Tampa Retirement Guide

Tampa and the surrounding areas are exploding with new 55-plus communities.

And for good reason.

First off, what's not to like about Florida's West Coast, and Tampa is in the heart of it.

It's got great weather year-round, is easily accessible from most other parts of the country, particularly the Northeast where most retirees are coming from, and let's not forget about all of those great sports teams.

Here's a great option to explore:

Valencia Ridge, the all-new community in the greater Tampa area, will offer contemporary home designs and world-class amenities for the ultimate 55+ luxury living. Nothing compares to the incredible 55+ lifestyle, as the world-class clubhouse will feature multiple pools, pickleball and tennis courts, fitness center, restaurant and bar, sports lounge, social hall and much more.

As the third largest city in the state of Florida, Tampa offers residents all of the big city amenities they are looking for combined with the fantastic climate that draws people to the Sunshine State in the first place. In addition to tons of amenities and great weather, Tampa is also located right on the water and filled with outstanding shopping and dining options.

Tampa History

The name Tampa comes from the Native American tribe that originally called this area home. Its literal translation is “sticks of fire.” The name was a reference to the many lightning storms that occur here during the summer months.

Before the 1880s, the town of Tampa was just a small fishing outpost. However, the discovery of phosphate in the area combined with the arrival of railroad transportation turned Tampa into a boomtown overnight, and it was one of Florida's largest cities by 1900.

Getting to Tampa

Tampa is located on Florida's west coast, basically at the intersection of I-4 and I-75, so getting there by car is pretty simple.

If you are flying in, your best bet will probably be Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Tampa Healthcare

Tampa General Hospital is consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in the country. Moffitt Cancer Center is known around the world, and just so happens to be based in Tampa. Other hospitals in the area include Bayfront Health in nearby St. Pete, St. Joseph's Hospital, and more.

Tampa Cost of Living

With a cost of living index of 100.1, Tampa is right at the national average for cost of living, and slightly lower than the average cost of living in Florida. We recently looked more in-depth at the cost of living in Tampa here, including home prices, property taxes, and more.

Tampa Weather

Here’s a look at the average low and high temperatures in Tampa throughout the year:

Month	Avg. Low	Avg. High
January	52	70
February	54	73
March	58	76
April	63	81
May	70	87
June	75	90
July	76	90
August	76	90
September	74	89
October	68	84
November	60	78
December	54	72

Tampa Lifestyle

No matter what you are passionate about, you can find a way to pursue those passions all over this large city. Some of the best lifestyle benefits you will find here include experiences like visiting Busch Gardens Tampa, the Florida Aquarium, and Zoo Tampa.

In addition to those major attractions, residents also love kicking back and relaxing at places like Lettuce Lake Regional Park or Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. And if that still isn't enough, you can follow the city's three professional sports teams all year round.

Tampa Culture

As with any major city, there is an endless amount of cultural opportunities to explore throughout Tampa. The Henry B. Plant Museum is a fascinating experience that explains the significance of Plant's famous railroad coming to town. Then there are the amazing museum experiences at the Tampa Bay History Center, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Tampa Museum of Art.

If your cultural desires are more theatrical, you will appreciate the beautiful Tampa Theatre and The Straz Performing Arts Center. Both provide amazing settings for your favorite plays, musicals, and operas.

Tampa Shopping

Shopping in Tampa can be an overwhelming experience, but your best bet is to start at the most popular destinations like Hyde Park Village or International Plaza and Bay Street for the classic outdoor mall experience.

When you are ready to expand your shopping destinations, you might want to venture a bit south to the Ellenton Premium Outlets.

Tampa Restaurants

Like everything else in Tampa, the name of the game when it comes to dining is VARIETY!

For those who are looking for a high-end dining experience, you simply can't go wrong with Bern's Steak House, Eddie V's Prime Seafood and Steak, or Mise En Place. Each of these restaurants offers a slightly different take on classy dining, but they will all blow your mind with their unique combinations of food, service, and atmosphere.

If you are trying to keep it a little more low-key, Chicago Paulie's for the best hot dogs in town.