cities | Tampa

The job market in Tampa has been pretty strong over the past several years. Finance and banking is huge here – you’ve got JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Raymond James, and other financial companies with major operations. Healthcare is another big employer with Tampa General Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, and the various hospital systems. Tech has been growing with companies expanding here or relocating. And then you’ve got tourism, hospitality, construction, and all the service industry jobs that support a growing metro area. Salaries in Tampa are generally lower than what you’d make in major cities like New York or San Francisco, but the cost of living is also lower. If you’re in finance or tech, you can find good-paying jobs. If you’re in service industry or retail, it can be tougher to make ends meet with the rising housing costs. Overall, if you have marketable skills and you’re flexible, you should be able to find work in Tampa, but don’t expect the same salary you’d get in a major coastal city.

Tampa used to be significantly cheaper than cities like New York, San Francisco, or even Atlanta. That gap has narrowed quite a bit over the past few years as housing prices and rents have increased. You’re still going to save money compared to those expensive coastal cities, especially because Florida has no state income tax. But Tampa is no longer the affordable haven it was five or ten years ago. Housing is the biggest expense that’s gone up – home prices have basically doubled in many areas since 2019. Rent has increased significantly too. Other costs like food, gas, utilities are all in line with national averages or slightly higher. Car insurance in Florida is notoriously expensive. So while Tampa is still more affordable than high-cost cities, it’s not cheap anymore, and you need to run your budget carefully, especially if you’re relocating from a lower-cost area or if your salary isn’t keeping pace with the cost increases.

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want walkability and urban living, look at downtown Tampa, the Channel District, or neighborhoods like Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights. You’ll be close to restaurants, bars, and nightlife, and you can walk or bike to a lot of places. Hyde Park is more upscale but also very walkable with the village area. If you want more space and don’t mind driving, Westchase, New Tampa, and South Tampa neighborhoods offer more house for your money with good amenities. A lot of young professionals end up in South Tampa, Seminole Heights, or downtown because they like the lifestyle and being close to the action. But it really comes down to your budget, whether you have kids or pets, and whether you prioritize walkability or space. I always tell people to visit different areas at different times of day to get a feel for what fits your lifestyle.

Safety in Tampa varies significantly by neighborhood. Some areas like South Tampa, Westchase, New Tampa, and Carrollwood have low crime rates and feel very safe. Other areas, particularly some neighborhoods in East Tampa and parts of North Tampa, have higher crime rates. Downtown Tampa is generally safe in the main areas during the day and early evening, but like any urban area, you need to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Property crime like car break-ins and package theft can happen anywhere, even in nice neighborhoods, so you need to lock your doors and not leave valuables visible in your car. Overall, most people living in Tampa feel safe in their neighborhoods, but you absolutely need to research specific areas and streets before you buy or rent. Check crime maps, visit at different times of day, and talk to people who actually live there. Don’t just rely on someone telling you “Tampa is safe” or “Tampa is dangerous” – it’s way too big and diverse for blanket statements like that.