|
|
|
DAVE MAKS CRS. GRI.
Welcome To Greater Tampa Bay
GENERAL INFORMATION
Welcome to Tampa Bay, an area that encompasses three counties and is "home" to over 2.5 million residents. It's a home filled with sunny beaches and bright futures. It offers great business opportunities and low costs for doing business. It's where Tampa Bay Buccaneers' fans cheered their winning team on to Super Bowl glory in 2002 and their favorite hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, on to the 2004 Stanley Cup victory. It's also home to the "Number 1 Zoo in the United States for Kids."
It has the largest performing arts center in the southeast. The largest science museum in the south. And the cultural arts district in downtown Tampa is expanding every day, with the recent addition of the Patel Conservatory which helps both young and mature actors, artists, musicians and performers perfect their craft.
|
| |  | It's one of the few markets in America with two major metropolitan newspapers. The #1 ranked airport in the country. And Tampa is the only city in America that celebrates the glory of being a pirate and all the festivities that Gasparilla offers during one whole month each year.
If you're looking for a great way of life, it doesn't get better than Tampa Bay. There's no state income tax. Low property taxes. And Tampa offers a lower cost of living than other major southern cities, including Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte and Charleston.
As a region, the commitment to excellence in education is impressive, and is essential for providing an educated, talented workforce for area businesses. Tampa is also one of the most Literate Cities in America, ranking 16th in the country among cities with more than 250,000 residents.
It's a region that attracts millions of tourists each year, who appreciate its mild winter climates, tropical summers, spectacular sunsets and beautiful beaches. To those of us who choose to live here, these are every day pleasures--not just vacation moments. We go fishing before heading into the office. We walk on the beach at sunset. We enjoy wearing shorts in January. And we are thankful, with each and every sunny day, to have made the decision to live in Tampa Bay.
We have a healthy economy, as well as some of the best healthcare facilities in the United States, including H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, two trauma centers, a medical school (which works in conjunction with two major hospitals) and three hospitals ranked as "America's Best Hospitals" by U.S. News and World Report.
Like most Americans, the residents of Tampa Bay are proud of the men and women who serve in the military. And we're honored that MacDill Air Force Base is located here in Tampa. It's the headquarters for two major commands; special U.S. Operations Command and U.S. Central Command. And it's also where Coalition Village is located, comprised of representatives from 65 nations who are working together to combat terrorism.
If you're looking for a place to start or grow your business, Tampa Bay is right for you. In 2004, Florida was ranked #2 as one of the best places in America for start-ups. And more and more companies are also relocating their headquarters to Tampa, as well. We're the west coast anchor of Florida's High Tech Corridor. And you'll find all the logistical resources needed for import/export through Florida's largest deep-water port, conveniently located in downtown Tampa. And you can take advantage of the five major cruise lines that also sail out of the Port of Tampa. The Tampa Bay MSA is also known as a top growth market for manufacturing, especially for the medical industry.
You can choose to live in a historic bungalow - or a high rise by the Bay. You might live in a country club community - or a lakeside villa might be right for you. Tampa Bay has a wide range of residential choices to fit every budget and lifestyle. Just remember, the sunshine, sunsets and gulf breezes are free!
We invite you to explore all the treasures of Tampa Bay. This guide is designed to help you find the answers to all of your questions. We've included maps throughout the publication to help you choose the right home, school, health care resources and more. The more you find out about Tampa Bay, the more we're certain you'll decide to make this special region your home. We look forward to calling you our "neighbor."
|
|
CULTURE AND THE ARTS
PICTURING A BRIGHT FUTURE
While many people relocate to the Tampa Bay area for its desirable Florida lifestyle and superb business climate, once here, they're thrilled to discover a vibrant arts community. Tampa Bay offers a wide variety of museums, performance halls, festivals, and galleries, and it is "home" to three of the most-visited non-profit arts operations in the entire state. The area also offers several educational art institutions, such as the University of South Florida College of Visual and Performing Arts, home to the Contemporary Art Museum (pictured right). In addition, a new Tampa Museum of Art will anchor a growing cultural arts district, which will include a new $30 million art conservatory and the busiest performance hall in the entire South! It's no wonder Tampa Bay is considered a cultural oasis.
A Sampling of Our Arts Venues |
| | |
ATTRACTIONS
MORE TO DO. MORE TO SEE!
Combine a perfect climate, tropical breezes and some of the nations most popular attractions, and it's easy to understand why the Tampa Bay area is a favorite tourist destination. And its residents get to enjoy the fun all year round! More than 5 million people experience Busch Gardens annually, and the Lowry Park Zoo is ranked as the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the country. Visit several renowned aquariums, the largest science center in the South and the largest collection of exotic big cats in the world. We've got more than a dozen major attractions in all! Come see the Florida State Fair, the world famous Gasparilla Pirate Festival (it lasts a month!) or one of the many family-friendly festivals. If you love fun, you'll love Tampa Bay!
A Sampling of Our Attractions
|
| | |
BUSINESS
IT'S BOOMING IN TAMPA BAY
There's good reason Tampa Bay is ranked as one of the Best Places to Live and Work in America. It has what employers-and individuals-are looking for: a diverse and expanding business mix, a thriving economy, a vibrant job market and a multilingual, highly trained workforce supported by outstanding educational institutions. It's no wonder it's considered one of the best locations for start-ups in the country. Add in a Chamber of Commerce that is committed to attracting new businesses and helping them grow - the future couldn't be brighter.
The business climate in Tampa Bay couldn't be better. In fact, the Bay area's economy is one of the strongest in the country. We boast a healthy mix of businesses, from financial services and bioscience, to technology and international trade-to name but a few. |
| | | Tampa Bay also ranks among the best metropolitan areas in the nation for its low cost of living. With no state income tax and low cost of housing, health care and groceries, there's no shortage of people who want to live and work here. In fact, during the recession, when the nation's unemployment rate spiked, Tampa Bay escaped the national average of 5.4% with a 3.8% unemployment rate. And it's a low 3.5% in Hillsborough County. It's no wonder so many businesses and employees are taking a closer look at Tampa Bay, and why the Tampa Bay area is getting so much national attention.
What the Experts are Saying About Business in Tampa Bay: - Selected as one of two of the world's major emerging financial centers. (Nomura Research Institute- Japan's largest think tank, research and consulting firm)
- The 3rd "Most Economical City to Conduct Business" by KPMG's 2003 Competitive Alternatives Study.
- Ranked #12 of the 20 Best Places to Live and Work in America, based on lifestyle, cost of living, industries, current unemployment rate, healthcare system, education, recreation and the arts. (Employment Review and BestJobsUSA.com, June 2003)
- Ranked #27 in the Top 200 Best Performing Cities, based on job growth, high tech GDP growth and population. (Milken Institute, June, 2003)
- The second most broadband-wired city in the nation, based on AOL's first poll on broadband use, placing higher than Boston, Houston, Charlotte, and Los Angeles. (Tampa Tribune, May, 2003)
- 9th in the nation as one of "America's 50 Hottest Cities." (Expansion Management Magazine, January 2003)
- Out of the top 40 largest cities, listed as one of the "Best Cities for Entrepreneurship." (Entrepreneur.com, 2002)
- Named one of "America's Best Places to Live and Work" and rated as a "Four Star Community." (Expansion Management Magazine, May 2001)
- Appeared on Forbes/Milken Institute list of "Best Places for Business and Career" in 2001.
- Selected one of "America's Hottest Cities for Business Relocation and Expansion." (Expansion Management Magazine, 2001)
- Ranked number 4 out of 354 in Places Rated Almanac. (Criteria: Cost of living, climate, transportation, job outlook, education, the arts, healthcare, recreation. ( Places Rated Almanac, Millenium Edition, 2000)
- According to Newsweek Magazine, one of the 10 best parts of the country to find a job in the next 25 years.
- Additionally, businesses benefit from Florida's Tax System which is ranked the 7th best in the nation as being "business friendly." (The Tax Foundation, May 2003)
Industry Clusters
A Look into the Future.
Great cities don't become great without planning, foresight and leadership. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce has worked diligently to attract a wide variety of businesses to the area, with a focus on attracting key "industry clusters" to insulate the economy through continued diversity and high value/high pay jobs.
These clusters include: | Corporate Headquarters | Bioscience | | International Trade | Technology | | Financial Services | Manufacturing and Distribution |
|
|
EDUCATION
MAKING THE GRADE
Students of every age can achieve their educational goals in the Tampa Bay area. For families with young children, there are a variety of wonderful public and private school options to choose from. The public schools of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties equaled or excelled the state's average in scores on FCAT tests, school district monies spent per student and senior graduation rates. Adult students can choose to attend one of many major colleges, universities, technical and trade schools. Tampa Bay is home to a respected medical school, top-ranked law school, private national liberal arts college and several graduate schools.
A Sampling of Our Educational Institutions |
| | |
HEALTHCARE
WE'RE IN GREAT SHAPE
There's no shortage of quality healthcare and resources in the Tampa Bay area. In fact, there are almost 20 hospitals and seven level 1 trauma centers offering superior services in the area. Three area hospitals are ranked "America's Best Hospitals" by U.S. News and World Reports and many other facilities and health care professionals have received national recognition in their areas of specialty.
Our community also benefits from the major medical research conducted in area facilities, and two teaching hospitals working with the University of South Florida Medical School. With a healthy medical community and its support industries, Tampa Bay residents receive top quality health care and medical services. |
| | |
MILITARY
The Chamber's Military Affairs Council, recognizing the importance of MacDill Air Force Base to Tampa bay, maintains positive relations with the men and women who serve at the Base and the military in general.
Since its establishment in 1941, MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) has been a vital part of America's defense and an important location for training those that keep America safe. MacDill has been responsible for training pilots on some of America's newest and most renowned aircraft - from the P-51 Mustang in the 1940's, to the F-4 Phantom in the 1960's, to the F-16 Fighting Falcon in the 1980's - and has shown its strategic importance during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Operation Desert Storm, operations in Haiti, Somalia and Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism. MacDill also played a significant role in humanitarian assistance to southern Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew and is the command headquarters for the annual joint-service BRIGHT STAR training exercise.
|
| | |
Currently, MacDill AFB is the home base of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), the 6th Air Mobility Wing and over 40 other tenant units. It is no accident these vital units have chosen MacDill AFB as the home to the highly-trained personnel that make up these joint-service, multinational units that protect our nation, our allies and the civilized world. With a massive investment made into state-of-the-art facilities such as the new General Ben B. Davis Conference Center, MacDill possesses the assets necessary to plan, coordinate and execute missions against any and all current and future enemies.
Due to its unique geography, excellent security, premiere facilities, and its proximity to training areas, interstate highways and deepwater ports, MacDill AFB is ideal for joint air, land and sea training. For example, MacDill is a valuable training area for local National Guard and Reserve units. In fact, the Tampa Naval Reserve Center recently decided to relocate to the base. With one of the longest runways in the Air Force, MacDill AFB is capable of hosting any number and/or type of aircraft, and was recently chosen as an alternate landing site for any future space shuttle missions; a major cost-saving alternative to the California location. The base is also home to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fleet of weather tracking and research aircraft.
Only minutes from Downtown Tampa , MacDill AFB and the local business community have shared a symbiotic relationship that spans decades. This relationship results in a $6.7-billion economic impact on the Tampa Bay area that ultimately contributes to the community's support of the base. Memorandums of Understanding exist regarding spousal training, employment, usage of recreational facilities, and sharing of police, fire and security training, reducing base costs and enhancing services for those stationed at MacDill. Also, The City of Tampa is currently executing a Joint Land Use Study with the base to minimize future issues relating to land use, air zoning, encroachment and protection of the environment. This outstanding support has led to the Tampa Bay area being the only metropolitan area to win the Abiline Award twice for best community support of an Air Mobility Command installation.
As important as MacDill AFB is to our nation's security, it is also an intrinsic part of the Tampa Bay community. Located on the southern peninsular tip of Tampa, military personnel and their families stationed at MacDill enjoy easy access to affordable housing, excellent public schools, recreational areas, two major universities, several sporting complexes, cultural venues, and an overall quality-of-life that is essential to recruiting and retention. Because of its excellent weather, relatively low cost-of-living, wide array of leisure options and close proximity to the medical and service facilities at MacDill AFB, more than 130,000 veterans have made the Tampa Bay area their home including over 150 retired general officers. And, with one of the lowest unemployment rates of any major Florida metropolitan area, Tampa Bay offers the spouses of service members ample job opportunities in a diversified economy with continuous job growth.
The Tampa Bay area can claim many firsts, and can add another now that it has become the only community twice awarded the prestigious Abilene Trophy. For the second time in four years, the Air Mobility Command community support award was given to the Bay area for its service and support of MacDill. Tampa received the award in 2001 and is the only community to receive it twice. The Military Affairs Committee of Abilene, Texas, and AMC established the annual award in January 1999 to recognize a civilian community for outstanding support to a nearby AMC installation.
MacDill Air Force Base: - Strategically important as its location allows for effective deployment of aircraft and troops to the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Basin.
- Home of CENTCOM, SOCOM and other joint-service forces that conduct operations at home and overseas to keep America safe.
- Possesses the planning, intelligence, training and communications facilities needed to conduct joint service operations and to satisfy contingency, mobilization and total force requirements well into the future.
- Airfield and logistics support are ideal for stationing any of America's current or planned aircraft and has been selected as an alternate landing site for future Space Shuttle missions.
- A vital and cost-effective training area for Tampa Bay area National Guard and Reserve units.
- An annual economic impact of over $6.5-billion on the Tampa Bay area annually.
- Supported by a high quality-of-life for service personnel and their families, with excellent schools, recreational facilities, cultural venues.
- The Tampa Bay area's diversified economy and continuous job growth offers excellent opportunities for spousal and retiree employment.
- A close partnership with the Tampa Bay area that allows a mutually beneficial relationship on such issues as the environment, land and airspace use, sharing of public services, job training and placement, and housing.
|
|
SEARCH TAMPA BAY HOMES & CONDO'S FOR SALE Click Here
RETIREMENT
GOLDEN AREA FOR GOLDEN YEARS
When it's time to start living the life you've always dreamed of, look no further than the Tampa Bay area. You'll find the best the Sunshine State has to offer: mild winters, sunny shores, a vast array of recreational activities and a cultural climate that can keep you as busy - and entertained - as you want to be!
You'll also appreciate the low cost of living you'll find here, with no personal income tax, low property taxes and lower-than-average costs for grocery items, utilities and transportation. You'll find both affordable and quality housing and health care to fit your lifestyle, too. So, whether you're looking for the right location for a family member to settle in or a great place to enjoy the golden years yourself' you'll find it in Tampa Bay
SEARCH TAMPA BAY HOMES & CONDO'S FOR SALE Click Here
TRANSPORTATION
EASY COMING, EASY GOING
Imagine being able to fly in and out of the best airport in the country- or reaping the benefits of doing business through Florida's largest deep-water port -or being able to board five major vacation cruise lines without the expense of air travel.
Tampa International Airport (TIA) offers an average of 265 daily nonstop scheduled departures to 50 domestic destinations and 44 weekly nonstop scheduled departures to seven international markets. TAI continues to receive numerous official votes of confidence from global customer groups for being one of the world's most user-friendly air travel facilities. Tampa International, for the third time, received high votes from passengers placing it among the world's best for overall passenger satisfaction according to the J. D. Power and Associates 2003 Global Airport Passenger Satisfaction Survey. |
| | |
Conde Nast Traveler Magazine once again rated Tampa International among the best in the world. Receiving the third highest point total overall in the Readers; Choice Awards behind Singapore's Changi and Amsterdam's Schipol Airports; TIA scored highest among all U.S. airports.
Tampa Bay area residents enjoy these and other convenient methods of transportation, including three major interstate highways, a trolley system and electric streetcar line in downtown Tampa and an efficient bus system managed by HARTline (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit). And with more than 400 new miles of lane highway to be constructed within the next five years, area residents will get where they're going safely and expeditiously. |
|
AREA LINKS
|
|
|
|
Home Advice
Get the answers on home selling and buying.
|
|
|
|
|
Website Design by AgentAdvantage, a division of Homes.com Real Estate Website Design and Internet Marketing Solutions.
