Are you debating whether or not you should move to Tampa, FL? We’re here to help you decide if moving to Tampa is worth it. This guide covers key factors like Tampa’s cost of living, top neighborhoods, education options, attractions, and moving expenses. We’ll explore both the pros and cons of living in Tampa to help you determine if it’s the right fit.
Table of Contents
Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tampa, FL, is 3% below the national average and 2% below the state average. Housing, healthcare, and goods and services are more affordable, while food and transportation costs are slightly higher than both averages. Moving to Tampa from more expensive states and Florida cities allows your cost of living to be on the lower side, as long as you properly budget for your monthly expenses.
Housing Costs
Still wondering if you should move to Tampa? Housing costs in Tampa are generally lower than in many other Florida cities. The median home price is $478,610, and the average rent is $1,455 per month. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood.
Diverse Neighborhoods
Moving to Tampa offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. Let’s look into the top neighborhoods Tampa has to offer.
- Uptown- A lively area near the university, known for its vibrant nightlife.
- Hyde Park- A historic neighborhood along the bay, offering charm and scenic views.
- Virginia Park- A quiet, family-friendly area ideal for a peaceful lifestyle.
- Seminole Heights- Filled with historic homes, this neighborhood is another great choice for families.
- Ybor City- A blend of rich history with modern shops and restaurants.
- Davis Islands- A mix of residential and commercial spaces, convenient for those working nearby.
- Palma Ceia- Known for its iconic red brick roads, this neighborhood is perfect for families.
Each neighborhood has its own unique charm and amenities, ensuring you’ll find one that feels like home.
Educational Opportunities
Tampa offers a wide range of educational opportunities, from excellent school districts for children to higher education options for adults. Whatever your needs, Tampa has something to meet them.
School Districts
If you move to Tampa, there are many public and private school districts your children can attend. Here are the top public school districts to consider.
- Pinellas County School District
- Hillsborough County School District
- Pasco County School District
Are you considering sending your children to a private school instead? Here are the top private schools in Tampa.
- Berkeley Preparatory School
- Tampa Preparatory School
- Carrollwood Day School
- Catholic Academy of Holy Names
Colleges and Universities
Are you asking yourself whether you should move to Tampa to pursue higher education opportunities? Tampa has many types of higher education for you to consider. Let’s look at the top colleges and universities in Tampa, FL.
- University of Tampa- Private 4-year university
- University of South Florida- Public 4-year university
- Brewster Technical College- Public 2-year college
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Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!
Sunny Weather
Tampa, FL, boasts an impressive 231 sunny days per year, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Summers average temperatures in the 90s, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sun. Let’s explore some of the top outdoor activities Tampa has to offer!
Tampa Beaches
Some of the top outdoor areas in Tampa include the city’s sandy beaches. You can spend all day lounging in the sun, building sandcastles, or swimming in the clear water. Here are the top two beaches in the Tampa Bay area.
- Clearwater Beach- This beach is always full of activity and is known for its buzzing summer beach life.
- Fort De Soto Park- Named America’s best “family beach” this beach is composed of five interconnected islands.
Parks in Tampa
Beyond its sandy beaches, Tampa boasts a variety of parks ideal for all ages. Let’s discover some of the best parks in the Tampa area.
- Al Lopez Park- This park has walking and biking trails, 15 shelter areas, a dog park, a playground, a community center, a fishing dock, and much more.
- Ballast Point Park- Enjoy this park’s splash pad, playground, picnic area, boat dock, boat ramp, and other fun areas.
- Copeland Park- This park features a pool, athletic fields, tennis courts, a community center, picnic areas, and more areas to hang out.
Outdoor Activities
Moving to Tampa will allow you to discover countless outdoor activities. Let’s explore other outdoor places you can visit on sunny days in Tampa.
- Adventure Island Tampa Bay- This waterpark has 30 acres of water rides, attractions, and dining areas.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay- Explore this animal-themed park inspired by Africa and Asia, featuring a variety of attractions and dining options.
- Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park- Home to over 1,000 animals, this nonprofit zoo is perfect for those who want to spend a day visiting and learning about animals.
Professional Sports
The Tampa Bay area is a haven for sports enthusiasts, offering year-round excitement with its professional teams. Home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), and Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), the region provides endless opportunities to catch thrilling games and cheer on championship-winning teams. From the energy of Sunday football at Raymond James Stadium to the electric atmosphere of a Lightning playoff game, sports are deeply woven into the community’s culture.
Living in Tampa means being part of a passionate fan base and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with supporting the home teams. For sports lovers, this vibrant scene is a significant perk of relocating to the area.
Cons of Living in Tampa
No city is perfect, and Tampa is no exception. While it offers many benefits, let’s take a closer look at some of the downsides to living in Tampa.
Terrible Traffic
Tampa, FL, is known for its heavy traffic, ranking as the 12th worst city for traffic in the U.S. This is primarily due to the growing population and business development in the Tampa Bay area. Traffic jams are a common issue for residents.
Hurricane Season
Another downside of living in Tampa is the risk of natural disasters, particularly hurricanes and tropical storms. While the city enjoys plenty of sunny days, these storms occur more frequently than many expect. They can cause damage like flooding, fallen trees, road closures, and damage to homes.
Rising Cost of Living
While Tampa currently enjoys a cost of living below both the state and national averages, it’s a city on the rise. With a rapidly growing population, demand for housing has surged, driving up home prices and rental rates. Although living costs remain relatively low for now, these trends suggest Tampa’s affordability may gradually decrease in the coming years.
Tampa Tourism
Tampa is a city brimming with attractions, making it a favorite destination for tourists, especially during the winter months when visitors flock to escape the snow. This influx of tourists can turn Tampa into a bustling hotspot, leading to crowded streets and longer wait times at local businesses. In 2023, an estimated 26.7 million visitors explored the Tampa Bay area, highlighting its popularity as a premier travel destination.
Violent Crime Rate
The crime rate in Tampa, FL, is higher than nearly 80% of U.S. cities. While property crimes have been decreasing, the city has experienced a rise in violent crimes—a trend that has persisted over the past few years and is unlikely to shift in the near future.
Cost of Moving to Tampa
Do you finally have an answer to your question, Should I move to Tampa? If your answer is yes, then let’s look at the cost of moving to Tampa.
Hiring Movers
There are plenty of moving companies ready to help you with your move to Tampa. Some of the top moving companies include:
While all moving companies charge different rates, here are the hourly rates UniMovers charges as a labor-only moving company.
| Number of Movers | Hourly Rate |
| 2 | $120/hour |
| 3 | $180/hour |
| 4 | $240/hour |
| 5 | $300/hour |
| 6 | $360/hour |
Moving Supplies
One additional cost to consider when moving to Tampa is the supplies you’ll need. Some of the essential moving supplies include:
- Boxes
- Heavy Duty Packing Tape
- Moving Blankets
- Packing Paper & Bubble Wrap
- Heavy Duty Trash Bags
Looking to save a little money when getting moving supplies? Consider ways to get some of your moving supplies for free. Ask your local grocery stores if they have any cardboard boxes you can have.
You can also use items such as towels and blankets to cushion your items instead of buying packing material. Simple strategies like these can help reduce moving expenses!
Conclusion
Moving to Tampa, FL, comes with plenty of perks that make it a worthwhile choice. With a low cost of living, you can save money while settling into your new neighborhood. Tampa also offers diverse schooling options for students of all ages and endless outdoor activities to enjoy under the city’s sunny skies.
While there may be a few downsides, Tampa’s opportunities and vibrant lifestyle might make it the perfect place for you. Ready to answer the question, Should I move to Tampa? Hire professional movers to make the transition smooth and start embracing everything Tampa has to offer!
FAQ
Moving to Tampa comes with many advantages, including a low cost of living, diverse neighborhoods, excellent educational opportunities, sunny weather, endless outdoor activities, and plenty of moving companies to assist with your transition.
The city of Tampa has many affordable moving companies to choose from when moving, whether you are looking for traditional full-service or labor-only movers. Once you live in Tampa, your cost of living will also be lower than the state and national average which could potentially save you money.
Tampa, FL is full of many outdoor activities for you to enjoy on sunny days. You can enjoy your time in the sun on one of the city’s sandy beaches, playing or picnicking at one of the many parks, or enjoying the classic tourist attractions the city has to offer.
Jessica is a students at the University of Northern Iowa. She is majoring in English Education with a creative writing minor. In her free time she loves to read books of every genre, write short stories, and spend time with friends. In the future she hopes to share her love for reading and writing with her future students.
