Living in Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida is home to over 330,000 residents and the Tampa Bay metropolitan area has a population of over 2.7 million, making it the second largest in the state. New residents come to Tampa for a variety of reasons; namely, its thriving industry, world-class attractions, warm climate, and beautiful natural setting along the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa has exciting career opportunities with many large corporations, such as banks and telecommunications companies, that are centered in the city. Based on 2007 rankings, several Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies are headquartered in Tampa, including OSI Restaurant Partners, WellCare Health Plans, Inc., TECO, and Raymond James Financial. Tampa’s port is thriving as well; it is the 7th largest in the United States, and handles nearly half of Florida’s seaborne commerce. When the workday is done, Tampa offers attractions to peak every interest, from casual and high-end shopping and dining, to museums, art galleries, performance arts venues and trendy nightlife districts, such as Channelside and Ybor City. Tampa is a family-friendly place, with festivals, attractions, and theme parks that are perfect for people of all ages. Tampa’s most celebrated city-wide event is the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, often referred to as the “Mardi Gras of Tampa.” The festival, held since 1906, is themed after the legendary regional pirate Jose Gasparilla, and attracts over 400,000 fun-loving people every year. Tampa is also home to Busch Gardens Africa, Adventure Island, Lowry Park Zoo, the Tampa Children’s Museum, and the Florida Aquarium. For those who love to play outdoors, the city of Tampa maintains over 165 parks and beaches within the city limits, and 42 more in the surrounding suburbs.

With so much to offer its residents—career opportunities and exciting attractions, all in a warm tropical setting—Tampa is truly a wonderful place to live. For those who are interested in relocating to Tampa, the real estate market is brimming with possibilities, from waterfront condominiums in downtown Tampa to quiet suburban family homes in one of the city’s excellent communities. Real estate in downtown Tampa is currently on the rise, with new condominium and loft developments springing up all along the waterfront. Luxurious condominiums in downtown Tampa can be purchased from the low $200,000s for 1 bed/1 bath units to over $6.3 million for an upscale penthouse in one of Tampa’s most exclusive residential buildings. Residents of downtown Tampa get to not only enjoy amazing amenities and a quick commute, but also some of the city’s best attractions within walking distance.

If a quiet retreat from the bustling city is what you’re after, the real estate market in Tampa offers a variety of condominiums, townhouses, and single family homes in an array of neighborhoods that will match any lifestyle. Some of Tampa’s premier neighborhoods are Culbreath Isles, Avila, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, and Tampa Palms. Homes for sale in Tampa include gorgeous traditionally-designed estates as well as more modest single family homes in prices that range from $175,000 to over $4 million. Many neighborhoods contain golf course communities, as well as waterfront communities whose residents enjoy direct water access, so that no matter what your passion is, you can find the perfect place to nurture it. With such a wide selection of real estate and a team of expert agents to help you, it is easier than ever to find your next dream home in Tampa, FL.

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