Moving from Washington, D.C. to Tampa, Florida

Are you moving or relocation from the Washington, D.C. metro area to the Tampa Bay area? Not to worry, there are plenty of similarities between the two cities that will make you feel right at home once you move in.

Here at the top 5 similarities when it comes to Washington, D.C. and Tampa, Florida.

Moving from Washington, D.C. to Tampa? Great! Welcome to your new home.

Military Bases

Andrews AFB v. MacDill AFB

Although Andrews Air Force Base is one of POTUS' prime parking spots, MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa is one of the most important military bases in the country. It is home to the United States Central Command and the U.S. Special Forces division - major hubs when it comes to communications across the battlefields. For those military families transferring into Tampa, you will feel right at home at this base.

Architecture

DC Row Home v. Spanish Bungalow

Washington, D.C. may have more of a historical impact when it comes to art and culture, but that doesn't mean Tampa is far behind when it comes to architecture and design. While the Row Home is a staple all throughout the mid-Atlantic states, a charming 1920s Spanish-style bungalow is just what the doctor ordered throughout most of the charming neighborhoods in Tampa.

  

Craft Beer

DC Brau v. Cigar City

Both originators in the craft beer scene in their respective cities, these brewing companies serve up many different styles of beer including ales, lagers, and IPAs. Head to any bar around town and you'll be sure to find a Cigar City draft.

Traditions

Cherry Blossom Festival v. Gasparilla Pirate Festival

Every spring the Cherry Blossom trees come into full bloom all across the D.C. Metro area, showcasing one of the most beautiful and picturesque scenes in all of our nation's horticulture with invading pink flowers throughout the capital. But, for those looking for a different kind of invasion, the Gasparilla Pirate Festival harkens back to an era when real pirates plundered cities along the shoreline in this great festival every winter.

  

Outdoor Activities

The Mall v. The Beaches

Spending an afternoon on The National Mall - whether it be just walking around, playing some kickball or listening to a great band, a famous speech or an awesome fireworks concert - is one of the most enjoyable things you can do in the Metro area. Now, just take those exact same fun outdoor activities and add a little sand, surf, and sun and you got a wonderful weekend on the beaches of Tampa Bay.

So if you're worried about moving from Washington, D.C. to Tampa, don't be!  There is plenty to do here to make you feel right at home.

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.