The hot spot for fun in the sun is in Tampa, Fla. It has it all: gentle breezes, mild climate, white sugar sand beaches, miles of glistening waterways, sport fishing, jet skiing, succulent seafood, shopping, museums, art, amusement parks, recreational activities, fine dining, and the hottest nightlife in Florida. A red-hot destination, Tampa’s unique blend of history, heritage, and cutting-edge technology offers something for everyone.
Tampa Bay had its first tourist in 1519 when Ponce de Leon landed in the area. He was followed by explorers hunting for gold. The first settler, however, didn’t actually arrive until the early 1800s. Tampa began to grow during the Civil War when its population was only 1,000. It became an important port for the Confederacy, sending out blockade runners until the Union Navy captured the town. The railroad, however, is what brought real growth when Tampa was connected to Jacksonville and finally touted as a tourist destination. The cigar industry contributed to its growth, as did the Spanish-American War. Tampa Bay was an important point of embarkation for troops going to fight in Cuba. More than two million people now call Tampa home.
It costs less to live in the Tampa area than other major cities across the U.S., and you get paradise for your money. It’s ranked the seventh overall best place to live and work. According to Computer Sciences Corp. Consulting Group, it was the better choice for growth rate and the general economy, schools, affordability and cost-of-living index, transportation, and airports.
The University of South Florida is the second-largest university in the Southeast and is among the 20 largest in the nation. An educational powerhouse, it offers a top-rated School of Accountancy, and information systems programs feed Florida’s high-Tech Corridor. Those relocating to the area like its 19 colleges and universities, as well as 10 public and 62 private vocational schools. Tampa is a smart city where education is always at the forefront and where students score above the national average on SATs and other educational tests.
Tampa claims one of the nation’s fastest-growing job markets, is home to more than 11,000 health-technology professionals and is a leader in medical and biomedical patents. It’s also home to one of the world’s top-rated airports.
With theme parks, arts and culture, and professional sports, Tampa is a city where you can kick back and relax with the best of them, but there’s always something to do: deep sea fishing, hiking, biking, water skiing, swimming, tennis, and more. More space and a relaxed lifestyle make Tampa an inviting home place.