I’d Rather Live in Tampa: What You Can Expect Living In Tampa

Almost 150 people move to Tampa EVERY SINGLE DAY! Tampa comes in third behind Dallas and Phoenix out of 100 largest US metropolitan areas to which people are migrating.

Are you missing something? What is it about life in Tampa that so many people desire? What do people who live in Tampa have that you don’t?

If you’re moving to Tampa, there’s a good chance you’re going to fall in love with the Tampa life. Find out what you can expect from living in Tampa below.

What Are The Best Things About Living in Tampa?

Tampa, FL is home to 246 sunny days a year on average and only experiences an average of 68 days of precipitation. If that isn’t one of the best things about Tampa, maybe something in this list will impress you.

Tampa’s Proximity to Beaches

Technically, there are no real beaches in Tampa, but some locals may disagree. Since there are 35 miles of beautiful gulf coast beaches close to Tampa, what more could you ask for?

Clearwater, St. Pete Beach, Fort DeSoto, and Anna Maria Island are a few of the more popular ones. They all have gorgeous white sand and plenty to do.  

Maybe you don’t mind a little longer drive? Siesta Key has consistently made it on the list of America’s Best Beaches. It’s a bit south of Sarasota, and it definitely earns its rating!

Major Sports Teams

Tampa has not one, not two, but three major sports teams. Whether you enjoy football, baseball, or hockey, Tampa has you covered. You can catch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, or the Tampa Lighting playing in town.

In the winter or early spring, you can get tickets to the Yankees’ spring training games at Steinbrenner Field. And if you’re a soccer fan, the Rowdies play in St. Pete.

There’s no shortage of sporting events around here.

Weather

In addition to the sunshine, Tampa also enjoys warm temps just about all year around. It never gets over 100 degrees though, and the winter is perfect.

Average, year-round temperatures range from 70 to 90ºF. Lows hover between 52 and 76ºF. There can be some colder days in January and February, but sometimes the change is welcomed by the locals.

Cute Historic Neighborhoods

With no state income tax and relatively low housing prices, the historic neighborhood homes are attainable.

South Tampa/Hyde Park area has historic homes, quaint streets, shops, and restaurants all within walking distance.

Immigrants founded Ybor City and which was once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Many historic homes here are on the National Register of Historic Places. Even if you don’t buy a home in the neighborhood, you’ll want to check it out.

Considering a Move to Tampa?

You’ve seen some of what Tampa has to offer. The list goes on. Tampa consistently ranks as one of the top places to live in the US.

Let us know when you’re ready to make your move. We can help you realize your dream and start living in Tampa.

Live Like the Locals! 8 Great Deals Only For Florida Residents

Every year about 125 million people from all over the world travel to the great state of Florida. But it takes a massive population of Florida residents to keep all of these tourist venues and sites running.

So where do the residents of the vacation state go when they want to relax? Well right here of course! One of the perks of being one of the 21 million people that live in Florida is that you get discounts on all of the cool things to do and see.

Here’s a short list of some of the more notable discounts you can take advantage of as a local.

1. Theme Parks

Let’s start with the obvious, theme parks offer discounts on both daily and annual passes to Florida residents. This includes the Disney Parks, Legoland, Sea World, and Busch Gardens.

All you need is a driver’s license or Florida ID with a Florida address, and you qualify. So be sure to update your address as soon as you finish your move from out of state.

Disney Parks

When it comes to the Disney parks family, there are a ton of different ways to save as a Florida resident. First, you can get discounted daily tickets and yearly passes.

You can also score tickets to visit the park in the evening and after hours. This is great for those who are local and want to enjoy the park after the vacationing families head out.

Legoland

Take the kids and embrace your inner child at Legoland. You can score about $20 off yearly passes when you show you’re a Florida resident.

Sea World & Busch Gardens

You can score discounted tickets and package deals for Sea World and Busch Gardens. Keep an eye on the local paper too, both of the parks run flash sales for day pass tickets that could be 40% off.

2. MOSI

If you haven’t been to the Museum of Science and Industry, better known to locals as MOSI, with your family, you are truly missing out on one of the coolest kids-oriented science museums out there. Plus they have regular exhibits geared towards adults.

Grab the Tamp Bay CityPASS and get 50% or more off your tickets to the museum, Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, and the Clearwater Aquarium.

3. Cruises

Cruises leave the coast of Florida from Tampa, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, and Cape Canaveral every day. You could be on one of those cruises at a discounted rate. In some cases, all it takes is for one person in your cabin to be a Florida resident to receive the special rates. Incentives like onboard spending money are also available through some cruise lines.

4. Resorts and Spas

Take some time to yourself and visit some of the best resort and spas in the country all while getting a preferred rate as a local resident.

From Sanibel Island to Key West or from Miami to St Pete’s Beach, South Florida is paradise. Enjoy a staycation locally within your own state and receive deals from 10-20% off.

Florida Residents

Florida residents have the unique ability to vacation in their own backyard thanks to living in a state that is grounded in the tourism industry. What’s even better is that we can score some great discounts while we are at it.

You don’t even need to be on vacation to enjoy all the state has to offer. It could be date night, family time, or just some you time.

Ready to start taking advantage of these sweet Florida resident deals? Let us help you move!

5 Tampa Events You Won’t Want to Miss in 2019

Every year, many quality festivals and events take place around the Tampa Bay area of Florida. The locals love any excuse to get together and have a good time while soaking up the year-round sunny weather.

There is just about something for everyone in terms of Tampa events, from food to craft beer to cultural celebrations. Every weekend is a possible adventure in the making.

The festivals are so popular that they drive travelers to this beautiful region of Florida.

Read on to find out five key events in the Tampa area happening in 2019, open for tourists and locals alike.

Top Tampa Area Events in 2019

Overall, there are too many events and festivals in Tampa Bay to even name. However, there are a few that are quite famous even at the national level.

Check out these five annual Tampa Events that continue to thrive year in and year out.

1. Gasparilla Pirate Festival

By far the most famous event that takes place in Tampa, Flor is Gasparilla, which takes place at the end of January and continues until early March.

This festival has been going on in Tampa for nearly 115 years, dating back to its inception in 1904.

It includes three parades total, but the famous one is known as “The Parade of the Pirates.” It occurs during the last Saturday of January, holding the title of the third-largest parade in the nation, with up to 300,000 people attending.

The entire event celebrates a mythical Spanish pirate named José Gaspar who is said to have sailed the seas towards the beginning of the 1800s.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest will have even the skeptics embracing eyepatches and using a friendly “Ahoy Matey!” in every potential pirate-ty interaction.

2. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, March 8-10, 2019, takes place on the waterfront street course in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. This race is among the most respected motorsports events in North America. The race features a festival-like atmosphere with the fastest racing cars in the world, celebrity athletes, live entertainment, as well as interactive activities.

The weekend event includes IndyCar Series, Indy Lights, and American Le Mans professional auto racing on the streets and downtown waterfront of St. Petersburg, concerts, air shows, family entertainment, kids rides, beer garden, driver autograph sessions, exhibits and more. It’s known as the “World’s Fastest Spring Break Party!!”

3. 25th Annual Tampa Bay Blues Festival

The Tampa Bay Blues Festival is one of the world’s preeminent blues music events. This year it will feature six national blues bands including Boz Scaggs, Jonny Lang, Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish and more.

Set against the tropical backdrop of Vinoy Park on the shores of Tampa Bay this year’s festival takes place April 12-14, 2019. Plan to attend three great days of blues by the bay!

4. Tampa Riverfest

Nestled along the Hillsborough River in Tampa, Riverfest is truly an annual event to enjoy during early May. It includes a full music lineup, plenty of vendors, competitions, and fun for all ages.

You won’t want to miss this event that shows you what Tampa has to offer, from the event itself to all the activities, partnering museums and businesses that host during this Spring weekend.

5. Margarita Fest

Florida is well-known for its favorable climate and gorgeous beaches, and almost nothing pairs better with these than a tasty margarita.

If you’re looking for a weekend of sun and cold drinks, look no further than this May’s Margarita festival in Tampa.

Final Thoughts on Tampa Bay Events

The Tampa Bay area is a culturally diverse area full of opportunities for weekend recreation, from notable events to beaches to trails. This region ranks well as a place to live, and locals say that it’s like a vacation all year long, especially with all of its events.Interested in visiting or moving to this thriving nook of Florida? Contact us today to inquire about our affordable moving services.