Tampa Bay, located in Florida’s Gulf Coast is a great place to live. It’s known for its sunny weather and blossoming job market, not to mention a diverse and popping cultural scene. Regardless of whether you’re moving there for a new job, or you’re looking to retire there, you will enjoy Tampa Bay that much more if you know what to expect. Here are some of the best tips that will help you make a smooth transition and settle into your new Floridian life.
Prepare for the Weather
Remember, Tampa Bay is located in what is known as a subtropical climate. That means the weather can completely change from one day to the next— in an extreme way!
You could find yourself in hot humidity up to 90 or more, and the next day you find yourself in a power outage from a hurricane.
This is why, if you’re buying a home, you should make sure that you do your research on whether there’s a flood risk in the area. Certain areas are more at risk for flooding than others, which could make for a poor real estate decision.
Research the Area
The first thing you should know is that Tampa Bay isn’t just one single city—it’s a sprawling area that includes three different sectors with completely different unique vibes: St Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater.
Saint Petersburg is more known for its bustling nightlife and trendy neighborhoods, while Tampa is more family friendly with a thriving business scene. It helps to visit ahead of time to get a feel for which area is the best fit for you personally.
Anticipate Your Commute
Some areas of the city are known for biking, and there is a public transportation system, however, it’s quite limited. Therefore, chances are you’re probably going to be quite car-dependent when it comes to getting around.
For this reason, it’s important to anticipate your commute, to help for a smoother ride. Know when the heavy rush hours are, and which highways will have the most congestion. If possible, try to move to a neighborhood that’s as close as possible to your job to reduce the amount of time you spend commuting.
Immerse Yourself
Tampa is the kind of place where you never have a shortage of things to do. So don’t be afraid to get involved in different activities and events! From beach life to cultural hotspots, visiting museums, or attending a Buccaneers game, take advantage of the different opportunities there are to truly embrace the Tampa Bay lifestyle.
The city boasts a vibrant food scene, with everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine, and hosts countless festivals throughout the year. Tampa also has a thriving arts scene, with theaters, galleries, and live music venues that cater to all tastes. The sunny weather creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures like kayaking, paddleboarding, or exploring its lush parks.
You’ll be happy to know that, for the most part, people from Tampa are considered quite open-minded and accepting. It’s not known for being a difficult place to make friends compared to somewhere like the Northwest, which is known for its infamous “Seattle Freeze.”
