRs, preferably all on one floor so steps get taken out of the occasion.