The Best of Tampa Bay

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of great reasons to live in the Tampa Bay area.  Don't believe me?  Just watch this video and read the list below of all of the great reasons.

Video credits: ChappelRoberts

Tampa Bay has more than 4.4 million residents and we expect that number to grow to 4.6 million by 2016.

More than 20% of Tampa Bay residents are between the ages of 18 and 34.

In the state of Florida, Tampa Bay ranks #1 in buying income and #1 in retail sales (according to the Tampa Bay Times.)

Tampa Bay grows by more than 50,000 new residents every year.

The labor force grew 9.4% between 2001 and 2011 compared with a national average of 6.7% in that same time.

Tampa Bay is home to 80 world class colleges and universities including the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, Ringling College of Art and Design, and Stetson School of Law that draw students from every state in the country and from over 100 countries worldwide.

25% of Florida's STEM graduates are from the University of South Florida.

Tampa Bay public elementary schools rank #3 in the nation in parental satisfaction.

35 of the top Fortune 1000 companies are based in Florida, and nine of those 35 are based in Tampa, including Publix, Jabil, TechData, WellCare, TECO, Raymond James Financial, Roper, HSN, and Lincare. Not to mention several other prominent corporations with headquarters in the Tampa area including Outback Steakhouse, PODS, Rooms to Go, and Beef O' Brady's.

MacDill Air Force base is home to the United States Central Command and the U.S. Special Forces division and coalition forces representing 67 countries from around the world.

Since 2000, the Tampa Bay are has seen more than $1.1 billion in venture capital investments.

In 2010 alone, the region produced over 1,000 new patents.

The Tampa Bay region has a GDP of nearly $290 billion.

The cost of business for the corporate, international finance, and shared services sectors ranks least expensive in the U.S. for cities with more than 2 million residents.

The Florida High Tech Corridor connects 12 workforce boards, 23 counties, 3 research universities, 14 community colleges, and 20 economic development organizations.

Tampa Bay is home to 3 international airports, including Tampa International Airport - consistently voted as the top passenger-friendly airport in the world.

The Port of Tampa is the busiest seaport in the state of Florida.

Tampa is home to several attractions including Busch Gardens, the Tampa Bay History Center, the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Dali Museum.

Three of Tampa Bay's beaches have been voted #1, according to Dr. Beach.

Tampa Bay isn't just a place to live.  It's a place to call home.  Come see why Tampa Bay Shines.