Why Tampa is Florida’s Next Study Abroad Destination

Tampa is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with much of the South experiencing similar growth. As an international student, you might wonder what makes Tampa so appealing. With its breathtaking Gulf Coast beaches and booming economy, Tampa offers a perfect blend of an enjoyable lifestyle and work opportunities. Our guide, Why Tampa is Florida’s Next Study Abroad Destination, covers everything you need to know!

Let’s explore the top reasons behind Tampa’s rapid growth!

1. Lower Cost of Living

One of Tampa’s biggest attractions is its high-quality lifestyle at a lower cost. Compared to other major cities, Tampa offers a more affordable housing market and lower overall cost of living. For example, Tampa’s cost of living is about 23% lower than Miami’s, factoring in housing, transportation, and daily expenses.

Since Tampa is near agricultural regions, locally sourced food helps keep grocery prices lower by reducing transportation costs. On top of that, healthcare services in the city are more affordable compared to other large cities, making it a budget-friendly place to live. These factors make Tampa an excellent choice for locals and international students seeking affordability and a high quality of life.

2. Warmth & Outdoor Lifestyle

It’s no secret—Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, is famous for its warm weather and beautiful beaches. Since the pandemic, many New Yorkers and Californians have relocated to Florida for lower taxes and year-round sunshine.

With an average temperature of 73°F (23°C), Tampa is perfect for outdoor adventures. Few U.S. cities offer both waterfront views and pleasant weather, making Tampa a standout destination. One highlight is Bayshore Boulevard, the longest continuous sidewalk in the country, making it great for daily walks with a scenic view. It’s an ideal place to reach 10,000 steps while enjoying the water!

Beyond walking, locals enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and golfing year-round. Tampa’s active lifestyle extends to its nearby world-class beaches, with Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach just a short drive away.

3. Major Projects Driving the City’s Expansion

Due to population growth and an increased economic activity there have been major new developments that are on the rise and in the future. There are billions of dollars being invested in new developments in Tampa with investors such as Bill Gates. Some of these developments include:

Water Street Tampa

Water Street Tampa is a 56-acre redevelopment project in downtown Tampa, designed to create a lively, mixed-use neighborhood. It will include 3,500 new apartments, office spaces, hotels, and retail stores. The first phase finished in fall 2022, attracting businesses, restaurants, and residents. The second phase is expected to be completed by 2027, though no official start date has been announced. In summer 2023, Jeff Vinik sold his share of the project to Bill Gates who is now the sole developer.

Gas Worx

Like Water Street Tampa, Gas Worx is a 50-acre mixed-use development designed to offer retail stores, office spaces, and residential condos. This modern, upscale district will provide a vibrant urban experience. A standout feature is a 30,000-square-foot area that will transform into a food hall with diverse dining options.

University of South Florida (USF) Stadium

USF is upgrading its stadium with a $340 million renovation. The new 35,000-seat stadium is set to be completed by Fall 2027. This project will enhance campus life, offering students more opportunities to enjoy events. Besides American football games, the stadium will also host concerts, graduations, and other major events.

4. Booming Job Market

Tampa’s booming job market provides international students with future career opportunities. With an F-1 visa, students can gain work experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows students to work in their field of study while enrolled, whereas OPT provides temporary work authorization after graduation.

The city maintains a low unemployment rate of 3%, reflective of its stable economy with careers in finance, healthcare, and technology. Tampa is also home to seven Fortune 500 companies, reinforcing its status as a growing business hub.

With top companies, a welcoming business environment, and lower start-up costs than many major cities, Tampa is a great place for students and professionals.

5. Esteemed Universities & Colleges

As you know, we strive to provide information tailored to our international student community. Tampa is home to some of Florida’s best universities and colleges, offering students diverse opportunities for growth and success.

One standout institution is the University of South Florida (USF), a top-ranked public research university with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. Another excellent choice is the University of Tampa (UT), a private university in the heart of downtown Tampa. For those seeking affordability, Hillsborough Community College (HCC) provides associate degrees and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Here’s a list of the universities and colleges in the area:

• University of Florida
• Florida College
• University of Tampa
• Southeastern University
• Florida Southern College
• St. Petersburg College
• Eckerd College
• Saint Leo University
• Galen College of Nursing
• Hillsborough Community College

Conclusion

We were just as curious to discover why Tampa is growing so quickly! With its ideal weather, strong economy, affordability, and top-tier universities, it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking to study English in Florida, our Tampa campus is conveniently located in the heart of the city. You can learn at one of the best language schools and transition into university—all without the need to relocate.

Study at the Best English School in Florida with 25+ years of experience!

Learn more about our programs at www.ohla.com and get in touch with one of our many Student Advisors who will help you every step of the way.

Want to read more? Check out Tips for Choosing an English School in the U.S.