Pros and Cons of Moving to Tampa

When one thinks of Tampa, Florida, it conjures up images of sun, sea, and sand, but there is much more to the city than its beautiful beaches. Prospective residents of Tampa need to invest some time into researching their new home, including its history, culture, economy, and lifestyle offerings, before committing to the move.

As is the case with any city in the world, there are pros and cons to moving to Tampa. Below, We've listed some main advantages and disadvantages worth considering before relocating to Tampa.

Accommodation in Tampa

+ PRO: Neighbourhoods to suit anyone

As the third-largest city in the Sunshine State and home to over 390,000 residents, Tampa has a neighbourhood to suit everyone. Whether you're looking to live close to the action in Ybor City or the Channelside district or find a family-friendly suburb with good schooling options for the kids, the areas, and suburbs in Tampa are plentiful.

- CON: Short supply of accommodation

Tampa's population is increasing rapidly, and although constant construction is happening around the city to accommodate these new residents, supply continues to fall short in relation to demand. This means new arrivals may need to act fast to secure a suitable property, especially in a sought-after location.

Working in Tampa

+ PRO: The economy is growing

Tampa’s economy is growing and doing slightly better than the US national average. Newcomers with skills and experience in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing will find many exciting career prospects in the city.

- CON: Wages are lower than in other US cities

Most people who move to Tampa do so for the lifestyle benefits this Sunshine State city offers rather than the big bucks. While career prospects here are good and Tampa’s skyscrapers symbolise booming business, salaries don’t match those in other US cities such as New York City and San Francisco, or even the boom towns like Austin, Texas.

Cost of living in Tampa

+ PRO: The cost of living is reasonable, and there is no state income tax

While salaries may not be especially lucrative in Tampa, the low cost of living evens things out a little, especially when considering what money can buy here. It is possible to find a dream home close to a beach without earning a six-figure income. The fact that there is no state income tax in Florida also means that wages can go further.

- CON: Insurance expenses can be high

Some expenses just can’t be avoided when moving to Florida, and one of those is the cost of insurance. Tampa is prone to flooding, and residents are required to protect their homes from flood damage. Unfortunately, this type of insurance won’t come cheap.

Education and schools in Tampa

+ PRO: Lots of schooling options Hillsborough County Schools District

Hillsborough County Schools District is one of the largest in the USA, so when it comes to schooling options in Tampa, new arrivals will be spoilt for choice. When deciding on where to live, it's best to keep catchment areas in mind.

- CON: The cost of private or international education is expensive

There are plenty of good public and international schooling options in Tampa. However, both private and international schools in Tampa charge high fees, so parents must budget accordingly. They’ll also need to factor in the cost of additional expenses, including uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular activities and field trips.

Getting around in Tampa

+ PRO: Public transport is an option for those living close to downtown Tampa

While Tampa's public transport infrastructure is no match for the sophisticated systems found in cities such as Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, it’s sufficient for anyone looking to commute around the city centre. The bus network is fairly extensive, and streetcars are good for a quick trip in the downtown area. That said, those living out in the suburbs or families with children will find that having a car will make their lives infinitely easier and give them more freedom when it comes to getting around Tampa.

- CON: Traffic can be a nightmare

Naturally, commuting times vary according to where a person is based in relation to their place of work. In Tampa, the evening rush hour lasts from around 4pm to 7pm. So, if spending longer than 30 minutes commuting to and from work is a problem, new arrivals may struggle to adjust to life in Tampa. As the city's population increases, traffic becomes more of a bugbear for Tampa residents.

Lifestyle in Tampa

+ PRO: Tampa’s weather is conducive to a great outdoor lifestyle

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Tampa,and the great Florida weather just provides an excuse to spend more time outdoors. With an abundance of hiking and biking trails, as well as festivals galore, new arrivals will love getting caught up in the fun of it all.

+ PRO: It’s a family-friendly city

Tampa is a great place to raise a family, not only because of the array of schooling options but also because of the wealth of family-friendly activities on offer. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is always a hit with kids. Busch Gardens is another popular choice, and the Tampa Bay History Center also makes for a great educational experience.