Tampa is the second largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the state, and the fourth largest in the southeastern United States, right behind Miami, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. Tampa is located in Hillsborough County.

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.

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 health care 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. You can also take advantage of the five major cruise lines that sail out of the Port of Tampa.

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!

Housing

Estimated median house or condo value in 2009: $180,800

Mean prices in 2009: All housing units: $325,276; Detached houses: $329,775; Townhouses or other attached units: $355,636; In 2-unit structures: $223,584; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $274,008; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $342,310; Mobile homes: $60,088; Occupied boats, RVs, vans, etc.: $879,618


Demographics

Population in July 2009: 343,890. Tampa covers 112.1 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 48 feet above sea level.

Weather

Tampa, FL climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's and mild during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 60's.

The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 90.00 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 52.40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 18 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Tampa is 44.77 Inches. Summer months tend to be wetter than winter months. The wettest month of the year is August with an average rainfall of 7.60 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com