Move over, Miami. Forbes named Tampa the #1 best place to live in Florida in 2023.
Want to know why it topped the list? Read on to see just how Tampa outshines the rest.
From affordable housing to accessible healthcare
Using criteria like population, home affordability, median household income, unemployment rate, and community well-being, Forbes compared Florida metropolitan areas to build their “Best of” list.
The ratings also considered other important factors like crime rate, diversity, and cost of living while taking special care to factor in “other community amenities such as outdoor activities, public transit, and healthcare access.”
All these facets combine to make one sparkling gem of a city – and the perfect place to call home. From young professionals and families looking to create a future to retirees looking to save money (while staying warm), Tampa is gaining popularity.
A winning mix: vibrant downtown + soothing seascapes
Home to a variety of distinct neighborhoods each with a unique charm – from the historic Ybor City district to the vibe of downtown and the urban chic of South Tampa – Tampa offers renters and homeowners a variety of options.
Its appeal doesn’t end at urban chic, though. This city happens to be blessed with the presence of several pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, nudging up the needle when it comes to quality of life scores.
If sand doesn’t sweeten the deal enough for you, it’s also home to a few major sports teams and platforms promoting the arts. (And its impressive public transportation system will get you from your home to the stadium and beyond.)
Let’s dig into our four favorite reasons for living in Tampa…
1. Outdoor activities galore
As we mentioned, Tampa has some of the best beaches in the United States, stretching all along the Gulf Coast. So whether you prefer to spend your days sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, or just taking in the beautiful views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy year-round. Plus, with cooler winter temperatures and summer temps generally hovering in the mid-80s, you won’t have many excuses to stay indoors.
2. Big city flare (but in a small city package)
Tampa is a melting pot of cultures, and it’s reflected in the city’s diverse cuisine. From Cuban sandwiches to seafood and barbeque, the city’s restaurants bring an eclectic mix of foods to satisfy every tastebud. In addition to the food scene, you’ll also find a vibrant nightlife and a wide selection of cultural attractions from galleries and museums, to comedy clubs and live music venues. While Tampa offers everything you need, it’s also a two-hour drive from Orlando and a four-hour drive from Miami, making it relatively easy to reach these meccas of entertainment.
3. Affordable housing, anyone?
The cost of living in Tampa is relatively low compared to other large cities on the East Coast. In addition to the low cost of living, Tampa also offers a variety of affordable housing options ranging from individual rooms for rent to upscale condos and single-family homes. PadSplit was excited to become part of this healthy mix and offer renters more housing options at even lower costs (and with more flexibility).
4. Employment opportunities on the rise
Looking to make your mark? Then you’ll be happy to hear that Tampa boasts a booming economy with a noteworthy influx of employers across industries. Numerous Fortune 500 companies call Tampa home, including tech giants like BD, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Oracle. In addition, the city is a hub for healthcare, finance, and tourism. With the city’s strong job market and diverse economic opportunities, it’s a great place to launch a career.
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city with a beachside lifestyle or a place to start your career and raise a family, Tampa can provide you with all the amenities and advantages of a large city – at an affordable cost.
