Big Surprises in Tampa: The Gulf Coast's Most Unexpected Gem?

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida has long been overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Miami and Orlando. But nestled along the Gulf Coast, Tampa has rapidly emerged as a hotspot for culture, cuisine, and an influx of young residents. Join podcast hosts James and Denise as they dive into everything Tampa has to offer in a fun and lively episode of the Skip Town All Stars podcast.

Denise recently spent a couple days exploring Tampa with a friend and shares her enlightening experience visiting the city for the first time. She starts by admitting she didn’t have high hopes for what she assumed was just another strip mall-clad Florida town. But she was pleasantly surprised to discover Tampa’s rich historic neighborhoods, architecture, culture and cuisine that rivals any major city.

Her first stop was Ybor City, a historic district northeast of downtown Tampa, founded in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers and once dubbed the "Cigar Capital of the World." Denise describes the neighborhood’s Cuban and Italian roots that are still evident in the architecture, restaurants, and old brick streets. But today, Ybor City is better known as Tampa's hippest and most diverse neighborhood with a thriving bar and arts scene. Denise was amused by the wild chickens roaming the streets, a quirky legacy of the area's history.

Next stop was Hyde Park, an upscale neighborhood south of downtown known for its trendy shops and dining. James and Denise discuss Tampa's rapid growth over the last decade, fueled by an influx of young professionals. Home prices in areas like Ybor City and Hyde Park have skyrocketed nearly 300% in just a few years. Though the suburbs still offer more bang for your buck, with Tampa's big city amenities and Gulf Coast location, it's easy to see why so many people are flocking there.

A highlight of Denise’s visit was seeing Tom Brady's former Tampa home, where she amusingly admits to doing multiple drive-bys. As they continue to chat, James and Denise are surprised to learn Tampa is actually the 11th largest media market in the country, larger than cities like Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix. 

Denise wraps up her Tampa travels with a funny anecdote about joining her husband James on a past visit to a gentleman’s club, showing Tampa also knows how to have a good time. Producer Phil chimes in to educate the hosts on Tampa’s riotous annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which sounds right up Denise’s alley.

In the end, James and Denise wholeheartedly agree Tampa has far exceeded their expectations. With its small town charm yet big city amenities and energy, reasonable cost of living, and ideal coastal location, Tampa seems poised to give those major Florida cities a run for their money. Both hosts agree Tampa would be a fantastic place to call home.

So if you’re considering a move or just want to explore an underrated Florida destination, join James and Denise on this lively Tampa edition of the Skip Town All Stars podcast. You’ll gain valuable insider perspective and just may discover your own hidden gem in the heart of the Sunshine State.

5. 10 Fun Facts About Tampa:

- Tampa was founded in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers and earned the nickname "Cigar Capital of the World."

- Wild chickens roam the streets of Ybor City as a quirky nod to the area's history.

- Tampa hosts the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival every January, which is Florida's version of Mardi Gras.

- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL team plays home games at Raymond James Stadium near downtown.

- Tampa International Airport has an on-site pet motel called Paradise for Paws.

- Tampa is ranked the #1 city for tech jobs in Florida.

- Comedian Bert Kreischer grew up in Tampa.

- Tampa has the longest continuous sidewalk in the world along Bayshore Boulevard.

- Tampa has a historic streetcar system that provides transportation around downtown areas.

- Ybor City has one of the best collections of Art Deco architecture in the southeast U.S.

6. 10 Facts About Real Estate, Income, Crime and Lifestyle in Tampa:

- The median home price in Tampa is around $350,000 as of early 2023.

- Tampa home prices jumped nearly 20% in 2022 amid high demand.

- The average household income in Tampa is $55,000.

- Tampa was ranked the 42nd safest metro area out of 374 cities analyzed in the U.S.

- There are over 1200 homeless individuals living in Tampa as of 2022.

- Tampa has seen a 12% decrease in homelessness due to recent affordable housing initiatives.

- Popular areas for dining and nightlife include Soho, Seminole Heights and Ybor City.

- MacDill Air Force Base and the State of Florida are two of Tampa's largest employers.

- Tampa has a diverse population that is 45% white, 23% Hispanic, 23% African American and 21% other races.

- Tampa has a walkability score of 48, making it somewhat friendly to pedestrians.