Tampa, FL Reviews


162 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Tampa

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

hate it - 10/1/2008
Tampa is a great place to live if you like overcrowding and no work. I have lived here only a year and a half and hate it. You'll be stuck in traffic on a saturday afternoon. The crime is awful there's always someone shot or killed. There is so many illegal people that you cant get good pay because they'll do it cheaper. SO DON"T MOVE HERE only if your ready for outrageous housing costs and unfriendly Read More

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No, No, No - 7/24/2008
Too muggy and way too flat to consider as a place with a high quality of life. Total opposite of dream cities like Vancouver, BC or Zurich, Switzerland.Read More

Climate in Tampa Florida - 6/1/2008
Tampa has a great climate if you like the water, golf, beach, and other outdoor activities. The winter's are mild, the spring is pleasant, and the fall can sometimes be crisp. The summer's though are very hot and humid. The one thing I miss about living here is the change of seasons. I miss the changing of the leaves, the frosty mornings, and the new flowers of spring. There is a trade off for everywhere you live, but if you want to forget about shovelling snow, collecting firewood, or warming up your car in the winter, Tampa is the place to Read More

Tampa, Westchase - 5/23/2008
Very family oriented, especially in Westchase. Parts are very strip-malley, depressing. Very hot and humid in the summer, but glorious weather the remainder of the year. Very sunny, difficult for those with pale skin who are easily Read More

Run, run far away from here! - 5/22/2008
Speaking as a 7th generation Tampa native, I have to strongly not recommend Tampa (or Florida in general) as a place to settle down.

- The crime rates have continously climbed thanks to the rise in prices. Copper and cars are both big targets.
- The weather is miserable most of the time. Hot, sticky, muggy.
- Your electric bill will be insane. My mother just received a $350 electric bill for her apartment and it's not even summer yet!
- The overall quality of life has severely downgraded with the area economy.
- Homes are too high to afford for most people, and the foreclosure rates are high, along with the taxes and insurance.
- The rates of pay do not match the cost of living, making it so that many people are stuck in Florida when they come down thinking it's a great place to be and discover how rotten it really is.
- The beaches are usually covered in trash.
- The tourists who think they own you and everything else in Read More

Tampa's Great - 5/18/2008
I have to agree and say that Tampa is great. I have lived here for three years now moving from the Philly-Balt area. The weather is good and sunny most of the time. Winters are perfect and while a little hot in the summer no worse than living in the Mid-Atlantic in the summer. 95% humidity is 95% humidity where you live.
The roads are great and they are always improving them. I know because I drive over 50 miles to get to Tampa each day. There is no comparison to driving in a major city either east or west coast. I drive 80 miles an hour compared to 40+ up north. I slow down a few times on my one hour commute but it is nothing compared to NY, DC or LA. The congestion is minimal and the roads are great. I suspect that some of the posters are a little younger and may not know how good they have it (me mid 40’s).
The views are better with palm trees and plants everywhere. My wife and I always joke how up north they are proud where they concrete over some dirt on an Read More
Jim | ,  | Reply | No Replies

Stuff to do - 5/15/2008
You will never be bored in Tampa. Rich in culture, history and activities, there's always something to Read More

Thank you. - 4/27/2008
I would just like to thank Sperling Views and all the people that have written about Tampa and other cities, so that the rest of us who are considering, or dreaming about moving to a particular area in the country can gain some insight before even visiting a location. Thanks again! I live in what is considered the D.C. Metro area, and am looking for a more walkable/livable small city environment. I'm looking for a more laid back existence. I want to be able to walk to the grocery store, and I want to be near good restaurants, near a big lake or body of water, I like cultural diversity, and cultural activities within driving distance. Also I don't like crime. Any Read More

Why Tampa - 4/13/2008
So many ask...why Tampa, why do you stay? What is it about Tampa?

Well in short, the Water, the Weather, the Progress, the Activities, the History, the People.

Water - everywhere, most of Tampa is situated on a Peninsula(called Interbay Peninsula), so there is water to the east(Hillsborough Bay) water to the West(Old Tampa Bay), and the South(Tampa Bay). The Main river through Tampa is the Hillsborough River which starts as a Spring 30 miles to the North, and runs through the city ending up in the Hillsborough Bay downtown. 20 miles to the West of Tampa is the pristine aqua blue water and beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Throughout Tampa Bay area are numerous lakes, rivers, streams, estuary's, bays, intracostal waterways to explore. Plain and simple, if you like fresh water, salt water, streams, rivers, oceans, Tampa's got it! In addition 5 of the nations number one beaches are located in the Bay area(Fort DeSoto, Pass-a-Grille, Clearwater, Caledesi Island, Read More

It´s Okay - 3/24/2008
Tampa is a huge sprawling city with six lane highways everywhere. I lived in a cheap studio there for years and there was a lot of noise from car radio music. Like everywhere else, you must have a lot of money to live in the good places in the Tampa metro area, such as Clearwater beach. Of course, it is especially hot in the afternoons there and it´s best to stay inside. The humidity lasts from June until October. Winter and spring are the best times to be there. There are some good bike trails in some of the parks there. I enjoyed walking in the parks in Florida and Tampa. The police can be heavy handed there and I was stopped three times to check my driver´s license without any reasonable suspicion. I lived there from 2000 to 2007. I´m a loner most of the time, so I´m not an expert on the social life there. The races don´t necessarily get along there all the time, so be prepared for that. When I went to the grocery store, I felt like I was in Babylon. There are lot of people thrown Read More

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