Tampa, FL Reviews


162 Reviews



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Tampa, Florida is a vibrant city located on the Gulf Coast. It is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse cultural scene. With a population of over 392,000, Tampa has attracted many residents from all over the world. However, before considering a move to Tampa, it is important to gather insight from those who have lived and experienced the city firsthand. The website BestPlaces.net provides a platform for individuals to share their thoughts and opinions about living in Tampa, Florida.

Many user reviews on BestPlaces.net reflect a positive experience living in Tampa. One reviewer, Sarah, shares that "Tampa has something for everyone. The weather is great, the beaches are beautiful, and there are endless opportunities for entertainment and outdoor activities." Another user, John, echoes this sentiment by stating, "I moved to Tampa three years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. The city has a vibrant energy and the people are so friendly and welcoming." These reviews highlight the desirable aspects of living in Tampa, such as the climate, outdoor recreation, and sense of community.

On the other hand, some reviewers mention the high cost of living in Tampa. As Heather notes, "The cost of living in Tampa is significantly higher than other parts of Florida. Housing, groceries, and utilities are all more expensive." Similarly, David comments, "While I love living in Tampa, the cost of real estate is outrageous. It's becoming increasingly difficult for middle-class families to afford a home here." These reviews provide a balanced perspective on the cost of living in Tampa, which may be a consideration for those looking to relocate.

In addition, some reviewers mention the traffic and transportation system in Tampa. As Brian writes, "The traffic in Tampa can be pretty bad, especially during rush hour. Public transportation is not the best, so having a car is a must." Similarly, Maria states, "I wish the public transportation in Tampa was better. It can be a hassle to get around without a car." These reviews highlight a potential downside of living in Tampa, but also offer helpful advice for those considering a move to the city.

Overall, the user reviews on BestPlaces.net provide valuable insight into living in Tampa, Florida. They highlight the city's strengths, such as its climate and community, as well as potential drawbacks, such as the cost of living and transportation. By including the perspectives of multiple individuals, these reviews paint a comprehensive picture of what it is like to live in Tampa, helping readers make an informed decision about whether or not it is the right place for them.

 based on 162 Reviews
Get to know Tampa with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Tampa

Traffic - 7/31/2007
Stay off the Interstates/Highways/Main Roads from 8:00 - 9:30 am and from 4:00- 6:00 pm. It's just not worth Read More

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Is the Grass Always Greener on the Other Side? - 6/21/2007
I have spent 12 years living in Europe; while, living from LA to NYC and everywhere between the two within the US. Tampa with all its small faults beats the rest hands down. First, the schools are still equal or superior to the majority I have come across elsewhere. Lets face it, the nation as a whole has a serious problem w/its education system, and comparing per child spending does not stand up to the reality of what its spent on. Second, as for taxes, unemployment, and traffic.....please spend some time in NYC, NJ, LA, Minn., as I have and your tune will change fast. Third, rednecks/racists(?) You bet Tampa has them, try walking in east LA, Harlem, or parts of San Antonio while white...I have and the rednecks of Tampa have nothing on the racists up North and out West. Fourth, as for a conservitive view of the world (God, country, family, education, and the military)...yes its important to the people of the area...nuff said. Fourth, for those that choose to hate the Bush Read More

Public Transportation - 6/17/2007
I love the city and what it has to offer. Many people come to Florida to retire. It is great if you are self-sufficient and can drive.

There is a downside for anyone who does not drive. Everything is spread out and the public transporation is insufficient to get around in a timely manner or to locations. It is a long way from subdivisions/private homes to a bus stop. You will have to rely on someone to get you around. I am use to a better public tranportation/city bus system in the Read More

Some good, some bad... - 6/15/2007
Like all metro areas all across the country, every city has its good and bad sides. Tampa is no exception. It just depends on your needs/wants. For Tampa, the best and most exclusive area to live in is probably South Tampa. That's pretty much where the money/wealth is, where the most upscale/high-end shopping is and where the "best" neighborhoods are. Just take a drive on and around Bayshore Blvd. Beautiful mansionesque homes, restored bungalows,pricey highrises, shee-shee shops/services/restaurants, private schools...all the trappings of upper middleclass and wealthy lifestyles. Once out of South Tampa, from north of Kennedy Blvd., you will start to see less and less affluence. Channelside has had a positive influence, but Ybor City is still struggling with high crime in the late evening. Hillsborough County is a huge county and there are certainly nice communities all around, (Carrollwood for instance) but zoning in earlier years was not strict, and the population overall in Read More

Be prepared the stats are changing quick in Tampa - 6/3/2007
According to all the news and information I've been getting, Tampa and the surrounding areas are going down the tubes fast! First the city and now the county is cutting jobs/budgets the housing slump is really hitting florida hard and this is just the tip of the iceberg folks. Frankly, it is probably time to start the car and Read More

it's alright - 5/18/2007
Tampa is a city with beautiful weather if you ride to work in an air conditioned car and work in an air conditioned office and spend your weekends in shorts & a tee. The traffic is good if you don't travel during the hours of 7;00 am to 9:30 am and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Jobs are plenty if you are looking to just make a living and not get rich. Own a business because even though there is a lot of competition there is also a lot of opportunity. Schools are awful and I can't say anything good about them unless you are fortunate enough to put your children in a private school. Lots to do on the weekends and many places that are near to go if you want to drive. Otherwise, overall, its about like any city but its not Read More

Bugs, rednecks, and religious conservatives... - 5/16/2007
Don't be mistaken, Tampa is located in the deep south and is rife with the intolerance and conservatism that is ruining this country (people really admire King George W down here). You are better off living somewhere else, unless you like this kind of racist atmosphere (comparable to living in Texas, South Carolina, etc...). Also, take the time to research the violent crime rate in the Tampa area. You will find that the south sadly leads the nation in this statistic. Not for me or my family, I don't want my kids growing up in this kind of environment. The schools really bite as well, thanks to our previous governor (W's brother, so it makes Read More

Quality of life in Tampa? - 5/15/2007
I am tired of living here and can't wait to get out. I am looking for a place with better outdoor recreation(and I don't mean the beach)! I am always looking to find a place with a better income/cost of living ratio. The cost of living(housing especially) has gone way up but salaries have not. Most schools here are bad as well. Way too many people coming from New York also Read More

Good prospectives - 5/12/2007
I have enjoyed all the post on this site good, bad or indifferent. like any other city tampa has it's good and bad points, overall, after reading other post and living in fl i think Tampa is about avg. i've lived in different cities as well and comparatively speaking Tampa falls somewhere in the middle. I look forward to visiting other cities and possiblely moving somewhere else in a couple of years but Tampa isnt the best and definitely not the worst city to live in. Alot of native floridians say that people come to FL looking for paradise and are surprise to see it's not and that it's much like other cities,high taxes, low wages,crappy jobs and expensive housing, ETC.Sites like this one and others are very useful when wanting to know different perspectives and i'm glad i found this site. We should all keep in mind that the opinions stated on this site and others are just that OPINIONS negative comments toward other post arent Read More

Tampa's great! - 4/27/2007
The Bitter Betty above/below me, obviously didn't get to see much of the city. I've lived in Orlando and Atlanta and I find more culture, history, and beauty in Tampa than anywhere else. I've been all over the world and you can't say that the beaches of Clearwater and Sarasota with their white sand and crystal blue waters aren't absolutely breathtaking. There is a reason Florida is a major destination. I'm so glad I moved from Orlando to Tampa...it's a great, fun, young town! Ybor is a blast, you're just a short drive from GORGEOUS beaches, can't beat the St. Pete Times Forum and Channelside nightlife, and there are areas, i.e. Davis Islands and Harbour Island, that only celebrities and Pro-players can afford to by homes in. That said, I don't know about all of the "weird" people that Bitter Betty was talking about, but ALL big cities have a huge array of demographics. Glad you left Bitter Betty. Stay in your potato Read More

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