Whether it’s the white sand beaches and vibrant sunsets on Clearwater Beach, the rich culture and history of Ybor City, the rave-worthy food throughout the Bay, championship athletics or the thriving arts scene, there are plenty of reasons to love living in Tampa Bay. Here are the top 35 reasons residents love calling it home.
Tampa Bay’s Accolades
In February, Tampa was acclaimed as Florida’s “It” city by Condé Nast Traveler. Other prominent accolades include Forbes naming Tampa the Best Place to Live in Florida in 2022 and Money ranking it as the 9th best place to live in America in 2023.
The city has also been recognized by TIME for the multitude of reasons that make the area a great place to live, work and play. St. Petersburg has also earned recognition, including Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice: Best of the Best Destinations in 2024 and in 2023, was a finalist in Outside Inc.’s search for Happiest Towns in America.
Food and Dining
Michelin-Star Magic
Tampa boasts five Michelin-starred restaurants, including the Italian-focused Rocca and the immersive Omakase experience at Kōsen. Four additional restaurants have earned Bib Gourmand distinction and 21 are recommended by the prestigious Michelin guide.
A World of Flavors
Tampa Bay is a culinary haven, shaped by a melting pot of Spanish, Italian and Cuban immigrants who flocked to Ybor City and helped grow the area’s cigar industry. Their influences remain strong in the culinary world, as Tampa Bay today offers a diverse range of cuisines—from Cuban to Italian, Greek to Mediterranean and Asian to Indian.
Cheers to Tampa Bay’s Craft Beer Scene
Ybor City is home to Florida’s first commercial brewery: The Florida Brewing Company. Tampa Bay’s vibrant beer scene is so popular that you can even get a passport to explore it. Tampa Bay Beer Week launched the Tampa Bay Ale Trail, recognizing 83 breweries, and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater’s Gulf Coast Craft Brewery Passport features over 40 locally owned breweries.
Foodie Festivals Galore
In 2022, WalletHub named Tampa the 8th Best Foodie City in America. Locals and visitors alike can get a taste of Tampa Bay during many culinary events throughout the year, including Bern’s Winefest, Tampa Pig Jig, the Cuban Sandwich Festival and SAVOR St. Pete.
Florida’s Oldest Restaurant
Dating back to 1905, The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor is Florida’s oldest restaurant and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world, with 15 dining rooms and a seating capacity of 1,700 guests.
The Cuban Sandwich: A Tampa Tradition
The debate over the origins of the Cuban sandwich may never be settled with Tampa and Miami both eyeing the claim to fame. Regardless, one of the hallmarks of a good Cuban sandwich is the bread and La Segunda Bakery claims to be the world’s largest producer of authentic Cuban bread.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
A Sea of Superlatives
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa ranks among the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., according to USA Today’s May 2024 list. Last year, it also achieved a record-breaking attendance with nearly 1.1 million visitors.
Thrilling Theme Parks
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has been delighting guests since 1959, offering a range of events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town. It’s also home to Iron Gwazi, which was voted Best New Roller Coaster in 2022 and named one of the Top 5 Roller Coasters as well as Best Hybrid Coaster in the World in 2023. For water park fun, Adventure Island Tampa Bay is a great place to cool off in the Florida heat.
Wildly Renowned
ZooTampa at Lowry Park was recognized by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards as the 6th “Best Zoo” and 4th “Best Zoo Exhibit” in the U.S. for the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Coastal Gems
Named “Best Beach in the South” by USA Today, Clearwater Beach has also been Tripadvisor’s “#1 Beach in the U.S.” multiple times. St. Pete Beach, named the “#1 Beach in the U.S.” in 2021 by Tripadvisor, is another picturesque getaway right at home.
World-Class Fishing Adventures
Often hailed as the “Crown Jewel” of Florida fishing, Tampa Bay is a fishing paradise with over 200 different species of fish. Every marina is just minutes from the open Gulf of Mexico, where snapper, amberjack and kingfish are plentiful. Within the bay, you’ll encounter tarpon, redfish, and snook. Whether you’re casting light tackle in the mangroves, surf fishing along Clearwater, or dropping a line from one of the many piers, Tampa Bay offers endless fishing opportunities.
Boating Bliss
Boaters love Tampa Bay’s steady breezes and water protected from the Gulf swells, ideal for exploring hidden coves and sandbars. The bay also hosts world-class racing events, including the Olympic Trials, with vibrant scenes of brightly-colored sails.
Beautiful City Parks
Tampa’s city parks, including Ballast Point, Curtis Hixon and Picnic Island, offer plenty of green spaces for outdoor activities. St. Pete’s Straub Park has recreation trails for bikers and runners while Vinoy Park provides additional amenities like beach access, volleyball and tennis courts.
Biking Trails for Every Cyclist
Cyclists of all skill levels can enjoy Tampa Bay’s scenic biking trails, like the 10.5-mile Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail and the 13.85-mile multi-use Upper Tampa Bay Trail.
Scenic Parks & Natural Preserves
Tampa Bay is home to many public parks and preserves like Weedon Island Preserve and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg, as well as Lettuce Lake Conservation Park and Flatwoods Park in Tampa.
Community and Culture
A Rich History
The first exploration of the modern southeastern United States began in the Tampa Bay area with the Panfilo de Narvaez expedition in 1528. In 1884, Henry Plant’s railroad arrived and the following year, the cigar industry took root. Together, these developments transformed Tampa into one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the South.
A Flourishing Arts Scene
Tampa Bay is a hub for artistic expression, with more than 500 public murals in St. Pete alone, complemented by museums such as the Tampa Museum of Art, The Dali Museum and the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center. Festivals like the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts and the SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival further celebrates the area’s vibrant arts scene.
Cultural Celebrations Throughout the Year
Tampa Bay offers a variety of multicultural events, including Tampa Bay PhilFest, the International Cuban Sandwich Festival and the Brazilian Festival, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.
First-Rate Medical Care
Tampa Bay’s healthcare landscape is top-tier, with Tampa General Hospital recognized as one of the World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek and Moffitt Cancer Center earning accolades for patient-centered care. AdventHealth continues to achieve “All A’s in Tampa Bay” from the Leapfrog Group, while BayCare was honored with four new Top Workplaces Culture Excellence National Awards by Top Workplaces and Energage in 2024.
The Famous Ybor Chickens
Wild chickens have been part of Ybor City for over 100 years. These feathery mascots are protected under Tampa’s Bird Sanctuary Law and are a beloved symbol of the area.
Events and Entertainment
Champa Bay: The Sports Capital
In 2021, Sports Business Journal named Tampa the Best Sports City—and it’s easy to see why. With professional teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lightning, the area has earned the nickname “Champa Bay.” Its legacy as a sports destination continues to grow, with Tampa Bay Sun FC, the region’s first professional women’s sports team, making its game-day debut in August.
Concerts at Raymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium ranks No. 8 out of 50 stadiums worldwide for gross concert sales, according to Pollstar Magazine. It’s also a top venue for major concerts and events and was a nominee for Pollstar’s “Stadium of the Year 2024.”
Seasonal Spectacles: Year-Round Fun
Tampa Bay celebrates all year long with events like the River O’Green Fest—which earned Tampa the 9th spot in WalletHub’s list of best cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day —Boom by the Bay for the 4th of July and holiday light displays during the Tampa Lighted Boat Parade.
Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Tampa’s biggest event is the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest, where festival-goers don pirate garb, collect beads and enjoy plenty of rum. The city’s pirate history is also celebrated at Buccaneers games with game-day cannon fires.
Lifestyle and Convenience
Top-Notch Education at USF
The University of South Florida (USF) has earned significant recognition in 2024, ranking #45 among public universities and #89 overall in the U.S. News & World Report National University Rankings in 2024. USF’s Morsani College of Medicine is Florida’s highest-rated medical school, and the only one in the state to reach Tier 2 in both the Primary Care and Research categories in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings.
Public Transportation
In 2023, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) won the Outstanding Public Transportation System Award from the American Public Transportation Association. In addition to the public bus systems available in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties, Tampa also retains a slice of history with the TECO Line Streetcar System.
Award-Winning Airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA) was named the #1 Large Airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power in 2023 and also ranked #1 in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards by Airports Council International.
A Pet-Friendly Paradise
Tampa was ranked the best city in America for dogs in 2021 by Honest Paws. This year, WalletHub named Tampa the second-best city for pet owners in the U.S. while St. Pete took the 7th spot. In 2022, St. Pete was recognized by Modern Globe as the Most Dog Friendly City in America.
Bayshore Boulevard: A Scenic Stroll
Bayshore Boulevard holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous pedestrian walkway at 4.5 miles, making it a popular spot for walking and enjoying the views.
A Thriving Job Market
Tampa MSA is the 4th hottest job market in the country according to a report published by the Wall Street Journal back in April, providing ample opportunities for higher-wage jobs and low unemployment.
Weather and Scenery
Sunshine City
Tampa enjoys an average of 244 sunny days per year, while St. Pete shines even brighter with 248 days—outpacing Orlando, West Palm Beach, Pensacola, and Daytona Beach. Even more impressive, St. Pete, aptly nicknamed “The Sunshine City,” holds a Guinness World Record for the longest streak of consecutive sunny days: 768.
Despite the sunshine, the summers are surprisingly mild compared to other Florida cities. Thanks to its close proximity to the water, which brings a refreshing Gulf breeze, Tampa has never reached 100 degrees, consistently staying just one degree cooler.
Tampa Riverwalk: A Waterfront Gem
The Tampa Riverwalk was named the 2nd Best Riverwalk in America in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards in 2023, offering a scenic route along the waterfront.
St. Pete Pier: A Design Masterpiece
The St. Pete Pier has garnered multiple accolades, including the Urban Land Institute’s 2022 ULI Global Awards for Excellence—one of only two U.S. designs and among six worldwide to receive the honor—and The International Architecture Award® for Pier Approach.
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