People from all over the world come to Tampa Bay for the amazing beaches and swaying palm trees. The smartest people, however, know that there’s a lot more to the Tampa Bay area than just sun and sand, and they’re moving to this vibrant metropolitan area.
The nightlife in Tampa and St. Petersburg has grown in the past few years, drawing millennials to the clubs, restaurants, and theaters in the area. The Straz Center offers a full season of Broadway shows, and the American Stage in St. Petersburg is a nationally renowned regional theater with new work. Downtown Tampa or St. Petersburg are the places to be, and new high-rise condo complexes make it easy for young career professionals to work hard by day and play by night. Tampa boasts an award-winning craft brewing scene as well, making it one of the top cities in the country for beer and cider aficionados. Concerts more what you’re looking for? All the top acts pass through one of the area’s concert halls and arenas.
For the sports lover, Tampa boasts major league teams in nearly every sport. Baseball, football, and even hockey bring crowds of people to the multiple arenas in town. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in 2002, and they fill Tampa Stadium each season. Tampa is a baseball lover’s dream, with the Tampa Bay Rays playing during the regular season and a hub for all of major league baseball during spring training. The Tampa Bay Lightning is a testament to all of the northern transplants in the area, and Amalie Arena sells out when they hit the ice.
Families move to Tampa Bay because of the many outdoor activities and cultural events geared towards kids. Tampa alone has 178 parks and nature spots to explore, and many offer programs geared towards children. Living in Tampa means close to living to the theme parks, but it also means living near the Dali Museum, the Polk County Museum of Art, and the Glazer Children’s Museum, all of which have discounts and events for the whole family. The Nation’s Report Card ranked Tampa’s K-12 school system number 1 out of the largest 27 districts in the country, and after high school, students have their choice of numerous universities, like the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa, or Eckerd College.
Florida is known for being a great place to retire, and retirees find they can live life to the fullest in their golden years in Tampa Bay. There are 44 retirement communities in Tampa alone, giving anyone 55 and over many choices in housing and care. With all of the parks and recreation, seniors can stay active on the many walking trails. There are also clubs that keep people from other states connected, helping seniors make new friends.
One thing that locals know and love is Gasparilla Day, the commemoration of the legend of Jose Gaspar, the pirate who used Tampa Bay as his port as he pillaged his way around the Gulf of Mexico. Locals dress up in pirate costumes every year for the Gasparilla parade, competing for the best krewe of pirate scalawags. The day also features food, booths full of pirate memorabilia, and concerts from local and national artists.
With beautiful weather throughout the year, Tampa brings sunshine to its residents’ lives, giving them a beautiful place to work while also making sure the whole family has worthwhile activities.
About Carson Derrow
