Forbes recently recognized bright and beautiful Tampa, Florida, as one of the few U.S cities experiencing a thriving real estate market, despite the uncertain circumstances surrounding the pandemic. On the Gulf Coast, both home values and sales are rising, drawing higher interest from out-of-state buyers. Many have found that the warm climate and spacious environment provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a quality lifestyle- no matter what that looks like for them.
The Founder of Tampa Homestyles, Jaime Brown, says she has never seen anything like the current market in her twelve years of selling real estate. Since the onset of COVID-19, Brown has received an influx of interest from buyers in New Jersey, New York, and New England. Here are the top ten reasons they tell her they have decided to make Tampa their home.
The Long-term Value
New residents are finding that while the quality of life in Tampa is undeniably high, it still remains affordable. Florida is one of the few states with no personal income tax and has below usual sales taxes. Because of the combination of strong real estate and job markets, living costs are lower than average compared to other major cities. Mortgage rates continue to stay low as home values are on the rise, creating great opportunities for those looking to relocate.
Tampa is currently emerging as a tech startup hub and was recognized as one of the nation’s Top 20 Tech towns in 2019. More than ten technology companies have moved their headquarters to the Tampa region in the past year, and more have announced their plans to do so. The healthcare, professional, and educational sectors are also growing rapidly, creating an influx of employment opportunities that are estimated to bring billions in revenue to the local economy. Because of this tremendous amount of growth, investors are now calling Tampa “The Austin of the East.”
For all of these reasons, Tampa has drawn interest from high-level investors, such as Bill Gates and Tampa Lightning owner Jeff Vinik. When pursuing his dream of owning an NHL team, the investment opportunities he recognized in Tampa were a huge part of his decision. In an article with Forbes, Vinik explained, “Tampa is an under-valued city with largely untapped potential.” The investor’s predictions are well evidenced by the myriad of luxury-condominium developments in Tampa’s Midtown and Marina Districts, including the Ritz-Carlton Residences on Bayshore Boulevard.
The Beautiful Environment
Many homeowners are looking for a warm refuge to start the next chapter of their lives, and the ample sunshine in Tampa provides residents with just that and allows them to appreciate the outdoors year-round. Even in the winter months, temperatures rarely drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Comfortable weather is a major factor when choosing to relocate, as it dictates much of how the days are spent. Out of 365 days, Florida has about 300 days of sunshine each year. This ensures residents can enjoy more time in the open air, even at home, whether dining al fresco or lounging in the pool.
The Beaches
The epitome of Florida living is a sunset walk along a sandy beach, and the Tampa Bay coast is lined with many diverse beaches, each of them offering their unique sense of charm. Living in Tampa provides easy access to a variety of these picturesque destinations. For a resort-style experience with tiki bars, cabanas, and watersports, Clearwater Beach is a short drive away. If you are looking for a more natural experience, Caladesi Island State Park is the perfect retreat. Gorgeous Sand Key Park is part beach, part nature reserve- a perfect combination of the two. These are just a few of almost twenty scenic beaches that are drawing buyers to Tampa.
The Watersports
Enjoying Gulf Coast living extends way beyond the beach. In Tampa, there are endless boating destinations, ideal for both fishing and recreation. Residents can seek thrills with parasailing, jet skiing, or water skiing. If you’d like a more relaxing experience, there are many intercoastal waterways to explore by kayaking or paddle boarding. For the more adventurous, there are plenty of underwater destinations to explore by scuba diving or snorkeling. Either way, the saltwater way of life helps to melt away everyday stress.
The Golfing
Golf is a widely popular sport among prospective residents. In the U.S., Florida boasts more golf courses per capita than any other state. A golfer’s paradise, Tampa is home to 20 pristine courses, with 30 more in a twenty-mile surrounding radius. According to many PGA Tour pros, the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook is a must-play for any avid golfer. For a nostalgic playing experience, try a few holes at The Old Memorial Golf Club, which was named a Top Florida Golf Course by Golf Digest’s Magazine in 2005-2006.
The Culture
Florida is not all about sun and sand. Rather, there is a vibrant cultural community as well, full of museums and performing arts. For art lovers, there is the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Salvador Dali Museum in nearby St. Pete. For history buffs, the Henry B. Plant Museum is a wonderful way to learn about the city’s past. Tampa also hosts many festivals throughout the year, like the annual Gasparilla ceremony, that celebrates the pirate legends surrounding the historic ports.
The Night Life
While Tampa is a great place to retire and relax, residents have expressed their appreciation for the lively nightlife scene they find here. There are excellent dining districts, bustling with trendy cocktail bars, and live music. Downtown Ybor City is a popular area for bars and clubs, nestled in a charming Historic District. Tampa is also a great destination for beer connoisseurs, with a high concentration of local craft breweries. The Amalie Arena and MidFlorida Credit Union Ampitheatre attract live entertainment year-round, from sold-out concerts to figure skating performances.
The Home Teams
Many residents that come from up north have strong connections to their home teams. When it comes to athletics, Tampa has been having an exceptional season this year, giving new fans much to be proud of. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently signed NFL icon Tom Brady, reviving team spirit among the locals. The Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team just took home the Stanley Cup, and The Tampa Bay Rays are currently performing strongly. For sports lovers, Tampa is quite an exciting place to be right now.
The Convenience
Relocating to another state can be a tough transition, as it sometimes means moving away from friends and family. Luckily, Tampa has its own international airport (TPA), making traveling simple, both domestically and abroad. The airport hosts over twenty major airlines and serves nonstop flights to ninety-three destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe. Easy accessibility makes traveling very convenient, whether you’re visiting family or family is visiting you.
The Attractions
When family does come to visit, you will find that Tampa is central to many of Florida’s major theme parks. While Orlando is just a few hours away, there are many attractions in Tampa that are well worth visiting as well. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a great place to ride roller coasters and experience an African Safari, and the Lowry Park Zoo is another fun destination to see exotic animals. Guests can see dolphins and other local sea life at The Florida Aquarium, or explore interactive exhibits at The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). For more relaxing excitement, Adventure Island is a great water park to cool off during the summer months.
From the endless beaches and outdoor activities to the lively entertainment districts, there is never a dull moment in paradise. With so much to offer across many diverse neighborhoods, there is something for every lifestyle in Tampa, Florida. To find your dream home in a community that perfectly accommodates your needs, contact Jaime Brown at http://tampahomestyles.com/.
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