Tampa FL Community & Homes for Sale
Tampa is the most affluent city in Florida, the state's largest metro area. Known for three things: cigars, pirates, and baseball training. Surrounded by luxurious beaches and sparkling ocean, Tampa itself is reason enough to move to Florida's central west coast.
With steady growth and sustained economic success, it's no surprise new homes in Tampa Bay continue to be sought after. Tampa condo and new home construction has kept pace with the city's rising population, offering a wide mix of affordable and luxury real estate to suit all needs.
Tampa is about 30 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico beaches to the west, and one hour from Disney and Universal theme parks to the northeast. The North Tampa area includes neighborhoods north of Hillsborough Avenue to the Lake Keystone area, bordered by Pinellas County to the west and Interstate 75 to the east.
Tampa History
The word "Tampa" is an American Indian word used to refer to the area when the first European explorers arrived in Florida. Its meaning, if any, has been lost to the ages, though it is sometimes claimed to mean "sticks of fire" in the language of the Calusa, a Native American tribe.
Spain transferred Florida to the United States in 1821. An Indian reservation was established in what is now north Tampa. As part of efforts to firmly establish United States control over southern Florida, a military outpost ("Cantonment Brooke") was established at what is now the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa in 1823. The post was called Fort Brooke in 1824. It was an important asset to the military in the Seminole Wars. The town of Tampa and its real estate expanded around the fort, which was decommissioned in 1883. Today the University of Tampa has no traces of the forts left except for two cannons.
Tampa Attractions and Recreation
Famous local events include the long-standing Gasparilla Festival and Parade, during which well-intentioned pirates invade the streets of “The Big Guava,” slinging beads and drawing crowds by land and sea (via Tampa Bay, more exactly). Gasparilla has grown to incorporate a charity run and a juried art show. In February, visitors come for miles for the Florida State Fair and Plant City’s succulent Strawberry Festival. Satisfy your appetite for history and turkey drumsticks at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival each March. Other annual celebrations include the Crawfish Festival, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival, John Levique Pirate Days in Tarpon Springs and Pirate Days in Treasure Island are sure to please. In addition to those listed above, many art, boat, holiday, seafood, and historical festivals are held annually in the Tampa Bay area, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste and interest.
Thrill-seekers will enjoy Tampa Bay’s proximity to Orlando, Florida’s central spot for fun and entertainment. Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, Sea World, and of course Disney World (which encompasses the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, and Downtown Disney), offer weeks’ worth of exhilarating experiences. In addition to world-famous theme parks, Orlando offers GatorLand, Fantasy of Flight, Daytona USA, WonderWorks, the Skycoaster, and many other exciting and informative attractions.
Education in Tampa
Primary and secondary schools:
Public primary and secondary education is operated by Hillsborough County Public Schools, officially known as the School District of Hillsborough County (SDHC). It is ranked the eighth largest school district in the United States. SDHC runs 208 schools, 133 being elementary, 42 middle, 27 High Schools, two K-8's, and four career centers. There are 73 additional schools in the district that are charter, ESE, alternative, etc. Twelve out of 25 high schools in the SDHC are included in Newsweek's list of America's Best High Schools.
Higher education:
There are a number of institutions of higher education in Tampa. The city is home to the main campus of the University of South Florida (USF). The University of Tampa (UT) is a private, four-year liberal arts institution, located across the Hillsborough River from downtown Tampa. Hillsborough Community College is a two-year community college in the Florida College System with campuses in Tampa and Hillsborough County. Other colleges and universities in the wider Tampa Bay Area include Eckerd College and St. Petersburg College in St. Petersburg.
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