Situated on the Gulf Coast, Tampa is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. Though it was considered an underdog among the towns surrounding it, like Orlando, in recent years, Tampa has grown to be a major business center of the United States and a cultural landmark comprised of historic neighborhoods and the nation’s lengthiest continuous sidewalk.
Tampa’s ever-expanding food and live music scene, excellent breweries, backyard manatees, and eternal beach- along with boat-friendly weather – have made the city known for the superior quality of life. The area is now considered one of the hottest towns for millennials to move to and the best place to enjoy a fun vacation with your loved ones.
Education in Tampa
The Hillsborough County Public Schools, officially known as the School District of Hillsborough County (SDHC), operates the public primary and secondary education in Tampa. With around 189,469 enrolled students, it forms the eighth-largest school district in the United States. SDHC runs 208 schools—133 elementary schools, 42 middle schools, 27 high schools, two K-8s, and four career centers.
There are numerous institutions of higher education in Tampa as well. The University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Tampa (UT) are both close to home. Hillsborough Community College is a two-year community college with campuses in Tampa and Hillsborough County. The Southern Technical College is a private two-year college that operates a campus in the city.
Homes for Sale in Tampa
The Climate in Tampa
The city of Tampa has a humid subtropical climate due to its location on the Florida peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. The average highs range from 70 to 90 degrees year-round, and lows range from 52 to 76 degrees. Tampa is split between two USDA climate zones.
Public Transportation in Tampa
Three airports operate in Tampa (one in the city and two in the metro area)—Tampa International Airport, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) manages public mass transit in Tampa that includes streetcar lines and public buses. The bus system’s central hub is the Marion Transit Center in Downtown Tampa that serves around 30 local and express routes. Additionally, HART operates a rapid-transit bus system called MetroRapid that runs between Downtown and the University of South Florida.
The TECO Line Streetcar offers electric streetcar service through 11 stations on a 2.7-mile route, connecting Downtown Tampa, the Tampa Convention Center, the Channel District, and Ybor City.
Furthermore, the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) operates bus, light rail, and other transportation options for the seven counties in Tampa Bay Area.
Living in Tampa
Bordering St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Tampa in Florida is a city that’s deeply rooted in history and brimming with all things that makes this modern city truly livable. This stunning city rests on the shores of Tampa Bay, in an area that was once home to the Tocobaga and Pohoy tribes before the arrival of the Spanish.
Each neighborhood in Tampa features its own diverse and unique demographics, architectural highlights, and shopping and attractions.
Tampa’s median household income is estimated to be $53,833, and the mean home value is $215,400.
Culturally, Tampa is home to thriving performing arts and theater scenes that highlight Florida Orchestra, Opera Tampa, Tampa Bay Symphony, and the Tampa Bay Opera. The area has a splendid mix of culture, diversity, history, and scenery. Hence, it’s easy to see why people from around the nation are attracted to settling down in this vibrant city.
Things to Do in Tampa
Tampa is the economic center of western Florida, best known for its tourist attractions, particularly Busch Gardens. An African-themed adventure land, Busch Gardens is where families get the thrill of an amusement park and the fun of a zoo at one place.
This attraction features eight roller coasters, two water rides, and the biggest zoo in North America that is home to 12,000 animals. Visitors can choose from a wide array of rides, including the Jungala, Serengeti Train Express, Sesame Street Safari, and Cobra’s curse. Adventure-loving people can also experience zip lining, exciting games, and live shows.
There are numerous other popular sports in the city dedicated to animals and wildlife, such as a zoo, big cat sanctuary, aquarium, and a public manatee viewing area. With all these alongside a fantastic science museum and children’s museum, Tampa makes an ideal destination for vacationing families.
Downtown Tampa is more business-centered, with high-rise office blocks and historic old quarters like Old Hyde Park and Ybor City. Franklin Street is the pedestrian center of downtown Tampa where you will find ample opportunities for shopping, eating, and things to do.
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