Welcome to the Greater Tampa Bay Area
A metropolitan region with spectacular natural attractions.
Located in western Central Florida and the northern regions of Boca Rotan and Lauderdale is the Greater Tampa Bay Area, a thriving region bustling with vibrant residential activity. The Greater Tampa Bay Area includes Hillsborough, Citrus, Hernando, Pinellas, Manatee, and Pasco communities, which host various natural attractions, including lakes, rivers, and nature and wildlife conservancies. Furthermore, the region has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters that offer ideal conditions for outdoor recreational activities.
Despite having different establishment dates, for instance, Hillsborough in 1834 and Pasco in 1887, each county in the Greater Tampa Bay Area plays a vital role in Florida history. Their history has also influenced architectural designs, as buildings are created using Victorian, Spanish Revival, and Mediterranean architectural styles. However, most current buildings are urban establishments created using contemporary coastal architecture and modernism to attract affluent individuals and families.
What to Love
- Natural attractions such as Lettuce Lake, Tampa Waterfront, and Alafia River.
- Recreational activities for families and adults.
- Highly rated public and private schools.
Local Lifestyle
The Greater Tampa Bay Area is a vibrant and hip urban region booming with youthful culture, history, and exhilarating recreational activities. However, the region balances its electric vibe with a tranquil ambiance from natural parks, wildlife reserves, lakes, and rivers. Its breathtaking natural attractions attract tourists and families, while its bustling commercial zone attracts young professionals looking for employment.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The commercial zone of the Greater Tampa Bay area hosts several premium dining, entertainment, and shopping destinations available for visitors and residents. If you are a seafood and meat lover, you should consider visiting Eddie V's Prime Seafood restaurant for fresh and delicious seafood and prime steak cuts. You can also visit Bern's Steakhouse and enjoy prime cuts and chops of mouthwatering steak served alongside beer and fine wine in an intimate setting.
If you are interested in trying authentic Spanish-Cuban cuisines from Columbia, such as Spanish bean soup and Mahi-Mahi Cubana, consider visiting the Columbia Restaurant. Another restaurant you should consider visiting is Zukku Sushi at Armature Works; the restaurant has unique sushi delicacies served in rolls, burritos, and poke bowls. After enjoying your meals, you can entertain yourself with live music at Crowbar, Hooch and Hive, and Florida Social Club.
Downtown Tampa has several shopping destinations that house diverse high-end retailers who provide products and services for residents and visitors to the Greater Tampa Bay Area. Visit WestShore Plaza and shop from high-end retailers such as Macy's, banana republic, JCPenney and Old Navy. You can also shop at high-end retailers such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger in Tampa Premium Outlets.
Things to Do
There are many local attractions and events you can engage in for recreation and adventure when in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. Animal lovers and wildlife conservation enthusiasts can visit the Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park to see giraffes, rhinos, Florida Panthers, and African elephants. They should consider visiting Lettuce Lake Regional Park for the beautiful scenery and indigenous plants and animals, including alligators, turtles, birds, and turkeys.
You can enjoy canoeing, bike rides, horseback riding, fishing and hiking and sightseeing the beautiful views of the Alafia River at the Alafia River State Park. Another public park you should consider visiting is the Curtis Nixon Waterfront Park as it offers magnificent views of Hillsborough Lake and adjacent urban buildings in downtown Tampa.
Apart from visiting magnificent sites, you can also join the community and participate in the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival on January 28 and celebrate the pirate-themed event while enjoying live music, delicious local cuisines, and entertainment. You can participate in the Tampa Pig Jig in downtown Tampa Waterfront on October 22 and enjoy live music and mouthwatering local dishes while supporting NephCure Kidney International.
Schools
The Greater Tampa Bay Area contains several high-rated privates and public schools, including;
- Pride Academy School
- Tampa Preparatory School
